Best Classic Games on Steam
Unlike generic lists, our strategy game recommendations use a rigorous analysis of Steam user reviews to identify and feature only the best, community-validated classic games. For those who prefer not to search, lists of the most played, top deals and best free classic games are available at the bottom of the page.
Filters & Lists
Legend of Kay Anniversary
10 years after its initial release, Legend of Kay - Anniversary is a thoroughly remastered version of the original game: high-resolution textures; new, more detailed character models; modern rendering techniques and crystal-clear surround sound give this great classic a new shine.
Marble Mayhem: Fragile Ball
Devilishly difficult but insanely rewarding physics puzzler. Play through 85 levels of diverse and ingenious physics-based challenges.
Medieval: Total War™ - Collection
MEDIEVAL: Total War™ - Collection Edition is the compilation of the critically-acclaimed Medieval: Total War and its official expansion pack - Viking Invasion.
SHOGUN: Total War™ - Collection
SHOGUN: Total War™ is the first, original title in a 15 year series of award-winning strategy games. This Collection Edition also includes the Mongol Invasion Expansion Pack.
METAL SLUG
“METAL SLUG ”, the very first title in SNK’s legendary 2D run & gun action shooting game series where all began, returns to the missions on the Steam gaming platform!
Super Chibi Knight
The Kingdom of Oukoku is threatened by the spicy influence of General Tso. Citizens have placed their hope in a small knight who fits the requirements of ancient legends. Which path will the Chibi Knight choose...
Devil May Cry 4 Special Edition
The smash-hit stylish action game DMC4 is back and better than ever, boasting new playable characters and game modes!
Super 3-D Noah's Ark
Fast paced, first person adventure aboard Noah's ark!
Tcheco in the Castle of Lucio
Tcheco in the Castle of Lucio is an exciting, fast-paced action game.Help Tcheco the Adventure Boy to leave a mysterious castle full of deadly creatures! Be ready for a big challenge, full of nonsense humor and retro goodness.
Chip's Challenge 1
Before Chip can join the Bit Busters computer club and hang out with the girl of his dreams, Melinda the Mental Marvel, he must solve all 144 challenging puzzles. Your bird's-eye view can help Chip rush through the puzzles and mazes before he's deleted by monsters, traps and the passage of time.
GUILTY GEAR XX ACCENT CORE PLUS R
Ultimate battle action, and the epitome of the GUILTY GEAR XX series now on Steam! Bonus soundtracks included!
Fine Sweeper
Fine Sweeper is a Minesweeper variant with additional features such as a campaign mode, “classic mode”, item drops, leader-boards, and achievements.
Higurashi When They Cry Hou - Ch.1 Onikakushi
Higurashi When They Cry is a sound novel. The music, backgrounds and characters work together to create a world that is the stage of a novel for the user to read. They laugh and cry and get angry. The user takes the point of view of the protagonist to experience the story.
FINAL FANTASY IV: THE AFTER YEARS
Take part in the epic sequel that unfolds nearly two decades after the events of FINAL FANTASY IV. Now enhanced for Windows PC.
GemCraft - Chasing Shadows
An epic, challenging tower defense game with an emphasis on strategy and replayability. Summon gems of immense magical potency and harness their unique abilities against a seemingly endless horde of monsters. The archdemon seeks to swallow the world, and you must journey to stand against her.
Guns, Gore & Cannoli
Guns, Gore & Cannoli - An over-the-top, comical and fast-paced action game with hand-drawn graphics set in the Roaring Twenties. An all-you-can-shoot fest where you embody Vinnie, a mobster with a mission in a city controlled by gangsters and plagued by zombies. Featuring up to 4-man local co-op.
Sky Force Anniversary
Legendary shoot-'em-up makes its way on the PCs! Abundant explosions, truly epic boss fights and beautifully crafted 3D environments are here to keep you entertained. Sky Force Anniversary offers single player experience and local cooperative mode for 2 players.
STAR WARS™ - X-Wing Special Edition
Against the overwhelming might of the Empire stands a small but growing Rebel Alliance. Scattered resistance groups are uniting and what is needed most now are Starfighter pilots. Will you join their struggle to end this tyranny and become a hero of the Rebellion?
STAR WARS™: TIE Fighter Special Edition
The Imperial Navy is called upon to eradicate the last of the rebellion and restore law and order. As an Imperial navy starfighter pilot, you will safeguard imperiled lives thoughout the galaxy. Join the Emperor's cause in eliminating the Rebel uprising as the Empire strikes back!
STAR WARS™ - X-Wing Alliance™
A neutral family fights for its business - and its survival - and is swept up in the struggle against the encroaching Empire. You must defy the strong-arm tactics of a rival family who will stop at nothing to destroy your trading company.
Ys VI: The Ark of Napishtim
Adventurer Adol Christin has washed ashore in yet another mysterious, isolated new land, inhabited by a people who sport long ears and bushy tails...and are none too fond of humans. Experience the very first 3D Ys game as never before, with a whole new gameplay mode unique to this release!
Casino Inc.
Classic strategy game from 2003. Run your own casino in the 1970s. It's classy. It's glitzy. It's all yours. Take a gamble. Start small with a slot machine or two. Employ some staff. People will be talking about your place from coast to coast. Includes The Management Expansion Pack.
Sun Blast: Star Fighter
Sun Blast is the best 3d space shooter on Steam. Earn upgrades as you fight your way through a huge seleciton of levels. Full gamepad support!
Most played classic games on Steam
Take a look at the top classic games that are currently attracting the largest player bases on the Steam platform, as of June 17th 2025.
1. Counter-Strike
Play the world's number 1 online action game. Engage in an incredibly realistic brand of terrorist warfare in this wildly popular team-based game. Ally with teammates to complete strategic missions. Take out enemy sites. Rescue hostages. Your role affects your team's success. Your team's success affects your role. Counter-Strike is a action, fps and multiplayer game developed and published by Valve. Released on November 01st 2000 has received 250,245 reviews of which 243,818 were positive and 6,427 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.6 out of 10. The game has hit the top spot as the #1 most played classic game, thanks to its 6,697 peak concurrent players over the last day.
9.6
243,818
6,427
6,697
players
2. Halo: The Master Chief Collection
The Master Chief’s iconic journey includes six games, built for PC and collected in a single integrated experience. Whether you’re a long-time fan or meeting Spartan 117 for the first time, The Master Chief Collection is the definitive Halo gaming experience. Halo: The Master Chief Collection is a great soundtrack, fps and classic game developed by 343 Industries, Splash Damage, Ruffian Games, Bungie and Saber Interactive and published by Xbox Game Studios. Released on December 03rd 2019 has received 242,067 reviews of which 223,635 were positive and 18,432 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. While seeing 4,418 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #2 among classic games based on player count.
9.1
223,635
18,432
4,418
players
3. Age of Empires II (Retired)
Age of Empires II has been re-imagined in high definition. With the release of Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition, this product will not be updated further. Age of Empires II (Retired) is a strategy, rts and medieval game developed by SkyBox Labs, Hidden Path Entertainment, Ensemble Studios and Forgotten Empires and published by Xbox Game Studios. Released on April 09th 2013 has received 101,351 reviews of which 97,083 were positive and 4,268 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. While seeing 2,630 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among classic games based on player count.
9.4
97,083
4,268
2,630
players
4. Half-Life 2
Reawakened from stasis in the occupied metropolis of City 17, Gordon Freeman is joined by Alyx Vance as he leads a desperate human resistance. Experience the landmark first-person shooter packed with immersive world-building, boundary-pushing physics, and exhilarating combat. Half-Life 2 is a fps, action and sci-fi game developed and published by Valve. Released on November 16th 2004 has received 245,627 reviews of which 239,721 were positive and 5,906 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.7 out of 10. With 1,626 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played classic games.
9.7
239,721
5,906
1,626
players
5. Sid Meier's Civilization® III Complete
Sid Meier's Civilization III: Complete, the latest offering in the Sid Meier's Civilization III franchise, provides gaming fans with Sid Meier's Civilization III, the highly-addictive journey of discovery. Sid Meier's Civilization® III Complete is a strategy, turn-based strategy and turn-based game developed by Firaxis Games and published by 2K. Released on October 25th 2006 has received 7,231 reviews of which 6,485 were positive and 746 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. With 1,567 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played classic games.
8.7
6,485
746
1,567
players
6. Heroes® of Might & Magic® III - HD Edition
The most popular Heroes® title of all time is back in HD! Fifteen years later, rediscover the epic tale of Queen Catherine Ironfist, as she re-embarks on her critically acclaimed quest to unite her ravaged homeland and re-conquer the kingdom of Erathia. Heroes® of Might & Magic® III - HD Edition is a strategy, turn-based strategy and classic game developed by DotEmu and published by Ubisoft Entertainment. Released on January 28th 2015 has received 22,779 reviews of which 18,085 were positive and 4,694 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.8 out of 10. With 1,065 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played classic games.
7.8
18,085
4,694
1,065
players
7. Age of Mythology: Extended Edition
Age of Mythology is back! Choose your god and take to the battlefield in this classic, upgraded with full Steamworks integration and enhanced features. Age of Mythology: Extended Edition is a strategy, mythology and rts game developed by SkyBox Labs and Ensemble Studios and published by Xbox Game Studios. Released on May 08th 2014 has received 35,308 reviews of which 32,895 were positive and 2,413 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. With 1,000 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played classic games.
9.1
32,895
2,413
1,000
players
8. Resident Evil
The game that defined the survival-horror genre is back! Check out the remastered HD version of Resident Evil. Resident Evil is a survival horror, zombies and horror game developed and published by CAPCOM Co. and Ltd.. Released on January 19th 2015 has received 26,767 reviews of which 24,613 were positive and 2,154 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9 out of 10. With 810 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played classic games.
9
24,613
2,154
810
players
9. Half-Life
Named Game of the Year by over 50 publications, Valve's debut title blends action and adventure with award-winning technology to create a frighteningly realistic world where players must think to survive. Also includes an exciting multiplayer mode that allows you to play against friends and enemies around the world. Half-Life is a fps, classic and 1990's game developed and published by Valve. Released on November 19th 1998 has received 148,221 reviews of which 143,086 were positive and 5,135 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.5 out of 10. With 782 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played classic games.
9.5
143,086
5,135
782
players
10. Rise of Nations: Extended Edition
Rise of Nations is back! Play the updated classic with full Steamworks integration and enhanced features! Rise of Nations: Extended Edition is a strategy, rts and classic game developed by SkyBox Labs and Big Huge Games and published by Xbox Game Studios. Released on June 12th 2014 has received 14,744 reviews of which 13,962 were positive and 782 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. With 727 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played classic games.
9.2
13,962
782
727
players
Best deals on classic games on Steam
Discover fantastic savings with the best discounts on a variety of classic games available on Steam right now, updated on June 17th 2025. Looking for even more deals? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of discounted classic games.
1. Duke Nukem 3D: 20th Anniversary World Tour
Frag like it’s 1996 – this time with even more asses to kick! Join the world’s greatest action hero in Duke Nukem 3D: 20th Anniversary World Tour as he saves Earth once again, kicking alien ass and saving babes across the globe along the way. Duke Nukem 3D: 20th Anniversary World Tour is a fps, classic and action game developed by Nerve Software, Gearbox Software and LLC and published by Gearbox Publishing. Released on October 11th 2016 has received 5,684 reviews of which 4,802 were positive and 882 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. Featuring a massive 97% discount, this game currently holds the #1 spot in the best deals for classic category.
8.2
4,802
882
-97%
19.99€
0.76€
2. Earth 2150 Trilogy
Your heroes and your armies will need strong leadership to take them on a spellbinding odyssey that has everything a gamer’s heart could wish for breathtaking worlds in space, battles against cunning enemies and even downright treason from your own government faction - are you up to it? Earth 2150 Trilogy is a strategy, rts and sci-fi game developed by Reality Pump Studios and published by TopWare Interactive and ACE. Released on November 01st 2013 has received 874 reviews of which 669 were positive and 205 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.3 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 97% discount, this game is now the #2 best deal in classic games.
7.3
669
205
-97%
9.75€
0.38€
3. Earth 2140
The year is 2140. After numerous wars and several environmental disasters, only two world powers remain; the United Civilized States (»UCS«), covering the American continent, Western Europe and North Africa, and the Eurasian Dynasty (»ED«) covering the coherent landmasses of Eastern Europe and Asia. Earth 2140 is a strategy, rts and singleplayer game developed by Reality Pump Studios and published by TopWare Interactive ACE and ACE. Released on November 15th 2013 has received 562 reviews of which 353 were positive and 209 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.1 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 97% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in classic games.
6.1
353
209
-97%
6.89€
0.21€
4. Turok
A world where time has no meaning - and evil knows no bounds. Torn from a world long gone, the time traveling warrior Turok has found himself thrust into a savage land torn by conflict. Turok is a action, dinosaurs and fps game developed by Iguana Entertainment and Nightdive Studios and published by Nightdive Studios. Released on December 17th 2015 has received 3,745 reviews of which 3,490 were positive and 255 were negative resulting in a rating of 9.0 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 96% discount, this title has earned the #4 position in the best deals for classic games.
9.0
3,490
255
-96%
19.99€
0.97€
5. X-COM: Terror From the Deep
The war continues... X-COM: UFO Defense brought you to a galactic battlefield. X-COM: Terror from the Deep brings the alien terror into a totally new dimension.Seeking to take advantage of a weakened Earth, X-COM's deep space foes unexpectedly change strategy and launch a powerful second front against planet Earth. X-COM: Terror From the Deep is a strategy, turn-based and turn-based strategy game developed by MicroProse Software and Inc and published by 2K. Released on May 04th 2007 has received 867 reviews of which 788 were positive and 79 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 96% discount, this title has earned the #5 position in the best deals for classic games.
8.6
788
79
-96%
4.99€
0.22€
6. XIII - Classic
You are the victim of a conspiracy! The FBI, CIA and a group of murderers are chasing you. XIII… This strange tattoo and the key of a safe are your only clues to survive and claim your innocence! It's time to gear up and eliminate your ennemies! XIII - Classic is a action, fps and classic game developed by Ubisoft Paris Studio and published by Microids. Released on June 11th 2020 has received 2,357 reviews of which 2,107 were positive and 250 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 96% discount, this title has earned the #6 position in the best deals for classic games.
8.6
2,107
250
-96%
12.99€
0.57€
7. Oddworld: Stranger's Wrath HD
You're the Stranger, a mysterious bounty hunter on a mission to bag the ultimate prize. And you need that money like no one else because there is something very wrong with your health and the only way to fix it is a very costly operation. Oddworld: Stranger's Wrath HD is a adventure, action and western game developed and published by Oddworld Inhabitants. Released on December 20th 2010 has received 1,659 reviews of which 1,448 were positive and 211 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.3 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 96% discount, this title has earned the #7 position in the best deals for classic games.
8.3
1,448
211
-96%
9.99€
0.48€
8. Super 3-D Noah's Ark
Fast paced, first person adventure aboard Noah's ark! Super 3-D Noah's Ark is a fps, action and family friendly game developed by Wisdom Tree and Inc. and published by Piko Interactive LLC and Bleem!. Released on June 23rd 2015 has received 887 reviews of which 778 were positive and 109 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.3 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 96% discount, this title has earned the #8 position in the best deals for classic games.
8.3
778
109
-96%
9.75€
0.44€
9. Imperium Galactica II
Reintroducing a classic from the golden era of gaming, the original empire building space RTS, Imperium Galactica 2 is back and looking better than ever with new high-res textures and vivid colors. Imperium Galactica II is a strategy, space and 4x game developed by Digital Reality and Gyroscope Games and published by THQ Nordic. Released on January 19th 2017 has received 591 reviews of which 515 were positive and 76 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 96% discount, this title has earned the #9 position in the best deals for classic games.
8.2
515
76
-96%
9.99€
0.49€
10. Disney Classic Games: Aladdin and The Lion King
The Disney 16-bit classics Aladdin and The Lion King return! Disney Classic Games: Aladdin and The Lion King is a action, platformer and classic game developed by Digital Eclipse and published by Disney and Nighthawk Interactive. Released on October 29th 2019 has received 391 reviews of which 270 were positive and 121 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.6 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 96% discount, this title has earned the #10 position in the best deals for classic games.
6.6
270
121
-96%
19.50€
0.84€
Free classic games on Steam
Check out this fantastic list of free-to-play classic games you can enjoy on Steam right now, updated on June 17th 2025. Looking for even more free titles? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of free to play classic games.
1. Pinball Arcade
Pinball Arcade by FarSight Studios features exact recreations of the all-time greatest pinball tables from Stern Pinball® and Gottlieb® together in one game. Every flipper, bumper, sound effect, and display pixel has been painstakingly emulated in astonishing detail. Pinball Arcade is a pinball, free to play and simulation game developed and published by FarSight Studios. Released on November 04th 2013 has received 4,080 reviews of which 3,002 were positive and 1,078 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.2 out of 10. The game currently holds the #1 spot among the most played free classic games on Steam.
7.2
3,002
1,078
25
players
2. Peggle Extreme
Peggle Extreme delivers fast-paced puzzle action that combines elements of pinball and pachinko to create a truly unique game experience. Take your best shot with energizing arcade fun, now exclusively themed with art and sounds from Half-Life: Episode 2, Portal, and Team Fortress 2. Peggle Extreme is a casual, free to play and puzzle game developed by PopCap Games and Inc. and published by Electronic Arts. Released on September 11th 2007 has received 2,415 reviews of which 2,282 were positive and 133 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.0 out of 10. The game currently holds the #2 spot among the most played free classic games on Steam.
9.0
2,282
133
18
players
3. Death Rally (Classic)
You start out from the bottom of the ranking list. Your objective: earn money in the fast-paced battle races. Fight hard for each precious championship point. Fellow competitors are showering you in a constant hail of bullets. Each race is deadly contest - a matter of life or death. Death Rally (Classic) is a racing, retro and top-down game developed by Remedy and published by 3D Realms (Apogee Software). Released on May 05th 2014 has received 761 reviews of which 693 were positive and 68 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. The game currently holds the #3 spot among the most played free classic games on Steam.
8.6
693
68
4
players
4. Shadow Warrior Classic (1997)
Strap on your combat sandals...Lo Wang is coming to the Land of the Rising Sun to turn out the lights. Experience total blood immersion. If you can't touch, kill or drive something...then blow it away! Whether you're wielding shurikens, an Uzi, or a freshly plundered Guardian head...you've got your work cut out for you. Shadow Warrior Classic (1997) is a fps, classic and free to play game developed by 3D Realms and published by Devolver Digital. It has received 1,471 reviews of which 1,366 were positive and 105 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. The game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played free classic games on Steam.
8.8
1,366
105