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
Risen 3 - Titan Lords
The world has been abandoned by its gods and is scarred from the rampage of the Titans. Humanity is struggling to regain strength. You, however, have more pressing concerns: your own life has been shattered and you must set off to reclaim what is lost amidst the darkness spreading throughout the world.
Ultra Street Fighter® IV
The world’s greatest fighting game evolves to a whole new level with Ultra Street Fighter IV.
The Expendabros
The Expendabros have assembled and set their sights on the forces of ruthless arms dealer Conrad Stonebanks in the forests of Eastern Europe.
The Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky
Hailed as one of the largest, longest and most meticulously detailed turn-based JRPG series of all time, this first chapter in the ongoing Trails saga sets the stage for what's quickly become Ys developer Nihon Falcom's most popular and best-selling franchise in their entire 30+ year history.
Gold Rush! Classic
Gold Rush! takes you back to the year 1849, when gold was discovered in California. It was certainly one of the most exciting times in American history. Gold Rush! includes the three routes tens of thousands took to the gold regions. Become Jerrod Wilson and experience each trek as you travel from New York to California.
Freedom Planet
Fight your way across the celestial world of Avalice where cats are green, motorcycles drive up walls and monster girls do most of the buttkicking! Freedom Planet is a cartoony, combat-based platform adventure that pits a spunky dragonoid and her friends against an alien attack force.
Blood: One Unit Whole Blood
You carved your soul to shreds in servitude to a dark god, but false promises and betrayal were your only reward. Now you have a score to settle and it will be measured in blood! Experience the madness in one carnage-soaked package! All the gore, all the unholy war! Zombies, gargoyles, hellhounds and blood-crazed hordes of horrors await!
Deponia: The Complete Journey
Junk, junk and even more junk. Life on the trash-planet Deponia is anything but a walk in the park. No surprise that Rufus had enough of that and hatches one ludicrous plan after the other to escape this bleak place.
Z
“Z”, the classic Real Time Strategy Game by the Bitmap Brothers. Fans of this classic strategy title are in for a real treat. Everything is in here from the terrific comedy cut scenes to the frantic game play making this is the definitive version of Z.
Black Mirror I
Black Mirror is a dark adventure game that details the aftermath of the tragic death of William Gordon. Playing as his grandson Samuel players must unveil the truth behind the events of that fateful, stormy night.
Rise of Nations: Extended Edition
Rise of Nations is back! Play the updated classic with full Steamworks integration and enhanced features!
Crimsonland
Thousands of aliens, giant spiders, mutant lizards, and more are on the attack - can you survive the onslaught? Crimsonland is a top-down shooter with a touch of RPG. Unlock over 30 weapons and over 50 perks from quirky to brutal. Complete the quest and show your skills in five survival modes.
Freespace 2
FreeSpace 2, the follow up to the classic Descent: FreeSpace – The Great War is ready to engage you in the second round. Follow the Grand Terran Vasudan Alliance further into the mysteries of the Shivans. Get your flight stick and hit the flight deck. The last time was just a warm up.
Final Fantasy III (3D Remake)
FINAL FANTASY® III, one of the best-loved games from the epic RPG series, available on Steam.
A.I.M.2 Clan Wars
A.I.M. 2 is the sequel to the epic science fiction first-person action RPG developed by SkyRiver Studios. Its compelling story and unique look lift off exactly where the original ended. New clans led by Mechminds of the Fifth Generation are powerful and well-organized formations with far-reaching plans.
RollerCoaster Tycoon®: Deluxe
One of the best games from acclaimed Tycoon series, with well designed gameplay mechanics, appealing graphics, and really high re-playability value. There’s no limit to what you can create so design and build the most thrilling roller coaster the world has ever seen!
Q.U.B.E: Director's Cut
Q.U.B.E: Director's Cut is the definitive version of the brain-twisting first-person puzzler. Using special high-tech gloves to manipulate cubes in the environment, the player solves an array of conundrums - from physics-based challenges; to 3D jigsaws; to platform-based trials.
RollerCoaster Tycoon® 2: Triple Thrill Pack
This compilation includes the entire RollerCoaster Tycoon 2 series, with the original game as well as the Time Twister and Wacky Worlds expansions.
The Last Door - Collector's Edition
Something ancient and evil is stirring in Victorian England. Only you can stop it. Journey to the brink of madness and beyond as you set forth alone into the dark.
Men of War: Assault Squad 2
Men of War: Assault Squad 2 features new single player style skirmish modes that take players from extreme tank combat to deadly sniper stealth missions. Commanders can now faceoff against opponents on various new multiplayer 1v1 – 8v8 maps.
Putt-Putt® Travels Through Time
Mr. Firebird's time machine has gone haywire and Putt-Putt's® best pal Pep, is lost somewhere in time.
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.
You Have to Win the Game
You Have to Win the Game is a free exploration platformer with a retro 1980s PC aesthetic.
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.
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 6,246 peak concurrent players over the last day.
9.6
243,818
6,427
6,246
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 3,475 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
3,475
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 2,366 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
2,366
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 1,520 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
1,520
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 1,374 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
1,374
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 1,040 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
1,040
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 844 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
844
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 697 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
697
players
9. 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 665 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played classic games.
9.2
13,962
782
665
players
10. 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 653 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played classic games.
9.5
143,086
5,135
653
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. 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 #5 position in the best deals for classic games.
8.6
2,107
250
-96%
12.99€
0.57€
6. 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 #6 position in the best deals for classic games.
8.6
788
79
-96%
4.99€
0.22€
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
24
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
21
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
5
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
3
players