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
Purple Place - Classic Games
Welcome to "Purple Place - Classic Games" a fun-filled game where you'll embark on three exciting adventures like good old times! Get ready to immerse yourself in the world of creativity and challenge.
Jagged Alliance 3
The country of Grand Chien is thrown into chaos when the elected president goes missing and the paramilitary force known as “the Legion” seizes control. Hire mercs, meet interesting characters, and fight in tactically deep turn-based combat in this true successor to a beloved franchise.
Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective
Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective, the classic puzzle-solving mystery adventure directed by Ace Attorney creator Shu Takumi, is back! This long-awaited HD remaster features upgraded visuals and sound and new gallery content.
Kao the Kangaroo (2000 re-release)
Kao the Kangaroo is a 3D adventure game, first released in 2000. More than 30 levels, numerous funny characters, adjustable difficulty, and demanding gameplay attracted not only young players, but also offered pleasant entertainment for more advanced players.
Mega Man Battle Network Legacy Collection Vol. 1
The renowned Mega Man Battle Network series is back! Vol. 1 contains Mega Man Battle Network 1-3, including both versions of Mega Man Battle Network 3 for a total of four titles, plus additional features like a gallery of illustrations and music! In addition, online play is supported!
Papa's Freezeria Deluxe
Return to Calypso Island to serve seasonal sundae treats in Papa's Freezeria Deluxe! Craft sundaes in the Freezeria for all your quirky customers while earning tips, points and Special Recipes. Switch gears and take a trip in the Food Truck to concoct your own chilly creations and see who shows up!
Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas – The Definitive Edition
Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas: It’s the early ’90s. After a couple of cops frame him for homicide, Carl ‘CJ’ Johnson is forced on a journey that takes him across the entire state of San Andreas, to save his family and to take control of the streets.
Grand Theft Auto: Vice City – The Definitive Edition
Welcome to the 1980s. From the decade of big hair and pastel suits comes the story of one man's rise to the top of the criminal pile. Grand Theft Auto returns with Tommy Vercetti’s tale of betrayal and revenge in a neon-soaked tropical town full of excess and brimming with possibilities.
Grand Theft Auto III – The Definitive Edition
It all starts in Liberty City. With revolutionary freedom to go anywhere and jack anyone, Grand Theft Auto III puts the center of the criminal underworld at your fingertips, if you have enough guts to take it.
Coffee Shop Tycoon
Manage your own coffee shop and control every detail to make it the most popular one in town! Roast your own beans and create your recipes. Hire and train your staff, manage your economy and marketing, and destroy your competition to become the ultimate legal coffee monopoly in Coffee Shop Tycoon.
FAITH: The Unholy Trinity
What you are about to do has not been approved by the Vatican. As a young priest, struggle against demons, insane cultists, and your own weakening faith in this pixel horror game inspired by the era of classic 8-bit gaming and the "Satanic Scare" of the 1980s.
Prodeus
Prodeus is a first-person shooter of old, re-imagined using modern rendering techniques and technology. Experience the quality you’d expect from a modern AAA game, designed with retro aesthetics and gameplay that invoke the tech-imposed limits of older hardware.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Cowabunga Collection
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Cowabunga Collection contains thirteen prior released classic games. This collection is a great place for gamers to experience these popular titles on Steam.
PAC-MAN WORLD Re-PAC
PAC-MAN arrives home on his birthday to find the Ghosts have kidnapped PAC-MAN’s family and ruined his party! Off to the rescue, PAC-MAN sets out to Ghost Island!
Quake Champions
Step into the Arena. Compete against players from around the world in this fast-paced shooter that combines the dark mythos of the original Quake with the skill-based competition of Quake III Arena. Become a Champion.
Capcom Fighting Collection
Ten of Capcom's most popular arcade games in one bumper collection! A wide variety of titles are included from series such as Street Fighter and Darkstalkers, Cyberbots, and the first home console port of Red Earth! And of course, all titles support online play!
Sonic Origins
Experience the collected adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog in Sonic Origins Plus! With 16 legendary Sonic titles, including 12 Game Gear games, new playable characters, modes, challenges, behind-the-scenes content, and more, this is the definitive way to play these classic games!
The Elder Scrolls II: Daggerfall
THE GREAT MACHINE AWAKENS
The Elder Scrolls: Arena
THE LEGEND BEGINS
CHRONO CROSS: THE RADICAL DREAMERS EDITION
CHRONO CROSS is an RPG that transcends time and space, unfolding across two interlinked parallel worlds. With over 40 party members to meet, people and dimensions will intertwine in this epic drama about the planet itself.
Monster Rancher 1 & 2 DX
The legendary monster training duology, “Monster Rancher” and “Monster Rancher 2”, is back!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 April 30th 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 249,437 reviews of which 243,044 were positive and 6,393 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 6,536 peak concurrent players over the last day.
9.6
243,044
6,393
6,536
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 240,453 reviews of which 222,169 were positive and 18,284 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. While seeing 4,638 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #2 among classic games based on player count.
9.1
222,169
18,284
4,638
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 101,202 reviews of which 96,936 were positive and 4,266 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. While seeing 2,269 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among classic games based on player count.
9.4
96,936
4,266
2,269
players
4. 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 7,170 reviews of which 6,430 were positive and 740 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. With 1,316 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played classic games.
8.7
6,430
740
1,316
players
5. 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 242,865 reviews of which 237,035 were positive and 5,830 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.7 out of 10. With 1,234 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played classic games.
9.7
237,035
5,830
1,234
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 22,550 reviews of which 17,895 were positive and 4,655 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.8 out of 10. With 1,038 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played classic games.
7.8
17,895
4,655
1,038
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 35,176 reviews of which 32,767 were positive and 2,409 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. With 832 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played classic games.
9.1
32,767
2,409
832
players
8. The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind® Game of the Year Edition
The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind® Game of the Year Edition includes Morrowind plus all of the content from the Bloodmoon and Tribunal expansions. The original Mod Construction Set is not included in this package. An epic, open-ended single-player RPG, Morrowind allows you to create and play any kind of character imaginable. The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind® Game of the Year Edition is a rpg, open world and fantasy game developed by Bethesda Game Studios and published by Bethesda Softworks. Released on June 16th 2009 has received 25,884 reviews of which 24,686 were positive and 1,198 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. With 684 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played classic games.
9.3
24,686
1,198
684
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 14,636 reviews of which 13,859 were positive and 777 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. With 604 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played classic games.
9.2
13,859
777
604
players
10. Command & Conquer™ Remastered Collection
Command & Conquer and Red Alert are both remastered in 4K by the former Westwood Studios team members. Includes all 3 expansions, rebuilt multiplayer, a modernized UI, Map Editor, bonus footage gallery, and over 7 hours of remastered music. Command & Conquer™ Remastered Collection is a strategy, rts and base-building game developed by Petroglyph and Lemon Sky Studios and published by Electronic Arts. Released on June 05th 2020 has received 32,780 reviews of which 29,727 were positive and 3,053 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. With 582 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played classic games.
8.9
29,727
3,053
582
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 April 30th 2025. Looking for even more deals? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of discounted classic games.
1. Katamari Damacy REROLL
The beloved roll-em-up game returns with fully updated graphics, completely recreated cutscenes and in full HD! Katamari Damacy REROLL is a great soundtrack, casual and colorful game developed by MONKEYCRAFT Co. Ltd. and published by Bandai Namco Entertainment. Released on December 06th 2018 has received 6,000 reviews of which 5,594 were positive and 406 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.0 out of 10. Featuring a massive 93% discount, this game currently holds the #1 spot in the best deals for classic category.
9.0
5,594
406
-93%
19.71€
1.38€
2. Shenmue I & II
SEGA®’s most requested re-release of all time finally comes to a new generation. Shenmue delivers an epic story of revenge within a unique open world that is still unrivalled in depth and detail. Return to the epic saga that defined modern gaming. The saga begins…again. Shenmue I & II is a adventure, open world and story rich game developed by D3T and published by SEGA. Released on August 21st 2018 has received 2,911 reviews of which 2,591 were positive and 320 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 93% discount, this game is now the #2 best deal in classic games.
8.6
2,591
320
-93%
33.86€
2.37€
3. The Secret of Monkey Island: Special Edition
Back by popular demand, The Secret of Monkey Island™: Special Edition faithfully re-imagines the internationally-acclaimed classic game (originally released in 1990) for original and new audiences alike. The Secret of Monkey Island: Special Edition is a point & click, adventure and comedy game developed by LucasArts and published by LucasArts, Lucasfilm and Disney. Released on July 15th 2009 has received 5,778 reviews of which 5,511 were positive and 267 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 90% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in classic games.
9.2
5,511
267
-90%
10.00€
1.00€
4. Hitman 2: Silent Assassin
Enter the realm of a retired assassin, forced back into action by treason. You may be a hired killer but you still have a sense of loyalty and justice. Visit the dark recesses of a world corrupted by crime, greed, degradation and dishonor. And a past that catches up with you. Hitman 2: Silent Assassin is a stealth, action and third person game developed and published by Io-Interactive A/S. Released on March 15th 2007 has received 4,154 reviews of which 3,439 were positive and 715 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.0 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 89% discount, this title has earned the #4 position in the best deals for classic games.
8.0
3,439
715
-89%
9.09€
1.00€
5. Full Throttle Remastered
Originally released by LucasArts in 1995, Full Throttle is a classic graphic adventure game from industry legend Tim Schafer, telling the story of Ben Throttle; butt-kicking leader of biker gang the Polecats, who gets caught up in a tale of Motorcycles, Mayhem and Murder. Full Throttle Remastered is a adventure, point & click and comedy game developed by Double Fine Productions and Shiny Shoe and published by Double Fine Productions. Released on April 18th 2017 has received 2,868 reviews of which 2,639 were positive and 229 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 88% discount, this title has earned the #5 position in the best deals for classic games.
8.8
2,639
229
-88%
14.42€
1.73€
6. Mega Man Legacy Collection
Mega Man Legacy Collection is a celebration of the 8-bit history of Capcom’s iconic Blue Bomber featuring faithful reproductions of the series’ origins with the original six Mega Man games. Mega Man Legacy Collection is a platformer, retro and classic game developed and published by Capcom. Released on August 24th 2015 has received 4,773 reviews of which 4,099 were positive and 674 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.3 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 88% discount, this title has earned the #6 position in the best deals for classic games.
8.3
4,099
674
-88%
14.92€
1.79€
7. 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 582 reviews of which 507 were positive and 75 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 88% discount, this title has earned the #7 position in the best deals for classic games.
8.2
507
75
-88%
10.25€
1.23€
8. 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 5,593 reviews of which 4,727 were positive and 866 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 87% discount, this title has earned the #8 position in the best deals for classic games.
8.2
4,727
866
-87%
20.38€
2.65€
9. Contra Anniversary Collection
The Contra Anniversary Collection brings this classic Run and Gun franchise back to modern platforms and a new generation of gamers. Contra Anniversary Collection is a action, side scroller and retro game developed and published by KONAMI. Released on June 11th 2019 has received 1,294 reviews of which 984 were positive and 310 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.3 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 87% discount, this title has earned the #9 position in the best deals for classic games.
7.3
984
310
-87%
20.46€
2.66€
10. Hitman: Codename 47
As the enigmatic Hitman, you must use stealth and tactical problem solving to enter, execute and exit your assignment with minimum attention and maximum effectiveness. For a price, you have access to the most devious devices, but how you use them will determine if you retire as a millionaire or get permanently retired. Hitman: Codename 47 is a stealth, action and classic game developed and published by IO Interactive A/S. Released on March 15th 2007 has received 4,186 reviews of which 3,011 were positive and 1,175 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.0 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 87% discount, this title has earned the #10 position in the best deals for classic games.
7.0
3,011
1,175
-87%
7.69€
1.00€
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 April 30th 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 4,068 reviews of which 2,992 were positive and 1,076 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
2,992
1,076
22
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 2,367 reviews of which 2,236 were positive and 131 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
2,236
131
9
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 750 reviews of which 682 were positive and 68 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.5 out of 10. The game currently holds the #3 spot among the most played free classic games on Steam.
8.5
682
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