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
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?
Alone in the Dark: The New Nightmare
From the moment Edward Carnby and Aline Cedrac set foot on Shadow Island, they are confronted by mysterious, evil creatures intent on thwarting their progress to recover 3 ancient tablets believed to hold the secret key to some incredible menacing phenomena. Danger threatens from every corner.
The 7th Guest
Henry Stauf's mansion has been abandoned for as long as anyone dare remember. Stauf was a master toy maker, a maker of amazing puzzles and this strange house was his greatest creation. Now the mansion stands empty, rotting ever since the children started dying, ever since the six guests came.
Space Rangers HD: A War Apart
Space adventure, open world RPG, strategy, arcade, quest and more!
Goodbye Deponia
More chaos, more destruction, more Rufus. Not one, not two, but three Rufuses cause all kinds of crazy mayhem in the long-awaited adventure comedy Goodbye Deponia!
Anachronox
Join Sylvester "Sly" Boots and Stiletto Anyway as they trek across six bizarre planets investigating a galaxy-crushing mystery, searching for artefacts from an extinct alien race and unlocking the secrets of a powerful, advanced technology. It's your turn. PICK YOUR POISON.
I Have No Mouth, and I Must Scream
The adventure plunges you into the tortured and hidden past of five humans. Delve into their darkest fears. Outwit the Master Computer AM in a game of psychological warfare. Disturbing, compelling. An adventure you won't easily forget !!
Knights and Merchants
KNIGHTS and MERCHANTS recreates the era of the Middle Ages. Apart from the purely fictitious geography of our world, all game elements and scenes are based on the Anglo-Saxon period, 1200 A.D. And we haven't used imaginary elements like fabled creatures, either. The player takes on the role of an ordinary captain in the Palace Guard.
Pandemonium
Join two kindred spirits, Fargus the Jester and Nikki the acrobat in a fantastic 3D world of magic and mystery as they bounce, tumble and jump through 18 massive and diverse levels in search of the Wishing Engine!Key Features:Fast-paced 3D platform action in a lush, texture-mapped environment.
Enclave
Experience incredibly atmospheric and intense medieval combat action! Go ahead and enter a new world, the award-winning world of ENCLAVE!The people of Light and Darkness are divided by a bottomless rift that split the earth many millennia ago.
Jack Orlando: Director's Cut
1933 will go down in the history books as the year America passed the 21st Amendment to the Constitution. Prohibition is over. To the delight of millions, alcohol can now flow freely across the thirsty land. Two days before the official announcement, bars and clubs across the land are stocking up on quality whiskey.
Silent Storm Gold Edition
Silent Storm from leading Russian developer Nival is a true 3D tactical turn-based Role-Playing-Game set against the backdrop of WWII. As the conflict rages on the frontlines, you’ll be leading a small multinational squad behind enemy lines to gather information and wreak havoc on your enemies while trying to thwart a mysterious new...
The Inner World
The Inner World – A 2D-Point’n’Click Adventure Together with the help of the mysterious thief Laura, his best intentions and no clue whatsoever, Robert sets off on his adventure to discover the secret of the wind's disappearance. Will the young adventurer be able to save his world?
Septerra Core
At the very heart of Septerra lies the Core, a huge Biocomputer. Seven continents at different elevations, each with its own unique people and culture, orbit around the Core.According to an ancient prophecy, Septerra's continents will one day converge and join in orbit together on one level - this is the Legacy of Marduk, the Creator's...
Gorky 17
November 2008. NATO intelligence services report that, for reasons unknown, the Russian military has destroyed GORKY 17, one of the old Soviet "Secret Cities". A year later NATO takes over a former Russian secret base built on Polish soil. Diggers discover a laboratory complex in the completely demolished town.
Shadow Warrior
Shadow Warrior is a bold reimagining of the classic 3D Realms’ shooter from independent developer Flying Wild Hog (Hard Reset) starring the legendary and quick-witted warrior Lo Wang.
Omikron: The Nomad Soul
"I have many things to tell you and very little time… I come from a universe parallel to yours. My world is desperately in need of your help. Only YOU can save us."Responding to the desperate pleas of a mysterious character from another dimension, your soul must enter the dark and futuristic city of Omikron.
PAC-MAN™ Championship Edition DX+
It's time to gear up!Get ready for more ghost chain gobbling and frantic action in PAC-MAN® CE-DX+! The award-winning chomping game makes a shattering debut on Steam with even more content and a refined user-interface to compare high scores with your friends!
Blood Omen 2: Legacy of Kain
Cast down from power by a mysterious warlord centuries ago, Kain reawakens in a world he barely recognises. His armies slain, his vampire brethren nearly extinct, Kain is one of the last of his kind. With an agenda of vengeance, Kain shall unleash a wicked wrath to uncover the plot that threatens the land he seeks to conquer.
THE KING OF FIGHTERS XIII STEAM EDITION
[[i]i]“THE KING OF FIGHTERS XIII”[/i], SNK PLAYMORE’s flagship 2D versus fighting title returns in an ultimate version on Steam!!
Wizardry 8
A New Wizardry for a New GenerationThe universe is in the throes of violent upheaval and change. Vast and mysterious forces are preparing for the final confrontation. A small group of heroes from distant lands must plunge into the heart of the maelstrom, to uncover long-forgotten secrets, and bring about a new era.
Castle of Illusion
Mickey Mouse returns to star in Castle of Illusion, a fantastical reimagining of the Sega Genesis classic.
The Chaos Engine
Prepare for the dark world of The Chaos Engine, a steampunk Victorian age in which one or two players must fight the hostile creations of the Chaos Engine across four dynamic landscapes and take part in the ultimate battle.Choose from six hard-nailed mercenaries each with their own unique weapons and skills.
The Dark Eye: Memoria
In Memoria, players travel through different time periods, following two distinct protagonists: Sadja, a southern princess who wants to be a war hero, and Geron, a bird catcher who wants to lift a curse from his girlfriend.
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