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
DuckTales: Remastered
DuckTales: Remastered is a beautiful hand-crafted reimagining of one of the most cherished 8-bit titles of all time. Go back to one of the golden ages of gaming, now refined with a level of detail that will please the most hardened devoted Disney or retro Capcom fan alike.
Shadow Warrior Classic Redux
The definitive version of the cult classic shooter, Shadow Warrior Classic Redux features remastered visuals and two massive expansion packs. Corporations rule every facet of life in a near-future Japan and employ Shadow Warriors, one-man armies of unparalleled skill, to protect their power and forcefully remove all opposition.
FINAL FANTASY VII
The RPG classic FINAL FANTASY VII returns to PC, now with brand new online features!
Dungeons & Dragons: Chronicles of Mystara
Dungeons & Dragons: Chronicles of Mystara brings reworkings of two of Capcom’s classic arcade hits - Dungeons & Dragons: Tower of Doom and Dungeons & Dragons: Shadow over Mystara – together in one definitive digital package.
Prime World: Defenders
Fight off hordes of monstrous mutants created from a strange cataclysmic event in the new tower defense game, Prime World: Defenders. Join a group of exile treasure hunters who have ventured into the capital of an ancient empire, vast with mystery and danger.
The Night of the Rabbit
Lose yourself in a tale of magic and wonder, where anything is possible and where nothing is quite as it seems: join young Jerry and follow a peculiar white rabbit to the wondrous realm of Mousewood, a land where critters can speak and where mystery abounds.
Dragon's Lair
Haven't heard of Dragon's Lair?! Well, you play the heroic Dirk the Daring, a valiant knight on a quest to rescue the fair princess from the clutches of an evil dragon! Originally released in the summer of 1983, Dragon's Lair has solidified itself as a cultural icon in gaming.
System Shock® 2 (Classic)
"Remember, it is my will that guided you here. It is my will that gave you your cybernetic implants, the only beauty in that meat you call a body. If you value that meat... you will do as I tell you." The cult classic sci-fi horror FPS-RPG has returned.
Super Sanctum TD
Super Sanctum TD is a retro-styled Tower Defense game that focuses on strategy, customization and replayability. Build advanced mazes and construct powerful towers to prevent alien hordes from reaching the Core!
La-Mulana
LA-MULANA is an “Archaeological Ruin Exploration Action Game,” bringing the classic appeal of adventure with the punishing difficulty of retro-inspired gaming. Search inside ancient ruins, seeking out the “Secret Treasure of Life” – which sleeps in the sprawling ruins of “LA-MULANA” and is said to be the beginning of all civilization.
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.
Another World – 20th Anniversary Edition
Also known as Out Of This World™, Another World is a pioneer action/platformer that released across more than a dozen platforms since its debut in 1991. Along the years, Another World™ has attained cult status among critics and sophisticated gamers alike.
Worms Armageddon
Those intrepid invertebrates return with a vengeance in the much-loved Worms™ Armageddon. It’s a whole new can of worms! It’s hilarious fun that you can enjoy on your own or with all your friends.
Ys I & II Chronicles+
Long, long ago, there was an ancient kingdom called Ys which prospered under the auspices of two heavenly Goddesses. Over time, the kingdom came to be known as Esteria, and its divine history was largely forgotten by all but the descendants of those who once preached the Goddesses’ will.
NiGHTS Into Dreams
Slip off into the dream world and go on an aerial adventure as NiGHTS in this classic Saturn remake. Collect Ideya (colored orbs), rack up points, and battle bosses to help Elliot and Claris save Nightopia from Wizeman the Wicked.
A New Beginning - Final Cut
A New Beginning is a cinematic adventure-thriller done graphic novel-style.
Legacy of Kain: Defiance
Take control of two powerful and highly evolved vampires: Kain, an all-powerful demigod, and Raziel, a demonic angel of death. Each equipped with a legendary sword, Kain & Raziel must battle through a world loaded with conflict and intrigue as they attempt to unravel their destinies and defeat the dark forces that seek to condemn...
Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver 2 (2001)
In this sequel to the critically acclaimed Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver, reassume the role of Raziel, and travel back through the currents of time into various eras of Nosgoth's past in your relentless pursuit of Kain.
Tomb Raider II (1997)
The second instalment in the Tomb Raider series invites you to join Lara as she travels around the globe to retrieve a precious artefact before it falls into the wrong hands. The legendary artefact, the Dagger of Xian, is said to give its possessor the power of a fire breathing dragon.
Tomb Raider III (1998)
Thousands of years ago a meteor crashed into Antarctica and the shockwaves of its impact are being felt in the modern age. Lara Croft will follow clues leading to a deadly secret, boldly leaping chasms and blasting monsters that no one has leaped or blasted before. This time she faces a mystery that's from way out of this world.
Tomb Raider VI: The Angel of Darkness (2003)
A series of grisly murders brings Lara into conflict with a sinister Alchemist from the past, and a secret alliance of powerful individuals shrouded in mystery. Accused of the murder of her one time mentor, Werner Von Croy, Lara becomes a fugitive on the run.
Tomb Raider V: Chronicles (2000)
Lara Croft is missing in Egypt - presumed dead. Those closest to her gather together at the Croft Estate on a grey, rainy day for a memorial service in her honour. Afterwards, the friends sit quietly together in the study of the Croft Mansion and reminisce about Lara's past exploits; exploits that have until now remained a secret..
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