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
Peggle Deluxe
Take your best shot with energizing arcade fun! Aim, shoot, clear the orange pegs, then sit back and cheer as 10 whimsical teachers guide you to Peggle greatness.
Jade Empire™: Special Edition
Step into the role of an aspiring martial-arts master and follow the path of the open palm or the closed fist.
Painkiller: Black Edition
Painkiller Black Edition includes the expansion pack Battle Out of Hell, featuring 10 additional single-player levels and many new villains.
Ghost Master®
Grim spectres, howling banshees, and sly gremlins are yours to command as you unleash ghastly spirits on the town of Gravenville and scare the wits out of its citizens. In the world of the Ghost Master, spooks do your bidding, as you solve puzzles and unlock mysteries in a challenge that combines the best of strategy, adventure, and...
Total War: MEDIEVAL II – Definitive Edition
Spanning the most turbulent era in Western history, your quest for territory and power takes you through Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and even onto the shores of the New World.
Dark Messiah of Might & Magic
Discover a new breed of Action-RPG game powered by an enhanced version of the Source™ Engine by Valve. Set in the Might & Magic® universe, players will experience ferocious combat in a dark and immersive fantasy environment. Swords, Stealth, Sorcery. Choose your way to kill.
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® IV
With over 6 million units sold and unprecedented critical acclaim from fans and press around the world, Sid Meier's Civilization is recognized as one of the greatest PC game franchises of all-time. Now, Sid Meier and Firaxis Games will take this incredibly fun and addictive game to new heights by adding new ways to play and win, new...
Call of Duty: United Offensive
Award-winning developer Gray Matter Interactive follows up on the success of Infinity Ward's Call of Duty™ - winner of over 80 Game of the Year and 50 Editors' Choice awards worldwide - with Call of Duty™: United Offensive™.
Call of Duty® 2
Call of Duty® 2 redefines the cinematic intensity and chaos of battle as seen through the eyes of ordinary soldiers fighting together in epic WWII conflicts. The sequel to 2003's Call of Duty, winner of over 80 Game of the Year awards, Call of Duty 2 offers more immense, more intense, more realistic battles than ever before, thanks to...
Call of Duty® (2003)
Call of Duty® delivers the gritty realism and cinematic intensity of World War II's epic battlefield moments like never before.
GUN™
When life robs Colton White of all that matters, the only thing left he can trust is his GUN. From award-winning developer, Neversoft, and accomplished screenwriter, Randall Jahnson (The Mask of Zorro, The Doors), GUN follows Colton on his quest for discovery as he seeks to exact vengeful justice on those who have wronged him.
Psychonauts
A Psychic Odyssey Through the Minds of Misfits, Monsters, and Madmen. This classic action/adventure platformer from acclaimed developers Double Fine Productions follows the story of a young psychic named Razputin.
Advent Rising
A common legend pervades the galaxy-that of a powerful, highly intelligent ancient race that will one day deliver the universe. They are known as Humans. The Advent of Humanity Begins...
Company of Heroes
Delivering a visceral WWII gaming experience, Company of Heroes redefines RTS by bringing the sacrifice of heroic soldiers, war-ravaged environments, and dynamic battlefields to life. Please visit the "Company of Heroes - Legacy Edition" page for additional user reviews.
Insaniquarium Deluxe
The craziest aquarium game ever! Tend to your fish, keep them happy and they'll reward you with coins and jewels. Buy tank upgrades or egg parts which hatch different in-tank pets. These pets can help you feed your fish, collect coins, or even protect against the aliens that will invade your tank.
Bejeweled 2 Deluxe
With awe-inspiring planetary backdrops, explosive new gems and dazzling special effects, Bejeweled 2 is more wildly addictive than ever before.
Zuma Deluxe
Deep in the jungle lie hidden temples bursting with traps and trickery, and it's up to you to uncover their treasures. Fire magical balls from your stone frog idol to make matches of three or more and clear the deadly chain before it reaches the golden skull.
Disciples II: Gallean's Return
Disciples II: Gallean's Return is a compilation edition that includes the base game, Disciples II: Dark Prophecy, plus the two standalone expansions Disciples II: Guardians of the Light and Disciples II: Servants of the Dark.
Disciples II: Rise of the Elves
The award-winning series Disciples introduced a milestone in the game's very successful history; the introduction of a new race: The Elves. The Elven Race added a new dimension to the game and added countless hours of gameplay. Now that series has expanded further with Disciples II: Rise Of The Elves.
SiN Episodes: Emergence
You are John Blade, commander of HardCorps, an elite security force dedicated to protecting the people of Freeport City. Four years have passed since your first battle with Elexis Sinclaire, a beautiful, brilliant, and ruthless scientist who is out to remake humanity according to her own twisted vision.
Half-Life Deathmatch: Source
Half-Life Deathmatch: Source is a recreation of the first multiplayer game set in the Half-Life universe. Features all the classic weapons and most-played maps, now running on the Source engine.
Red Orchestra: Ostfront 41-45
Fight in the theatre of war that changed the world forever. Battle alongside your compatriots on some of the most inhospitable environments of the Eastern Front in Red Orchestra: Ostfront 41-45. Red Orchestra places you in the most realistic WWII first-person multi-player combat to date on the PC, allowing the player to fight through...
Dungeon Siege II
It’s been a generation since you vanquished the evil that plagued the Land of Ehb, and now…a new menace has awakened. In Dungeon Siege II, the sequel to the best-selling RPG from Gas Powered Games, you will be called on to again wield sword and spell to save the world from a growing abomination many years in the making.
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 15th 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 7,770 peak concurrent players over the last day.
9.6
243,818
6,427
7,770
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 4,351 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
4,351
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 2,893 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
2,893
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 1,801 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
1,801
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 1,672 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
1,672
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 1,253 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
1,253
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 1,015 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
1,015
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 816 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
816
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 775 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
775
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 740 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
740
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 15th 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. 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. Gorky 17 is a rpg, strategy and turn-based game developed by and published by TopWare Interactive ACE. Released on September 27th 2013 has received 2,027 reviews of which 1,616 were positive and 411 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.7 out of 10.
7.7
1,616
411
9.75€
3. 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 #3 best deal in classic games.
7.3
669
205
-97%
9.75€
0.38€
4. 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. Currently offered at a significant 97% discount, this title has earned the #4 position in the best deals for classic games.
6.1
353
209
-97%
6.89€
0.21€
5. 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 #5 position in the best deals for classic games.
9.0
3,490
255
-96%
19.99€
0.97€
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. 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 #7 position in the best deals for classic games.
8.6
2,107
250
-96%
12.99€
0.57€
8. 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 #8 position in the best deals for classic games.
8.3
1,448
211
-96%
9.99€
0.47€
9. 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 #9 position in the best deals for classic games.
8.3
778
109
-96%
9.75€
0.44€
10. 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 #10 position in the best deals for classic games.
8.2
515
76
-96%
9.99€
0.45€
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 15th 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
23
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
7
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
5
players