Best Competitive 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 competitive games. For those who prefer not to search, lists of the most played, top deals and best free competitive games are available at the bottom of the page.
Filters & Lists
Operation Warcade VR
Relive the experience of playing the classic war arcade in a totally amazing way, thanks to virtual reality and the innovative immersion system that will make it possible for you to travel inside the video game.
Nex Machina
Nex Machina is an intense arcade style twin-stick shooter from Housemarque. Taking hints from both Robotron and Smash TV, Nex Machina focuses on pure action, voxel destruction and competition in the distant, cablepunk themed future.
THE KING OF FIGHTERS XIV STEAM EDITION
THE KING OF FIGHTERS XIV finally hits STEAM! KOF XIV is back with its classic 2D gameplay and "3-on-3 TEAM BATTLE" game system but evolved to 3D! 58 charismatic fighters are about to clash in this new chapter of KOF!
TEKKEN 7
Discover the epic conclusion of the long-time clan warfare between members of the Mishima family. Powered by Unreal Engine 4, the legendary fighting game franchise fights back with stunning story-driven cinematic battles and intense duels that can be enjoyed with friends and rivals.
Flying Tigers: Shadows Over China
FLYING TIGERS: SHADOWS OVER CHINA is an air-combat action game based on the historical events of America’s secret volunteer squadrons that defended China against Japan in the China-Burma-India theatre of World War 2.
BlazBlue Centralfiction
Combining a 2D fighting game with a visual novel, the BlazBlue series continues on with massive fan support! The latest installation, BlazBlue: Centralfiction, serves as the ending to the Azure Saga, revealing the hidden truth of the world!
Shardbound: Forge Your Path, Master Your Strategy
Shardbound brings fast, fun, and tactical card strategy to the table! Build your deck, take control of the board, and face off in exciting battles that are as unpredictable as they are action-packed.
Soccer Online: Ball 3D
Soccer simulator. Control one player and kick the ball high or low, hard or lightly, curve, dribble and perform tricks. Play online or with bots. Join over a million players who have already played. Buy now and have fun or wishlist for later.
Guns of Icarus Alliance
Own the skies in steam-powered airships! Guns of Icarus Alliance is a team-based online game that pits co-op crews against both rival teams and an AI that learns your tactics. Players become part of the story as each battle shapes history in an ever-changing steampunk world.
Rivals of Aether
RIVALS OF AETHER is an indie fighting game where warring civilizations summon the power of Fire, Water, Air, and Earth. Play with up to four players either locally or online.
Reflex Arena
Reflex is a competitive Arena FPS that combines modern tech with the speed, precision and freedom of a 90s shooter. If you sunk countless hours into the Quake or Unreal series, Reflex will feel like a welcome return of the old school shooter feel.
Disc Jam
A fast-paced action-sports game that pits 2-4 players against each other in a frantic combination of air hockey and tennis. Players scramble to retrieve and throw a glowing disc while unleashing devastating abilities and defending their end zone.
ULTIMATE MARVEL VS. CAPCOM 3
Marvel and Capcom join forces to deliver the most frenetic 3 vs 3 tag battles ever with Ultimate Marvel VS Capcom 3. This release comes fully loaded, including all previous DLC, Marvel VS. Capcom : Official Complete Works.
River City Ransom: Underground
Alex and Ryan must take to the streets to help a new crop of fighters. You'll earn money, unlock moves, and upgrade your skills in a sprawling city. This modern take on an old classic features over 500 unique street fighting moves, dozens of weapons, and fun online multiplayer modes.
Invisigun Reloaded
The ultimate stealth battle adventure where everyone’s invisible! Risk versus reward guides your journey through the full-length single player campaign and local/online multiplayer. Vigilance is key as environmental tells such as footprints and other disturbances will point out careless cadets.
GUILTY GEAR Xrd REV 2
Astonishing 3D cell animations and overwhelming content volume, the next-generation fighting game "GUILTY GEAR Xrd REV 2" is now out on Steam! Total cast of 25 unique characters, and tons of game modes, get ready to ROCK!
GAROU: MARK OF THE WOLVES
“GAROU: MARK OF THE WOLVES”, the latest entry in the legendary "FATAL FURY" Series which still continues to fascinate players around the world to this day, returns for a new fight on Steam!
Hunger Dungeon
Hunger Dungeon is a 1-6 player round-based Multiplayer Online Battle Arena game with a special pixel art style. Battle with more than 12 unique characters in fast-paced Free-for-All and Team Deathmatch rounds. Or take on the challenging Dragon Mode - the exciting first PvE mode!
World of Tanks Blitz
Tanks, not war: jump into a free-to-play MMO action shooter with over 400 tanks. Enjoy stunning graphics and intuitive touch controls. Engage in 7vs7 battles, strategize with your team to conquer diverse maps. Customize tanks, unlock upgrades, and dive into adrenaline-pumping action on mobile and PC
Moto Racer 4
Choose from a variety of daring riders and get a taste of adrenaline riding freestyle or on the race course. Show your opponents what you can do with your best drifts and tricks! Show of your skills to win the championship and send your enemies of the road or into traffic for spectacular crashes.
Shadowverse CCG
Four million battles every day. One Shadowverse. Japan's #1 strategic card game. Made by card gamers for card gamers.
Diesel Guns
"Diesel Guns"- is an Arcade Multiplayer Online Car Combat (AMOCC) game set to deliver the same thrill you remember from classic AMOCCs like „Twisted Metal“ and „Vigilante 8“.Most played competitive games on Steam
Take a look at the top competitive games that are currently attracting the largest player bases on the Steam platform, as of April 30th 2025.
1. Counter-Strike 2
For over two decades, Counter-Strike has offered an elite competitive experience, one shaped by millions of players from across the globe. And now the next chapter in the CS story is about to begin. This is Counter-Strike 2. Counter-Strike 2 is a fps, shooter and multiplayer game developed and published by Valve. Released on August 21st 2012 has received 8,740,794 reviews of which 7,583,945 were positive and 1,156,849 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. The game has hit the top spot as the #1 most played competitive game, thanks to its 630,905 peak concurrent players over the last day.
8.7
7,583,945
1,156,849
630,905
players
2. TEKKEN 7
Discover the epic conclusion of the long-time clan warfare between members of the Mishima family. Powered by Unreal Engine 4, the legendary fighting game franchise fights back with stunning story-driven cinematic battles and intense duels that can be enjoyed with friends and rivals. TEKKEN 7 is a fighting, action and multiplayer game developed by Bandai Namco Studios Inc. and published by Bandai Namco Entertainment. Released on June 01st 2017 has received 92,484 reviews of which 76,923 were positive and 15,561 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. While seeing 493 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #2 among competitive games based on player count.
8.2
76,923
15,561
493
players
3. Bloons TD Battles 2
From the creators of Bloons TD6... Bloons TD Battles 2 is a brand new installment of the top-rated head-to-head tower defense game. Gather your Hero, choose your team of powerful Monkey Towers, and prepare to battle one on one against other players and relentless waves of Bloons! Bloons TD Battles 2 is a free to play, tower defense and multiplayer game developed and published by Ninja Kiwi. Released on November 30th 2021 has received 32,078 reviews of which 26,973 were positive and 5,105 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.3 out of 10. While seeing 491 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among competitive games based on player count.
8.3
26,973
5,105
491
players
4. SpeedRunners
Cut-throat multiplayer running game that pits 4 players against each other, locally and/or online. Run, jump, swing around, and use devious weapons and pick-ups to knock opponents off-screen! One of the most competitive games you'll ever play. SpeedRunners is a multiplayer, racing and local multiplayer game developed by DoubleDutch Games and published by tinyBuild. Released on April 19th 2016 has received 36,663 reviews of which 34,450 were positive and 2,213 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. With 215 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played competitive games.
9.2
34,450
2,213
215
players
5. Ultra Street Fighter® IV
The world’s greatest fighting game evolves to a whole new level with Ultra Street Fighter IV. Ultra Street Fighter® IV is a fighting, arcade and competitive game developed and published by Capcom. Released on August 07th 2014 has received 15,578 reviews of which 14,042 were positive and 1,536 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. With 215 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played competitive games.
8.8
14,042
1,536
215
players
6. Bloons TD Battles
Go head to head with other players in a Bloon-popping battle for victory. From the creators of best-selling Bloons TD 5, this all new Battles game is specially designed for multiplayer combat, featuring the ability to control bloons directly and send them charging past your opponent's defenses. Bloons TD Battles is a free to play, tower defense and multiplayer game developed and published by Ninja Kiwi. Released on April 20th 2016 has received 29,071 reviews of which 26,380 were positive and 2,691 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. With 196 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played competitive games.
8.9
26,380
2,691
196
players
7. Street Fighter V
Experience the intensity of head-to-head battles with Street Fighter® V! Choose from 16 iconic characters, then battle against friends online or offline with a robust variety of match options. Street Fighter V is a fighting, action and 2d fighter game developed and published by CAPCOM Co. and Ltd.. Released on February 15th 2016 has received 43,590 reviews of which 29,461 were positive and 14,129 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.7 out of 10. With 193 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played competitive games.
6.7
29,461
14,129
193
players
8. Sim Companies
Become a Business Tycoon. Build your own company from the ground up. Do business in a virtual economy with players all around the world! Gain valuable business skills for free. An advanced, proprietary, Economy simulation model is used to deliver the best gaming experience. Sim Companies is a economy, capitalism and simulation game developed and published by Sim Companies s.r.o.. Released on August 31st 2023 has received 837 reviews of which 668 were positive and 169 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.6 out of 10. With 142 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played competitive games.
7.6
668
169
142
players
9. Tetris® Effect: Connected
Tetris® Effect: Connected adds an all-new robust multiplayer expansion to the huge variety of addictive and innovative single-player modes that Tetris Effect is known for, with all-new co-op and competitive online and local multiplayer modes! Tetris® Effect: Connected is a puzzle, family friendly and singleplayer game developed by Monstars Inc., Resonair and Stage Games and published by Enhance. Released on August 17th 2021 has received 7,838 reviews of which 7,436 were positive and 402 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. With 128 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played competitive games.
9.2
7,436
402
128
players
10. Poker Master
Free chips!Including Texas Hold'em, Slots, Blackjack, Teen Patti, Omaha, Baccarat, Roulette and more poker games. Poker Master is a solitaire, card battler and pvp game developed and published by NGIN LIMITED. Released on September 23rd 2020 has received 4,330 reviews of which 3,717 were positive and 613 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.3 out of 10. The game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played competitive games.
8.3
3,717
613
78
players
Best deals on competitive games on Steam
Discover fantastic savings with the best discounts on a variety of competitive 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 competitive games.
1. SpeedRunners
Cut-throat multiplayer running game that pits 4 players against each other, locally and/or online. Run, jump, swing around, and use devious weapons and pick-ups to knock opponents off-screen! One of the most competitive games you'll ever play. SpeedRunners is a multiplayer, racing and local multiplayer game developed by DoubleDutch Games and published by tinyBuild. Released on April 19th 2016 has received 36,663 reviews of which 34,450 were positive and 2,213 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. Featuring a massive 88% discount, this game currently holds the #1 spot in the best deals for competitive category.
9.2
34,450
2,213
-88%
14.58€
1.75€
2. Ultra Street Fighter® IV
The world’s greatest fighting game evolves to a whole new level with Ultra Street Fighter IV. Ultra Street Fighter® IV is a fighting, arcade and competitive game developed and published by Capcom. Released on August 07th 2014 has received 15,578 reviews of which 14,042 were positive and 1,536 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 87% discount, this game is now the #2 best deal in competitive games.
8.8
14,042
1,536
-87%
27.99€
3.63€
3. TEKKEN 7
Discover the epic conclusion of the long-time clan warfare between members of the Mishima family. Powered by Unreal Engine 4, the legendary fighting game franchise fights back with stunning story-driven cinematic battles and intense duels that can be enjoyed with friends and rivals. TEKKEN 7 is a fighting, action and multiplayer game developed by Bandai Namco Studios Inc. and published by Bandai Namco Entertainment. Released on June 01st 2017 has received 92,484 reviews of which 76,923 were positive and 15,561 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 84% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in competitive games.
8.2
76,923
15,561
-84%
39.06€
6.25€
4. Garfield Kart
Join Garfield and his friends in the funniest fast and fur-ious game! What character do you want to play with? Garfield, Odie, Jon, Nermal... you choose! Take part in no-holds-barred crazy races. Garfield Kart is a cult classic, combat racing and competitive game developed by Artefacts Studio and published by Microids. Released on October 16th 2015 has received 14,045 reviews of which 12,316 were positive and 1,729 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 76% discount, this title has earned the #4 position in the best deals for competitive games.
8.6
12,316
1,729
-76%
5.04€
1.21€
5. Puyo Puyo™Tetris®
Two puzzle game juggernauts collide as global phenomenon Tetris® and SEGA’s famous Puyo Puyo™ combine in a super mash-up of ferocious competition, adorable looks, and addictive puzzle fun! Puyo Puyo™Tetris® is a puzzle, casual and competitive game developed by Sonic Team and Bitbaboon and published by SEGA. Released on February 27th 2018 has received 5,494 reviews of which 4,630 were positive and 864 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 75% discount, this title has earned the #5 position in the best deals for competitive games.
8.2
4,630
864
-75%
19.99€
4.99€
6. Puyo Puyo Champions
Easy to learn, tough to master! Challenge friends and family in local multiplayer or compete globally via online matchmaking. Built for all ages, this puzzle game comes with a surprisingly competitive edge. Puyo Puyo Champions is a puzzle, competitive and casual game developed by Sonic Team and published by SEGA. Released on May 06th 2019 has received 840 reviews of which 666 were positive and 174 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.5 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 75% discount, this title has earned the #6 position in the best deals for competitive games.
7.5
666
174
-75%
9.99€
2.49€
7. Boreal Blade
Boreal Blade is a team-based melee fighting game with a focus on player vs player combat, combining reactive and tactical gameplay with extraordinary freedom to variate your attacks and develop your unique fighting style. Boreal Blade is a action, swordplay and competitive game developed and published by Frozenbyte. Released on November 12th 2020 has received 654 reviews of which 418 were positive and 236 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.2 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 75% discount, this title has earned the #7 position in the best deals for competitive games.
6.2
418
236
-75%
4.00€
1.00€
8. Pocket Bravery
Inspired by classic fighting games from the 90's such as Street Fighter, Fatal Fury and The King of Fighters, 'Pocket Bravery' channels the 'Neo Geo Pocket' aesthetic for a modern fighting game with a retro twist! Pocket Bravery is a fighting, competitive and pixel graphics game developed by Statera Studio and published by PQube. Released on August 31st 2023 has received 609 reviews of which 554 were positive and 55 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.5 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 58% discount, this title has earned the #8 position in the best deals for competitive games.
8.5
554
55
-58%
19.93€
8.37€
9. Tetris® Effect: Connected
Tetris® Effect: Connected adds an all-new robust multiplayer expansion to the huge variety of addictive and innovative single-player modes that Tetris Effect is known for, with all-new co-op and competitive online and local multiplayer modes! Tetris® Effect: Connected is a puzzle, family friendly and singleplayer game developed by Monstars Inc., Resonair and Stage Games and published by Enhance. Released on August 17th 2021 has received 7,838 reviews of which 7,436 were positive and 402 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. Currently offered at a 50% discount, this title has earned the #9 position in the best deals for competitive games.
9.2
7,436
402
-50%
33.99€
16.99€
10. Project Sparrow
Project Sparrow is an arena shooter focused on bow and arrow combat, fast-paced movement, and outmanoeuvring your opponent. Fight alongside your teammates in 2v2 and 3v3 or challenge them to a duel. Step into the arena and awaken the archer within. Project Sparrow is a early access, fps and arena shooter game developed and published by Inspire Game Studios. Released on March 11th 2022 has received 1,191 reviews of which 1,057 were positive and 134 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. Currently offered at a 50% discount, this title has earned the #10 position in the best deals for competitive games.
8.4
1,057
134
-50%
10.79€
5.39€
Free competitive games on Steam
Check out this fantastic list of free-to-play competitive 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 competitive games.
1. Counter-Strike 2
For over two decades, Counter-Strike has offered an elite competitive experience, one shaped by millions of players from across the globe. And now the next chapter in the CS story is about to begin. This is Counter-Strike 2. Counter-Strike 2 is a fps, shooter and multiplayer game developed and published by Valve. Released on August 21st 2012 has received 8,740,794 reviews of which 7,583,945 were positive and 1,156,849 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. With 630,905 active players enjoying it for free, this strategy game has reached the #1 spot among the top free competitive games on Steam.
8.7
7,583,945
1,156,849
630,905
players
2. Bloons TD Battles 2
From the creators of Bloons TD6... Bloons TD Battles 2 is a brand new installment of the top-rated head-to-head tower defense game. Gather your Hero, choose your team of powerful Monkey Towers, and prepare to battle one on one against other players and relentless waves of Bloons! Bloons TD Battles 2 is a free to play, tower defense and multiplayer game developed and published by Ninja Kiwi. Released on November 30th 2021 has received 32,078 reviews of which 26,973 were positive and 5,105 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.3 out of 10. Thanks to its free to play tag and a daily player base of 491, this competitive game has secured the #2 spot in the ranking of free competitive games on Steam.
8.3
26,973
5,105
491
players
3. Bloons TD Battles
Go head to head with other players in a Bloon-popping battle for victory. From the creators of best-selling Bloons TD 5, this all new Battles game is specially designed for multiplayer combat, featuring the ability to control bloons directly and send them charging past your opponent's defenses. Bloons TD Battles is a free to play, tower defense and multiplayer game developed and published by Ninja Kiwi. Released on April 20th 2016 has received 29,071 reviews of which 26,380 were positive and 2,691 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. Thanks to its free to play tag and a daily player base of 196, this competitive game has secured the #3 spot in the ranking of free competitive games on Steam.
8.9
26,380
2,691
196
players
4. Sim Companies
Become a Business Tycoon. Build your own company from the ground up. Do business in a virtual economy with players all around the world! Gain valuable business skills for free. An advanced, proprietary, Economy simulation model is used to deliver the best gaming experience. Sim Companies is a economy, capitalism and simulation game developed and published by Sim Companies s.r.o.. Released on August 31st 2023 has received 837 reviews of which 668 were positive and 169 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.6 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 142 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #4 position in the best free competitive games on Steam.
7.6
668
169
142
players
5. Poker Master
Free chips!Including Texas Hold'em, Slots, Blackjack, Teen Patti, Omaha, Baccarat, Roulette and more poker games. Poker Master is a solitaire, card battler and pvp game developed and published by NGIN LIMITED. Released on September 23rd 2020 has received 4,330 reviews of which 3,717 were positive and 613 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.3 out of 10. The game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played free competitive games on Steam.
8.3
3,717
613
78
players
6. Battlerite
BATTLERITE is an action-packed team arena brawler. Experience the unique combination of top-down shooter meets fast-paced fighting game and challenge friends and foes in a battle of reaction. The Arena awaits! Battlerite is a pvp, multiplayer and moba game developed and published by Stunlock Studios. Released on November 08th 2017 has received 59,366 reviews of which 50,198 were positive and 9,168 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.3 out of 10. The game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played free competitive games on Steam.
8.3
50,198
9,168
45
players
7. Warlander
Harness the almighty powers of god-like Warriors, Clerics, and Mages, with a unique style that mashes a Medieval-inspired setting, Fantastical items and abilities…and…EVEN POWERFUL ROBOTS! Master siege weapons and cataclysmic spells to control the battlefield and destroy the enemy's core! Warlander is a pvp, moba and hack and slash game developed and published by Toylogic Inc.. Released on January 24th 2023 has received 8,164 reviews of which 4,992 were positive and 3,172 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.0 out of 10. The game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played free competitive games on Steam.
6.0
4,992
3,172
37
players
8. DEAD OR ALIVE 5 Last Round: Core Fighters
The free version of the final word in fighting entertainment - DEAD OR ALIVE 5 Last Round! DEAD OR ALIVE 5 Last Round: Core Fighters is a pvp and 3d fighter game developed by Team NINJA, KOEI TECMO GAMES CO. and LTD. and published by KOEI TECMO GAMES CO. and LTD.. Released on March 30th 2015 has received 9,972 reviews of which 6,855 were positive and 3,117 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.8 out of 10. The game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played free competitive games on Steam.
6.8
6,855
3,117
33
players
9. M.A.R.S.
MARS is a Free-To-Play Third Person Shooter set in an evolving sci-fi world. From the hilarious Headhunter mode, to Huge Mecha vs Mecha battles, to fully customizable loadouts; whether Co-op or PvP, M.A.R.S. has something for everyone. Kill, Die, Repeat. M.A.R.S. is a third-person shooter, pve and pvp game developed by Yingpei Games and published by SubaGames. Released on October 28th 2021 has received 1,084 reviews of which 686 were positive and 398 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.2 out of 10. The game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played free competitive games on Steam.
6.2
686
398
21
players
10. Stormbound
Cards and chess collide in Stormbound. Turn-based tactical gameplay, collecting cards and beautiful 2D Art. Level up your army to conquer the ladder. Stormbound is a turn-based tactics, card battler and trading card game game developed by Paladin Studios and Stormbound Games and published by Stormbound B.V.. Released on May 15th 2018 has received 1,170 reviews of which 818 were positive and 352 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.8 out of 10. The game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played free competitive games on Steam.
6.8
818
352
12
players