Best Early Access 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 early access games. For those who prefer not to search, lists of the most played, top deals and best free early access games are available at the bottom of the page.
Filters & Lists
Project Castaway
Project Castaway is a survival crafting title set in the Pacific Ocean. Live the life of a stranded castaway, with only yourself - and the island's inhabitants - for company! Sail the ocean, hunt, explore unique islands and gather resources as you fight for survival.
BRAZILIAN DRUG DEALER 3: I OPENED A PORTAL TO HELL IN THE FAVELA TRYING TO REVIVE MIT AIA I NEED TO CLOSE IT
A BRAZILIAN BOOMER SHOOTER GAME MADE USING THE ID TECH 2 ENGINE! SHOOT, JUMP, EMBARK ON A JOURNEY THROUGHOUT THE STATE OF RIO DE JANEIRO, HELL AND EVEN HEAVEN! SAVE BRAZIL!
Fera: The Sundered Tribes
Fera: The Sundered Tribes is an enthralling mixture of monster hunting survival action RPG with village building and tribe management with groundbreaking aerial traversal and combat mechanics.
The Spell Brigade
Survivors-like with ONLINE CO-OP for 1-4 players. Team up with your wizard friends to slay hordes of dark creatures. Complete team-based objectives, unlock new upgrades and create overpowered spell synergies. Friend nor foe is safe in this friendly fire bullet hell!
TCG Card Shop Simulator
Open your own local game store. Stock shelves with the latest booster packs, or crack them and collect the cards for yourself. Set your own prices, hire staff, host events, and expand your card shop.
Internet Cafe & Supermarket Simulator 2024
"Internet Cafe & Supermarket Simulator 2024" is a comprehensive simulation game that combines the management of both an internet cafe and a supermarket. Step into the role of a shop owner, apply your business acumen, and expand your empire step by step.
Lucky Tower Ultimate
Escape from an incredibly dangerous, randomly generated tower in a slapstick, roguelite adventure that looks like a cartoon and feels like a joke. Slashy slashy!
Drill Core
Corporate greed meets strategic planet-mining in Drill Core! Drill to the heart of planets while managing workers, researching cutting-edge tech, and fortifying against alien attacks. Will you prioritize efficiency and risk your workers' safety, or focus on defense for survival?
FaeVerse Alchemy
What wonders await those brave enough to follow the alchemical path of magic?
Satisfactory
Satisfactory is a first-person open-world factory building game with a dash of exploration and combat. Play alone or with friends, explore an alien planet, create multi-story factories, and enter conveyor belt heaven!
Critter Cove
A deep, open world life sim and town building game set in a cozy post-apocalyptic paradise. Restore an old town, sail across a mysterious archipelago. Hunt for relics and farm, fish & craft everything you need. Can you help turn Critter Cove into a thriving tourist town once again?
Towerborne
Towerborne is a new kind of Looter Brawler, combining side-scrolling combat with action RPG loot progression and endless customization. Unite with other Aces and defend the Belfry, humanity’s last refuge. Explore, fight, and grow stronger – together.
Utopia Must Fall
Defend humanity's last surviving metropolis from mysterious alien machinations in this challenging base-defense arcade shooter. Featuring rapid upgrade progression, procedurally generated attack waves, dark humor and laser-sharp aesthetics.
Boyhood's End
Boyhood's End is an adventure horror game following Giovanni, the boy with the lowest human score in the universe, and Campenella, the delinquent genius, and their journey on the galactic railroad regarding the "human" and "inhuman".
Fantasy Map Simulator
Fantasy Map Simulator: Create and watch imaginary worlds evolve over centuries. Design maps, simulate nations, and control destinies. See empires rise and fall on your desktop wallpaper. A unique simulation for history buffs and creative minds.
Peglin
Peglin is a Pachinko Roguelike - Fight enemies by collecting special orbs and popping pegs to deal damage. Acquire special relics that radically change the game and ensure no two runs are the same. Aim carefully to survive in this unique turn-based RPG!
Endzone 2
Endzone 2 is a post-apocalyptic survival colony builder, where you embark to secure humanity's survival after a cataclysmic disaster. Discover and repopulate the last habitable grounds, while the survival of your people hinges on your wits, foresight, and resilience in a harsh and unforgiving world.
Inn Tycoon
Welcome to Inn Tycoon! Build, design, and manage your dream inn. Serve delightful meals, offer various services, and hire a stellar staff. Create a top-notch hospitality empire and become the ultimate Inn Tycoon!
Toy Shire
Are you prepared for a thrilling toy army tower defense adventure? Welcome to the Toy Shire! Battle diverse foes in various locations, defend your family, and repel foes from your area. Save the world by strengthening your defense with toy towers!
TIEBREAK+: Official Game of the ATP and WTA
The official ATP and WTA Tennis game has finally arrived! Become the Number One player in the world, competing for entire seasons against the largest cast of professional tennis players ever united in a tennis videogame.
Most played early access games on Steam
Take a look at the top early access games that are currently attracting the largest player bases on the Steam platform, as of June 15th 2025.
1. Gray Zone Warfare
In Gray Zone Warfare, realism meets tactics in an open-world MMOFPS where every move matters. Deploy with a Private Military Company, survive intense PvEvP or PvE encounters against players and AI, unravel the secrets of Lamang Island, and thrive through hard-earned progression. Gray Zone Warfare is a early access, online co-op and tactical game developed and published by MADFINGER Games and a.s.. Released on April 30th 2024 has received 59,318 reviews of which 40,235 were positive and 19,083 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.7 out of 10. The game has hit the top spot as the #1 most played early access game, thanks to its 7,046 peak concurrent players over the last day.
6.7
40,235
19,083
7,046
players
2. Backpack Battles
A PvP inventory management auto battler! Buy and craft powerful items, then carefully arrange them in your backpack. Backpack Battles is a early access, auto battler and inventory management game developed by PlayWithFurcifer and published by PlayWithFurcifer and IndieArk. Released on June 13th 2025 has received 14,780 reviews of which 13,410 were positive and 1,370 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. While seeing 5,828 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #2 among early access games based on player count.
8.9
13,410
1,370
5,828
players
3. Dark and Darker
An unforgiving hardcore fantasy FPS dungeon PvPvE adventure. Band together with your friends and use your courage, wits, and cunning to uncover mythical treasures, defeat gruesome monsters, while staying one step ahead of the other devious treasure-hunters. Dark and Darker is a early access, dungeon crawler and multiplayer game developed and published by IRONMACE. Released on June 07th 2024 has received 72,206 reviews of which 48,530 were positive and 23,676 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.7 out of 10. While seeing 4,555 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among early access games based on player count.
6.7
48,530
23,676
4,555
players
4. Soulmask
Escaping a deadly sacrificial ritual, you find an ancient mystical mask on your journey. This mask holds potent knowledge, changing the world you knew. Face the harsh challenges of nature, survive, rally followers, and build your own tribe. Explore and unveil the truths behind the enigmatic mask. Soulmask is a early access, survival and open world survival craft game developed by CampFire Studio and published by Qooland Games. Released on May 30th 2024 has received 14,866 reviews of which 11,979 were positive and 2,887 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.9 out of 10. With 3,768 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played early access games.
7.9
11,979
2,887
3,768
players
5. Drive Beyond Horizons
Rev up your engines and venture into the unknown with Drive Beyond Horizons! Conquer dynamic landscapes, customize your ride, and unearth hidden treasures. Get ready for heart-pounding challenges and endless excitement. Your adventure starts now ! Drive Beyond Horizons is a early access, adventure and automobile sim game developed by Drive Beyond Horizons and published by Tacty Studio and Santor Games. Released on March 24th 2025 has received 6,853 reviews of which 5,544 were positive and 1,309 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.9 out of 10. With 3,501 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played early access games.
7.9
5,544
1,309
3,501
players
6. Sky: Children of the Light
Sky: Children of the Light is a peaceful, award-winning MMO from the creators of Journey. Explore a beautifully-animated kingdom across seven realms and create enriching memories with other players in this delightful puzzle-adventure game. Sky: Children of the Light is a early access, cozy and multiplayer game developed and published by thatgamecompany. Released on April 10th 2024 has received 17,519 reviews of which 15,319 were positive and 2,200 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. With 2,863 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played early access games.
8.6
15,319
2,200
2,863
players
7. XSOverlay
XSOverlay is a Desktop Overlay application for OpenVR. It aims to be as intuitive as possible, minimalist and out of the way, but fully functional. XSOverlay conforms to your needs, and will adjust itself as such! XSOverlay is a utilities, vr and early access game developed and published by Xiexe. Released on March 03rd 2020 has received 1,443 reviews of which 1,234 were positive and 209 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. With 2,056 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played early access games.
8.2
1,234
209
2,056
players
8. Tower of Babel: Survivors of Chaos
Battle hordes of monsters, acquire new skills, and upgrade your abilities. Customize your build with hundreds of item combinations and reach the top to fulfill your deepest desires. Conquer the tower in this thrilling roguelite hack and slash survivors game! Tower of Babel: Survivors of Chaos is a early access, action roguelike and bullet hell game developed and published by NANOO. Released on May 19th 2025 has received 2,852 reviews of which 1,817 were positive and 1,035 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.3 out of 10. With 1,981 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played early access games.
6.3
1,817
1,035
1,981
players
9. shapez 2
Dive into a factory-building game with the focus on just that – building huge space factories! Construct sprawling multi-level factories and satisfying production lines without limits. Tackle increasingly complex automation challenges at your own pace – you won’t have to worry about enemies. shapez 2 is a management, strategy and automation game developed by tobspr Games and published by tobspr Games and Gamirror Games. Released on August 15th 2024 has received 11,061 reviews of which 10,856 were positive and 205 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.5 out of 10. With 1,872 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played early access games.
9.5
10,856
205
1,872
players
10. Fields of Mistria
Start your new life! Build the farm of your dreams as you discover a world brimming with possibilities. Magic, romance, and adventure all await you in this nostalgic farming / life sim RPG! Fields of Mistria is a early access, farming sim and dating sim game developed and published by NPC Studio. Released on August 05th 2024 has received 19,958 reviews of which 19,544 were positive and 414 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.6 out of 10. With 1,835 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played early access games.
9.6
19,544
414
1,835
players
Best deals on early access games on Steam
Discover fantastic savings with the best discounts on a variety of early access 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 early access games.
1. GOAT OF DUTY
Goat of Duty is a fast-paced multiplayer shooter where goats armed to the horns bleat face to face in a relentless deathmatch. Ram and troll your friends, own the craziest goatstumes, and put your skills to the test in the quirkiest FPS ever. Are you ready to become the GOAT of goats? GOAT OF DUTY is a early access, fps and multiplayer game developed by 34BigThings srl and published by 🚀 Raiser Games. Released on July 10th 2019 has received 3,520 reviews of which 3,050 were positive and 470 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. Featuring a massive 97% discount, this game currently holds the #1 spot in the best deals for early access category.
8.4
3,050
470
-97%
9.99€
0.32€
2. Low Magic Age
Adventure and fight in a medieval fantasy open world! Build heroic characters with various abilities, travel through villages, cities, or perilous dungeons. Strategic turn-based combat system and advanced character building - Fog of war, charging and flanking, and more in the fast-paced Arena mode. Low Magic Age is a early access, dungeons & dragons and turn-based combat game developed and published by Low Magic Studios. Released on January 10th 2017 has received 3,184 reviews of which 2,842 were positive and 342 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 94% discount, this game is now the #2 best deal in early access games.
8.6
2,842
342
-94%
14.79€
0.92€
3. Due Process
A PVP tactical FPS about PLANNING & EXECUTION. Sound strategy and good teamwork are essential for victory because new PROCEDURALLY-GENERATED MAPS are delivered every week. You'll face a new tactical challenge every round. Due Process is a early access, adventure and 3d game developed and published by Giant Enemy Crab. Released on November 03rd 2020 has received 8,208 reviews of which 6,713 were positive and 1,495 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.0 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 94% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in early access games.
8.0
6,713
1,495
-94%
9.75€
0.60€
4. Fancy Skulls
Fancy Skulls is a challenging first person shooter with procedural generation, permadeath and distinct art style. Intense and tactical combat, unique weapon mods and items that change the way you play. Fancy Skulls is a indie, action roguelike and action game developed and published by tequibo. Released on June 16th 2014 has received 338 reviews of which 247 were positive and 91 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.9 out of 10.
6.9
247
91
5. Cook Serve Forever
Bathe in the sights, sounds, and story of Cook Serve Forever, a narrative cooking game where you serve delicious recipes to the hungry masses of Helianthus. Cook Serve Forever is a early access, time management and female protagonist game developed and published by Vertigo Gaming Inc.. Released on May 15th 2023 has received 346 reviews of which 218 were positive and 128 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.1 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 93% discount, this title has earned the #5 position in the best deals for early access games.
6.1
218
128
-93%
28.99€
2.27€
6. Fresh Start Cleaning Simulator
Fresh Start is a relaxing single player game, in which you embark on a mission to clean up the world and restore nature to its fresh and colorful shape. Watch as the world changes in front of your eyes as you help animals, solve puzzles and grow plants around you. Fresh Start Cleaning Simulator is a first-person, 3d and realistic game developed by Chicken Launcher and published by Awaken Realms. Released on December 20th 2022 has received 1,926 reviews of which 1,684 were positive and 242 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 92% discount, this title has earned the #6 position in the best deals for early access games.
8.4
1,684
242
-92%
8.19€
0.71€
7. DinoSystem
DinoSystem is a 2D ecosystem and survival simulation that allows players to manage the ecology of an evolving island and survive in it as a human, dealing with realistic survival mechanics and a deep character progression system. DinoSystem is a simulation, dinosaurs and survival game developed and published by Daniele Ferraro. Released on June 25th 2015 has received 313 reviews of which 276 were positive and 37 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.1 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 89% discount, this title has earned the #7 position in the best deals for early access games.
8.1
276
37
-89%
6.59€
0.77€
8. Quake Champions
Step into the Arena. Compete against players from around the world in this fast-paced shooter that combines the dark mythos of the original Quake with the skill-based competition of Quake III Arena. Become a Champion. Quake Champions is a arena shooter, hero shooter and early access game developed by id Software and published by Bethesda Softworks. Released on August 18th 2022 has received 38,365 reviews of which 28,297 were positive and 10,068 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.3 out of 10.
7.3
28,297
10,068
9. Gladio Mori
Gladio Mori is a physics-driven multiplayer gladiator combat game featuring dismemberment, organ-specific damage, and a fully customizable move editor. Craft your own fighting style or use community created movesets to fight your way to glory. Gladio Mori is a early access, swordplay and 3d fighter game developed by Plebeian Studio and published by Bonus Stage Publishing and Korgi Digital (China). Released on November 26th 2024 has received 427 reviews of which 377 were positive and 50 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 85% discount, this title has earned the #9 position in the best deals for early access games.
8.2
377
50
-85%
15.99€
2.50€
10. Hidden Deep
Hidden Deep is an atmospheric sci-fi action game heavily inspired by Aliens, The Thing, and Half-Life. Explore, climb, swim, scan, blast and shoot your way through dangerous missions in a huge sub oceanic mining and research facility. Fear the horrors that lurk below… Hidden Deep is a early access, shooter and physics game developed by Cogwheel Software and published by Daedalic Entertainment. Released on January 24th 2022 has received 4,408 reviews of which 3,419 were positive and 989 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.5 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 84% discount, this title has earned the #10 position in the best deals for early access games.
7.5
3,419
989
-84%
19.99€
3.24€
Free early access games on Steam
Check out this fantastic list of free-to-play early access 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 early access games.
1. Dark and Darker
An unforgiving hardcore fantasy FPS dungeon PvPvE adventure. Band together with your friends and use your courage, wits, and cunning to uncover mythical treasures, defeat gruesome monsters, while staying one step ahead of the other devious treasure-hunters. Dark and Darker is a early access, dungeon crawler and multiplayer game developed and published by IRONMACE. Released on June 07th 2024 has received 72,206 reviews of which 48,530 were positive and 23,676 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.7 out of 10. With 4,555 active players enjoying it for free, this strategy game has reached the #1 spot among the top free early access games on Steam.
6.7
48,530
23,676
4,555
players
2. Sky: Children of the Light
Sky: Children of the Light is a peaceful, award-winning MMO from the creators of Journey. Explore a beautifully-animated kingdom across seven realms and create enriching memories with other players in this delightful puzzle-adventure game. Sky: Children of the Light is a early access, cozy and multiplayer game developed and published by thatgamecompany. Released on April 10th 2024 has received 17,519 reviews of which 15,319 were positive and 2,200 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. Thanks to its free to play tag and a daily player base of 2,863, this early access game has secured the #2 spot in the ranking of free early access games on Steam.
8.6
15,319
2,200
2,863
players
3. SAO Utils 2: Progressive
SAO Utils 2 provides you a fresh-new customizable Full-Dive 3D app launcher with varieties of themes, desktop widgets and powerful utilities. SAO Utils 2: Progressive is a utilities, software and anime game developed by Joshua Chen and published by Studio GPBeta. Released on November 05th 2022 has received 1,708 reviews of which 1,591 were positive and 117 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 1,109, this early access game has secured the #3 spot in the ranking of free early access games on Steam.
8.9
1,591
117
1,109
players
4. Idle Hero TD - Tower Defense
Endless idle tower defense game full of deep strategy and combat mechanics. Unlock and upgrade dozens of epic fantasy heroes to defeat an infinite swarm of enemy monsters. Strategize hero positions, synergies, and skills for an effective defense, then sit back and let the auto-battler do its thing! Idle Hero TD - Tower Defense is a early access, strategy and tower defense game developed and published by Swell Games LLC. Released on May 03rd 2024 has received 665 reviews of which 548 were positive and 117 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.8 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 1,067 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #4 position in the best free early access games on Steam.
7.8
548
117
1,067
players
5. Galaxy Idle Clicker
Embark on an interstellar journey with Galaxy Idle Clicker! Conquer galaxies, upgrade your spaceship, and face off against a myriad of enemy ships. With engaging minigames, powerful upgrades, GIC delivers an unparalleled idle space adventure. Join the cosmic conquest today and dominate the universe! Galaxy Idle Clicker is a early access, free to play and indie game developed by Soehnle and published by TimeLost Gaming. Released on July 18th 2024 has received 675 reviews of which 508 were positive and 167 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.2 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 1,063 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #5 position in the best free early access games on Steam.
7.2
508
167
1,063
players
6. Stay Out
Stay Out - is a MMORPG with shooter elements, based on spirit of “stalking” - an urban exploration, searching and exploring mysterious, abandoned and forgotten by humanity pieces of our planet. Stay Out is a early access, free to play and shooter game developed and published by MOBITECH LLC. Released on November 27th 2019 has received 25,900 reviews of which 16,994 were positive and 8,906 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.5 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 759 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #6 position in the best free early access games on Steam.
6.5
16,994
8,906
759
players
7. Warudo
Warudo is the flexible & personalized 3D VTubing software you have always wanted. Built-in face & hand tracking, custom 3D assets, Twitch/YouTube integration, blueprint system, C# plugins, and so much more. Warudo is a animation & modeling, video production and early access game developed and published by Hakuya Labs. Released on July 14th 2023 has received 384 reviews of which 361 were positive and 23 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 409 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #7 position in the best free early access games on Steam.
8.7
361
23
409
players
8. Slapshot: Rebound
Slapshot: Rebound is a physics-based multiplayer game where you play an arcade style match of hockey. No shoot button, no puck glue, no RNG. It’s up to you and your team to take control of the puck, pass, shoot, outplay your opponents. Play with your friends or team up with other Slapshot players! Slapshot: Rebound is a early access, sports and arcade game developed and published by Oddshot Games. Released on April 11th 2024 has received 8,613 reviews of which 7,247 were positive and 1,366 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 378 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #8 position in the best free early access games on Steam.
8.2
7,247
1,366
378
players
9. BAPBAP
Join BAPBAP, the Roguelike Party game where no two matches are ever the same. Round up your homies, pick a character, and build a giga-unfair build that'll make them hate you - then do it all over again! BAPBAP is a early access, pvp and deckbuilding game developed and published by BAP HQ. Released on March 12th 2025 has received 1,856 reviews of which 1,484 were positive and 372 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.7 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 368 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #9 position in the best free early access games on Steam.
7.7
1,484
372
368
players
10. Brighter Shores
Brighter Shores is an all new adventure from award winning MMORPG designer Andrew Gower. It is an enchanting point-and-click style RPG with hundreds of hours of gameplay, set in a land of magic and mysteries, with a huge number of professions to try, and something new to find around every corner. Brighter Shores is a early access, mmorpg and rpg game developed and published by Fen Research Ltd. Released on November 06th 2024 has received 9,058 reviews of which 6,414 were positive and 2,644 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.0 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 300 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #10 position in the best free early access games on Steam.
7.0
6,414
2,644
300
players