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
Black Ice
Hack greedy megacorps to help as many people as you can in a high-agility cyberpunk looter/shooter RPG. Explore vast cyberspace vistas and outmaneuver AIs to customize your loadout with an arsenal of weapon combos. Think Borderlands meets Tron. Play solo or online co-op with up to 10 people!
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.
Blade Symphony
Prove you are the world's greatest swordsman! Engage in tactical 1 vs. 1 sword fighting, 2 vs. 2, or sandbox FFA, or capture Control Points in a tactical slash-em-up.
Signs of Life
Signs of Life is a sci-fi survival sandbox platformer with a combination of procedurally generated and hand-crafted content. You'll explore mysterious locations, Mine blocks for resources, and meet strange (and some familiar) creatures, some of which don't even want to kill you and eat your corpse.
Project Zomboid
Project Zomboid is the ultimate in zombie survival. Alone or in MP: you loot, build, craft, fight, farm and fish in a struggle to survive. A hardcore RPG skillset, a vast map, massively customisable sandbox and a cute tutorial raccoon await the unwary. So how will you die? All it takes is a bite..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 May 17th 2025.
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 69,102 reviews of which 48,468 were positive and 20,634 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.9 out of 10. The game has hit the top spot as the #1 most played early access game, thanks to its 9,361 peak concurrent players over the last day.
6.9
48,468
20,634
9,361
players
2. 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 action game developed by Drive Beyond Horizons and published by Tacty Studio and Santor Games. Released on March 24th 2025 has received 3,992 reviews of which 3,213 were positive and 779 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.8 out of 10. While seeing 8,283 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #2 among early access games based on player count.
7.8
3,213
779
8,283
players
3. FOUNDRY
Build a sophisticated robot factory optimized to perfection in an infinite voxel world. Mine and harvest resources, automate your production lines and manage complex systems while researching your way to become the galaxy’s leading robotics megacorp. FOUNDRY is a early access, automation and base-building game developed by Channel 3 Entertainment and published by Paradox Interactive. Released on May 02nd 2024 has received 2,125 reviews of which 1,731 were positive and 394 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.8 out of 10. While seeing 4,420 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among early access games based on player count.
7.8
1,731
394
4,420
players
4. No Rest for the Wicked
From Moon Studios, the award-winning developers of Ori and the Blind Forest and Ori and the Will of the Wisps comes No Rest for the Wicked, a visceral, precision Action RPG set to reinvent the genre. No Rest for the Wicked is a early access, souls-like and action rpg game developed and published by Moon Studios GmbH. Released on April 18th 2024 has received 40,659 reviews of which 29,929 were positive and 10,730 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.3 out of 10. With 2,946 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played early access games.
7.3
29,929
10,730
2,946
players
5. RuneScape: Dragonwilds
On RuneScape’s forgotten continent of Ashenfall, dragons have awoken. Gather, build, skill and craft to survive in this co-operative (1-4) survival crafting game. Only by mastering survival and uncovering ancient secrets can they hope to slay the Dragon Queen—alone or with allies. RuneScape: Dragonwilds is a open world, survival and open world survival craft game developed and published by Jagex Ltd. Released on April 15th 2025 has received 17,462 reviews of which 14,782 were positive and 2,680 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.3 out of 10. With 2,589 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played early access games.
8.3
14,782
2,680
2,589
players
6. Deadzone: Rogue
Deadzone: Rogue is a roguelite FPS set in deep space. Blast through hordes of enemies with devastating weapons. Define your combat style with powerful augments and upgrades. Grow stronger with each death, solo or in co-op. Fight. Die. Revive. Deadzone: Rogue is a early access, pve and horror game developed and published by Prophecy Games. Released on April 29th 2025 has received 2,921 reviews of which 2,408 were positive and 513 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.0 out of 10. With 2,401 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played early access games.
8.0
2,408
513
2,401
players
7. 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 17,069 reviews of which 14,934 were positive and 2,135 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. With 2,316 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played early access games.
8.6
14,934
2,135
2,316
players
8. Legacy: Steel & Sorcery
Legacy: Steel & Sorcery is an action-combat PvPvE extraction RPG set in the classic fantasy world of Mithrigarde, rich with expansive outdoor zones. Play solo or with friends to gather loot, slay creatures, and defeat other players. Legacy: Steel & Sorcery is a multiplayer, extraction shooter and online co-op game developed and published by Notorious Studios. Released on February 12th 2025 has received 2,606 reviews of which 1,815 were positive and 791 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.8 out of 10. With 2,263 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played early access games.
6.8
1,815
791
2,263
players
9. Motor Town: Behind The Wheel
Enjoy realistic driving in the open world. Relaxing cargo deliveries or driving buses and taxis will give you enough money to buy new cars and parts. You can test your driving skills at the race track. It's all about pure driving pleasure! Motor Town: Behind The Wheel is a early access, open world and driving game developed and published by P3 Games. Released on December 17th 2021 has received 6,046 reviews of which 5,700 were positive and 346 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. With 1,621 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played early access games.
9.1
5,700
346
1,621
players
10. Gray Zone Warfare
Gray Zone Warfare challenges you with the first open-world extraction shooter emphasizing realism. Deploy with a Private Military Company, survive high-stakes PvEvP or PvE MMO battles against human operators and AI enemies, unravel Lamang island’s mysteries, and thrive through hard-earned progress. 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 56,262 reviews of which 37,741 were positive and 18,521 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.6 out of 10. With 1,615 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played early access games.
6.6
37,741
18,521
1,615
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 May 17th 2025. Looking for even more deals? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of discounted early access games.
1. 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 1,873 reviews of which 1,642 were positive and 231 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. Featuring a massive 88% discount, this game currently holds the #1 spot in the best deals for early access category.
8.4
1,642
231
-88%
8.33€
1.00€
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 3,167 reviews of which 2,826 were positive and 341 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 76% discount, this game is now the #2 best deal in early access games.
8.6
2,826
341
-76%
14.54€
3.49€
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 8,177 reviews of which 6,689 were positive and 1,488 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.0 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 76% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in early access games.
8.0
6,689
1,488
-76%
9.83€
2.36€
4. 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 4,389 reviews of which 3,405 were positive and 984 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.5 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 72% discount, this title has earned the #4 position in the best deals for early access games.
7.5
3,405
984
-72%
19.64€
5.50€
5. ANIMALITY
ANIMALITY is a skill based animal runner game, the goal of the game is to avoid dragons and demons all whilst trying to grab life gems, either do this singleplayer or with your friend in local multiplayer co-op, you can collect 9 fabulous pixel art animals which are purchased using your running cash! ANIMALITY is a indie, casual and adventure game developed by ColloseusX and published by Phat Phrog Studios. Released on February 02nd 2017 has received 794 reviews of which 607 were positive and 187 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.3 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 72% discount, this title has earned the #5 position in the best deals for early access games.
7.3
607
187
-72%
1.99€
0.55€
6. Frozen Flame
A challenging exploration and survival adventure, set in the dying world of Dragons. Only those who harness the power of Frozen Flame have the means to survive the harsh conditions of the realm and able to muster the strength to cleanse it for good. Frozen Flame is a early access, open world survival craft and online co-op game developed by Dreamside Interactive and published by Ravenage Games and 2P Games. Released on November 17th 2022 has received 2,874 reviews of which 1,892 were positive and 982 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.4 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 72% discount, this title has earned the #6 position in the best deals for early access games.
6.4
1,892
982
-72%
29.82€
8.35€
7. Snooker Nation Championship
Dream of playing in the World Snooker Championship? Indulge your snooker fix, and play along with the televised version of the sport with Snooker Nation Championship Snooker Nation Championship is a snooker, sports and simulation game developed and published by Cherry Pop Games. Released on April 27th 2016 has received 313 reviews of which 196 were positive and 117 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.0 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 70% discount, this title has earned the #7 position in the best deals for early access games.
6.0
196
117
-70%
3.99€
1.19€
8. The Greatest Penguin Heist of All Time
The Greatest Penguin Heist of All Time is a sandboxy physics game for 1-8 players, with everything from sneaky heists to hilarous stupidity to baking pizzas. With continuous updates, plenty of maps, and hundreds of items, clothes and quests, it has something for everyone. The Greatest Penguin Heist of All Time is a early access, heist and comedy game developed and published by That Fish and That Other Fish. Released on July 02nd 2021 has received 2,718 reviews of which 2,440 were positive and 278 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 66% discount, this title has earned the #8 position in the best deals for early access games.
8.6
2,440
278
-66%
12.35€
4.20€
9. Gloomwood
Trapped in a dark, Victorian city consumed by an ancient curse, you must plan your survival and daring escape using nothing but stealth, an arsenal of eccentric weapons, and your wit in this haunting adventure inspired by the immersive sims and survival horror greats of the late 90s and early 2000s. Gloomwood is a early access, immersive sim and stealth game developed by Dillon Rogers, David Szymanski, Nate Berens and Thomas Porta and published by New Blood Interactive . Released on September 05th 2022 has received 6,461 reviews of which 6,151 were positive and 310 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 65% discount, this title has earned the #9 position in the best deals for early access games.
9.2
6,151
310
-65%
19.71€
6.90€
10. Slime Rancher 2
Continue the adventures of Beatrix LeBeau as she journeys across the Slime Sea to Rainbow Island, a land brimming with ancient mysteries, and bursting with wiggly, new slimes to wrangle in this sequel to the smash-hit, Slime Rancher. Slime Rancher 2 is a early access, cute and relaxing game developed and published by Monomi Park. Released on September 22nd 2022 has received 33,328 reviews of which 31,453 were positive and 1,875 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 63% discount, this title has earned the #10 position in the best deals for early access games.
9.2
31,453
1,875
-63%
28.11€
10.40€
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 May 17th 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 69,102 reviews of which 48,468 were positive and 20,634 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.9 out of 10. With 9,361 active players enjoying it for free, this strategy game has reached the #1 spot among the top free early access games on Steam.
6.9
48,468
20,634
9,361
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 17,069 reviews of which 14,934 were positive and 2,135 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 2,316, this early access game has secured the #2 spot in the ranking of free early access games on Steam.
8.6
14,934
2,135
2,316
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 1,687 reviews of which 1,572 were positive and 115 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 982, this early access game has secured the #3 spot in the ranking of free early access games on Steam.
8.9
1,572
115
982
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 629 reviews of which 516 were positive and 113 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.7 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 974 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #4 position in the best free early access games on Steam.
7.7
516
113
974
players
5. 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 425 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #5 position in the best free early access games on Steam.
8.2
7,247
1,366
425
players
6. 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 8,998 reviews of which 6,403 were positive and 2,595 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.0 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 408 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #6 position in the best free early access games on Steam.
7.0
6,403
2,595
408
players
7. 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 1,622 reviews of which 1,287 were positive and 335 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.6 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 393 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #7 position in the best free early access games on Steam.
7.6
1,287
335
393
players
8. 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 364 reviews of which 344 were positive and 20 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 392 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #8 position in the best free early access games on Steam.
8.7
344
20
392
players
9. Sirocco
MOBA meets Vampire Survivors in a dynamic 5v5 arena inspired by the legendary Warcraft 3 mod: Battleships. Rally your team as you swap abilities mid-match, load up auto-firing weapons, and craft strategies on the fly. No rules — just fun. Sirocco is a early access, moba and competitive game developed and published by Lunchbox Entertainment Inc.. Released on May 02nd 2025 has received 517 reviews of which 381 were positive and 136 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.0 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 315 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #9 position in the best free early access games on Steam.
7.0
381
136
315
players
10. 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 38,331 reviews of which 28,270 were positive and 10,061 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.3 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 266 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #10 position in the best free early access games on Steam.
7.3
28,270
10,061
266
players