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.
Big Ambitions
Big Ambitions is a revolutionary role-playing business sim. Go from nothing to the biggest entrepreneur in New York by opening small businesses or slowly building huge corporations any way you like.vivid/stasis
Rhythm-mystery hybrid game about uncovering the dark truth about a mysterious organization. Everything happens for a reason. However, the truth behind that reason is left obstructed.Apex Point
Apex Point is an open world game that aims to immerge you into the Japanese car culture by providing a huge variety of customizations and race types so you can choose your own pathLumencraft
Lumencraft is a unique combination of a top-down, rogue-like shooter and base building with tower defense elements. Dig and light up dark halls of a fully destructible environment on procedurally generated maps and campaign levels to find precious Lumen - humanity's only chance for survival.Your Turn To Die -Death Game By Majority-
Your Turn To Die -Death Game By Majority- is a multi-ending horror adventure game. Sara Chidouin returns home from school late one night to discover that something's gone terribly wrong. When she comes to, she finds herself, her friend Joe, and 9 other people trapped in a mysterious place.Ages of Conflict: World War Simulator
Ages of Conflict is a versatile Map Simulation game where you create and observe custom AI nations battle it out across an infinite number of worlds. Paint imaginative maps and scenarios, and command nations to change history into your liking!SpaceBourne 2
Embark on a journey to greatness. Get ready for adrenaline-fueled battles and a chance to claim your place in the galaxy. Grab the controls of your ship, gear up for the fight, and unleash your ambition to conquer and build a new empire in the vastness of space.Operation: Harsh Doorstop
Operation: Harsh Doorstop is the ultimate, free to play, tactical shooter sandbox. Play singleplayer, multiplayer, or co-op modes and explore thousands of community-created maps, weapons, and vehicles via the Steam Workshop. Created by ex-developers of Squad, Red Orchestra, and Insurgency.Paranormal Cleanup
Paranormal Cleanup is a 1-4 player online co-op survival horror game. This is no ordinary clean-up job. You are tasked with cleaning up paranormal locations. Unclog dirty toilets and scrub ectoplasm, but don't get caught by the entities that are hunting you!Plan B: Terraform
Terraform a lifeless rock into a lush and habitable world. Build trucks, trains and sprawling factories on an enormous hexagonal planet. Grow its population to millions. Enjoy a dynamic simulation of atmosphere, temperature, water and forests.The Last Starship
The Last Starship is a 2D space construction game where you design and upgrade your starship. Choose your path: pirate hunter, miner, engineer, spacebus driver, and more, whilst exploring vibrant star systems. Enjoy a growing sandbox world, with regular free updates. Your cosmic adventure awaits!The Farmer Was Replaced
Program and optimize a drone to automate a farm and watch it do the work for you. Collect resources to unlock better technology and become the most efficient farmer in the world. Improve your problem solving and coding skills.BACKROOMS: APPREHENSION
A terrifying multiplayer horror experience with social deduction elements. Trapped in the Backrooms, up to ten players must try to work together to survive and expose the shapeshifting Skin Stealer hiding among them before it’s too late. Who will you trust?Crosshair V2
Crosshair V2 is a crosshair overlay technology that improves aim, response time, and hip fire accuracy for gamers. Choose from a variety of sizes, shapes, and neon colors to find the crosshair that gives you the greatest advantage in your favorite game.The Pioneers: Surviving Desolation
Deep and innovative space survival simulation experience. Build your station, manage your crew and explore the harsh environment of Io, the innermost moon of Jupiter. Are you brave enough to survive?Lunar Mirror
"Lunar Mirror" It is a horror suspense decryption game with the theme of Cthulhu in the research institute. Nishimura Qiren's girlfriend mysteriously disappeared on campus. As the investigation deepened, strange events happened one after anotherFraymakers
Fraymakers is the ultimate customizable platform fighting game, featuring a cast of some of indie gaming's biggest icons. Duke it out with up to 4 players and call on assists to help out in the heat of battle. Create and play custom characters, stages, modes, and more for infinite fun!Rising Front
A FPS WW1 & Revolutionary War battle simulator with a focus on Workshop Content, rag-doll physics, intelligent AI, massive battles, procedural AI cover system, real-time building system and FPS combat!No One Survived
This is a multiplayer cooperative open world construction survival sandbox game, where you and your friends must find supplies and build shelters in this world. You have to keep an eye on your character's needs state at all times, a bad state is likely to lead to death.The Escape: Together
The Escape: Together is a 1-3 player Online CO-OP escape horror. The paranormal creature has taken over the house. You must use everything you find to survive and make your runaway.Finnish Army Simulator
Military service, just like you remember it! Or if you don’t, you’ll feel like you do.Dominance
Dominance is a multiplayer top-down shooter, built on a no-limits attitude. Choose between a rich variety of different ability and item combinations, select one of 6 distinct characters. Battle up to 24 foes on the ever-evolving terrain — and prove your Dominance.Territory: Farming and Fighting
From a small village of a dozen people to a small kingdom of thousands of people. Arrange for residents to work, gathering, fishing and hunting, farming and mining, processing and manufacturing. Trade, accumulate supplies, increase your strength, and fight evil forces and monsters.Into The Flames
Into The Flames is a Solo/Co-op firefighting game that focuses on the intensity of being a real life firefighter. Drive emergency vehicles, bust down doors, fight raging fires, and do whatever it takes to bring the chaotic scene under control!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 April 30th 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 67,909 reviews of which 47,703 were positive and 20,206 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.0 out of 10. The game has hit the top spot as the #1 most played early access game, thanks to its 9,845 peak concurrent players over the last day.2. 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, multiplayer and survival game developed and published by Jagex Ltd. Released on April 15th 2025 has received 15,264 reviews of which 13,016 were positive and 2,248 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.3 out of 10. While seeing 8,822 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #2 among early access games based on player count.3. 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 1,436 reviews of which 1,180 were positive and 256 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.9 out of 10. While seeing 6,507 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among early access games based on player count.4. 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 mmorpg game developed and published by thatgamecompany. Released on April 10th 2024 has received 16,706 reviews of which 14,623 were positive and 2,083 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. With 2,556 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played early access games.5. 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 5,737 reviews of which 5,399 were positive and 338 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. With 1,930 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played early access games.6. Soulstone Survivors
Face the Lords of the Void and their endless minions, collect their Soulstones and become a god! In this Action Roguelite, unveil secret spells, craft mighty weapons, unlock multiple characters, discover game-breaking synergies and conquer the power of the void. Soulstone Survivors is a action roguelike, bullet hell and early access game developed and published by Game Smithing Limited. Released on November 07th 2022 has received 21,279 reviews of which 19,406 were positive and 1,873 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. With 1,777 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played early access games.7. 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 19,025 reviews of which 18,628 were positive and 397 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.5 out of 10. With 1,636 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played early access games.8. 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 14,366 reviews of which 11,570 were positive and 2,796 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.9 out of 10. With 1,389 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played early access games.9. Legend of Heroes: Three Kingdoms
"Legend of Heroes: Three Kingdoms" is a single-player RPG where you shape the Three Kingdoms era. Choose to be a ruler, a loyal advisor, or a cunning mercenary. Marry, build homes, or train in martial arts. Restore peace through diplomacy or conquer with mighty armies. Legend of Heroes: Three Kingdoms is a early access, simulation and strategy game developed and published by Free Wing. Released on March 25th 2025 has received 4,073 reviews of which 3,630 were positive and 443 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. With 1,119 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played early access games.10. Farthest Frontier
Protect and guide your people as you forge a town from untamed wilderness at the edge of the known world. Harvest raw materials, hunt, fish and farm to survive. Produce crafted items to trade, consume, equip and fight with as you battle for your survival against the elements and outside threats. Farthest Frontier is a early access, historical and agriculture game developed and published by Crate Entertainment. Released on August 09th 2022 has received 19,280 reviews of which 16,579 were positive and 2,701 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. With 995 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played early access games.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 April 30th 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 1,860 reviews of which 1,631 were positive and 229 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.2. 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 4,363 reviews of which 3,387 were positive and 976 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.5 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 80% discount, this game is now the #2 best deal in early access games.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 8,130 reviews of which 6,650 were positive and 1,480 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.0 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 78% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in early access games.4. 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 3,157 reviews of which 2,819 were positive and 338 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 early access games.5. 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 2,864 reviews of which 1,892 were positive and 972 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.5 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.6. 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 2,709 reviews of which 2,433 were positive and 276 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 69% discount, this title has earned the #6 position in the best deals for early access games.7. Quasimorph
Take on a role of a hardened PMC fighter in a dark turn-based extraction RPG. Engage in unforgiving combat, manage your ship and pile up the bodies of your clones to unravel the dark mystery behind threat to all life. Quasimorph is a early access, extraction shooter and simulation game developed by Magnum Scriptum and published by HypeTrain Digital. Released on October 02nd 2023 has received 4,145 reviews of which 3,407 were positive and 738 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.0 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 67% discount, this title has earned the #7 position in the best deals for early access games.8. 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 6,404 reviews of which 6,093 were positive and 311 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 #8 position in the best deals for early access games.9. Ultimate Fishing Simulator 2
Are you a fishing fanatic? With Ultimate Fishing Simulator 2 you can prove it! Here's a fishing simulator with six picturesque locations where you'll catch more than 60 species of fish, including the giant tiger shark. Grab your rod, adventure awaits! Ultimate Fishing Simulator 2 is a early access, fishing and simulation game developed by Silent Bear Studio and SHINING GAMES and published by Ultimate Games S.A.. Released on August 22nd 2022 has received 1,672 reviews of which 1,160 were positive and 512 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.7 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.10. Sacred Fire: A Role Playing Game
A text-based RPG full of choice and action. Fight for survival in the midst of the Roman invasion of ancient Caledonia. Strategize one dice roll at a time as emotions affect your performance. Use willpower to outsmart opponents, gain allies, wage war, or strive for peace. How will your story end? Sacred Fire: A Role Playing Game is a early access, choices matter and story rich game developed by Poetic and published by Iceberg Interactive. Released on October 18th 2021 has received 463 reviews of which 441 were positive and 22 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 62% discount, this title has earned the #10 position in the best deals for early access games.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 April 30th 2025. Looking for even more free titles? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of free to play early access games.