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
Automation - The Car Company Tycoon Game
Make your dream cars a reality with Automation’s unparalleled car and engine design tools. Gain a competitive edge through smart engineering and business decisions to help you build an automotive empire. Will you become an industry leader, or just a footnote in automotive history?
Catacomb Kids
Catacomb Kids is a brutal platformer roguelike that pits you against the deadly Catacombs aided only by magic, steel, and your quick reflexes. Traverse procedurally generated dungeons and hack, slash, burn, and blast your way through hordes of things that want to kill you.
Forsaken Isle
Stranded on a desert island, explore, craft, build and fight in this action survival game!
Terra Incognita Chapter One: The Descendant
Terra Incognita is a classic role playing game. The world of Terra is slowly falling into chaos. A great war is coming and It's time to take up arms against a corrupt royal family. You must travel across this huge world and unite the nations of Terra, recruiting comrades along the way.
Xsyon - Prelude
Xsyon is a player driven apocalyptic fantasy sandbox MMORPG, set in a living and evolving environment. Players create the world they want to live in as they form tribes, construct towns, shape landscapes, create quests, hunt, farm, gather, build societies and develop a New World.
Dead State: Reanimated
Dead State is a narrative-driven survival RPG set at the dawn of the undead apocalypse. Drawing inspiration from classic RPGs like Fallout, X-Com, and Suikoden, Dead State combines strategic, turn-based combat with base building mechanics, character creation, and social management.
StarMade
The ultimate space sandbox. Participate in epic fleet battles, form alliances, strive to dominate entire galaxies and harness the universe’s resources for your industrious empire or the destruction of others. Customise your experience, the universe is yours!
Fight The Dragon
A COMMUNITY CREATED Hack'n Slash RPG where players can team up and tackle exciting adventures made by other community members in our in-game Adventure Construction Kit - It's DIABLO meets LITTLE BIG PLANET!
Rising World
Rising World is a voxel based open-world sandbox game, featuring a procedurally generated world, playable in single and multi-player.
Amazing Frog?
Amazing Frog? is the original open world buffet of bonkers physics sandbox mayhem. For one to four players.
Celestial Command
Mine asteroids, salvage space debris, design your own small or massive spacecraft using individual functional components, complete missions, and engage in battles against enemies in a vast galaxy with realistic physics based on orbital mechanics or in a classic physics mode.
Homebrew - Patent Unknown
Unleash your creativity and craft anything from flying cars to jet-powered toilets.Fair warning: there's a learning curve. But once you've got it, the sky's the limit for your creations!While active development is paused, we focus preserving the game and keeping it accessible.
Anarchy Arcade
Turn your entire digital life into a game. AArcade is a 3D desktop that launches shortcuts to absolutely anything you like. Join the anarchy of the persistent online metaverse, or remain in your own private reality. Casual in-game building features, plus hundreds of thousands of addons.
Of Guards And Thieves
Of Guards and Thieves is a multiplayer stealth game in which high-powered guards face off against fast and elusive thieves in a contest of wits. Outsmarting the enemy and shooting your way through to the goal are equally valid strategies. Simple rules, emergent gameplay and high replayability.
Wild Warfare
Wild Warfare is a F2P, multiplayer FPS made for players that enjoy fun and/or being a bear. It's a mix of crazy game modes, balanced classes, simple controls and intense matches. Its got vehicle combat, because why not? You can even be a bunny that clubs people with a wrench, lucky you.
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 11th 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 10,655 peak concurrent players over the last day.
6.9
48,468
20,634
10,655
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 8,555 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
8,555
players
3. 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 game developed and published by Moon Studios GmbH. Released on April 18th 2024 has received 36,481 reviews of which 26,452 were positive and 10,029 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.2 out of 10. While seeing 5,140 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among early access games based on player count.
7.2
26,452
10,029
5,140
players
4. 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 17,077 reviews of which 14,477 were positive and 2,600 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.3 out of 10. With 4,913 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played early access games.
8.3
14,477
2,600
4,913
players
5. 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 rogue-lite game developed and published by Prophecy Games. Released on April 29th 2025 has received 2,186 reviews of which 1,813 were positive and 373 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.0 out of 10. With 3,887 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played early access games.
8.0
1,813
373
3,887
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 16,869 reviews of which 14,764 were positive and 2,105 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. With 3,121 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played early access games.
8.6
14,764
2,105
3,121
players
7. 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 2,046 reviews of which 1,672 were positive and 374 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.9 out of 10. With 2,445 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played early access games.
7.9
1,672
374
2,445
players
8. 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 5,937 reviews of which 5,593 were positive and 344 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. With 2,249 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played early access games.
9.1
5,593
344
2,249
players
9. 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 1,423 reviews of which 1,218 were positive and 205 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. With 2,075 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played early access games.
8.2
1,218
205
2,075
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 19,434 reviews of which 19,029 were positive and 405 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.6 out of 10. With 1,978 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played early access games.
9.6
19,029
405
1,978
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 11th 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 1,866 reviews of which 1,635 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
1,635
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 3,161 reviews of which 2,822 were positive and 339 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
2,822
339
-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 8,157 reviews of which 6,672 were positive and 1,485 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
6,672
1,485
-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 4,383 reviews of which 3,402 were positive and 981 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
3,402
981
-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 792 reviews of which 605 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
605
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 2,870 reviews of which 1,894 were positive and 976 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.5 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.
6.5
1,894
976
-72%
29.82€
8.35€
7. 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 2,716 reviews of which 2,440 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 #7 position in the best deals for early access games.
8.6
2,440
276
-69%
12.42€
3.85€
8. 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 4,189 reviews of which 3,447 were positive and 742 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.0 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 67% discount, this title has earned the #8 position in the best deals for early access games.
8.0
3,447
742
-67%
19.82€
6.54€
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 May 09th 2025 has received 1,684 reviews of which 1,170 were positive and 514 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.
6.7
1,170
514
-65%
19.86€
6.95€
10. 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 6,425 reviews of which 6,115 were positive and 310 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 64% discount, this title has earned the #10 position in the best deals for early access games.
9.2
6,115
310
-64%
19.47€
7.01€
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 11th 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 10,655 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
10,655
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 16,869 reviews of which 14,764 were positive and 2,105 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 3,121, this early access game has secured the #2 spot in the ranking of free early access games on Steam.
8.6
14,764
2,105
3,121
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 1,681 reviews of which 1,566 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 1,065, this early access game has secured the #3 spot in the ranking of free early access games on Steam.
8.9
1,566
115
1,065
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 619 reviews of which 508 were positive and 111 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.7 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 940 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
508
111
940
players
5. 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 383 reviews of which 290 were positive and 93 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.1 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 679 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #5 position in the best free early access games on Steam.
7.1
290
93
679
players
6. 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 462 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #6 position in the best free early access games on Steam.
8.2
7,247
1,366
462
players
7. 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 8,982 reviews of which 6,409 were positive and 2,573 were negative resulting in a rating of 7 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 433 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #7 position in the best free early access games on Steam.
7
6,409
2,573
433
players
8. 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 1,511 reviews of which 1,207 were positive and 304 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.7 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 367 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #8 position in the best free early access games on Steam.
7.7
1,207
304
367
players
9. 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 361 reviews of which 341 were positive and 20 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 347 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #9 position in the best free early access games on Steam.
8.7
341
20
347
players
10. DPET : Desktop Pet Engine
DPET is a desktop pet generation engine that can summon many virtual pets to decorate your desktop and create endless fun. For a streamer, DPET can also create virtual pet avatars for chatting viewers to promote their engagement and channel activity. DPET : Desktop Pet Engine is a free to play, casual and utilities game developed and published by Live3D. Released on May 13th 2022 has received 926 reviews of which 698 were positive and 228 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.2 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 347 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #10 position in the best free early access games on Steam.
7.2
698
228
347
players