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
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.

Price 14.79€
Rating 7.0
Release 14 Nov 2014
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.

Price Free to play
Rating 6.7
Release 03 Sep 2014
Rodina A single-developer passion project. A seamless full scale solar system. Thrilling action. Be part of an incredible journey as a Universe is built from the ground up!

Price 14.99€
Rating 8.8
Release 28 Jul 2014
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.

Price Free to play
Rating 8.3
Release 16 Jul 2014
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.

Price Free to play
Rating 6.7
Release 15 Jul 2014
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!

Price -15% 16.57€
Rating 8.9
Release 09 Jul 2014
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.

Price Free to play
Rating 6.9
Release 16 Jun 2014
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.

Price Free to play
Rating 6.5
Release 07 May 2014
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.

Price 9.75€
Rating 7.3
Release 27 Jan 2014
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..

Price -33% 13.06€
Rating 9.3
Release 08 Nov 2013

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 July 03rd 2025.

1. 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. The game has hit the top spot as the #1 most played early access game, thanks to its 3,512 peak concurrent players over the last day.
7.9
5,544
1,309

3,512
players

2. 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 June 17th 2025 has received 21,828 reviews of which 19,922 were positive and 1,906 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. While seeing 3,180 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
19,922
1,906

3,180
players

3. BitCraft Online

Join thousands of players in a true single-world MMORPG. Carve out a cozy nook, master a player-driven economy, or band together to transform the ancient wilderness into thriving cities. From humble beginnings to legend, your choices matter - because in BitCraft, your actions shape our world. BitCraft Online is a early access, mmorpg and point & click game developed and published by Clockwork Laboratories and Inc.. Released on June 21st 2025 has received 1,452 reviews of which 1,139 were positive and 313 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.5 out of 10. While seeing 3,117 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among early access games based on player count.
7.5
1,139
313

3,117
players

4. 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. With 2,979 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played early access games.
6.7
40,235
19,083

2,979
players

5. 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. With 2,879 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played early access games.
8.9
13,410
1,370

2,879
players

6. 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 73,532 reviews of which 48,265 were positive and 25,267 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.5 out of 10. With 2,045 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played early access games.
6.5
48,265
25,267

2,045
players

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 19,958 reviews of which 19,544 were positive and 414 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.6 out of 10. With 1,896 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played early access games.
9.6
19,544
414

1,896
players

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 14,866 reviews of which 11,979 were positive and 2,887 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.9 out of 10. With 1,807 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played early access games.
7.9
11,979
2,887

1,807
players

9. 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 18,016 reviews of which 15,735 were positive and 2,281 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.5 out of 10. With 1,686 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played early access games.
8.5
15,735
2,281

1,686
players

10. 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 18,400 reviews of which 15,430 were positive and 2,970 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. With 1,404 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played early access games.
8.2
15,430
2,970

1,404
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 July 03rd 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. 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 95% discount, this game is now the #2 best deal in early access games.
8.0
6,713
1,495

-95% 9.75€ 0.57€

3. 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 95% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in early access games.
8.6
2,842
342

-95% 14.79€ 0.88€

4. 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 #4 position in the best deals for early access games.
6.1
218
128

-93% 28.99€ 2.26€

5. 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

6. Haunt Chaser

Haunt Chaser is a 4 Player Co-Op horror game, can be played as a Single-Player too. Chasers need to use all the hunting equipment in order to banish the evil and save the poor souls from torment while uncovering deeply disturbing secrets. Also, there is a 4v1 party game mode. Haunt Chaser is a online co-op, horror and action game developed and published by Clock Wizard Games. Released on October 06th 2021 has received 708 reviews of which 479 were positive and 229 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.5 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 90% discount, this title has earned the #6 position in the best deals for early access games.
6.5
479
229

-90% 12.49€ 1.24€

7. 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 89% discount, this title has earned the #7 position in the best deals for early access games.
8.4
1,684
242

-89% 8.19€ 0.98€

8. 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 #8 position in the best deals for early access games.
8.1
276
37

-89% 6.59€ 0.77€

9. Army Troop

Army Troop is an old-school PvP World War 2 online first-person shooter. Reminding you of the good old days World War games. Army Troop is a early access, action and indie game developed and published by Amonga99. Released on September 16th 2023 has received 341 reviews of which 292 were positive and 49 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.0 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 89% discount, this title has earned the #9 position in the best deals for early access games.
8.0
292
49

-89% 9.75€ 1.07€

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 38,365 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

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 July 03rd 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 73,532 reviews of which 48,265 were positive and 25,267 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.5 out of 10. With 2,045 active players enjoying it for free, this strategy game has reached the #1 spot among the top free early access games on Steam.
6.5
48,265
25,267

2,045
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 18,016 reviews of which 15,735 were positive and 2,281 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.5 out of 10. Thanks to its free to play tag and a daily player base of 1,686, this early access game has secured the #2 spot in the ranking of free early access games on Steam.
8.5
15,735
2,281

1,686
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 1,718 reviews of which 1,601 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 1,041, this early access game has secured the #3 spot in the ranking of free early access games on Steam.
8.9
1,601
117

1,041
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 700 reviews of which 576 were positive and 124 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.8 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 1,023 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
576
124

1,023
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 690 reviews of which 517 were positive and 173 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.1 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 875 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
517
173

875
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 623 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

623
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 397 reviews of which 374 were positive and 23 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 441 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
374
23

441
players

8. 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 9,092 reviews of which 6,415 were positive and 2,677 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.9 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 317 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #8 position in the best free early access games on Steam.
6.9
6,415
2,677

317
players

9. 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 279 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #9 position in the best free early access games on Steam.
8.2
7,247
1,366

279
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 38,365 reviews of which 28,297 were positive and 10,068 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.3 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 193 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
28,297
10,068

193
players