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
Island 359™
Island 359 is a Virtual Reality survival game for the HTC Vive and Oculus Touch. Players will scrounge for weapons, upgrades, food, and other items they can find to survive for as long as they can against hordes of dinosaurs, as they explore the increasingly dangerous, beautiful, and expansive island.
Escape The Pacific
Raw, real survival in the Pacific. Build a modular floating base. Master realistic sailing mechanics. Face challenging Pacific-like weather & seasons. Hunt, craft, build & navigate using Sun Dial, Sextant & Triangulation. Explore an endless island cluster-based world. Simulate real life scenarios!
Beast Battle Simulator
Beast Battle Simulator is a physics based battle-simulation sandbox game featuring dinosaurs, animals, and humans. Kamikaze Zebras VS. T-Rex with laser guns, Lions VS. medieval knights; anything is possible! Watch as the beasts dismember and rip each other apart in gory detail!
The Void Rains Upon Her Heart
Help her heart battle tough bosses in this Boss Rush, Bullet-hell with rogue-like elements. Fight through several randomly chosen boss battles leading up to a final battle. Each defeated monster will give her random gifts that power up her heart. Don't let her heart break!
Closers
Closers is an episodic anime action RPG bursting with spectacular battles and steeped in an epic storyline. Choose your Closer, gather your friends or dive in solo, and use your amazing powers to protect Earth, in mankind’s desperate battle against horrific monsters from another dimension!
Salt
Salt is an open world exploration game where you sail from island to island looking for loot and new discoveries! Relax and explore at your own pace, picking a direction and setting sail across a vast ocean filled with quests, merchants, ruins, pirates, and other mysterious places.
cyubeVR
Immerse yourself in a voxel game exclusively designed for VR. A beautiful infinite procedural world. Explore, gather resources, craft with your hands in 3D, and build anything you can imagine. Featuring great VR controls, near-infinite view distance, Steam Workshop mod support, and much more!
Beavers Be Dammed
Beavers be Dammed is a two player local co-op game in which two beavers perform heists under time pressure to steal wood from a sawmill under crazy circumstances!
Total Miner
Total Miner is an open world voxel sandbox game. It is primarily designed for creative RPG game builders, but also has two action/adventure style game modes where you can just jump in and play.
Survive the Nights
Survive the Nights is a unique FPS survival game focusing on teamwork, fortification, creativity & strategy. Secure a structure or roam free, the choice is yours. Gameplay focuses on realistic survival, post zombie infestation. Prepare during the day for nightfall. How many nights will you survive?
Fire Pro Wrestling World
The greatest grappling game returns to take on the world! Customize every aspect of the match, from your wrestler to the ring itself, in your fight for the championship belt.
Stationeers
Stationeers puts you in control of the construction and management of a space station to run by yourself or online with your friends. Complex atmospheric, electrical, manufacturing, agriculture, and gravitational systems require your thought and management at all times!
TY the Tasmanian Tiger 2
STREWTH! It's time to go back Down Under with this fully remastered version of TY the Tasmanian Tiger 2: Bush Rescue. Rang, bite, smash and glide your way around the Australian Outback and stop the evil machinations of the diabolical BOSS CASS in this open world adventure.
Irony Of Nightmare
In the Irony of Nightmare things aren't always as they seem. Those who decide to solve all puzzles of the game, not only will unravel true secret of house, but also will open completely different ending of the story.
Battle Snails
Create a snail and join the battle. Take control of the backyard with Battle Snails! Climb walls, hang upside down and move anywhere. Team up with your friends for a tank game unlike any other!
Cookies vs. Claus
Cookies vs. Claus is an action-packed battle game. With a range of characters to choose from, you can battle as your favorite cookie or take on a squad as a holiday character. Through both single and multiplayer, experience a unique asymmetric shooter that combines elements of FPS and battle arena games. THIS IS COOKIES VS. CLAUS!
Polyball
Get ready to enter a new era of physics platforming. Polyball is a classic ball rolling game in the vein of Super Monkey Ball, Marble Madness, and Marble Blast - while taking cues from games such as the Sonic series, Trackmania, and Mario Kart.
Hold Your Own
A single player open world sandbox, crafting and survival FPS game set in a multi-island land where you'll fight to survive. Build your base, hunt and craft to defend yourself from aggressive wildlife, enemies or friends. Do you have what it takes to Hold Your Own?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.
7.0
47,703
20,206
9,845
players
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.
8.3
13,016
2,248
8,822
players
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.
7.9
1,180
256
6,507
players
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.
8.6
14,623
2,083
2,556
players
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.
9.1
5,399
338
1,930
players
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.
8.9
19,406
1,873
1,777
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 19,025 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.
9.5
18,628
397
1,636
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 multiplayer 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.
7.9
11,570
2,796
1,389
players
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.
8.6
3,630
443
1,119
players
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.
8.4
16,579
2,701
995
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 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.
8.4
1,631
229
-88%
8.33€
1.00€
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.
7.5
3,387
976
-80%
19.75€
3.95€
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.
8.0
6,650
1,480
-78%
9.68€
2.13€
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.
8.6
2,819
338
-76%
14.54€
3.49€
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.
6.5
1,892
972
-72%
29.82€
8.35€
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.
8.6
2,433
276
-69%
12.42€
3.85€
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.
8.0
3,407
738
-67%
20.09€
6.63€
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.
9.2
6,093
311
-65%
19.60€
6.86€
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.
6.7
1,160
512
-65%
19.86€
6.95€
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.
8.8
441
22
-62%
18.39€
6.99€
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.
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. With 9,845 active players enjoying it for free, this strategy game has reached the #1 spot among the top free early access games on Steam.
7.0
47,703
20,206
9,845
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 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. Thanks to its free to play tag and a daily player base of 2,556, this early access game has secured the #2 spot in the ranking of free early access games on Steam.
8.6
14,623
2,083
2,556
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 1,683 reviews of which 1,566 were positive and 117 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. Thanks to its free to play tag and a daily player base of 930, this early access game has secured the #3 spot in the ranking of free early access games on Steam.
8.8
1,566
117
930
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 608 reviews of which 500 were positive and 108 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.8 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 900 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
500
108
900
players
5. 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 8,949 reviews of which 6,412 were positive and 2,537 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.0 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 488 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #5 position in the best free early access games on Steam.
7.0
6,412
2,537
488
players
6. 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 360 reviews of which 340 were positive and 20 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 386 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #6 position in the best free early access games on Steam.
8.7
340
20
386
players
7. 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 339 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #7 position in the best free early access games on Steam.
8.2
7,247
1,366
339
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 1,384 reviews of which 1,107 were positive and 277 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.7 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 332 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
1,107
277
332
players
9. CivIdle
CivIdle is an idle/incremental game that allows you to lead your own civilization through thousands of years from ancient times to the modern era. Expand your territory, explore a vast tech tree, build various wonders, and trade with global players: empire must grow and numbers must go up! CivIdle is a early access, idler and base building game developed by FishPond and published by Fish Pond Studio. Released on February 16th 2024 has received 606 reviews of which 456 were positive and 150 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.2 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 231 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #9 position in the best free early access games on Steam.
7.2
456
150
231
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 38,296 reviews of which 28,247 were positive and 10,049 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.3 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 187 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
28,247
10,049
187
players