Best Linear 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 linear games. For those who prefer not to search, lists of the most played, top deals and best free linear games are available at the bottom of the page.
Filters & Lists
Truck World: Australia - First Haul
Become a truckie in the heart of Australia! Brave the scorching desert, conquer a sandstorm and support the local industry by delivering vital cargo across the continent’s treacherous terrain.
Out of Sight
You’re Sophie, a young blind girl who sees through her teddy bear’s eyes. Escape your captors and uncover the evil history of the dark mansion you desperately seek to escape in this unique, atmospheric horror puzzle/adventure game.
Conquest Dark
Experience an ARPG's rapid ascension to power in minutes, packed with savage, survivors-like action and devastating sword & sorcery combat. Perfect your builds through Dark Ritual runs that will decide humanity's future as you battle endless hordes across haunting ruins and cursed kingdoms.
Warfare Legacy Collection
Warfare 1917 and 1944 return, fully remastered with enhanced visuals, full-screen support, and custom battles. Warfare Legacy Collection also Includes the Battle of the Bulge, a brand-new campaign set during WWII’s final offensive with all-new missions, snowy maps, and intense front-line action.
Old Skies
A time travel adventure spanning two hundred years! Dive into the past with time agent Fia Quinn as she embarks on seven trips through time. History is up for grabs, from the speakeasies of Prohibition to the vicious gangs of the Gilded Age to the World Trade Center on September 10, 2001.
Bionic Bay
A scientist uses a unique teleportation instrument to escape an ancient biomechanical world filled with imaginative technology, deadly traps, and hidden secrets.
Dreams of Aether
A collection of dozens of Aether-flavored microgames! Dive into the Dreams of Aether, where everyone is trapped in a never-ending nightmare! Meet some of the strangest characters Aether has to offer!
Ambidextro
A multi-player game for a single player. Learn to control 2 characters at the same time, one with each hand. Achieve ambidexterity and rescue both the prince and the princess at the same time.
The First Berserker: Khazan
The First Berserker: Khazan is a hardcore action role-playing game. The player will become Khazan, the great general of the Pell Los Empire, who overcame death, and sets out to reveal the incidents that led to his downfall and seek vengeance on his enemies.
ENA: Dream BBQ
Experience surreal environments and inexplicable characters as ENA in a new wild world.
The Children of Clay
The Children of Clay is a short stop motion archeology horror game, where you have to study an ancient artefact and discover its dark secret.
Dark PGT
Dark PGT – A Souls-like game in an alternate universe of future USSR on Unreal Engine 5. You will play the role of alcoholic-schizophrenic experiencing psychological disorders and hallucinations. Travel to a village in 2030 to unravel all its secrets and solve all its problems.
Project Hailstorm
Step into the shoes of a researcher in the depths of the antarctic and uncover the mysteries behind Project Hailstorm.
Big Helmet Heroes
Throw yourself into an epic 3D beat’em up adventure with adorable knights, full of surprising worlds and situations. Grab your buddy and play in 2 player co-op to save the princess, but this is only the beginning!
of the Devil
Immerse yourself in neon, smoke, and high-stakes legal gambles as a Defense Attorney with uniquely Killer insights in this episodic, diabolically stylish visual novel adventure game.
Jaded
A fast-paced platformer where you can slash, dash, and control time. Slow down the frenzy of combat and find the right moment to strike! Then, aim the 360-degree dash and zoom away at lightning speed! Master your abilities to maneuver around obstacles and vaporize foes before they can touch you.
Chicken Hill
Find 250 Genjouin of various species and hundreds of items for brother KUN. Rescue your frustrated and devastated brother KUN in the KUN space. We are the most devout believers.
Make Good Choices
You’re just trying to get home. It’s only a quarter mile. One street. What could go wrong.
Sixtar Gate: STARTRAIL
Sixtar Gate: STARTRAIL is a rhythm game for keyboard set against a space exploration backdrop. Captain your science vessel alongside your navigator Shii as you explore the vast Sixtar system!
Locked In Mind
In Locked in Mind, you are trapped in a virtual escape room full of puzzles. Use your wits to solve them at your own pace without the pressure of a time limit. Perfect for players of all skill levels. Start your adventure today!
The Three Kingdoms: The Tales of Jian An
This is a historical strategy game set in the Three Kingdoms era, told from Liu Bei's perspective. It covers the Yellow Turban Rebellion to early Three Kingdoms. Featuring classic turn-based gameplay, it reinterprets historical events, offering both engaging battles and rich cultural insights.
LOK Digital
Learn a cryptic language of world-changing words and master their mind-bending effects. Embark on your charming puzzle-solving journey to help the LOK creatures thrive.
Zort
Zort is an action, adventure, and horror game that can be played with up to 4 people. Explore maps with your friends and have fun while escaping from various creatures. Experience a realistic horror experience with in-game voice chat with your friends!
Most played linear games on Steam
Take a look at the top linear games that are currently attracting the largest player bases on the Steam platform, as of June 14th 2025.
1. FINAL FANTASY® XIII
Final Fantasy XIII is a fantasy RPG in which a band of brave humans struggle against fate in the utopian sky city of Cocoon and the primeval world of Pulse. Follow stylish heroine Lightning's fast paced battles and high adventure in a mysterious new world. FINAL FANTASY® XIII is a jrpg, rpg and female protagonist game developed and published by Square Enix. Released on October 09th 2014 has received 17,930 reviews of which 13,454 were positive and 4,476 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.4 out of 10. The game has hit the top spot as the #1 most played linear game, thanks to its 305 peak concurrent players over the last day.
7.4
13,454
4,476
305
players
2. Spilled!
Clean up ocean waste in this short & relaxing game! Recycle, earn coins and upgrade your boat. Explore new areas. Clean bigger spills and different kinds of waste! Spilled! is a short, relaxing and casual game developed and published by Lente. Released on March 26th 2025 has received 2,592 reviews of which 2,470 were positive and 122 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. The game currently holds the #2 spot among the most played linear games.
9.1
2,470
122
14
players
3. No Straight Roads: Encore Edition
Start a rock band & end the EDM empire in NO STRAIGHT ROADS, a rockin' action-adventure that mashes together rhythm-infused third-person combat with a kick-ass soundtrack! No Straight Roads: Encore Edition is a action, rhythm and soundtrack game developed by Metronomik and published by Fireshine Games. Released on October 21st 2021 has received 1,730 reviews of which 1,559 were positive and 171 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. The game currently holds the #3 spot among the most played linear games.
8.6
1,559
171
10
players
4. Indie Game: The Movie
The emotional journey of four developers as they sacrifice money, health and sanity to realize their lifelong dreams of sharing their games with the world. Indie Game: The Movie is a movie, documentary and indie game developed and published by BlinkWorks Media. Released on June 12th 2012 has received 1,852 reviews of which 1,709 were positive and 143 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. The game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played linear games.
8.8
1,709
143
2
players
5. Nocturnal
Carve your way with fire and steel to find out what secrets lie beyond the Mist in this intense 3-hour-long action-platformer game. Get ready to wield the flames and burn everything! Nocturnal is a side scroller, action-adventure and linear game developed by Sunnyside Games and published by Dear Villagers. Released on June 07th 2023 has received 353 reviews of which 322 were positive and 31 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. The game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played linear games.
8.4
322
31
2
players
6. South Scrimshaw, Part One
South Scrimshaw is the story of a newborn whale in a vast alien ocean. It is a richly illustrated experimental visual novel, written in the style of a nature documentary. South Scrimshaw, Part One is a linear, sci-fi and hand-drawn game developed and published by Nathan O. Marsh. Released on June 09th 2023 has received 1,382 reviews of which 1,371 were positive and 11 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. The game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played linear games.
9.4
1,371
11
7. Meg's Monster
Take control of the Underworld’s grumpiest ghoul to help a lost little girl find her way home in this creepy-cute indie adventure. Just be warned: if she cries, the whole world dies. Meg's Monster is a indie, pixel graphics and linear game developed and published by Odencat. Released on March 02nd 2023 has received 1,072 reviews of which 1,039 were positive and 33 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. The game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played linear games.
9.1
1,039
33
8. Hook 2
Get Hook’d on unhooking the hooks again. Hook 2 is a puzzle, 3d and relaxing game developed and published by Maciej Targoni. Released on June 29th 2022 has received 703 reviews of which 686 were positive and 17 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. The game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played linear games.
9.1
686
17
9. Momotype
An experimental, horror visual novel about raising a virtual pet. Help a tamagotchi-like creature navigate his angst. We love Momo! Momotype is a visual novel, cute and dark game developed by and published by Rimatoad. Released on December 03rd 2021 has received 736 reviews of which 716 were positive and 20 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. The game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played linear games.
9.1
716
20
10. Crow Story
Jump, dive, and platform through this minimalistic indie 3D platformer about a little crow trying to save his friends. Crow Story is a 3d platformer, 3d and atmospheric game developed and published by log64. Released on December 24th 2021 has received 342 reviews of which 324 were positive and 18 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. The game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played linear games.
8.7
324
18
Best deals on linear games on Steam
Discover fantastic savings with the best discounts on a variety of linear games available on Steam right now, updated on June 14th 2025. Looking for even more deals? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of discounted linear games.
1. Indie Game: The Movie
The emotional journey of four developers as they sacrifice money, health and sanity to realize their lifelong dreams of sharing their games with the world. Indie Game: The Movie is a movie, documentary and indie game developed and published by BlinkWorks Media. Released on June 12th 2012 has received 1,852 reviews of which 1,709 were positive and 143 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. Featuring a massive 95% discount, this game currently holds the #1 spot in the best deals for linear category.
8.8
1,709
143
-95%
9.99€
0.50€
2. Nocturnal
Carve your way with fire and steel to find out what secrets lie beyond the Mist in this intense 3-hour-long action-platformer game. Get ready to wield the flames and burn everything! Nocturnal is a side scroller, action-adventure and linear game developed by Sunnyside Games and published by Dear Villagers. Released on June 07th 2023 has received 353 reviews of which 322 were positive and 31 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 94% discount, this game is now the #2 best deal in linear games.
8.4
322
31
-94%
16.99€
1.12€
3. No Straight Roads: Encore Edition
Start a rock band & end the EDM empire in NO STRAIGHT ROADS, a rockin' action-adventure that mashes together rhythm-infused third-person combat with a kick-ass soundtrack! No Straight Roads: Encore Edition is a action, rhythm and soundtrack game developed by Metronomik and published by Fireshine Games. Released on October 21st 2021 has received 1,730 reviews of which 1,559 were positive and 171 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 76% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in linear games.
8.6
1,559
171
-76%
24.99€
6.13€
4. Meg's Monster
Take control of the Underworld’s grumpiest ghoul to help a lost little girl find her way home in this creepy-cute indie adventure. Just be warned: if she cries, the whole world dies. Meg's Monster is a indie, pixel graphics and linear game developed and published by Odencat. Released on March 02nd 2023 has received 1,072 reviews of which 1,039 were positive and 33 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 62% discount, this title has earned the #4 position in the best deals for linear games.
9.1
1,039
33
-62%
14.79€
5.71€
Free linear games on Steam
Check out this fantastic list of free-to-play linear games you can enjoy on Steam right now, updated on June 14th 2025. Looking for even more free titles? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of free to play linear games.
1. South Scrimshaw, Part One
South Scrimshaw is the story of a newborn whale in a vast alien ocean. It is a richly illustrated experimental visual novel, written in the style of a nature documentary. South Scrimshaw, Part One is a linear, sci-fi and hand-drawn game developed and published by Nathan O. Marsh. Released on June 09th 2023 has received 1,382 reviews of which 1,371 were positive and 11 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. The game currently holds the #1 spot among the most played free linear games on Steam.
9.4
1,371
11
2. Momotype
An experimental, horror visual novel about raising a virtual pet. Help a tamagotchi-like creature navigate his angst. We love Momo! Momotype is a visual novel, cute and dark game developed by and published by Rimatoad. Released on December 03rd 2021 has received 736 reviews of which 716 were positive and 20 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. The game currently holds the #2 spot among the most played free linear games on Steam.
9.1
716
20
3. Crow Story
Jump, dive, and platform through this minimalistic indie 3D platformer about a little crow trying to save his friends. Crow Story is a 3d platformer, 3d and atmospheric game developed and published by log64. Released on December 24th 2021 has received 342 reviews of which 324 were positive and 18 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. The game currently holds the #3 spot among the most played free linear games on Steam.
8.7
324
18
4. Bleeding Roots
Bleeding Roots is a free fifteen minute horror game about a man taking care of his plants throughout the seasons. Bleeding Roots is a horror, atmospheric and linear game developed by Mechanikoi and Luka Hizo Algo and published by Mechanikoi. Released on September 07th 2024 has received 352 reviews of which 325 were positive and 27 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.5 out of 10. The game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played free linear games on Steam.
8.5
325
27
5. Han'yo
After witnessing her village being destroyed and slaughtered by the Oni demon, Hiroko has only one goal: revenge. Join this young samurai in this 2D side-scrolling platformer. Han'yo is a action, side scroller and action-adventure game developed by DigiPen Europe-Bilbao and published by DigiPen Institute of Technology. Released on September 24th 2022 has received 337 reviews of which 284 were positive and 53 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.8 out of 10. The game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played free linear games on Steam.
7.8
284
53