Best Minimalist 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 minimalist games. For those who prefer not to search, lists of the most played, top deals and best free minimalist games are available at the bottom of the page.
Filters & Lists
Zodiacats
Follow cat Catherine on her journey for the lost astrology papyri and learn more about her job as a witch assistant for bringing good vibes into this Earth! Let Catherine guide you through the zodiac wheel, showing you about features of each solar sign. You can also learn about your cat's sign!
Ever Seen A Cat?
A relaxing hidden object game. Find cats in several stylish environments! Every play through is different!
100 hidden fish
The fish hid. Try to find them all! A very large location.
Democracy 4
Democracy 4 lets you take the role of President / Prime minister, govern the country (choosing its policies, laws and other actions), and both transform the country as you see fit, while trying to retain enough popularity to get re-elected...
Crow Story
Jump, dive, and platform through this minimalistic indie 3D platformer about a little crow trying to save his friends.
Stuck In Time
A unique mix of adventure and idle game. Plan and optimise your loops carefully and let the grind happen automatically. Explore this unique world, meet strange characters and escape the loop. A high-quality idle game that elevate the mechanics through an old school pixel-art adventure.
Melvor Idle
Inspired by RuneScape, Melvor Idle takes the core of what makes an adventure game so addictive and strips it down to its purest form! This is a feature-rich, idle/incremental game combining a distinctly familiar feel with a fresh gameplay experience. Maxing 20+ skills has never been more zen.
100 hidden frogs
The frogs hid. Can you find them?
Open Hexagon
Four buttons, one goal: survive. Are you ready for a real challenge? -- Become the best and climb the leaderboards in Open Hexagon, a fast-paced adrenalinic arcade game that's easy to learn but hard to master!
Dogs Organized Neatly
In this 2D puzzle game you have the responsibility to arrange lovely doggos in a way that fits the grid. Dogs Organized Neatly comes with 80 brand-new hand-crafted levels and a whole bunch of dogs in all shapes and sizes.![[Chilla's Art] The Radio Station | 深夜放送](https://shared.cloudflare.steamstatic.com/store_item_assets/steam/apps/1744910/header.jpg)
[Chilla's Art] The Radio Station | 深夜放送
The Radio Station | 深夜放送 is a Japanese psychological horror game.
DUSK '82: ULTIMATE EDITION
DUSK '82 is a simple but addictive action-puzzler demake of the cult shooter DUSK, inspired by classics like Chip's Challenge and Sokoban.
Sailwind
Sailing simulator featuring realistic sailing physics and a vast open world to explore. Embark on cargo delivery missions, customize your boat, try fishing and cooking. A relaxing day sail, or an epic ocean voyage? Your sailing adventure starts here!
DUNGEON ENCOUNTERS
Dungeon Encounters is a unique dungeon exploration RPG in which you lead an expedition to chart the depths of an otherworldly labyrinth. Plan and prepare to overcome numerous obstacles, solve puzzles, and defeat monsters. Strategize to survive!
100 hidden dogs
Hidden object game in the alien setting. Black and white hand-drawn graphics in a cartoon style. A large location and cute dogs.
Increlution
Survive the ever increasing pressure of time for as long as you can! A minimalistic incremental game about time management that takes inspiration from roguelite games, with a focus on meta-progression. Every generation has a better chance at survival, because previous lives influence its instincts
Midnight Protocol
Midnight Protocol is a tactical narrative-driven RPG with unique keyboard-only controls. Hack into servers, beat security systems and discover encrypted secrets while you try to find answers to why and how you got doxxed.
100 hidden birds 2
Hidden object game in the cartoon city style. Animation and puzzles. Very large location. Ultra hard! Really very difficult!
Pawnbarian
Pawnbarian is a quick-playing, turn-based puzzle roguelike. Play cards to move your hero like a chess piece, and conquer challenging dungeons full of cunning monsters!Most played minimalist games on Steam
Take a look at the top minimalist games that are currently attracting the largest player bases on the Steam platform, as of April 30th 2025.
1. Kingdom Two Crowns
Gather coins, build defenses and reclaim your fallen Kingdom. Explore and uncover secrets, unlock new technologies and protect your crown versus waves of Greed monsters that come at night. Kingdom is a solo or co-op micro-strategy and tower defense game set in an atmospheric pixel world. Kingdom Two Crowns is a tower defense, minimalist and city builder game developed by Stumpy🐙Squid, Fury Studios and Coatsink and published by Raw Fury. Released on December 11th 2018 has received 7,063 reviews of which 6,244 were positive and 819 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. The game has hit the top spot as the #1 most played minimalist game, thanks to its 625 peak concurrent players over the last day.
8.6
6,244
819
625
players
2. Thronefall
A minimalist game about building and defending your little kingdom. Thronefall is a tower defense, strategy and city builder game developed and published by GrizzlyGames. Released on October 11th 2024 has received 20,200 reviews of which 19,525 were positive and 675 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. While seeing 315 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #2 among minimalist games based on player count.
9.4
19,525
675
315
players
3. Hexcells Infinite
Hexcells Infinite is an ambient logic puzzle game for PC, Mac and Linux. Hexcells Infinite is a puzzle, casual and indie game developed and published by Matthew Brown. Released on September 01st 2014 has received 4,411 reviews of which 4,284 were positive and 127 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. While seeing 192 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among minimalist games based on player count.
9.3
4,284
127
192
players
4. Incremental Adventures
Lead your heroes in their neverending adventures! A minimalistic Idle game where combat is fully automated. It's up to you to make the most of that automation to reach extremely high numbers! Incremental Adventures is a idler, automation and text-based game developed and published by Gniller. Released on August 11th 2020 has received 774 reviews of which 605 were positive and 169 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.4 out of 10. With 109 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played minimalist games.
7.4
605
169
109
players
5. Mini Metro
Mini Metro is a strategy simulation game about designing a subway map for a growing city. Draw lines between stations and start your trains running. As new stations open, redraw your lines to keep them efficient. Decide where to use your limited resources. How long can you keep the city moving? Mini Metro is a strategy, puzzle and minimalist game developed and published by Dinosaur Polo Club. Released on November 06th 2015 has received 15,586 reviews of which 14,985 were positive and 601 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. With 102 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played minimalist games.
9.4
14,985
601
102
players
6. Patrick's Parabox
A mind-bending recursive puzzle game about boxes within boxes within boxes within boxes. Learn to use infinity to your advantage as you explore a deep and elegant system. Patrick's Parabox is a sokoban, puzzle and logic game developed and published by Patrick Traynor. Released on March 29th 2022 has received 4,234 reviews of which 4,202 were positive and 32 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.5 out of 10. The game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played minimalist games.
9.5
4,202
32
98
players
7. 14 Minesweeper Variants
Minesweeper but the rules are changing. 14 Minesweeper Variants is a puzzle, logic and minimalist game developed by Alith Games and Artless Games and published by Artless Games. Released on November 14th 2022 has received 1,226 reviews of which 1,190 were positive and 36 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. The game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played minimalist games.
9.2
1,190
36
85
players
8. Kingdom: New Lands
Kingdom: New Lands builds upon the award-winning gameplay and mystery of Kingdom by introducing an abundance of new content to the IGF-nominated title while maintaining the simplicity and depth that legions of monarchs have come to experience and enjoy. Kingdom: New Lands is a tower defense, survival and base-building game developed by Noio and published by Raw Fury. Released on August 09th 2016 has received 11,694 reviews of which 10,055 were positive and 1,639 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. The game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played minimalist games.
8.4
10,055
1,639
57
players
9. Rift Wizard 2
Rift Wizard 2 is a tough as nails traditional roguelike wizard simulator. You play as an immortal amnesiac wizard who must journey through the cosmos to defeat his nemesis. Each run, you'll build a unique repertoire of spells, passive skills, and magical artifacts. Rift Wizard 2 is a traditional roguelike, magic and procedural generation game developed and published by Dylan White. Released on January 31st 2025 has received 507 reviews of which 462 were positive and 45 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.5 out of 10. The game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played minimalist games.
8.5
462
45
48
players
10. SKALD: Against the Black Priory
SKALD:Against the Black Priory is a retro-style party-based RPG set in a grim-dark fantasy world of tragic heroes, violent deaths and Lovecraftian horror. Take a chance and roll the dice as you embark on a compelling story filled with deadly creatures, branching story and tactical, turn-based combat SKALD: Against the Black Priory is a strategy, singleplayer and minimalist game developed by High North Studios AS and published by Raw Fury. Released on May 30th 2024 has received 2,903 reviews of which 2,736 were positive and 167 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.0 out of 10. The game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played minimalist games.
9.0
2,736
167
37
players
Best deals on minimalist games on Steam
Discover fantastic savings with the best discounts on a variety of minimalist 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 minimalist games.
1. ABRISS - build to destroy
ABRISS is an atmospheric physics-destruction building game.Build structures from parts to let them crash into your targets. Unlock new parts, destroy more, witness entropy at its worst in digital-brutalist cityscapes. Build to destroy. ABRISS - build to destroy is a minimalist, logic and puzzle game developed by Randwerk and published by astragon Entertainment. Released on September 05th 2023 has received 492 reviews of which 420 were positive and 72 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.0 out of 10. Featuring a massive 89% discount, this game currently holds the #1 spot in the best deals for minimalist category.
8.0
420
72
-89%
14.73€
1.62€
2. THOTH
THOTH is a challenging twin-stick shooter you can conquer alone or cooperatively with a friend. Each stage is handcrafted to test coordination and puzzle-solving skills. Colorful minimalist graphics combine with an intense unnerving soundtrack, making for an exciting mix of art and arcade. THOTH is a action, indie and twin stick shooter game developed by Carlsen Games and published by Double Fine Presents. Released on October 07th 2016 has received 500 reviews of which 418 were positive and 82 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.8 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 80% discount, this game is now the #2 best deal in minimalist games.
7.8
418
82
-80%
5.00€
1.00€
3. Quell
An enchanting game of logic and relaxation. Quell is a indie, puzzle and casual game developed by Fallen Tree Games Ltd and published by Green Man Gaming Publishing. Released on May 14th 2015 has received 435 reviews of which 423 were positive and 12 were negative resulting in a rating of 9.0 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 78% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in minimalist games.
9.0
423
12
-78%
3.99€
0.87€
4. Kingdom Two Crowns
Gather coins, build defenses and reclaim your fallen Kingdom. Explore and uncover secrets, unlock new technologies and protect your crown versus waves of Greed monsters that come at night. Kingdom is a solo or co-op micro-strategy and tower defense game set in an atmospheric pixel world. Kingdom Two Crowns is a tower defense, minimalist and city builder game developed by Stumpy🐙Squid, Fury Studios and Coatsink and published by Raw Fury. Released on December 11th 2018 has received 7,063 reviews of which 6,244 were positive and 819 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 74% discount, this title has earned the #4 position in the best deals for minimalist games.
8.6
6,244
819
-74%
20.23€
5.26€
5. Burly Men at Sea
A branching folktale misadventure about a trio of large, bearded fishermen. Shape a custom tale that begins again where it ends, through waters where lurk creatures from Scandinavian folklore. Burly Men at Sea is a adventure, casual and indie game developed and published by Brain&Brain. Released on September 29th 2016 has received 483 reviews of which 304 were positive and 179 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.1 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 68% discount, this title has earned the #5 position in the best deals for minimalist games.
6.1
304
179
-68%
9.63€
3.08€
6. OVIVO
OVIVO is a minimalistic platformer with unusual mechanics where everything is as simple as black and white. The journey in this metaphoric world is filled with illusions and hidden messages. OVIVO is a platformer, minimalist and difficult game developed and published by IzHard. Released on May 12th 2017 has received 460 reviews of which 414 were positive and 46 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 60% discount, this title has earned the #6 position in the best deals for minimalist games.
8.4
414
46
-60%
9.75€
3.90€
7. Mini Settlers
Mini Settlers is a minimalistic city builder! Settle islands, construct cities, and design efficient logistic networks to fulfill your buildings' needs and fuel population growth to adventure into new worlds. Mini Settlers is a early access, base-building and automation game developed by Knight Owl Games and published by Goblinz Publishing and IndieArk. Released on August 08th 2024 has received 356 reviews of which 331 were positive and 25 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. Currently offered at a 49% discount, this title has earned the #7 position in the best deals for minimalist games.
8.6
331
25
-49%
12.86€
6.56€
8. The Ramp
A digital toy for skateboard loving people. Pure flow, no extra fluff. The Ramp is a skateboarding, sports and skating game developed by Paul Schnepf and published by hyperparadise. Released on August 03rd 2021 has received 1,482 reviews of which 1,371 were positive and 111 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. Currently offered at a 47% discount, this title has earned the #8 position in the best deals for minimalist games.
8.8
1,371
111
-47%
5.02€
2.66€
9. Mini Metro
Mini Metro is a strategy simulation game about designing a subway map for a growing city. Draw lines between stations and start your trains running. As new stations open, redraw your lines to keep them efficient. Decide where to use your limited resources. How long can you keep the city moving? Mini Metro is a strategy, puzzle and minimalist game developed and published by Dinosaur Polo Club. Released on November 06th 2015 has received 15,586 reviews of which 14,985 were positive and 601 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. Currently offered at a 41% discount, this title has earned the #9 position in the best deals for minimalist games.
9.4
14,985
601
-41%
8.14€
4.80€
10. Rift Wizard 2
Rift Wizard 2 is a tough as nails traditional roguelike wizard simulator. You play as an immortal amnesiac wizard who must journey through the cosmos to defeat his nemesis. Each run, you'll build a unique repertoire of spells, passive skills, and magical artifacts. Rift Wizard 2 is a traditional roguelike, magic and procedural generation game developed and published by Dylan White. Released on January 31st 2025 has received 507 reviews of which 462 were positive and 45 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.5 out of 10. Currently offered at a 40% discount, this title has earned the #10 position in the best deals for minimalist games.
8.5
462
45
-40%
19.50€
11.70€
Free minimalist games on Steam
Check out this fantastic list of free-to-play minimalist 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 minimalist games.
1. Incremental Adventures
Lead your heroes in their neverending adventures! A minimalistic Idle game where combat is fully automated. It's up to you to make the most of that automation to reach extremely high numbers! Incremental Adventures is a idler, automation and text-based game developed and published by Gniller. Released on August 11th 2020 has received 774 reviews of which 605 were positive and 169 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.4 out of 10. With 109 active players enjoying it for free, this strategy game has reached the #1 spot among the top free minimalist games on Steam.
7.4
605
169
109
players
2. Hamster
Hamster is an idle clicker Game in which you click a Hamster to make him shiver. Each click has a random chance to make him shake a little more, or a little less. Can you make him go crazy? Hamster is a casual, clicker and idler game developed and published by Hamster Games. Released on June 28th 2024 has received 392 reviews of which 299 were positive and 93 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.2 out of 10. The game currently holds the #2 spot among the most played free minimalist games on Steam.
7.2
299
93
6
players
3. RYB
RYB is a logic puzzle game that plays like a combination of sudoku and minesweeper. RYB is a indie, puzzle and free to play game developed and published by FLEB. Released on November 17th 2016 has received 420 reviews of which 380 were positive and 40 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. The game currently holds the #3 spot among the most played free minimalist games on Steam.
8.4
380
40
2
players
4. Slider
Slide chunks of the world to solve puzzles and help others. Control an ever-growing set of tiles and mechanics. Explore nine unique areas, unravel the mysteries of the universe, and reconnect the world -- one slider at a time. Slider is a puzzle, adventure and logic game developed and published by boomo. Released on July 24th 2024 has received 326 reviews of which 317 were positive and 9 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. The game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played free minimalist games on Steam.
8.9
317
9
1
players
5. Word Game: Episode 0
Word game is literally a game of words. Player controls "I" to find clues between lines, delete words to change the meaning of sentences, or shift words to rewrite facts. “I” must be wise and brave enough complete the mission of words. May the best "I” win! Word Game: Episode 0 is a minimalist, indie and pixel graphics game developed and published by Team9. Released on January 14th 2021 has received 4,532 reviews of which 4,476 were positive and 56 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.5 out of 10. The game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played free minimalist games on Steam.
9.5
4,476
56
6. Micro Platformer
A minimalistic platformer with a 1x1 tileset. No enemies, no bullets, no lasers. Just sheer platforming. Micro Platformer is a precision platformer, difficult and minimalist game developed and published by Daveyyy. Released on April 21st 2020 has received 1,702 reviews of which 1,647 were positive and 55 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. The game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played free minimalist games on Steam.
9.2
1,647
55
7. Press Any Key
Just press any key. Press Any Key is a free to play, casual and clicker game developed and published by LostVolBytes. Released on April 17th 2024 has received 346 reviews of which 334 were positive and 12 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. The game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played free minimalist games on Steam.
8.9
334
12
8. Space Between Worlds
Did you ever pay attention to the importance of space? Space Between Worlds is a short puzzle game that expresses the concept of proximity and lets the player interpret the context and arc of the story. Space Between Worlds is a free to play, casual and indie game developed by 4H StudioLab and published by 4H StudioLab and GrabTheGames. Released on July 30th 2018 has received 474 reviews of which 452 were positive and 22 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. The game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played free minimalist games on Steam.
8.8
452
22
9. Home Wind
Home Wind is a minimalist, relaxing and cozy city builder about creating large settlements based on proximity tactics. All for free! Home Wind is a city builder, minimalist and strategy game developed and published by Adi Zhavo. Released on March 10th 2022 has received 806 reviews of which 728 were positive and 78 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.5 out of 10. The game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played free minimalist games on Steam.
8.5
728
78
10. 5050
Each time you press the button, it will either double or lose all the points you’ve put in. How much will you risk? 5050 is a arcade, gambling and casual game developed by and published by Follow The Fun. Released on August 20th 2023 has received 323 reviews of which 283 were positive and 40 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.1 out of 10. The game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played free minimalist games on Steam.
8.1
283
40