Best PvE 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 pve games. For those who prefer not to search, lists of the most played, top deals and best free pve games are available at the bottom of the page.
Filters & Lists
Dynamite Jack
A brave space marine, armed with only bombs and a flashlight, must escape the Anathema Mines!
Star Trek Online
In Star Trek Online, the Star Trek universe appears for the first time on a truly massive scale. Players take the captain's chair as they command their own starship and crew. Explore strange new worlds, seek out new life and new civilizations, and boldly go where no one has gone before.
Sins of a Solar Empire: Trinity®
In Sins of a Solar Empire: Trinity, you are the leader of a civilization embroiled in a galactic war, fighting for the survival of your entire race against relentless foes.
Dungeon Defenders
Create a hero from one of four classes to save Etheria in this 4-player coop Tower Defense Action-RPG. Includes Steam exclusive Portal gun & TF2 familiars!
Champions Online
Grab your cape and defend Millennium City in this comic book-style action MMORPG! Design your hero and costume from thousands of costume pieces, face super-villains like Dr. Destroyer, and create your own unique nemesis.
EVE Online
EVE Online is a free-to-play community driven space MMO where players can choose their own path from countless different options. Experience space exploration, immense PvP and PvE battles, mining, industry and a thriving player economy in an ever-expanding sandbox.
Alien Swarm
Co-operative multiplayer game and complete code base available for free.
Alien Shooter 2: Reloaded
This is the unique alloy of arcade action and RPG elements which combines well-established world of classical games and unmatched dynamics of the first part.
Shadowgrounds
Shadowgrounds breathes fresh air into the action genre with explosive combat sequences, an innovative weapon upgrade system, and an intriguing storyline. The adrenaline-pumping, top-down gameplay and audiovisual fireworks set the scene for this new action experience which also includes single computer (split keyboard or joystick) co-op...
Darwinia
Darwinia blends real-time strategy, action, and puzzles with a unique gesture-based control system. Save the Darwinians, battle viruses, and restore order in a retro-inspired digital world. Winner of multiple prestigious awards, including the Seumas McNally Grand Prize at IGF 2006.
Most played pve games on Steam
Take a look at the top pve games that are currently attracting the largest player bases on the Steam platform, as of June 15th 2025.
1. HELLDIVERS™ 2
The Galaxy’s Last Line of Offence. Enlist in the Helldivers and join the fight for freedom across a hostile galaxy in a fast, frantic, and ferocious third-person shooter. HELLDIVERS™ 2 is a online co-op, pve and third-person shooter game developed by Arrowhead Game Studios and published by PlayStation Publishing LLC. Released on February 08th 2024 has received 1,017,635 reviews of which 775,883 were positive and 241,752 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.6 out of 10. The game has hit the top spot as the #1 most played pve game, thanks to its 59,219 peak concurrent players over the last day.
7.6
775,883
241,752
59,219
players
2. MIR4
MIR4 is a free-to-play open world K-fantasy MMORPG that can be cross-played on both PC and mobile devices. MIR4 is full of action and features numerous large scale clan PVP battles. Join now and become a legend. MIR4 is a pve, mmorpg and pvp game developed by Wemade Next and published by Wemade. Released on August 25th 2021 has received 14,558 reviews of which 9,499 were positive and 5,059 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.4 out of 10. While seeing 13,140 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #2 among pve games based on player count.
6.4
9,499
5,059
13,140
players
3. Deep Rock Galactic
Deep Rock Galactic is a 1-4 player co-op FPS featuring badass space Dwarves, 100% destructible environments, procedurally-generated caves, and endless hordes of alien monsters. Deep Rock Galactic is a dwarf, co-op and pve game developed by Ghost Ship Games and published by Coffee Stain Publishing. Released on May 13th 2020 has received 343,000 reviews of which 333,587 were positive and 9,413 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.6 out of 10. While seeing 6,711 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among pve games based on player count.
9.6
333,587
9,413
6,711
players
4. GrandChase
Grand Chase is a free side-scrolling online action RPG with anime inspired graphics. Enjoy exciting adventures in dungeons and PvP with unique characters. GrandChase is a action, free to play and pve game developed and published by KOG. Released on July 27th 2021 has received 24,350 reviews of which 15,491 were positive and 8,859 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.3 out of 10. With 2,676 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played pve games.
6.3
15,491
8,859
2,676
players
5. Pax Dei
Welcome to a vast, social sandbox MMO inspired by the legends of the medieval era. Here, myths are real, ghosts exist, and magic is unquestioned. Join thousands of players as you explore the land, build your home, forge your reputation, and craft your own stories. What world will you make? Pax Dei is a pve, sandbox and mmorpg game developed by Mainframe Industries and published by Mainframe Industries and New Tales. Released on June 18th 2024 has received 6,242 reviews of which 4,097 were positive and 2,145 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.5 out of 10. With 1,492 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played pve games.
6.5
4,097
2,145
1,492
players
6. Deadzone: Rogue
Deadzone: Rogue is a roguelite FPS set in 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. Repeat. Deadzone: Rogue is a early access, rogue-like and pve game developed and published by Prophecy Games. Released on April 29th 2025 has received 4,204 reviews of which 3,471 were positive and 733 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.0 out of 10. With 1,165 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played pve games.
8.0
3,471
733
1,165
players
7. Gems of War - Puzzle RPG
Gems of War is a Match-3 RPG from the original creators of Puzzle Quest! Start your RPG journey and fight puzzle battles through hundreds of quests, or build your army of troops and go to war in strategic PVP match-3 combat! Gems of War - Puzzle RPG is a free to play, match 3 and puzzle game developed by Infinity Plus 2 and published by 505 Games. Released on November 20th 2014 has received 8,790 reviews of which 7,067 were positive and 1,723 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.8 out of 10. With 754 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played pve games.
7.8
7,067
1,723
754
players
8. Counter-Strike Nexon
Counter-Strike Nexon is a Free to Play MMOFPS offering competitive PvP and PvE action including content from the original Counter-Strike and all new game modes, map creation function, weapons, and hordes of Zombies! Counter-Strike Nexon is a free to play, fps and zombies game developed by Valve and NEXON and published by NEXON. Released on October 07th 2014 has received 42,702 reviews of which 28,373 were positive and 14,329 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.6 out of 10. With 364 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played pve games.
6.6
28,373
14,329
364
players
9. Age of Darkness: Final Stand
Age of Darkness: Final Stand is a dark fantasy survival RTS where you must illuminate, build and defend humanity’s last bastion against hordes of Nightmares. Set in the remnants of a kingdom consumed by a deadly fog, you decide. Will you hide in the light? Or take back your world. Age of Darkness: Final Stand is a tower defense, action rts and rts game developed and published by PlaySide. Released on January 15th 2025 has received 9,463 reviews of which 7,267 were positive and 2,196 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.5 out of 10. With 293 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played pve games.
7.5
7,267
2,196
293
players
10. Minion Masters
An addictive fast-paced hybrid of Card games & Tower-Defense. Play 1v1 - or bring a friend for 2v2 - and engage in epic online multiplayer battles full of innovative strategy and awesome plays! Collect 200+ cards with unique mechanics, all free! Minion Masters is a pve, trading card game and stylized game developed and published by BetaDwarf. Released on May 24th 2019 has received 64,905 reviews of which 58,108 were positive and 6,797 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. With 283 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played pve games.
8.8
58,108
6,797
283
players
Best deals on pve games on Steam
Discover fantastic savings with the best discounts on a variety of pve games available on Steam right now, updated on June 15th 2025. Looking for even more deals? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of discounted pve games.
1. CryoFall
CryoFall is a sci-fi colony simulation survival game set on a forgotten planet in a distant future. Master technology, agriculture, trading, industry, cybernetics, exploration, and more! CryoFall is a colony sim, crafting and pve game developed by AtomicTorch Studio and published by Daedalic Entertainment. Released on April 29th 2021 has received 6,167 reviews of which 4,856 were positive and 1,311 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.7 out of 10. Featuring a massive 98% discount, this game currently holds the #1 spot in the best deals for pve category.
7.7
4,856
1,311
-98%
19.99€
0.49€
2. Tribes of Midgard
A vibrant blend of survival and action RPG for 1-10 players! Craft legendary items, grow your home base and embark on an epic journey through procedural realms to face towering creatures hel-bent on unleashing Ragnarök. Valhalla can wait, Einherjar! Tribes of Midgard is a open world survival craft, online co-op and multiplayer game developed by Norsfell and published by Gearbox Publishing. Released on July 27th 2021 has received 22,475 reviews of which 17,197 were positive and 5,278 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.5 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 97% discount, this game is now the #2 best deal in pve games.
7.5
17,197
5,278
-97%
19.99€
0.60€
3. Nomad Survival
Battle against hordes of enemies, conquer Boss encounters, and explore various character and skill combinations in this time-based auto-attacking Roguelite in your quest to become stronger and defeat the most menacing of creatures that lay in wait at the end of each run. Nomad Survival is a action roguelike, bullet hell and rogue-lite game developed and published by The Fox Knocks. Released on October 08th 2022 has received 2,059 reviews of which 1,745 were positive and 314 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.1 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 96% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in pve games.
8.1
1,745
314
-96%
4.99€
0.21€
4. Dead Man's Draw
Dead Man’s Draw is a simple and strategic game of luck and skill that boils down strategy gameplay into a single, tense decision. Dead Man's Draw is a card battler, casual and pve game developed and published by Stardock Entertainment. Released on February 06th 2014 has received 644 reviews of which 537 were positive and 107 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.9 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 93% discount, this title has earned the #4 position in the best deals for pve games.
7.9
537
107
-93%
6.89€
0.49€
5. Alien Shooter 2: Reloaded
This is the unique alloy of arcade action and RPG elements which combines well-established world of classical games and unmatched dynamics of the first part. Alien Shooter 2: Reloaded is a aliens, looter shooter and shoot 'em up game developed and published by Sigma Team Inc.. Released on May 27th 2009 has received 3,283 reviews of which 3,012 were positive and 271 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 92% discount, this title has earned the #5 position in the best deals for pve games.
8.8
3,012
271
-92%
4.99€
0.40€
6. Orcs Must Die! 3
Slice, burn, toss, zap, grind and gib massive hordes of repugnant orcs in this long-awaited successor to the award-winning Orcs Must Die! series. Orcs Must Die! 3 is a tower defense, co-op and strategy game developed and published by Robot Entertainment. Released on July 23rd 2021 has received 14,083 reviews of which 12,067 were positive and 2,016 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 92% discount, this title has earned the #6 position in the best deals for pve games.
8.4
12,067
2,016
-92%
24.99€
2.01€
7. Demigod
Set in a magical world where gods walk among mortals, Demigod blends action, strategy and role-playing elements into a thrilling new experience. Demigod is a real time tactics, moba and pvp game developed by Gas Powered Games and published by Stardock Entertainment. Released on December 14th 2011 has received 1,247 reviews of which 938 were positive and 309 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.2 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 91% discount, this title has earned the #7 position in the best deals for pve games.
7.2
938
309
-91%
9.75€
0.88€
8. Biped
Biped is a coop action adventure game with a strong focus on moment-to-moment collaboration between 2 players. Biped is a character customization, emotional and co-op game developed by NEXT Studios and published by NEXT Studios and META Publishing. Released on March 26th 2020 has received 8,822 reviews of which 7,597 were positive and 1,225 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 88% discount, this title has earned the #8 position in the best deals for pve games.
8.4
7,597
1,225
-88%
12.49€
1.61€
9. Siege of Centauri
Defend against thousands of enemies in this explosive tower defense game. Deploy upgradable towers and unleash powerful orbital abilities as you try to protect Earth's first colony world from destruction. Siege of Centauri is a tower defense, real time tactics and pve game developed and published by Stardock Entertainment. Released on September 12th 2019 has received 438 reviews of which 287 were positive and 151 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.3 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 86% discount, this title has earned the #9 position in the best deals for pve games.
6.3
287
151
-86%
14.79€
2.17€
10. Risk of Rain Returns
Carefully designed, beautifully remastered, and loaded with new ways to play—Risk of Rain is back and better than ever! Dive into the iconic roguelike full of unique loot combinations, enhanced with new Survivors, overhauled multiplayer, fan favorite content from Risk of Rain 2, and more! Risk of Rain Returns is a action roguelike, online co-op and multiplayer game developed by Hopoo Games and published by Gearbox Publishing. Released on November 08th 2023 has received 27,823 reviews of which 25,087 were positive and 2,736 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 84% discount, this title has earned the #10 position in the best deals for pve games.
8.8
25,087
2,736
-84%
14.99€
2.52€
Free pve games on Steam
Check out this fantastic list of free-to-play pve games you can enjoy on Steam right now, updated on June 15th 2025. Looking for even more free titles? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of free to play pve games.
1. MIR4
MIR4 is a free-to-play open world K-fantasy MMORPG that can be cross-played on both PC and mobile devices. MIR4 is full of action and features numerous large scale clan PVP battles. Join now and become a legend. MIR4 is a pve, mmorpg and pvp game developed by Wemade Next and published by Wemade. Released on August 25th 2021 has received 14,558 reviews of which 9,499 were positive and 5,059 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.4 out of 10. With 13,140 active players enjoying it for free, this strategy game has reached the #1 spot among the top free pve games on Steam.
6.4
9,499
5,059
13,140
players
2. GrandChase
Grand Chase is a free side-scrolling online action RPG with anime inspired graphics. Enjoy exciting adventures in dungeons and PvP with unique characters. GrandChase is a action, free to play and pve game developed and published by KOG. Released on July 27th 2021 has received 24,350 reviews of which 15,491 were positive and 8,859 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.3 out of 10. Thanks to its free to play tag and a daily player base of 2,676, this pve game has secured the #2 spot in the ranking of free pve games on Steam.
6.3
15,491
8,859
2,676
players
3. Gems of War - Puzzle RPG
Gems of War is a Match-3 RPG from the original creators of Puzzle Quest! Start your RPG journey and fight puzzle battles through hundreds of quests, or build your army of troops and go to war in strategic PVP match-3 combat! Gems of War - Puzzle RPG is a free to play, match 3 and puzzle game developed by Infinity Plus 2 and published by 505 Games. Released on November 20th 2014 has received 8,790 reviews of which 7,067 were positive and 1,723 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.8 out of 10. Thanks to its free to play tag and a daily player base of 754, this pve game has secured the #3 spot in the ranking of free pve games on Steam.
7.8
7,067
1,723
754
players
4. Counter-Strike Nexon
Counter-Strike Nexon is a Free to Play MMOFPS offering competitive PvP and PvE action including content from the original Counter-Strike and all new game modes, map creation function, weapons, and hordes of Zombies! Counter-Strike Nexon is a free to play, fps and zombies game developed by Valve and NEXON and published by NEXON. Released on October 07th 2014 has received 42,702 reviews of which 28,373 were positive and 14,329 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.6 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 364 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #4 position in the best free pve games on Steam.
6.6
28,373
14,329
364
players
5. Minion Masters
An addictive fast-paced hybrid of Card games & Tower-Defense. Play 1v1 - or bring a friend for 2v2 - and engage in epic online multiplayer battles full of innovative strategy and awesome plays! Collect 200+ cards with unique mechanics, all free! Minion Masters is a pve, trading card game and stylized game developed and published by BetaDwarf. Released on May 24th 2019 has received 64,905 reviews of which 58,108 were positive and 6,797 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 283 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #5 position in the best free pve games on Steam.
8.8
58,108
6,797
283
players
6. Idle Skilling
Idle Skilling is the ultimate Idle Game with years of content! Meant to be played for 5-10 minutes a day, you gradually unlock new skills like mining, fishing, pet breeding, crusading, potion-making, lab-research, construction, and more! With new updates coming, you'll never run out of stuff to do! Idle Skilling is a free to play, idler and simulation game developed and published by Lavaflame2. Released on September 15th 2022 has received 2,209 reviews of which 1,571 were positive and 638 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.9 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 238 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #6 position in the best free pve games on Steam.
6.9
1,571
638
238
players
7. Infinitode 2 - Infinite Tower Defense
Infinitode 2 - a strategy in the Tower Defense genre, in which the player will have to build towers to protect his base from endless waves of enemies. The game features huge maps, lots of towers, resource miners, upgrade tree and map editor. Infinitode 2 - Infinite Tower Defense is a level editor, tower defense and building game developed and published by Prineside. Released on May 06th 2021 has received 3,674 reviews of which 3,354 were positive and 320 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 190 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #7 position in the best free pve games on Steam.
8.8
3,354
320
190
players
8. AdventureQuest 3D
The Void King is raising an army in secret. Death has chosen you as his champion to bring him down. Adventure & quest alongside your friends in this bizarre cross-platform MMORPG from the creators of the original, and comically-redundantly named... AdventureQuest! Weekly releases! AdventureQuest 3D is a mmorpg, exploration and hack and slash game developed and published by Artix Entertainment and LLC. Released on October 28th 2022 has received 9,286 reviews of which 7,584 were positive and 1,702 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.0 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 189 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #8 position in the best free pve games on Steam.
8.0
7,584
1,702
189
players
9. Alien Swarm: Reactive Drop
Co-operative top-down shooter game available for free. An epic bug hunt featuring a unique blend of co-op play and squad-level tactics. Alien Swarm: Reactive Drop is a twin stick shooter, pve and top-down shooter game developed and published by Reactive Drop Team. Released on April 20th 2017 has received 22,649 reviews of which 21,500 were positive and 1,149 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 182 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #9 position in the best free pve games on Steam.
9.3
21,500
1,149
182
players
10. Fistful of Frags
Multiplayer based, first person enabled, action packed and skill demanding shooter set in the Wild West times. A unique combination of non stop action and slow but powerful weaponry. Fistful of Frags is a pvp, arena shooter and fps game developed and published by Fistful of Frags Team. Released on May 09th 2014 has received 36,262 reviews of which 33,130 were positive and 3,132 were negative resulting in a rating of 9.0 out of 10. The game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played free pve games on Steam.
9.0
33,130
3,132
73
players