Best Retro 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 retro games. For those who prefer not to search, lists of the most played, top deals and best free retro games are available at the bottom of the page.
Filters & Lists
Hashiriya Drifter-Online Drift Racing Multiplayer (DRIFT/DRAG/RACING)
Drift Online Multiplayer Game - The game inspired by oldschool street drifting in early japan with deep custiomization and ability to build a car from scratch! Dismountable chassis and suspension! Realistic car damage! Get together with friends, tune your car and burn some tires!
Bloodstained: Curse of the Moon 2
Koji Igarashi and Inti Creates are back with more retro sword-and-whip action! Curse of the Moon 2 brings classic 2D action and a dark, 8-bit aesthetic together with modern playability.
Primal Light
Inhabit Krog, a mysterious blue creature in a red loincloth, as he traverses a labyrinth of ladders, levers, traps, and monsters. Explore the nooks and crannies of a bizarre and evocative world as you hack and slash your way to victory, leaving a graveyard of grotesque bosses in your wake.
Vectromirror 0™
Become the Test Subject and attempt to complete a challenging experiment to awaken emotional responses in your Artificial Intelligence. Jump, wall-run, and parkour your way through the free-to-play prequel to the upcoming game.
Azure Striker Gunvolt 2
The ultra-refined 2D side-scrolling action you remember from "Azure Striker Gunvolt" is recharged and better than ever! In Gunvolt 2, series anti-hero Copen joins the fray as a playable character! Copy abilities from defeated boss characters and use them as your own!
Fatum Betula
Placed in a world without change, you must create fate by watering an ancient plant. Determine a future and live with it.
SAMURAI SHODOWN NEOGEO COLLECTION
The ULTIMATE collection is here! It all began in ’93, and now, the weapon-based fighting game series that swept the world is ready to be taken home in a new stellar collection! Six NEOGEO titles as well as one mysterious, unreleased game are featured!
Alwa's Legacy
Alwa’s Legacy is a modern retro game full of dangerous dungeons, mystic items and ancient secrets. Upgrade your magic and choose your own path in this non-linear adventure game brimming with exploration.
Baldi's Basics Plus
Baldi's Basics® Plus is an active stealth roguelike that parodies cheap '90s edutainment with a subtle horror twist! Play Hide & Seek with Baldi as he chases you through procedurally generated levels while using your surroundings, items, and game knowledge to shift chaos in your favor.
Command & Conquer™ Remastered Collection
Command & Conquer and Red Alert are both remastered in 4K by the former Westwood Studios team members. Includes all 3 expansions, rebuilt multiplayer, a modernized UI, Map Editor, bonus footage gallery, and over 7 hours of remastered music.
Bomb Bots Arena
Send your Bomb Bots into online arenas or blast your friends off the couch locally in Bomb Bots Arena! Bomb Bots Arena is a pure multiplayer experience with every element of the game tailored to please competitive and casual gamers alike.
Angels of Death Episode.Eddie
"The boy made up his mind to face a cruel world." The new special edition of the psychological horror-adventure game "Angels of Death", which has also been made into an anime. The past of B4 floor master Eddie is revealed...
Umurangi Generation
Umurangi Generation is a first person photography game in the shitty future. Set in Tauranga Aotearoa off the back of an impending crisis you are a courier for the Tauranga Express. Throughout the game you will unlock a variety of lenses and equipment.
Chex Quest HD
Travel to the remote planet of Bazoik to free galactic citizens from the evil cereal-eating Flemoids! Venture deep into the caverns of Bazoik, using an array of "zorching" devices to send these nefarious foes back to their home dimension!
Jet Lancer
Jet Lancer is a high-velocity aerial combat shooter where you duel enemy aviators, hunt giant robots, and defy death at supersonic speeds as you evolve from an unknown rookie aviator into a once-in-a-generation ACE pilot.
VirtuaVerse
VirtuaVerse is a challenging old school cyberpunk point & click adventure set in a future not so far away narrating tales of technomancers, AVR graffiti writers, hacker groups, tribes of cryptoshamans, digital archeology, epic cyberwars and virtual reality debauchery.
Delores: A Thimbleweed Park Mini-Adventure
Delores is back home and working as a photographer for the Nickel News. Thimbleweed Park hasn’t changed at all in the year she’s been away… or has it? Sample Ron Gilbert’s new adventure game engine in this free prototype that uses “found art” from the award-winning Thimbleweed Park.
Tonight We Riot
A revolutionary crowd-based retro brawler
Streets of Rage 4
Amongst the best beat’em up series ever created, jammin’ ‘90s beats and over the top street fighting, the iconic series Streets of Rage comes back with a masterful tribute to and revitalization of the classic action fans adore.
A Summer's End - Hong Kong 1986
A Summer's End is a visual novel set in 1980s Hong Kong. It tells of a love story between two women. Lush and vibrant visuals, the game features over 400 unique hand-drawn artwork inspired by Asian cinema and 1980s anime.
No one lives under the lighthouse Director's cut
A slow burn retro horror game, in which you arrive at the old lighthouse on a small island near the coast of the United States. After the previous keeper has gone missing, you need to take over his duties and watch after the light.Most played retro games on Steam
Take a look at the top retro games that are currently attracting the largest player bases on the Steam platform, as of May 05th 2025.
1. RetroArch
RetroArch is an open source and cross platform frontend/framework for emulators, game engines, video games, media players and other applications RetroArch is a free to play, retro and software game developed and published by Libretro. Released on May 27th 2022 has received 7,908 reviews of which 7,095 were positive and 813 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. The game has hit the top spot as the #1 most played retro game, thanks to its 648 peak concurrent players over the last day.
8.7
7,095
813
648
players
2. UFO 50
UFO 50 is a collection of 50 single and multiplayer games that span a variety of genres, from platformers and shoot 'em ups to puzzle games, roguelites, and RPGs. Our goal is to combine a familiar 8-bit aesthetic with new ideas and modern game design. UFO 50 is a indie, pixel graphics and action game developed and published by Mossmouth. Released on September 18th 2024 has received 6,150 reviews of which 5,889 were positive and 261 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. While seeing 287 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #2 among retro games based on player count.
9.2
5,889
261
287
players
3. Golden Lap
Step into the polished shoes of a racing team manager in the heart-stirring Golden Era of motorsport where every decision can lead to glory or gravel. With sleek minimalist charm and deep strategic gameplay, Golden Lap offers a unique experience in the motorsport management genre. Golden Lap is a simulation, management and racing game developed by Funselektor Labs Inc. and Strelka Games and published by Funselektor Labs Inc.. Released on September 26th 2024 has received 368 reviews of which 323 were positive and 45 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.1 out of 10. While seeing 204 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among retro games based on player count.
8.1
323
45
204
players
4. Sonic Mania
Sonic Mania is an all-new adventure with Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles full of unique bosses, rolling 2D landscapes, and fun classic gameplay. Sonic Mania is a great soundtrack, 2d and platformer game developed by Christian Whitehead, Headcannon and PagodaWest Games and published by SEGA. Released on August 29th 2017 has received 25,924 reviews of which 24,299 were positive and 1,625 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. With 140 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played retro games.
9.2
24,299
1,625
140
players
5. Mouthwashing
The five crew members of the Tulpar are stranded in the empty reaches of space, shrouded in perpetual sunset. God is not watching. Mouthwashing is a psychological horror, story rich and horror game developed by Wrong Organ and published by CRITICAL REFLEX. Released on September 26th 2024 has received 29,304 reviews of which 28,210 were positive and 1,094 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. With 103 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played retro games.
9.4
28,210
1,094
103
players
6. Pinball FX
Pinball FX is digital pinball evolved. Get the highest score on tables inspired by the biggest brands in entertainment. New tables arrive frequently! Pinball FX is a free to play, pinball and arcade game developed and published by Zen Studios. Released on April 13th 2023 has received 2,079 reviews of which 1,449 were positive and 630 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.8 out of 10. With 101 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played retro games.
6.8
1,449
630
101
players
7. Sonic Origins
Experience the collected adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog in Sonic Origins Plus! With 16 legendary Sonic titles, including 12 Game Gear games, new playable characters, modes, challenges, behind-the-scenes content, and more, this is the definitive way to play these classic games! Sonic Origins is a action, adventure and 2d platformer game developed by Sonic Team and published by SEGA. Released on June 22nd 2022 has received 4,796 reviews of which 3,481 were positive and 1,315 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.1 out of 10. The game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played retro games.
7.1
3,481
1,315
93
players
8. Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun
Load up your Boltgun and unleash the awesome Space Marine arsenal to blast your way through an explosion of sprites, pixels and blood in a perfect blend of Warhammer 40,000, frenetic gameplay and the stylish visuals of 90’s retro shooters. Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun is a boomer shooter, fps and warhammer 40k game developed by Auroch Digital and published by Focus Entertainment. Released on May 23rd 2023 has received 14,703 reviews of which 13,388 were positive and 1,315 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. The game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played retro games.
8.9
13,388
1,315
90
players
9. Mega Man X Legacy Collection
Mega Man X Legacy Collection includes the legendary 16-bit titles and the series’ exciting foray into the 32-bit era: Mega Man X, Mega Man X2, Mega Man X3, and Mega Man X4. Test your skills in the new X Challenge mode, which pits players against two deadly bosses at once. Mega Man X Legacy Collection is a action, platformer and classic game developed and published by CAPCOM CO. and LTD. Released on July 24th 2018 has received 4,165 reviews of which 3,228 were positive and 937 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.5 out of 10. The game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played retro games.
7.5
3,228
937
83
players
10. Lunacid
Cast into the Great Well, unwanted by the world above. You delve the dark in search of the Old One, your last salvation. Lunacid is a dark fantasy dungeon crawler inspired by Shadow Tower and King’s Field. Lunacid is a dungeon crawler, dark fantasy and first-person game developed by KIRA LLC and published by KIRA LLC and CRITICAL REFLEX. Released on October 30th 2023 has received 8,700 reviews of which 7,922 were positive and 778 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. The game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played retro games.
8.8
7,922
778
81
players
Best deals on retro games on Steam
Discover fantastic savings with the best discounts on a variety of retro games available on Steam right now, updated on May 05th 2025. Looking for even more deals? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of discounted retro games.
1. Last Call BBS
Boot up your Z5 Powerlance and dial into Last Call BBS, the last game from Zachtronics! The Barkeep’s loaded up his retro computer with a full set of puzzle games for you to download and play. No need to worry about copy protection, they’re all fully cracked and ready to enjoy! Last Call BBS is a puzzle, retro and automation game developed and published by Zachtronics. Released on August 03rd 2022 has received 1,392 reviews of which 1,286 were positive and 106 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 retro category.
8.8
1,286
106
-95%
20.00€
1.00€
2. Narita Boy
Become symphonic in Narita Boy! A radical action-adventure as a legendary pixel hero trapped as a mere echo within the Digital Kingdom. Discover the mysteries behind the Techno-sword, lock swords with the corrupt and tainted Stallions. Save the world! Narita Boy is a action, retro and adventure game developed by Studio Koba and published by Team17. Released on March 30th 2021 has received 1,613 reviews of which 1,257 were positive and 356 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.5 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 94% discount, this game is now the #2 best deal in retro games.
7.5
1,257
356
-94%
23.83€
1.43€
3. Beat Cop
A retro, pixel art style adventure in New York, inspired by ’80s cop shows. You are Jack Kelly and you’ve been framed for murder. Now as a regular beat cop you have to find out, who did that. Expect thick crime story, a lot of black humour and all the other things you can find on the streets of Brooklyn. Beat Cop is a pixel graphics, indie and retro game developed by Pixel Crow and published by 11 bit studios. Released on March 30th 2017 has received 5,567 reviews of which 4,602 were positive and 965 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.0 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 93% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in retro games.
8.0
4,602
965
-93%
14.71€
1.03€
4. Blazing Chrome
In Blazing Chrome, bring your best pal and kick some metal butts to free the humankind while enjoying a classic run’n’gun, fully loaded with action and exciting fights! Blazing Chrome is a retro, action and pixel graphics game developed by JoyMasher and published by The Arcade Crew and CE-Asia. Released on July 11th 2019 has received 1,756 reviews of which 1,540 were positive and 216 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 92% discount, this title has earned the #4 position in the best deals for retro games.
8.4
1,540
216
-92%
17.75€
1.42€
5. ToeJam & Earl: Back in the Groove!
ToeJam & Earl: Back in the Groove! is a mash-up of the very best features of the classic console games with a ton of fresh improvements! Explore Earth as funky aliens from planet Funkotron trying to find your missing ship pieces to get back home in this casual co-op roguelike. ToeJam & Earl: Back in the Groove! is a adventure, indie and casual game developed and published by HumaNature Studios. Released on February 28th 2019 has received 1,087 reviews of which 957 were positive and 130 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.3 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 92% discount, this title has earned the #5 position in the best deals for retro games.
8.3
957
130
-92%
12.50€
1.00€
6. UBERMOSH Vol.5
The fifth volume of the arcade series UBERMOSH. UBERMOSH Vol.5 is a indie, action and arcade game developed and published by Walter Machado. Released on May 25th 2017 has received 341 reviews of which 321 were positive and 20 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 90% discount, this title has earned the #6 position in the best deals for retro games.
8.7
321
20
-90%
4.99€
0.49€
7. S.W.I.N.E. HD Remaster
S.W.I.N.E. HD Remaster is the new edition of the challenging classic strategy game S.W.I.N.E! The filthiest of all wars between the Rabbit and the Pig armies is a sophisticated real-time strategy with completely revised textures, detailed unit models, a 16:9 adapted interface. S.W.I.N.E. HD Remaster is a strategy, rts and retro game developed by Kite Games and published by Kite Games and WhisperGames. Released on May 23rd 2019 has received 1,188 reviews of which 1,084 were positive and 104 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 90% discount, this title has earned the #7 position in the best deals for retro games.
8.6
1,084
104
-90%
10.00€
1.00€
8. Razortron 2000
RAZORTRON 2000 is a retro top-down endless racing game. Try to beat your highscore, unlock new cars and climb your way to the top of the leaderboards on this love letter to coin eater arcade machines era! Razortron 2000 is a casual, racing and indie game developed and published by NukGames. Released on October 12th 2016 has received 2,009 reviews of which 1,713 were positive and 296 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 90% discount, this title has earned the #8 position in the best deals for retro games.
8.2
1,713
296
-90%
4.99€
0.49€
9. Dread Templar
Dread Templar is a fast-paced hardcore old-school FPS, combining classic 90s shooter and modern FPS elements. Unlock and combine dozens of weapon upgrades and skills, embrace the Dread Force and obliterate hordes of fiendish enemies. Become the scariest thing in hell and get your revenge! Dread Templar is a boomer shooter, fps and retro game developed by T19 Games and published by Fulqrum Publishing. Released on January 26th 2023 has received 1,491 reviews of which 1,244 were positive and 247 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 retro games.
8.0
1,244
247
-89%
19.73€
2.17€
10. River City Super Sports Challenge ~All Stars Special~
This is the River City sports challenge! The Rule is simple, be the # 1 in 4 events by all means. That's it! Hitting and kicking? Of course! Wooden swords dumbbells and even bombs are available to use. The great sports challenge where anything's possible has just begun!!! River City Super Sports Challenge ~All Stars Special~ is a sports, action and retro game developed by Arc System Works and published by H2 Interactive Co. and Ltd.. Released on December 17th 2015 has received 856 reviews of which 579 were positive and 277 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.5 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 89% discount, this title has earned the #10 position in the best deals for retro games.
6.5
579
277
-89%
20.09€
2.21€
Free retro games on Steam
Check out this fantastic list of free-to-play retro games you can enjoy on Steam right now, updated on May 05th 2025. Looking for even more free titles? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of free to play retro games.
1. RetroArch
RetroArch is an open source and cross platform frontend/framework for emulators, game engines, video games, media players and other applications RetroArch is a free to play, retro and software game developed and published by Libretro. Released on May 27th 2022 has received 7,908 reviews of which 7,095 were positive and 813 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. With 648 active players enjoying it for free, this strategy game has reached the #1 spot among the top free retro games on Steam.
8.7
7,095
813
648
players
2. Pinball FX
Pinball FX is digital pinball evolved. Get the highest score on tables inspired by the biggest brands in entertainment. New tables arrive frequently! Pinball FX is a free to play, pinball and arcade game developed and published by Zen Studios. Released on April 13th 2023 has received 2,079 reviews of which 1,449 were positive and 630 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.8 out of 10. Thanks to its free to play tag and a daily player base of 101, this retro game has secured the #2 spot in the ranking of free retro games on Steam.
6.8
1,449
630
101
players
3. Baldi's Basics Classic Remastered
Escape Baldi's schoolhouse again in this new remastered version of Baldi's Basics Classic! Use stealth and strategy to collect all 7 notebooks and win! Featuring three games in one, gameplay improvements, a more authentic art style, accessibility improvements, and brand new ways to play! Baldi's Basics Classic Remastered is a horror, stealth and retro game developed by Basically Games and published by Basically Games and LLC. Released on October 21st 2022 has received 11,843 reviews of which 10,965 were positive and 878 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.0 out of 10. The game currently holds the #3 spot among the most played free retro games on Steam.
9.0
10,965
878
77
players
4. Moonring
A dark-fantasy, turn-based, retro-fusion of classic turn-based RPGs and roguelikes, all presented with a unique neon aesthetic. Moonring is a rpg, retro and medieval game developed and published by Fluttermind and LLC. Released on September 28th 2023 has received 2,064 reviews of which 1,986 were positive and 78 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. The game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played free retro games on Steam.
9.2
1,986
78
18
players
5. 重生之我是小虾米
With armor-clad horses and swords in hand, we roam the world, fighting for justice in a martial arts realm full of change and turmoil. Clad in cold garments and wielding iron swords, we march thousands of miles; who in the world does not know of us? 重生之我是小虾米 is a rpg, dungeon crawler and choices matter game developed and published by ForeverNo.2 Game Studio. Released on August 13th 2024 has received 1,663 reviews of which 1,590 were positive and 73 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. The game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played free retro games on Steam.
9.1
1,590
73
14
players
6. Tanks: The Crusades
A top-down shooter with tanks that have various assorted abilities, with support for multiplayer and a level editor. Tanks: The Crusades is a tanks, arcade and strategy game developed and published by Aehmttw (Matei Budiu). Released on June 24th 2021 has received 700 reviews of which 659 were positive and 41 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. The game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played free retro games on Steam.
8.8
659
41
4
players
7. You Have to Win the Game
You Have to Win the Game is a free exploration platformer with a retro 1980s PC aesthetic. You Have to Win the Game is a metroidvania, free to play and retro game developed and published by Minor Key Games. Released on May 06th 2014 has received 5,670 reviews of which 5,268 were positive and 402 were negative resulting in a rating of 9.0 out of 10. The game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played free retro games on Steam.
9.0
5,268
402
3
players
8. Death Rally (Classic)
You start out from the bottom of the ranking list. Your objective: earn money in the fast-paced battle races. Fight hard for each precious championship point. Fellow competitors are showering you in a constant hail of bullets. Each race is deadly contest - a matter of life or death. Death Rally (Classic) is a racing, retro and top-down game developed by Remedy and published by 3D Realms (Apogee Software). Released on May 05th 2014 has received 750 reviews of which 682 were positive and 68 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.5 out of 10. The game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played free retro games on Steam.
8.5
682
68
3
players
9. Mimic Search
Mimic Search is a short indie horror game, in which you take the role of a police officer investigating a recent mimic attack. Mimic Search is a horror, free to play and psychological horror game developed and published by Gemezl. Released on May 02nd 2024 has received 802 reviews of which 707 were positive and 95 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.3 out of 10. The game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played free retro games on Steam.
8.3
707
95
3
players
10. Missing Hiker
Missing Hiker is a short indie horror game, where your brother Ethan went missing while hiking and you need to find him. Missing Hiker is a horror, free to play and psychological horror game developed and published by Gemezl. Released on February 14th 2023 has received 3,286 reviews of which 2,814 were positive and 472 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.3 out of 10. The game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played free retro games on Steam.
8.3
2,814
472
3
players