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
Strikey Sisters
Say hello to a fantasy themed action arcade brick breaker! Featuring cute characters, silly humor, powerful magic, crazy bosses, and even local 2 player co-op mode!
Emily is Away Too
Emily is Away Too is a brand new story featuring new characters and multiple different endings. Message your friends, surf the web and choose your path through this branching narrative.
SUPERHOT VR
Lose track of what’s real. Commit yourself, body and mind. Confront the evocative, elegantly brutal world of SUPERHOT VR. Enemies pouring into the room from all sides, dozens of bullets coursing through the air... Wait. Something seems different in here...
UBERMOSH Vol.5
The fifth volume of the arcade series UBERMOSH.
Caveblazers
Caveblazers is a challenging and brutal roguelike platformer. Journey into a mysterious cave, fighting orcs and goblins with an abundance of weapons and magical items! Make friends along the way, then watch in despair as they are crushed in to a bloody pulp under a troll's fist.
STRAFE: Gold Edition
STRAFE® is the worlds bloodiest roguelike first-person shooter! Featuring mind melting secrets and persistent gore that allows you to paint levels red with the excessive entrails of your enemies. 30+ weapons, 20+ enemies, & a red hot soundtrack.
World to the West
World to the West is a standalone followup of Teslagrad, the indie hit that sold more than 1.6 million copies worldwide. A vast world of blue skies and dark caves awaits you in this 3D action adventure, as you try to unveil the mysteries of an ancient prophecy.
WAVESHAPER
WAVESHAPER is a minimalist score attack game in which you attempt to stop the 2D vector menace, one obstacle at a time.
Just Ignore Them
One night can feel like a lifetime of pain, suffering and horror to a child...do you have what it takes to survive the night? Play as an 8 year old child who is tormented by monsters in his house. Your choices make his future which lives can be saved or ended.
Mini Ghost
"Mini Ghost" is a mini metroidvania in the 80's MSX art style and gameplay. It's the mini prequel of Ghost 1.0.
I Expect You To Die
Test your problem-solving skills in this virtual reality escape-the-room puzzle game. Play as a secret agent armed with telekinetic abilities on a mission to stop Zoraxis, an evil corporation with plans for world domination.
Orbt XL
Defy gravity in Orbt XL! A fast-paced, addictive, 'just-one-more-round' arcade score chaser. Stay in orbit, dodge obstacles, and rack up points, the closer you are to the black hole, the higher your score! Easy to learn, tough to master, and perfect for quick play sessions while waiting in queue.
The Disney Afternoon Collection
Starring a cast of beloved Disney characters, The Disney Afternoon Collection takes you back to a golden era of gaming and afternoons filled with adventure. All six classic games feature new and improved visuals and include filtering options that replicate a retro look and feel.
Yooka-Laylee
Yooka-Laylee is an all-new open-world platformer from genre veterans Playtonic! Explore huge, beautiful worlds, meet an unforgettable cast of characters and horde a vault-load of collectibles as buddy-duo Yooka and Laylee embark on an epic adventure to thwart corporate creep Capital B!
Planescape: Torment: Enhanced Edition
Uncover secrets of past lives in this story-rich, tactical roleplaying game set in Sigil, a dark fantasy city at the heart of the Dungeons & Dragons multiverse. Explore the planes, survive combat alongside a party of bizarre companions, and solve puzzles unlike any ever seen in the genre.
Cosmic Star Heroine
3 exotic planets to explore. Aliens. Robots. Magic. Forbidden technology. Ruined Worlds. Ghosts. Long-lost secrets. Conspiracies. A galactic threat. And one brave heroine to make things right. Cosmic Star Heroine is an exciting new RPG from the creators of Cthulhu Saves the World.
Spark the Electric Jester
Spark the electric jester is an action/platformer video game heavily based on best classics from the 16-bit era from both sides of the aisle.
Slime-san: Superslime Edition
Slime-san was minding his own business when suddenly… A giant worm appeared and gobbled him up! Deep within the worm’s belly, Slime-san has to face a decision: Be digested by the incoming wall of stomach acid... Or jump, slide and slime his way through the worm and back out its mouth!
Shovel Knight: Specter of Torment
Take control of Specter Knight, servant to the Enchantress, in a quest to recruit a cadre of knights and create the Order of No Quarter. Experience perfect platforming, world-class visuals, impeccable stage design, incredible music, and even meet a friend or two in Shovel Knight: Specter of Torment!
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.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 04th 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 677 peak concurrent players over the last day.
8.7
7,095
813
677
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 286 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
286
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 164 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
164
players
5. 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 4,144 reviews of which 3,212 were positive and 932 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.5 out of 10. With 123 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played retro games.
7.5
3,212
932
123
players
6. Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove
Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove is the complete Shovel Knight collection, containing all 5 games in the epic saga! Dig, blast, slash, and bash your way through a fantastical, 8-bit inspired world of pixel-perfect platforming, memorable characters, and world-class action-adventure gameplay. Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove is a platformer, pixel graphics and retro game developed and published by Yacht Club Games. Released on June 26th 2014 has received 16,053 reviews of which 15,382 were positive and 671 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. With 109 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played retro games.
9.3
15,382
671
109
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. With 108 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played retro games.
7.1
3,481
1,315
108
players
8. 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 102 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played retro games.
9.4
28,210
1,094
102
players
9. 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. With 102 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played retro games.
9.0
10,965
878
102
players
10. 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 #10 spot among the most played retro games.
6.8
1,449
630
101
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 04th 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 1,082 were positive and 106 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
1,082
106
-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 04th 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 677 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
677
players
2. 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. Thanks to its free to play tag and a daily player base of 102, this retro game has secured the #2 spot in the ranking of free retro games on Steam.
9.0
10,965
878
102
players
3. 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 #3 spot in the ranking of free retro games on Steam.
6.8
1,449
630
101
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
21
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
11
players
6. Princess Remedy in a World of Hurt
Remedy, a recent graduate from the Saturnian healing school, must descend to Hurtland and use her powers to heal everyone from stray ducks to dark lords, and finally cure the ailing Prince Hingst. It's a short, whimsical adventure with plenty of heart(s). Princess Remedy in a World of Hurt is a indie, female protagonist and free to play game developed by Ludosity and Remar Games and published by Ludosity. Released on January 01st 2016 has received 2,863 reviews of which 2,800 were positive and 63 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. The game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played free retro games on Steam.
9.3
2,800
63
5
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
4
players
8. Halls of Torment: Prelude
Slay hordes of terrifying monsters in this horde survival roguelite. Descend into the Halls of Torment where the Lords of the underworld await you. Treasures, magical trinkets, and a growing cast of heroes will grant you the power to vanquish these horrors from beyond. How long can you survive? Halls of Torment: Prelude is a bullet hell, dark fantasy and retro game developed and published by Chasing Carrots. Released on March 09th 2023 has received 1,363 reviews of which 1,273 were positive and 90 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. The game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played free retro games on Steam.
8.9
1,273
90
4
players
9. Shadow Warrior Classic (1997)
Strap on your combat sandals...Lo Wang is coming to the Land of the Rising Sun to turn out the lights. Experience total blood immersion. If you can't touch, kill or drive something...then blow it away! Whether you're wielding shurikens, an Uzi, or a freshly plundered Guardian head...you've got your work cut out for you. Shadow Warrior Classic (1997) is a fps, classic and free to play game developed by 3D Realms and published by Devolver Digital. It has received 1,471 reviews of which 1,366 were positive and 105 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. The game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played free retro games on Steam.
8.8
1,366
105
4
players
10. 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! Chex Quest HD is a free to play, action and indie game developed by Team Chex Quest HD and Flight School Studio and published by General Mills. Released on May 18th 2020 has received 2,012 reviews of which 1,612 were positive and 400 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.7 out of 10. The game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played free retro games on Steam.
7.7
1,612
400
4
players