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
ARCADE GAME SERIES: PAC-MAN
First released in arcades in 1980, the masterpiece PAC-MAN comes to Steam! Move PAC-MAN up, down, left, and right to avoid the ghosts and gobble up all the Pac-Dots!
ARCADE GAME SERIES: GALAGA
First appearing in arcades in 1981, the masterpiece GALAGA finally comes to Steam! Move the fighter left and right and destroy the waves of incoming aliens!
ARCADE GAME SERIES: Ms. PAC-MAN
Developed in America and first released in 1981, Ms. PAC-MAN finally comes to Steam! Move Ms. PAC-MAN up, down, left, and right to avoid the ghosts and gobble up all the Pac-Dots!
ARCADE GAME SERIES: DIG DUG
First appearing in arcades in 1982, Dig Dug finally comes to Steam! Control Dig Dug to make underground tunnels and inflate or crush the enemies!
Battlezone 98 Redux
One of the greatest sci-fi strategy games of all time returns with remastered visuals, online multiplayer and near unlimited mod content from Steam Workshop. Experience thrilling first person action and acclaimed RTS in this explosive alternate vision of the 1960s space race.
Pang Adventures
The Pang series is a beloved collection of arcade video games from the early 90s. Guide two brothers on a quest around the world to save humankind from a massive alien invasion!
Inexistence
Discover a vast world full of mysteries and action in this Metroidvania-style game inspired by the classics of the 16-bit era.
Spaceport Hope
A huge hand-crafted world packed with 13 unique bosses, a gripping story, and tons of enemies, Spaceport Hope is the ultimate test of gaming prowess.
METAL SLUG 2
“METAL SLUG 2”, the 2nd entry in SNK’s emblematic 2D run & gun action shooting game returns to the battlefield on the Steam gaming platform!
Aurion: Legacy of the Kori-Odan
Embark on a story-rich action RPG where only convictions fuel power. Gather and merge your Legacies to unleash devastating skills on the ground and in the air. Strive to reshape the world with your beliefs. Dive in The Aurion: this is a deep journey you’ll never forget.
Angry Video Game Nerd II: ASSimilation
When a mysterious beam from space transforms the world into a game, the Angry Video Game Nerd must return to put the "ASS" in ASSimilation. Utilize new mechanics, power-ups, abilities, and collectible armor pieces to defeat your most powerful foe yet, and save the world!
1993 Space Machine
Space shooters never die. 1993 is a testament to that. 1993 is a classic shoot em up celebrating games like Gradius, R-Type and Life Force.
Samorost 3
Samorost 3 is an exploration adventure and puzzle game from the award-winning creators of Machinarium and Botanicula. Travel across space to nine unique worlds teeming with colorful challenges, creatures and surprises to discover, brought to life with beautiful artwork, sound and music.
Slain: Back from Hell
Slain: Back from Hell. A heavy metal inspired arcade combat with puzzle elements and gore galore. Stunning visuals and true old school gameplay accompanied by the most metal soundtrack you've ever heard.
Day of the Tentacle Remastered
Originally released by LucasArts in 1993 as a sequel to Ron Gilbert’s ground breaking Maniac Mansion, Day of the Tentacle is back in a remastered edition that features all new hand-drawn, high resolution artwork, with remastered audio, music and sound effects.
Helen's Mysterious Castle
A young girl with a hidden past sets off on an epic and mysterious journey in hope of learning more about her own origins in this beautifully rendered, classic-style RPG adventure.
Defy Gravity Extended
Defy Gravity is an action platformer that is a mix between classic platforming and gravity based puzzle solving.
Prison Run and Gun
The recent events in a state prison, involving Jake from Team Hot Guns was a perfect moment for some prisoners to escape - you are one of them.
Out There Somewhere
You play an explorer stranded on a dangerous alien planet. Low on fuel, your only hope for escape is to find the planet’s core in this incredibly clever action-puzzle-platformer.
Space Pilgrim Episode IV: Sol
Locked away in the most secure prison in the galaxy, with little hope of escape, Gail Pilgrim faces the most difficult ordeals of her life. Her only hope lies in trusting those who she has come to regard as her friends.
Master of Orion 2
Forge an empire in a universe where population growth is stripping away planetary resources. Colonize unknown planets and trade with other races for their knowledge.
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 03rd 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 592 peak concurrent players over the last day.
8.7
7,095
813
592
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 6,110 reviews of which 5,852 were positive and 258 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. While seeing 238 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #2 among retro games based on player count.
9.3
5,852
258
238
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 353 reviews of which 309 were positive and 44 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.1 out of 10. While seeing 197 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among retro games based on player count.
8.1
309
44
197
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 128 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
128
players
5. 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 #5 spot among the most played retro games.
7.1
3,481
1,315
97
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. The game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played retro games.
6.8
1,449
630
94
players
7. 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. The game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played retro games.
7.5
3,212
932
90
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 29,071 reviews of which 27,994 were positive and 1,077 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. The game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played retro games.
9.4
27,994
1,077
89
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 11,783 reviews of which 10,912 were positive and 871 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.0 out of 10. The game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played retro games.
9.0
10,912
871
86
players
10. 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 #10 spot among the most played retro games.
8.9
13,388
1,315
76
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 03rd 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. 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 1,484 reviews of which 1,241 were positive and 243 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.0 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 89% discount, this title has earned the #8 position in the best deals for retro games.
8.0
1,241
243
-89%
19.73€
2.17€
9. 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 #9 position in the best deals for retro games.
6.5
579
277
-89%
20.09€
2.21€
10. Mega Man Legacy Collection
Mega Man Legacy Collection is a celebration of the 8-bit history of Capcom’s iconic Blue Bomber featuring faithful reproductions of the series’ origins with the original six Mega Man games. Mega Man Legacy Collection is a platformer, retro and classic game developed and published by Capcom. Released on August 24th 2015 has received 4,773 reviews of which 4,099 were positive and 674 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.3 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 88% discount, this title has earned the #10 position in the best deals for retro games.
8.3
4,099
674
-88%
14.92€
1.79€
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 03rd 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 592 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
592
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. The game currently holds the #2 spot among the most played free retro games on Steam.
6.8
1,449
630
94
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 11,783 reviews of which 10,912 were positive and 871 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
10,912
871
86
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
25
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
12
players
6. 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 #6 spot among the most played free retro games on Steam.
8.5
682
68
4
players
7. 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 #7 spot among the most played free retro games on Steam.
7.7
1,612
400
4
players
8. 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 #8 spot among the most played free retro games on Steam.
9.0
5,268
402
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 796 reviews of which 701 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
701
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