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
Supercharged Robot VULKAISER
70s giant robot anime-inspired side-scrolling shooting from the creators of SATAZIUS and GIGANTIC ARMY!
You Must Build A Boat
You Must Build A Boat is the sequel to the award winning "10000000". Travel the world, run procedurally generated dungeons finding artifacts, capturing monsters and recruiting crew for your boat
The Masterplan
Tactical squad-based heist game set in 1970s. The 2D top-down view gives you a great overview of what's happening at any given moment, allowing you to be a real criminal mastermind. Can you pull off the greatest heist in the history of mankind?
Intergalactic Bubbles
Blast your way through space in this innovative 3D bubble puzzler! Bounce, bobble, swing, and explode bubbles across the universe. Intergalactic Bubbles advances the classic match-3 genre into the 21st century with stellar graphics, 3D action, and upgrades.
Chip's Challenge 1
Before Chip can join the Bit Busters computer club and hang out with the girl of his dreams, Melinda the Mental Marvel, he must solve all 144 challenging puzzles. Your bird's-eye view can help Chip rush through the puzzles and mazes before he's deleted by monsters, traps and the passage of time.
Kung Fury: Street Rage - Ultimate Edition
The original epic introduction to the eternal KUNG FURY beat ‘em up saga. New stages, and the Hackademy. Both THE ARCADE STRIKES BACK and the A DAY AT THE BEACH campaign.
Fine Sweeper
Fine Sweeper is a Minesweeper variant with additional features such as a campaign mode, “classic mode”, item drops, leader-boards, and achievements.
Technobabylon
A cyberpunk adventure game from the studio that brought you Gemini Rue and Blackwell! The year is 2087. Genetic engineering is the norm, and an omnipresent AI powers the city. Take control of three citizens of this world as they struggle to understand a deadly conspiracy.
Axiom Verge
Explore and uncover the mystery of a surreal alien world by blasting aliens and glitching your environment in this intense retro side-scrolling action/adventure.
Super Indie Karts
Super Indie Karts is a classic retro 16 to 64-bit style karting game, with Time Trials, Grand Prix, Splitscreen GP, Mission Mania, and Battle Mania! Featuring 48 racetracks, with many more coming soon. You don't have to wait until completion though as you can join the race now with Early Access!
Sky Force Anniversary
Legendary shoot-'em-up makes its way on the PCs! Abundant explosions, truly epic boss fights and beautifully crafted 3D environments are here to keep you entertained. Sky Force Anniversary offers single player experience and local cooperative mode for 2 players.
STAR WARS™ - X-Wing Special Edition
Against the overwhelming might of the Empire stands a small but growing Rebel Alliance. Scattered resistance groups are uniting and what is needed most now are Starfighter pilots. Will you join their struggle to end this tyranny and become a hero of the Rebellion?
RPG Maker 2003
For the first time ever, RPG Maker 2003 is officially available in English! This legendary game development engine is both highly affordable and easy to use, and it remains one of the most popular RPG Maker installments to date.
Crypt of the NecroDancer
Crypt of the NecroDancer is an award winning hardcore roguelike rhythm game. Move to the music and deliver beatdowns to the beat! Groove to the epic Danny Baranowsky soundtrack, or select songs from your own MP3 collection!
Environmental Station Alpha
Explore an abandoned space station in this retro-themed explorative action platformer.
Convoy
Convoy is a tactical roguelike-like inspired by Mad Max and FTL in which you cross a wasteland in search of parts for your broken ship. Presented in pixel art and set in a future post-apocalyptic setting, Convoy is a squad based tactical combat roguelike-like in its core.
Casino Inc.
Classic strategy game from 2003. Run your own casino in the 1970s. It's classy. It's glitzy. It's all yours. Take a gamble. Start small with a slot machine or two. Employ some staff. People will be talking about your place from coast to coast. Includes The Management Expansion Pack.
Westerado: Double Barreled
Westerado: Double Barreled. When your family is murdered by a mysterious desperado, you set out into the world to take revenge. Take control of your own fate and that of others, all using your trusty shooting iron.
Titan Souls
Between our world and the world beyond lie the Titan Souls, the spiritual source of all living things. Scattered amongst the ruins and guarded by the idle titans charged with their care, a solitary hero armed with a single arrow is assembling shards of the Titan Soul in a quest for truth and power.
Domestic Dog
Have you ever wanted to be a dog? Well now you can, kinda...
Chronicles of Teddy
Chronicles of Teddy : Harmony of Exidus is a 2D Adventure / Action game with a Pixel Art Retro finish. Help Tarant in a quest, in which you will have to fight, use your sense of direction and hearing to accomplish your mission.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 02nd 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 4,776 reviews of which 3,461 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
3,461
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 02nd 2025. Looking for even more deals? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of discounted retro games.
1. Prodeus
Prodeus is a first-person shooter of old, re-imagined using modern rendering techniques and technology. Experience the quality you’d expect from a modern AAA game, designed with retro aesthetics and gameplay that invoke the tech-imposed limits of older hardware. Prodeus is a boomer shooter, fps and retro game developed by Bounding Box Software Inc. and published by Humble Games. Released on September 23rd 2022 has received 7,473 reviews of which 6,947 were positive and 526 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9 out of 10. Featuring a massive 95% discount, this game currently holds the #1 spot in the best deals for retro category.
9
6,947
526
-95%
25.00€
1.25€
2. 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. Thanks to its incredible 95% discount, this game is now the #2 best deal in retro games.
8.8
1,286
106
-95%
20.00€
1.00€
3. 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 #3 best deal in retro games.
7.5
1,257
356
-94%
23.83€
1.43€
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. 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. Currently offered at a significant 90% discount, this title has earned the #7 position in the best deals for retro games.
8.0
4,602
965
-90%
15.30€
1.53€
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. 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 88% discount, this title has earned the #10 position in the best deals for retro games.
8.6
1,082
106
-88%
10.00€
1.20€
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 02nd 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 3,280 reviews of which 2,810 were positive and 470 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
2,810
470
3
players