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
Half-Life Deathmatch: Source
Half-Life Deathmatch: Source is a recreation of the first multiplayer game set in the Half-Life universe. Features all the classic weapons and most-played maps, now running on the Source engine.
Day of Defeat
Enlist in an intense brand of Axis vs. Allied teamplay set in the WWII European Theatre of Operations. Players assume the role of light/assault/heavy infantry, sniper or machine-gunner class, each with a unique arsenal of historical weaponry at their disposal. Missions are based on key historical operations.
Deathmatch Classic
Enjoy fast-paced multiplayer gaming with Deathmatch Classic (a.k.a. DMC). Valve's tribute to the work of id software, DMC invites players to grab their rocket launchers and put their reflexes to the test in a collection of futuristic settings.
Half-Life: Blue Shift
Made by Gearbox Software and originally released in 2001 as an add-on to Half-Life, Blue Shift is a return to the Black Mesa Research Facility in which you play as Barney Calhoun, the security guard sidekick who helped Gordon out of so many sticky situations.
Gothic 1
War has been waged across the kingdom of Myrtana. Orcish hordes invaded human territory and the king of the land needed a lot of ore to forge enough weapons, should his army stand against this threat. Whoever breaks the law in these darkest of times is sentenced to serve in the giant penal colony of Khorinis, mining the so much needed...
Half-Life: Opposing Force
Return to the Black Mesa Research Facility as one of the military specialists assigned to eliminate Gordon Freeman. Experience an entirely new episode of single player action. Meet fierce alien opponents, and experiment with new weaponry. Named 'Game of the Year' by the Academy of Interactive Arts and Sciences.
Team Fortress Classic
One of the most popular online action games of all time, Team Fortress Classic features over nine character classes -- from Medic to Spy to Demolition Man -- enlisted in a unique style of online team warfare. Each character class possesses unique weapons, items, and abilities, as teams compete online in a variety of game play modes.
Half-Life
Named Game of the Year by over 50 publications, Valve's debut title blends action and adventure with award-winning technology to create a frighteningly realistic world where players must think to survive. Also includes an exciting multiplayer mode that allows you to play against friends and enemies around the world.
Carmageddon Max Pack
Carmageddon is the original freeform driving sensation, where pedestrians (and cows!) equal points, and your opponents are a bunch of crazies in a twisted mix of automotive killing machines. The game features anarchic drive-wherever-you-like gameplay and over-the-top surreal comedy violence. It’s the racing game where racing is for wimps.
Penny Arcade's On the Rain-Slick Precipice of Darkness 4
Penny Arcade’s “On the Rain-Slick Precipice of Darkness 4” concludes the saga of Tycho Brahe, Scion of The Long Project, and his almost certainly human partner Jonathan Gabriel. The world has been destroyed, but existence extends beyond this mortal plane in the gruesome Underhell!
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.
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 June 15th 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 8,063 reviews of which 7,224 were positive and 839 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 643 peak concurrent players over the last day.
8.7
7,224
839
643
players
2. 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. While seeing 583 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #2 among retro games based on player count.
8.7
321
20
583
players
3. Dungeon Clawler
Dungeon Clawler is a Roguelike Claw Machine Deckbuilder. Build your deck, grab weapons and items from the claw machine to battle enemies, discover powerful perks that create game-changing synergies and unleash crazy combos as you fight your way through the dungeon! Dungeon Clawler is a early access, rogue-lite and retro game developed by Stray Fawn Studio and published by Stray Fawn Publishing and Playworks. Released on November 21st 2024 has received 2,581 reviews of which 2,319 were positive and 262 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. While seeing 344 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among retro games based on player count.
8.6
2,319
262
344
players
4. 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 6,249 reviews of which 5,982 were positive and 267 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. With 200 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played retro games.
9.2
5,982
267
200
players
5. 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 15,030 reviews of which 13,676 were positive and 1,354 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. With 170 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played retro games.
8.9
13,676
1,354
170
players
6. 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 439 reviews of which 380 were positive and 59 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.1 out of 10. With 123 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played retro games.
8.1
380
59
123
players
7. 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 16,112 reviews of which 15,438 were positive and 674 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. With 121 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played retro games.
9.3
15,438
674
121
players
8. 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 12,155 reviews of which 11,254 were positive and 901 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.0 out of 10. With 104 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played retro games.
9.0
11,254
901
104
players
9. Rift Wizard 2
Rift Wizard 2 is a tough as nails traditional roguelike wizard simulator. You play as an immortal amnesiac wizard who must journey through the cosmos to defeat his nemesis. Each run, you'll build a unique repertoire of spells, passive skills, and magical artifacts. Rift Wizard 2 is a traditional roguelike, magic and procedural generation game developed and published by Dylan White. Released on January 31st 2025 has received 532 reviews of which 486 were positive and 46 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.5 out of 10. The game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played retro games.
8.5
486
46
96
players
10. 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 26,131 reviews of which 24,500 were positive and 1,631 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. The game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played retro games.
9.2
24,500
1,631
89
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 June 15th 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 7,556 reviews of which 7,021 were positive and 535 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9 out of 10. Featuring a massive 99% discount, this game currently holds the #1 spot in the best deals for retro category.
9
7,021
535
-99%
24.99€
0.49€
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 1,632 reviews of which 1,273 were positive and 359 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.5 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 99% discount, this game is now the #2 best deal in retro games.
7.5
1,273
359
-99%
24.99€
0.33€
3. 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 1,405 reviews of which 1,297 were positive and 108 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 98% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in retro games.
8.8
1,297
108
-98%
19.50€
0.39€
4. 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 5,592 reviews of which 4,621 were positive and 971 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.0 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 98% discount, this title has earned the #4 position in the best deals for retro games.
8.0
4,621
971
-98%
14.99€
0.40€
5. Old School Musical
What has 50 amazing chiptune tracks, a loony story mode, 32 different chicken types to fight, and takes you on a tour of all your favorite retro games? It's Old School Musical! Tib and Rob are the heroes of a wacky adventure that will teach them where all of the bugs in our favorite games come from. Old School Musical is a indie, action and adventure game developed by La Moutarde and published by Dear Villagers. Released on September 13th 2018 has received 906 reviews of which 835 were positive and 71 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 97% discount, this title has earned the #5 position in the best deals for retro games.
8.7
835
71
-97%
12.99€
0.39€
6. 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 1,509 reviews of which 1,256 were positive and 253 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.0 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 97% discount, this title has earned the #6 position in the best deals for retro games.
8.0
1,256
253
-97%
19.99€
0.72€
7. Flashback
FLASHBACK™, the hit action-adventure game with over 2.2 million units sold, is back! Flashback is a adventure, action and platformer game developed by Paul Cuisset and published by Microids. Released on February 28th 2019 has received 557 reviews of which 436 were positive and 121 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.4 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 97% discount, this title has earned the #7 position in the best deals for retro games.
7.4
436
121
-97%
9.99€
0.36€
8. WRATH: Aeon of Ruin
Blast, slice and shred through your enemies in this hardcore FPS inspired by the icons of the '90s, powered by the legendary Quake-1 Tech. Taking place in a realm left to rot, take up arms, unearth long-forgotten secrets and hunt down the Guardians of the Old World. WRATH: Aeon of Ruin is a action, boomer shooter and fps game developed by KillPixel Games and Slipgate Ironworks and published by 3D Realms and Fulqrum Publishing. Released on February 27th 2024 has received 2,646 reviews of which 1,958 were positive and 688 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.2 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 97% discount, this title has earned the #8 position in the best deals for retro games.
7.2
1,958
688
-97%
24.99€
0.93€
9. 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 1,192 reviews of which 1,087 were positive and 105 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 96% discount, this title has earned the #9 position in the best deals for retro games.
8.6
1,087
105
-96%
9.99€
0.49€
10. Airline Tycoon Deluxe
Airline Tycoon Deluxe is a funny economy simulation proceeding in realtime and assigning you the complete responsibility for an airline. Airline Tycoon Deluxe is a simulation, management and retro game developed by Spellbound and published by HandyGames and Black Forest Games. Released on November 14th 2014 has received 615 reviews of which 513 were positive and 102 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.9 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 96% discount, this title has earned the #10 position in the best deals for retro games.
7.9
513
102
-96%
9.99€
0.43€
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 June 15th 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 8,063 reviews of which 7,224 were positive and 839 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. With 643 active players enjoying it for free, this strategy game has reached the #1 spot among the top free retro games on Steam.
8.7
7,224
839
643
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 12,155 reviews of which 11,254 were positive and 901 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 104, this retro game has secured the #2 spot in the ranking of free retro games on Steam.
9.0
11,254
901
104
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 2,122 reviews of which 1,489 were positive and 633 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.8 out of 10. The game currently holds the #3 spot among the most played free retro games on Steam.
6.8
1,489
633
70
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 2,104 reviews of which 2,024 were positive and 80 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
2,024
80
22
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 1,676 reviews of which 1,599 were positive and 77 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
1,599
77
13
players
6. 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 5,675 reviews of which 5,271 were positive and 404 were negative resulting in a rating of 9.0 out of 10. The game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played free retro games on Steam.
9.0
5,271
404
4
players
7. 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 #7 spot among the most played free retro games on Steam.
8.8
1,366
105
4
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 761 reviews of which 693 were positive and 68 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. The game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played free retro games on Steam.
8.6
693
68
4
players
9. Pointless
Pointless is a game about destroying Dots. Each Dot you destroy adds one point to your score. You can add your score to a global point pool, and see how many Dots have been destroyed globally. Rad! Pointless is a indie, clicker and retro game developed and published by Cake Collective Games. Released on February 22nd 2016 has received 328 reviews of which 208 were positive and 120 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.1 out of 10. The game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played free retro games on Steam.
6.1
208
120
3
players
10. 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 2,862 reviews of which 2,799 were positive and 63 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. The game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played free retro games on Steam.
9.3
2,799
63
2
players