Best Shoot 'Em Up 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 shoot 'em up games. For those who prefer not to search, lists of the most played, top deals and best free shoot 'em up games are available at the bottom of the page.
Filters & Lists
Crafty Survivors
All heroes got corrupted! Unlock a diverse cast of crafty professionals, use their unique skills, create your own builds and defend your home by eliminating hordes of monsters. Gather materials, rebuild your village and craft your way to the origin of this malignous curse!
Broventure: The Wild Co-op
Broventure = Vampire Survivors + Base building + Co-op. Band together with friends and obliterate hordes of grueling enemies, gather crucial resources, and transform your camp into a sanctuary of liberation.
Rhythm Witch: Beat Death
Rhythm Witch: Beat Death is a game that melds rhythm and survival. Attack to the rhythm of the music while dodging monsters who move and attack to the beat. On your journey to eternal beauty, defeat dancing freaks, ghouls, dragon, and more!
Badlands Crew
Create, customize and command your battle wagon to conquer crazed enemy factions and save innocent survivors scattered throughout the lawless Badlands in the aftermath of a devastating apocalypse. Do you have what it takes to Build, Evolve and Fight to survive?
Castle Of Alchemists
Defend your castle in this fast-paced tower defense/action hybrid game with stunning pixel art graphics! Play as alchemically enhanced warrior Bellator, set traps, build towers, craft powerful weapons, and defend your home! The fate of the castle lies in your hands!
Whisker Squadron: Survivor
A smooth roguelite shooter from the creators of RACE THE SUN, featuring a voiced cast of feline pilots in a dramatic showdown against corporate-powered robots called The Swarm. Features a 3-act campaign with branching paths, epic bosses, and a wide arsenal of pilots, ships, and weapons.
Guns of Fury
Guns of Fury is a retro-inspired action platformer that combines the run & gun and Metroidvania genres. Explore a vast interconnected world, gain new abilities and weapons, battle epic bosses and stop the plans of an evil corporation before it’s too late!
Ancient Cultivatrix
"Ancient Cultivatrix" is a Roguelite cultivation game with tower defense elements. The world was corrupted by chaos and became utterly depraved. Please gather the surviving cultivatrices and unite them. Enhance Taoist energy and spiritual prowess together, gradually uncovering the elusive truth.
Reality Break
Rewrite the universe! Break reality to change your fate, and use your powers to stop sinister forces from altering existence itself. Discover the origin of your new abilities in a fast-paced ARPG Loot Collection Roguelite where you will bend, break, and change the laws of the universe!
Warden's Will
Warden’s Will is a fast paced movement shooter roguelite, playable solo or in up-to 3 player co-op. Choose your Warden, master unique movements and abilities, and overpower hordes of robots in intense battles. Fly, dash, smash, and turn bullet-hell into bullet-heaven!
Talented
Slay waves of spooky enemies for 20 nights to survive 'The Demonic Conveyor Belt'. Talented is an arcade roguelite with randomly generated skill trees. Choose your upgrades and abilities wisely and you might just make it out alive. Are you truly Talented?
XENOTILT: HOSTILE PINBALL ACTION
LIGHTNING STRIKES AGAIN!! XENOTILT, the sequel to the cult hit, DEMON'S TILT. Get ready for another PINBALL FANTASY. XENOTILT shreds the envelope with face-melting gameplay & graphics.
Time Treker
Choose your pilot and build your own custom mecha with 17+ weapons and 55+ attachments, then jump to the battlefield against hundreds of enemies to save spacetime itself in this thrilling sci-fi bullet heaven!
Metro Awakening
Metro Awakening is a story-driven first person adventure built for VR that blends atmospheric exploration, stealth and combat in the most immersive Metro experience yet. Don your gas mask, brave the crippling radiation and venture into the depths of the Metro where threats haunt your every step.
Slime 3K: Rise Against Despot
Welcome to Slime 3K, an unhinged roguelite bullet-heaven set in the Despot’s Game universe! Build a deck of crazy weapons, grow stronger and devour hordes of pink puny humans as a murderous jelly blob on a warpath of death, violence and pretzels.
NIMRODS
Assemble a limitless arsenal in this survive-em-up roguelite shooter. As a Gun Manufacturer's testing force, your mission is simple: test the latest gun tech and scavenge alien planets. Collect insane weapon parts to invent crazy guns that slay thousands. You may not survive, but your guns will!
Duck Paradox
Shoot bouncing bullets in this roguelike precision platformer killing corrupted ducks while searching for Dr. Paraducks’ beloved pet throughout the multiverse! To return to safety you’ll need to tackle difficult-to-master trials, run after run, earning upgrades, while maintaining your sanity!
Harbinger
Blast, slide, and tear through waves of monsters in Harbinger's retro-inspired combat, a free boomer shooter bringing '90s combat into the modern era. Fight through waves of enemies in brutal arenas and regroup at the tavern to upgrade your arsenal.
Ultimate Zombie Defense 2
4-player co-op, zombie slaying, base building, boss battling mayhem! Cleanse the infected wave by wave and upgrade your base with traps & defenses in Ultimate Zombie Defense 2!
Iron Meat
Iron Meat is a run-and-gun arcade shooter that immerses players in an apocalyptic future overrun by "The Meat," an iron-ravenous mass mutating everything in its path. Blast your way through retro-inspired stages and bosses to uncover the shocking horrors behind secret experiments on the Moon.
Star Survivor
Star Survivor is a space-themed survival game that blends intense deckbuilding strategy. Pilot humanity's last spaceship through the vast galaxy, Unlock powerful weapon combos, collect card modules, and craft unique builds. As the enemy swarms grow denser, will you be the last one standing?
Most played shoot 'em up games on Steam
Take a look at the top shoot 'em up games that are currently attracting the largest player bases on the Steam platform, as of June 14th 2025.
1. Metal Slug: Awakening
Metal Slug: Awakening continues the classic gameplay loved by fans, with exciting new features like World Adventure, 3-player Team-up, and Roguelike challenges. Join forces with your friends online to take on powerful bosses anytime, anywhere! Metal Slug: Awakening is a shoot 'em up, 2d platformer and arcade game developed by Tencent and published by HaoPlay Limited. Released on July 19th 2024 has received 3,229 reviews of which 2,192 were positive and 1,037 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.6 out of 10. The game has hit the top spot as the #1 most played shoot 'em up game, thanks to its 330 peak concurrent players over the last day.
6.6
2,192
1,037
330
players
2. Sven Co-op
Sven Co-op is a co-operative game originally based around Valve Software's Half-Life. In this game players must work together against computer controlled enemies and solve puzzles as a team. Sven Co-op is a co-op, fps and online co-op game developed and published by Sven Co-op team. Released on January 22nd 2016 has received 31,316 reviews of which 29,316 were positive and 2,000 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. While seeing 275 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #2 among shoot 'em up games based on player count.
9.2
29,316
2,000
275
players
3. Nova Drift
Nova Drift distills the mechanical depth and strategy of an ARPG into classic arcade space combat. Control an endlessly evolving bio-mechanical ship, face legions of strange and deadly foes, and ride the wake of a dying star across the void. Nova Drift is a action roguelike, arena shooter and bullet hell game developed by Chimeric and published by Pixeljam. Released on August 12th 2024 has received 13,985 reviews of which 13,393 were positive and 592 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. While seeing 227 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among shoot 'em up games based on player count.
9.3
13,393
592
227
players
4. 20 Minutes Till Dawn
20 Minutes Till Dawn is a survival roguelite where endless hordes of creatures lurk from the dark. Craft an array of overpowering builds and eradicate waves of Lovecraftian nightmares. Will you be able to survive the night? 20 Minutes Till Dawn is a action roguelike, bullet hell and survival game developed by flanne and published by flanne and Erabit. Released on June 08th 2023 has received 27,719 reviews of which 25,358 were positive and 2,361 were negative resulting in a rating of 9.0 out of 10. With 130 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played shoot 'em up games.
9.0
25,358
2,361
130
players
5. Talented
Slay waves of spooky enemies for 20 nights to survive 'The Demonic Conveyor Belt'. Talented is an arcade roguelite with randomly generated skill trees. Choose your upgrades and abilities wisely and you might just make it out alive. Are you truly Talented? Talented is a action roguelike, pixel graphics and rogue-lite game developed and published by TurtleFox Games. Released on December 20th 2024 has received 1,175 reviews of which 1,081 were positive and 94 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. The game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played shoot 'em up games.
8.7
1,081
94
78
players
6. The Braves
Demolish hordes of enemies and survive against all odds! Unlock different characters, find powerful skill combinations and embark on an exciting journey through the variety of very different worlds in this cute but unforgiving roguelike game! The Braves is a action roguelike, arena shooter and rogue-lite game developed by 101XP GAME STUDIOS and published by 101XP. Released on May 03rd 2024 has received 1,643 reviews of which 1,170 were positive and 473 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.9 out of 10. The game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played shoot 'em up games.
6.9
1,170
473
75
players
7. Sker Ritual
An intense round-based zombie survival FPS, play solo or co-op. Shoot your way through relentless waves of vicious horrors with high-octane objectives, upgrading steampunk weapons, collecting Celtic God powers, and surviving the onslaught of the Quiet Ones. Sker Ritual is a story rich, multiplayer and survival game developed and published by Wales Interactive. Released on April 18th 2024 has received 5,232 reviews of which 4,404 were positive and 828 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. The game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played shoot 'em up games.
8.2
4,404
828
73
players
8. Dead Estate
Cornered with nowhere else to turn, can you escape the monster-filled mansion? Dead Estate is a gory, fast-paced, challenging roguelike shooter with a heavy emphasis on horror. Dead Estate is a action roguelike, twin stick shooter and horror game developed by Milkbar Lads and published by 2 Left Thumbs. Released on October 19th 2021 has received 5,764 reviews of which 5,467 were positive and 297 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. The game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played shoot 'em up games.
9.2
5,467
297
63
players
9. Chicken Invaders Universe
A deliciously addictive core of finger-blistering shooting action, surrounded by delectable morsels of galactic exploration, spacecraft customization, and community competitions. Chicken Invaders Universe is a shooter, shoot 'em up and top-down shooter game developed and published by InterAction studios. Released on December 15th 2022 has received 3,488 reviews of which 3,180 were positive and 308 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. The game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played shoot 'em up games.
8.8
3,180
308
52
players
10. Army of Ruin
Wreak havoc on countless foes with mighty weapons and deadly spells! Enhance your skills and face even greater dangers! Army of Ruin is an auto-shooter where you become the Bullet Hell. Army of Ruin is a action roguelike, bullet hell and exploration game developed and published by Milkstone Studios. Released on June 08th 2023 has received 2,411 reviews of which 2,142 were positive and 269 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.5 out of 10. The game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played shoot 'em up games.
8.5
2,142
269
51
players
Best deals on shoot 'em up games on Steam
Discover fantastic savings with the best discounts on a variety of shoot 'em up games available on Steam right now, updated on June 14th 2025. Looking for even more deals? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of discounted shoot 'em up games.
1. Valfaris: Mecha Therion
Therion returns as the hunt for Lord Vroll continues. Pilot an advanced machine of death and destruction in this explosive 2.5D side-scrolling shoot ‘em up, and sequel to the critically acclaimed Valfaris. Strap in and unleash mecha hell! Valfaris: Mecha Therion is a action, shoot 'em up and arcade game developed by Steel Mantis and published by Silver Lining Interactive. Released on November 21st 2023 has received 358 reviews of which 331 were positive and 27 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.5 out of 10. Featuring a massive 99% discount, this game currently holds the #1 spot in the best deals for shoot 'em up category.
8.5
331
27
-99%
24.50€
0.48€
2. Duke of Alpha Centauri
Duke of Alpha Centuri is a space shooter with amazing graphics. The main goal of our game is to have a lot of fun while blowing up hordes of different types of enemies. Engage in boss fights, upgrade your ship and ship systems until you are able to show off in an endless mode. Duke of Alpha Centauri is a action, casual and indie game developed by EGAMER and published by SA Industry. Released on December 28th 2016 has received 526 reviews of which 407 were positive and 119 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.3 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 99% discount, this game is now the #2 best deal in shoot 'em up games.
7.3
407
119
-99%
29.99€
0.39€
3. Gungrave G.O.R.E
Gungrave G.O.R.E is a stylish third-person action shooter by South-Korean Studio IGGYMOB in which you take on the role of Grave, a gunslinger of resurrection and badass anti-hero of your dreams, mowing down tons of enemies in a gory ballet of bullets. Gungrave G.O.R.E is a action, action-adventure and 3d game developed by IGGYMOB Co. and Ltd and published by Prime Matter. Released on November 22nd 2022 has received 809 reviews of which 565 were positive and 244 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.7 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 98% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in shoot 'em up games.
6.7
565
244
-98%
29.99€
0.85€
4. Starward Rogue
Starward Rogue is a bullet hell twin-stick shooter. Blast your way through the Megalith, a rogue-lite labyrinth lodged in the side of a star. Customize your mech with a huge variety of weapons, perks, and upgrades. Steel yourself for the dangers that lurk in the depths of the dungeon. Starward Rogue is a action roguelike, bullet hell and shoot 'em up game developed and published by Arcen Games and LLC. Released on January 20th 2016 has received 484 reviews of which 437 were positive and 47 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 97% discount, this title has earned the #4 position in the best deals for shoot 'em up games.
8.4
437
47
-97%
11.79€
0.43€
5. Sker Ritual
An intense round-based zombie survival FPS, play solo or co-op. Shoot your way through relentless waves of vicious horrors with high-octane objectives, upgrading steampunk weapons, collecting Celtic God powers, and surviving the onslaught of the Quiet Ones. Sker Ritual is a story rich, multiplayer and survival game developed and published by Wales Interactive. Released on April 18th 2024 has received 5,232 reviews of which 4,404 were positive and 828 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 97% discount, this title has earned the #5 position in the best deals for shoot 'em up games.
8.2
4,404
828
-97%
24.50€
0.95€
6. Go Mecha Ball
Load up and roll out, in this twin stick shooter with roguelike progression! Blast your way through arcade-style levels, using pinball-style physics mixed with an arsenal of devastating weapons. Defeat waves of enemy bots, battle big bosses, and upgrade your mech between runs. Go Mecha Ball is a shoot 'em up, twin stick shooter and arcade game developed by Whale Peak Games and published by Super Rare Originals. Released on January 25th 2024 has received 409 reviews of which 358 were positive and 51 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.1 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 97% discount, this title has earned the #6 position in the best deals for shoot 'em up games.
8.1
358
51
-97%
19.49€
0.72€
7. Zombie Rollerz: Pinball Heroes
Zombie Rollerz is the ultimate mashup of classic pinball, zombie defense and rogue-like! Shoot, slam and smash your way through hordes of zombies and epic boss fights. Select your hero, it’s time to become a pinball wizard! Zombie Rollerz: Pinball Heroes is a pinball, zombies and rogue-lite game developed by Zing Games Inc. and published by Daedalic Entertainment. Released on March 02nd 2022 has received 366 reviews of which 312 were positive and 54 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.9 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 97% discount, this title has earned the #7 position in the best deals for shoot 'em up games.
7.9
312
54
-97%
14.99€
0.46€
8. Raw Data
Built from the ground up for VR, Raw Data’s action gameplay, intuitive controls, challenging enemies, and sci-fi atmosphere will completely immerse you within the surreal world of Eden Corp. Go solo or team up and become the adrenaline-charged heroes of your own futuristic technothriller. Raw Data is a vr, action and shoot 'em up game developed and published by Survios. Released on October 05th 2017 has received 2,468 reviews of which 1,895 were positive and 573 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.4 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 97% discount, this title has earned the #8 position in the best deals for shoot 'em up games.
7.4
1,895
573
-97%
36.99€
1.16€
9. The Knight Witch
The Knight Witch is a metroidvania adventure game with fast-paced, shoot 'em up combat set in a beautifully hand-drawn world. Cast devastating card-based spells, forge close bonds, and make moral choices all in your quest to save your home and discover who's behind the War Golem invasion. The Knight Witch is a metroidvania, female protagonist and shoot 'em up game developed by Super Mega Team and published by Team17. Released on November 29th 2022 has received 773 reviews of which 564 were positive and 209 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.0 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 97% discount, this title has earned the #9 position in the best deals for shoot 'em up games.
7.0
564
209
-97%
19.99€
0.73€
10. RIVE: Wreck, Hack, Die, Retry!
This 360-degree shooter/platformer hybrid lets you choreograph a ‘dance of destruction’ in insanely spectacular battles and set-pieces. RIVE feels like the explosive games of yore, pumping megapixels in true 21st century style. RIVE: Wreck, Hack, Die, Retry! is a action, twin stick shooter and arcade game developed by Two Tribes and published by Two Tribes Publishing. Released on September 13th 2016 has received 999 reviews of which 841 were positive and 158 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.0 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 96% discount, this title has earned the #10 position in the best deals for shoot 'em up games.
8.0
841
158
-96%
14.79€
0.62€
Free shoot 'em up games on Steam
Check out this fantastic list of free-to-play shoot 'em up games you can enjoy on Steam right now, updated on June 14th 2025. Looking for even more free titles? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of free to play shoot 'em up games.
1. Metal Slug: Awakening
Metal Slug: Awakening continues the classic gameplay loved by fans, with exciting new features like World Adventure, 3-player Team-up, and Roguelike challenges. Join forces with your friends online to take on powerful bosses anytime, anywhere! Metal Slug: Awakening is a shoot 'em up, 2d platformer and arcade game developed by Tencent and published by HaoPlay Limited. Released on July 19th 2024 has received 3,229 reviews of which 2,192 were positive and 1,037 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.6 out of 10. With 330 active players enjoying it for free, this strategy game has reached the #1 spot among the top free shoot 'em up games on Steam.
6.6
2,192
1,037
330
players
2. Sven Co-op
Sven Co-op is a co-operative game originally based around Valve Software's Half-Life. In this game players must work together against computer controlled enemies and solve puzzles as a team. Sven Co-op is a co-op, fps and online co-op game developed and published by Sven Co-op team. Released on January 22nd 2016 has received 31,316 reviews of which 29,316 were positive and 2,000 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. Thanks to its free to play tag and a daily player base of 275, this shoot 'em up game has secured the #2 spot in the ranking of free shoot 'em up games on Steam.
9.2
29,316
2,000
275
players
3. The Braves
Demolish hordes of enemies and survive against all odds! Unlock different characters, find powerful skill combinations and embark on an exciting journey through the variety of very different worlds in this cute but unforgiving roguelike game! The Braves is a action roguelike, arena shooter and rogue-lite game developed by 101XP GAME STUDIOS and published by 101XP. Released on May 03rd 2024 has received 1,643 reviews of which 1,170 were positive and 473 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.9 out of 10. The game currently holds the #3 spot among the most played free shoot 'em up games on Steam.
6.9
1,170
473
75
players
4. Chicken Invaders Universe
A deliciously addictive core of finger-blistering shooting action, surrounded by delectable morsels of galactic exploration, spacecraft customization, and community competitions. Chicken Invaders Universe is a shooter, shoot 'em up and top-down shooter game developed and published by InterAction studios. Released on December 15th 2022 has received 3,488 reviews of which 3,180 were positive and 308 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. The game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played free shoot 'em up games on Steam.
8.8
3,180
308
52
players
5. Deadswitch 3
Deadswitch 3 is a fast-paced 2D multiplayer shooter. Experience action-packed combat with hundreds of weapons and multiple solo and team-based game modes. Deadswitch 3 is a side scroller, shooter and pvp game developed and published by Wilkin Games. Released on May 07th 2021 has received 2,419 reviews of which 1,795 were positive and 624 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.2 out of 10. The game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played free shoot 'em up games on Steam.
7.2
1,795
624
13
players
6. World of Shooting
A first-person shooting sports sim from the developers of World of Guns. Collect hundreds of realistic firearms and accessories, beat practical shooting and tactical training campaigns, set global high scores, and build your own ranges! World of Shooting is a early access, fps and shoot 'em up game developed and published by Noble Empire Corp.. Released on February 19th 2024 has received 642 reviews of which 500 were positive and 142 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.4 out of 10. The game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played free shoot 'em up games on Steam.
7.4
500
142
9
players
7. Altitude
Now Available on PC, Mac and Linux! Altitude is a multiplayer, flight and side scroller game developed and published by Nimbly Games. Released on December 04th 2009 has received 1,907 reviews of which 1,753 were positive and 154 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. The game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played free shoot 'em up games on Steam.
8.8
1,753
154
7
players
8. WOWOWOW KORONE BOX
A hololive fangame featuring Inugami Korone of hololive GAMERS! Collect as many Korone Boxes as possible while contending with an endless onslaught of enemies and bosses using whatever weapons you happen to pick up! WOWOWOW KORONE BOX is a action, shoot 'em up and bullet hell game developed by tian nya and published by holo Indie. Released on April 12th 2024 has received 674 reviews of which 618 were positive and 56 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. The game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played free shoot 'em up games on Steam.
8.6
618
56
4
players
9. 東方催狐譚 ～ Servants of Harvest Wish
Set off on a journey to an autumnal paradise in this bountiful Touhou vertical Bullethell Shmup fan game made by overseas fans! 東方催狐譚 ～ Servants of Harvest Wish is a singleplayer, shoot 'em up and bullet hell game developed and published by Dream Compass. Released on August 03rd 2020 has received 386 reviews of which 373 were positive and 13 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. The game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played free shoot 'em up games on Steam.
8.9
373
13
3
players
10. Echoes+
Echoes+ is an intense retro action space shooter that will test your reaction and concentration levels to the max! Echoes+ is a free to play, action and indie game developed by Binary Zoo and published by . Released on January 15th 2015 has received 858 reviews of which 791 were positive and 67 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. The game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played free shoot 'em up games on Steam.
8.7
791
67
3
players