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
INVERSUS Deluxe
INVERSUS is is a competitive and cooperative arcade shooter for 1 to 4 players online or on the couch. Fight for territory in a dynamic negative-space map where open paths for your team are the walls of your opponent's team. Strategize and trap the enemy to win!
#KILLALLZOMBIES
#KILLALLZOMBIES is an insane twin-stick zombie shooter with Twitch streaming interactions, where you survive hordes of zombies on a dynamically changing arena and spectators may affect gameplay via special Twitch chat commands.
NOT A HERO
Professional assassin turned amateur campaign manager Steve is charged with cleaning up the city by an anthropomorphic rabbit and mayoral candidate from the future named BunnyLord.
SWARMRIDERS
SWARMRIDERS is a FREE "endless runner"+"twin stick shooter" ARCADE mashup. A "machine gun swarm surfing minigame" made as a bonus content for the UBERMOSH community.
Mad Bullets
Mad Bullets, the wackiest shooter is here to put your reflexes and laughing muscles to an intensive test. You can forget about boring stories, complicated controls and irritating tutorials, and jump right into a mind blowing, high-speed action.
Captain Forever Remix
Can you create the raddest spaceship? Captain Forever Remix is the spaceship builder roguelike. Voyage across the Solar System and blast apart randomly-generated enemies for spare parts. This is an officially-licensed re-imagining of the indie classic Captain Forever.
Survive in Space
The game is spread over 50 different levels, and Sasaki must fight through them all to redeem his people. The game features five powerful bosses that you will encounter at the end of each sector – every nine levels. Each boss is a skill puzzle of his own, with shifting mechanics and environments that will keep you on your toes.
Space Codex
Space Codex is a casual retro arcade minimal awesome top-down shooter featuring waves of enemy spaceships with different attacks in what is, literally, a bullet hell. To beat them, you will have power-up options available through the map. The game only gets harder. How long can you stay alive?
Star Saviors
Saviors brings the best bullet hell experience you can find on Steam. Play through 18 challenging stages in this ultimate test of tactics and reflexes.
Gun Rocket
If you are not prepared for a challenge - turn back now. Gun Rocket is a 2D physics puzzler that is not for the feint of heart or the stiff of fingers. In search of adventure, you have been caught by holes in space and time. Can you escape?
State of Anarchy
Simplistic top-down shooter that will put a smile on your face. Fulfill your inner sociopath as you mow down enemies with guns and cars alike, in a bid to pull off the world's largest heist!
Rogue Stormers
An action packed platform shooter mashed-up with roguelike and RPG elements, crazy 3D graphics and co-op multiplayer for one to 4 players.
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!
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!
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!
A grande bagunça espacial - The big space mess
Hello everyone! Welcome to the craziest adventure of your lives! The fearless Waldisglédson will face creatures from space and find allies on his journey!
Project Starship
Project Starship is an arcade bullet-hell with random mechanics. No match will ever be the same. Who will you be? Garret or Gwen? Will you save the world from the mighty cthulhu?
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.
SAMOLIOTIK
SAMOLIOTIK is a stylish shoot-em-up with different enemies, bosses, colour palettes, power-ups, set in different eras. In this game you will fight Adolf Gutler,The Illuminati, and other creatures.
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.
Deathsmiles
Deathsmiles is CAVE's bullet-hell shoot-'em-up where you take the role of one of five Angels to defend the magical land of Gilverado from an invasion by Hell itself! Eradicate this devilish assault!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 April 30th 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 3,139 reviews of which 2,125 were positive and 1,014 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 388 peak concurrent players over the last day.
6.6
2,125
1,014
388
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 31,225 reviews of which 29,228 were positive and 1,997 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. While seeing 168 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
29,228
1,997
168
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 13,862 reviews of which 13,273 were positive and 589 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. While seeing 123 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
13,273
589
123
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 27,548 reviews of which 25,223 were positive and 2,325 were negative resulting in a rating of 9.0 out of 10. The game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played shoot 'em up games.
9.0
25,223
2,325
87
players
5. Star of Providence
Star of Providence is a top down action shooter with procedurally generated elements. Explore a large, abandoned facility in search of incredible power, fighting dangerous foes and gaining new weapons and upgrades as you progress. Star of Providence is a rogue-lite, bullet hell and action roguelike game developed by Team D-13 and published by Team D-13 and Bigmode. Released on June 07th 2017 has received 2,817 reviews of which 2,723 were positive and 94 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. The game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played shoot 'em up games.
9.2
2,723
94
76
players
6. 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 5,146 reviews of which 4,340 were positive and 806 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. The game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played shoot 'em up games.
8.2
4,340
806
59
players
7. 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 roguelite game developed by 101XP GAME STUDIOS and published by 101XP. Released on May 03rd 2024 has received 1,540 reviews of which 1,081 were positive and 459 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.8 out of 10. The game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played shoot 'em up games.
6.8
1,081
459
45
players
8. Voidigo
A vividly animated action roguelite focused on boss hunting. Unleash an array of diverse weapons and powerups to combat the corruption of the Void. Voidigo is a action roguelike, twin stick shooter and rogue-like game developed and published by semiwork. Released on June 08th 2023 has received 4,224 reviews of which 4,079 were positive and 145 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. The game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played shoot 'em up games.
9.3
4,079
145
38
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 3,474 reviews of which 3,169 were positive and 305 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
3,169
305
37
players
10. 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 5,700 reviews of which 5,411 were positive and 289 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. The game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played shoot 'em up games.
9.2
5,411
289
35
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 April 30th 2025. Looking for even more deals? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of discounted shoot 'em up games.
1. 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 787 reviews of which 554 were positive and 233 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.8 out of 10. Featuring a massive 96% discount, this game currently holds the #1 spot in the best deals for shoot 'em up category.
6.8
554
233
-96%
50.50€
2.02€
2. Rogue Stormers
An action packed platform shooter mashed-up with roguelike and RPG elements, crazy 3D graphics and co-op multiplayer for one to 4 players. Rogue Stormers is a action roguelike, side scroller and shoot 'em up game developed by Black Forest Games and published by Black Forest Games and HandyGames. Released on April 21st 2016 has received 984 reviews of which 676 were positive and 308 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.6 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 95% discount, this game is now the #2 best deal in shoot 'em up games.
6.6
676
308
-95%
20.00€
1.00€
3. OTXO
Enter an inexplicable, abstract mansion to rescue a loved one in this fast-paced, brutal, and dark roguelite filled with precise but savage gunplay and time-bending slow motion. Face your inner demons and unveil the secrets of the Mansion. OTXO is a action roguelike, top-down shooter and violent game developed by Lateralis Heavy Industries and published by Super Rare Originals. Released on April 20th 2023 has received 3,344 reviews of which 3,110 were positive and 234 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 91% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in shoot 'em up games.
8.9
3,110
234
-91%
12.56€
1.13€
4. Planes, Bullets and Vodka
Fly through danger filled procedurally generated tunnels, avoiding thousands of enemies, on this throwback to the golden age of arcade games. Planes, Bullets and Vodka is a casual, action and shoot 'em up game developed and published by NukGames. Released on December 13th 2016 has received 1,962 reviews of which 1,667 were positive and 295 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.1 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 90% discount, this title has earned the #4 position in the best deals for shoot 'em up games.
8.1
1,667
295
-90%
4.99€
0.49€
5. Cyberhunt
Cyberhunt is a retro procedurally generated twin stick shooter, that takes you back to the sweet to the sweet arcade machines era! Cyberhunt is a indie, action and casual game developed and published by NukGames. Released on May 19th 2017 has received 1,916 reviews of which 1,597 were positive and 319 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.0 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 90% discount, this title has earned the #5 position in the best deals for shoot 'em up games.
8.0
1,597
319
-90%
4.99€
0.49€
6. Polygoneer
Test your reflexes in POLYGONEER, defend yourself from prolygonal shapes taht comes from everywhere, just hitting is not enough you need to match the right color shot to the polygon too! Are you ready for the challenge? Polygoneer is a indie, casual and action game developed and published by NukGames. Released on August 24th 2017 has received 1,654 reviews of which 1,312 were positive and 342 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.6 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 90% discount, this title has earned the #6 position in the best deals for shoot 'em up games.
7.6
1,312
342
-90%
4.99€
0.49€
7. Sine Mora EX
Sine Mora EX is a side-scrolling shoot'em up that provides a unique challenge, where time is the ultimate factor. Mixing classic shooter sensibilities with contemporary presentation, Sine Mora EX is a gorgeous shoot'em up offering both a Story Mode that weaves an excessive tale and an Arcade Mode. Sine Mora EX is a side scroller, shoot 'em up and bullet hell game developed by Digital Reality, Grasshopper Manufacture and Gyroscope Games and published by HandyGames. Released on August 08th 2017 has received 630 reviews of which 414 were positive and 216 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.4 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 87% discount, this title has earned the #7 position in the best deals for shoot 'em up games.
6.4
414
216
-87%
22.92€
2.98€
8. Atari 50: The Anniversary Celebration
Atari 50: The Anniversary Celebration takes players on an interactive journey through 50 years of video games via interviews with designers, developers and industry leaders, documentary footage, product design documents, high-res original artwork, and a curated list of more than 90 playable games. Atari 50: The Anniversary Celebration is a retro, 1980s and shoot 'em up game developed by Digital Eclipse and published by Atari. Released on November 11th 2022 has received 405 reviews of which 375 were positive and 30 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 86% discount, this title has earned the #8 position in the best deals for shoot 'em up games.
8.6
375
30
-86%
33.50€
4.69€
9. 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 405 reviews of which 355 were positive and 50 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 86% discount, this title has earned the #9 position in the best deals for shoot 'em up games.
8.2
355
50
-86%
19.14€
2.68€
10. Thunder Wolves
When this “wolf pack” strikes, you hear the thunder roll. The Thunder Wolves attack from the air. They are mercenaries, and the best helicopter pilots in the world. Every one of them is ready for action at all times—and ready to fight evil, wherever it lurks. Thunder Wolves is a flight, shoot 'em up and third-person shooter game developed by Most Wanted Entertainment and published by HandyGames. Released on May 15th 2013 has received 773 reviews of which 663 were positive and 110 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.1 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 86% discount, this title has earned the #10 position in the best deals for shoot 'em up games.
8.1
663
110
-86%
9.71€
1.36€
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 April 30th 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 3,139 reviews of which 2,125 were positive and 1,014 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.6 out of 10. With 388 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
2,125
1,014
388
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 31,225 reviews of which 29,228 were positive and 1,997 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 168, this shoot 'em up game has secured the #2 spot in the ranking of free shoot 'em up games on Steam.
9.2
29,228
1,997
168
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 roguelite game developed by 101XP GAME STUDIOS and published by 101XP. Released on May 03rd 2024 has received 1,540 reviews of which 1,081 were positive and 459 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.8 out of 10. The game currently holds the #3 spot among the most played free shoot 'em up games on Steam.
6.8
1,081
459
45
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 3,474 reviews of which 3,169 were positive and 305 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
3,169
305
37
players
5. 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 632 reviews of which 495 were positive and 137 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.4 out of 10. The game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played free shoot 'em up games on Steam.
7.4
495
137
14
players
6. 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 1,904 reviews of which 1,751 were positive and 153 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. The game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played free shoot 'em up games on Steam.
8.8
1,751
153
7
players
7. 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 2,412 reviews of which 1,790 were positive and 622 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.2 out of 10. The game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played free shoot 'em up games on Steam.
7.2
1,790
622
6
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 658 reviews of which 603 were positive and 55 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
603
55
3
players
9. Waves
Waves is an Arcade Twin-Stick Shooter that's all about High Scores. Build your combo and drop bombs in pursuit of Leaderboard dominance over seven game-modes! Waves is a bullet hell, shoot 'em up and twin stick shooter game developed and published by Squid In A Box Ltd. Released on November 16th 2011 has received 1,508 reviews of which 1,433 were positive and 75 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.0 out of 10. The game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played free shoot 'em up games on Steam.
9.0
1,433
75
2
players
10. 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. Harbinger is a action roguelike, arena shooter and boomer shooter game developed by Dobrx and published by Dobrx and Split Signal. Released on October 03rd 2024 has received 598 reviews of which 575 were positive and 23 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. The game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played free shoot 'em up games on Steam.
8.9
575
23
2
players