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
Enemy Mind
A retro shooter with a new power: the power to become any ship.Lost in the depths of space, you are a being of pure psychic energy with the uncanny power to take over and control anything you see in order to survive.Built for PC, Enemy Mind lets you battle your way through 70+ waves of challenging enemies.
Chicken Invaders 4
They came without warning, squawking menacingly, their ruffled feathers darkening the sun. Invading intergalactic chickens, out to punish humanity for our oppression of their earthly brethren. Now they're back, and they're having Earth for dinner!
Astebreed: Definitive Edition
Climb into the cockpit of an otherworldly war machine and fly into battle against a horrifying alien race bent on eradicating humanity to preserve their own civilization.
Mercenary Kings: Reloaded Edition
Craft your arsenal to avenge your fallen comrades and save the world from the fearsome forces of CLAW!
Revolution Ace
A deep, tactical shoot'em up. With every takedown, you’ll earn cash and xp to upgrade your ship and unlock new abilities. Online and local co-op. Unique versus mode. Realistic physics and water simulation.
LUFTRAUSERS
The skies will be set aflame and the seas will overflow with wreckage in Vlambeer’s stylish arcade shooter LUFTRAUSERS! Select from over 125 combinations of weapons, bodies, and propulsion systems and take to the skies to battle enemy fighter planes, battleships, submarines, and rival aces for glory, honor, and high scores.
Danmaku Unlimited 2
Classic Japanese style vertical manic shooting action! Shoot, dodge and explode your way through the second entry in the critically acclaimed Danmaku Unlimited series. Battle through nail-biting bullet patterns and compete for dominance on the global leaderboard!
GIGANTIC ARMY
Side-scrolling mech-shooting bad-assery is BACK!GIGANTIC ARMY is a heartfelt homage to 16-bit era mech shooters such as Cybernator / Assault Suits Valken, Metal Warriors, and Front Mission: Gun Hazard, developed by the studio behind the acclaimed shooter SATAZIUS.
Tower of Guns
Tower of Guns is a fast paced first-person-shooter for the twitch gamer... with a few randomized elements to keep it fresh with each playthrough. It's a short burst "Lunch Break FPS"... not unlike Binding of Isaac mixed with Doom 2. Tower of Guns was made by a guy named Joe (with his brother Mike composing the music).
Ultionus: A Tale of Petty Revenge
Ultionus is a love-letter to the home computer arcade games of the late 80s and early 90s, with colorful 2D visuals, catchy chiptune music by the legendary Jake 'Virt' Kaufman, and 7 stages of hard-as-nails gameplay.
METAL SLUG 3
“METAL SLUG 3”, the masterpiece in SNK’s emblematic 2D run & gun action shooting game series, still continues to fascinate millions of fans worldwide to this day for its intricate dot-pixel graphics, and simple and intuitive game controls, heads out to the Steam gaming platform!
Jets'n'Guns Gold
Jets'n'Guns is a heavy piece of ground shaking rock blasting action with graphics and special effects that will blow you eyes out! Enjoy yourself in almost-insane action adventure of saving the universe from the deadly threat of more than 270 unique monsters in the campaign of 43 levels.
Super Killer Hornet: Resurrection
'Things will explode, things will die, you will dodge, you will do maths...Yes maths!' Super Killer Hornet Resurrection is an intense vertical shooter with a brain train twist. Through the chaos and explosion try to answer the falling math problems to increase your multiplier and power up your ship.
Aqua Kitty - Milk Mine Defender
Aqua Kitty is a fast paced retro styled submarine arcade shooter with optional 2 player local Co-op.Blast through hordes of mechanical sea monsters in your kitty sub and defend the deep sea milk mining kittens!THE MILK MUST FLOW!
Ballpoint Universe - Infinite
Ballpoint Universe Infinite is a shoot-em-up adventure game featuring artwork entirely drawn in ballpoint pen. Explore immaculate worlds, discover the secrets of the doodles, and customize your Ink-Ship for battle! Press"Ballpoint Universe Infinite is too exuberant to ignore.
Savant - Ascent
A malicious orb has cast Savant out of his tower and transformed his surroundings into dangerous enemies!Dodge and shoot your way back up the tower, and blast down waves of enemies as you make your way towards the top! As you progress, you unlock CDs that not only give you new tracks to play to, but also grant you powerful new abilities!
Ring Runner: Flight of the Sages
Ring Runner combines the fast-paced action of space combat with the rich story and skill variety of an RPG.Trek across the universe in a 30 hour long story-driven campaign based on a companion Sci Fi novel, or challenge 6 scenarios alone, cooperatively, or competitively through local or online multiplayer.
PixelJunk™ Shooter
In PixelJunk™ Shooter, you must pilot your spacecraft through a range of cavernous environments in a bid to save the scientists trapped underground. Making your way through the game will rely on your keen sense of observation and the ability to manipulate your surroundings.
Syder Arcade
Killing zombies never gets old, but sometimes you just need a break. Get back to some serious old-school gaming with Syder Arcade! Syder Arcade is a love letter to Amiga games of the ‘90s, no coins, no upgrade grinding, just your tenacity and a motherload of alien invaders.
Super Amazing Wagon Adventure
Super Amazing Wagon Adventure is a fast-paced 2d shooting game with a random story. You control a group of three migrants traveling west along a wagon trail. The game consists of short scenes that are sequenced together in a semi-random way to tell a crazy adventure story.
Soundodger+
Dodge the music and dance through a mesmerizing ballet of choreographed bullets, each synced to music from over a dozen international artists. Push your creativity and skills with the fully-featured Level Editor and never run out of things to dodge.
The Chaos Engine
Prepare for the dark world of The Chaos Engine, a steampunk Victorian age in which one or two players must fight the hostile creations of the Chaos Engine across four dynamic landscapes and take part in the ultimate battle.Choose from six hard-nailed mercenaries each with their own unique weapons and skills.
Bleed
Wryn is a girl with a big arsenal and big dreams -- she wants to be the ultimate videogame hero! Help her take down the Greatest Heroes of All Time in an action-packed bid to claim the title for herself and show the world what a true hero looks like!
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 15th 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 371 peak concurrent players over the last day.
6.6
2,192
1,037
371
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 317 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
317
players
3. 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 1,994 reviews of which 1,698 were positive and 296 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. While seeing 193 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among shoot 'em up games based on player count.
8.2
1,698
296
193
players
4. 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. With 178 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played shoot 'em up games.
9.3
13,393
592
178
players
5. 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 124 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played shoot 'em up games.
9.0
25,358
2,361
124
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 5,232 reviews of which 4,404 were positive and 828 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. With 115 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played shoot 'em up games.
8.2
4,404
828
115
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 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 #7 spot among the most played shoot 'em up games.
6.9
1,170
473
78
players
8. 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 #8 spot among the most played shoot 'em up games.
8.7
1,081
94
76
players
9. 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 5,803 reviews of which 5,503 were positive and 300 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. The game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played shoot 'em up games.
9.2
5,503
300
61
players
10. 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 3,490 reviews of which 3,181 were positive and 309 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. The game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played shoot 'em up games.
8.8
3,181
309
54
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 15th 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€
0.45€
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. 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 #4 position in the best deals for shoot 'em up games.
8.2
4,404
828
-97%
24.50€
0.96€
5. 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 #5 position in the best deals for shoot 'em up games.
8.1
358
51
-97%
19.49€
0.72€
6. 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 #6 position in the best deals for shoot 'em up games.
7.9
312
54
-97%
14.99€
0.46€
7. 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 #7 position in the best deals for shoot 'em up games.
7.4
1,895
573
-97%
36.99€
1.16€
8. 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 #8 position in the best deals for shoot 'em up games.
7.0
564
209
-97%
19.99€
0.73€
9. 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 983 reviews of which 675 were positive and 308 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.6 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.
6.6
675
308
-97%
19.99€
0.66€
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 15th 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 371 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
371
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 317, 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
317
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
78
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 3,490 reviews of which 3,181 were positive and 309 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
3,181
309
54
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 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 #5 spot among the most played free shoot 'em up games on Steam.
7.4
500
142
7
players
6. 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 2,422 reviews of which 1,801 were positive and 621 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.2 out of 10. The game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played free shoot 'em up games on Steam.
7.2
1,801
621
3
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
2
players
8. Shooty Skies
The creators of Crossy Road present Shooty Skies! Shoot, dodge, duck, goose and weave. Take to the skies! Shooty Skies is a free to play, action and indie game developed by and published by Mighty games. Released on March 06th 2018 has received 1,426 reviews of which 1,308 were positive and 118 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. The game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played free shoot 'em up games on Steam.
8.7
1,308
118
2
players
9. Gun Devil
GUN DEVIL is an explosive platformer about rescuing your kidnapped hell wife from Satan's child, the Caramelized Dumbass and his Pimp Legion. Gun Devil is a side scroller, hero shooter and 2d platformer game developed and published by Agelvik. Released on August 02nd 2022 has received 1,486 reviews of which 1,433 were positive and 53 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. The game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played free shoot 'em up games on Steam.
9.1
1,433
53
1
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 647 reviews of which 620 were positive and 27 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
620
27
1
players