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
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!
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.
Retro/Grade
Play a classic Shoot 'Em Up... in reverse!
Ultratron
Experience the addictive gameplay of old-school arcade favourites, updated and improved for the 21st century! Unique retro-futuristic sound and graphics, player responsive difficulty, and a subtle system of tactics combined with classic gameplay make Ultratron a fun and hypnotic arcade blast.
ETHER VAPOR Remaster
Ether Vapor Remaster is a cinematic 3D arcade shooter and visual treat from developer Edelweiss.
Intrusion 2
"This is some of the most fun I've had with a game so far this year, and it will go down as one of the best side-scrolling shooters of all time." - 9/10, Destructoid
Really Big Sky
A super fast, twin analogue shooter for the modern age!
Titan Attacks!
As the last surviving tank commander on Earth, single-handedly turn back the evil invading alien army, drive back the Titans across the Solar System, and defeat them on their homeworld... Titan Attacks has the same easy-to-learn and addictive gameplay of the classic arcade shoot 'em up, but is packed full of extras - new features, new...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