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
Time Wasters
Time Wasters is a space shooter bullet heaven roguelite. Equip and upgrade weapons, destroy swarms of enemies, and collect Time & Space Cubes to bend the timeline to your advantage.
God Of Weapons
Embark on a thrilling journey in God of Weapons, an action roguelike where you must ascend the tower of Zhor to reclaim the last light for the world. To survive the monster onslaught on each tower's level, you'll need to obtain and carefully organize weapons and accessories in your inventory.
Bounty of One
Fallen hero of the Wild West, you’re wanted and in disgrace! Grab your guns, survive endless hordes of bounty hunters and fight to clear your name! Bounty of One is a fast-paced casual roguelite bullet hell for 1 to 4 players. Dash, Dodge, Shoot, Repeat!
The Riflemen
Multiplayer first-person shooter with classic WW2 bolt-action rifles. Tight battles between two teams with up to 5 players in each, lots of unique arenas, game-changing weapon drops, different game modes, and lots of customization options. You'd better not miss a shot!
Hero of Fate
Hero of Fate is a smooth and fun "rougue" game with "survivor" as the core gameplay. You will receive various tasks or meet unexpected events under monsters surrounded, and you can also recruit partners or battle alone. In this fantasy world, go to experience a exciting and unpredictable adventure!
Paper Planet
Paper Planet is a planet-defender, arcade roguelike with a doodley, Flash-inspired artstyle. Battle through waves of unique enemies and bosses. Combine items with strange and wacky effects for insanely overpowered runs. Play with 1-4 players, for some chaotic co-op fun!
Kill The Crows
"Kill The Crows" is a fast-paced top-down arena shooter set in the twisted western world. A gunslinger burning with vengeance steps into the ruins of a forsaken town, ready to face death. Prepare for one-shot, one-kill gunfights using classic revolvers and fanning techniques.
Mega City Force
Retrowave Action Roguelike featuring tough agents battling crime to the electrifying music of artists like Droid Bishop, Timecop1983, and more! Choose your agent and dive into hardcore action against enemies and bosses, utilizing a vast arsenal and special abilities that will define your playstyle
Drums Rock
Drums Rock is an arcade drums game for VR, follow the rhythm of rock with your drums and smash the demons. Live a unique campaign: with different levels, challenges, songs and worlds. Drums Rock is an ideal game to feel like a rock hero, while destroying hordes of demons to the rhythm of rock!
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.
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?
Wee Tanks!
Explosions. Tanks. Bosses. And more explosions. Crazy fun with your friends. Hundreds of maps. Boom.
Crimson Dawn
Crimson Dawn is a roguelite horde survival game with RPG elements. Recruit mercenaries and survive 5 stages by fighting the hordes of evil. Unlock more characters and weapons with unique abilities. Carve your path to stop the hordes of evil once and for all!
POOSTALL Royale
APRIL FOOLS 2023ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ Don't let the title fool you, this isn't a battle royale game. Maybe this isn't even a game at all... well, just download now and figure it out!
Bloodhound: First day in hell
Crush the cult of Astaroth and vanquish her hellspawn, make them squeal and hide where they came from. Enjoy a Fresh Look & Old Fun in this arcade horror FPS game inspired by the legends of the 90s.
Patch Quest
In a labyrinth surrounded by vicious monsters, Explorers must rely on their Lasso to survive! Capture and tame ANY monster to leap, glide, surf, tunnel and websling through a treacherous, patchwork maze. This roguelike/metroidvania seems cute, but it’s a deceptively difficult bullet-hell challenge!
DR LIVESEY ROM AND DEATH EDITION
DR LIVESEY: AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHA, gentlemen, from now on, rom and death means the same thing for you.
Death in the Water 2
Dodge and carve your way through swarms of terrifying sea creatures controlled by Death, a vicious giant mind-controlling Kraken that haunts your every move. Scavenge for hidden treasure to unlock weapons, and upgrades to help you in your fight for survival. Every dive reveals a new nightmare.
GRANDMA
Join the battle to save earth from aliens and robots. Choose to play on the side of humans or aliens in battle. 1. Play alongside up to 50 online players 2. Choose various levels 3. Play in various modes such a s capture the king, rush, team deathmatch, conquest.
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. 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 73% discount, this title has earned the #4 position in the best deals for shoot 'em up games.
8.4
437
47
-73%
11.79€
3.26€
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€
0.96€
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 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 2,419 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 #6 spot among the most played free shoot 'em up games on Steam.
7.2
1,795
624
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