Best Side Scroller 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 side scroller games. For those who prefer not to search, lists of the most played, top deals and best free side scroller games are available at the bottom of the page.
Filters & Lists
Blaster Master Zero
Mutant scum never learn! Blaster Master Zero makes its Steam debut! Blaster Master Zero is a 8-bit style top-down & sideview 2D action-adventure game that hearkens back to the golden age of the NES. The game features new gameplay elements such as improved gameplay, and a more robust scenario.
Contra Anniversary Collection
The Contra Anniversary Collection brings this classic Run and Gun franchise back to modern platforms and a new generation of gamers.
Devolver Bootleg
Devolver Bootleg contains eight original rip-offs of Devolver Digital games. Pay money for it now.
Toki
The return of the wacky monkey!Toki sets off on a new adventure! The cult action/platform game originally released on arcade machines in 1989 is back with a super-simian new version, featuring all-new hand-drawn graphics and re-orchestrated music!
DEAD OR SCHOOL
Underground dwelling girl Hisako is aiming for the surface in a zombie infested Tokyo. Hack and slash RPG! Obtain weapons and gear from enemies, and customize your skill tree to create your own unique and powerful a character!
Gato Roboto
Pounce inside of your cozy armored mech and set off on a dangerous trek through an alien underworld full of irritable creatures and treacherous obstacles in a valiant effort to save your stranded captain and his crashed spaceship.
Neptunia Shooter
Armed to the teeth, players begin as Neptune in an unworldly 8-bit space dimension ravaged by creatures who burst endless waves of bullets. Shoot, dodge, and defeat the boss in six unique bullet-hell worlds.
Hell is Other Demons
Hell is Other Demons is an action-platform shooter, with Roguelite elements. Explore a sprawling, hand-crafted world full of demons, insanely over-the-top boss fights, and a heavy synthwave soundtrack.
Castlevania Anniversary Collection
Konami's Castlevania Anniversary Collection traces the origins of the historic vampire franchise. Included is a unique eBook with details provided by developers, artists and others inspired by the Castlevania legacy which sheds a fresh light into the world of Castlevania.
Dark Devotion
Explore the secrets of a mysterious fallen temple and put your Templar faith to the test in Dark Devotion, where no sacrifice is too great in praise of your God.
Arcade Classics Anniversary Collection
8 KONAMI arcade classics of the 80s, from Nemesis to TwinBee. Including bonus eBook packed with new information never before revealed to the public.
Geometry May. I swear it's a nice free game
I swear it's a nice runner game
CounterAttack: Uprising
CounterAttack: Uprising is a side scrolling space shooter (shmup). Team up or fight solo, 1 - 4 player local or up to 8 players online coop, unlock upgrades, use powerful ultimate abilities, enhance your ship the way you want, and save the Earth from annihilation.
1 Screen Platformer
This is a SHORT, 2D PLATFORMER with TIGHT CONTROLS about exploring a single level to get past a bunch of TRAPS. There is an EASY mode and a HARD mode depending on your skill level.
Pogostuck: Rage With Your Friends
Climb a surreal mountain on a pogo stick and make friends along the way.
Touhou Luna Nights
Touhou Luna Nights is a Metroidvania title with a heavy emphasis on exploration and action. Developed by Team Ladybug, creators of multiple fantastic action games thus far.
Degrees of Separation
Degrees of Separation is a puzzle platformer where cooperation is built into every move. Two contrasting souls, Ember and Rime, fall in love, but are separated by an enigmatic force, and must use their powers to progress through a spectacular world of fantasy and adventure.
Unruly Heroes
LET'S KUNG FU THEM ALL! Play solo or co-op and take control of four unlikely heroes that battle a diverse lineup of enemies, show off your Kung-Fu skills and journey west across stunning different environments in order to hunt for the scattered remnants of the Sacred Scroll.
Strange Telephone
Strange Telephone is a 2D adventure game in which the player explores strange worlds created with merely 6 digits, and has multiple endings.
Feudal Alloy
Feudal Alloy is an epic action adventure with fish-controlled medieval robots! Explore an unusual medieval world with a fish-controlled robot, Attu. Improve your combat techniques and skills by smashing many kinds of mechanical creatures in a beautiful hand-drawn world.
Bladed fury
An action game set in the Ancient China, bringing players addictive experiences with its unique Chinese traditional art-style and sound design.
Most played side scroller games on Steam
Take a look at the top side scroller games that are currently attracting the largest player bases on the Steam platform, as of June 17th 2025.
1. ASTLIBRA Revision
Confront time and fate in the 2D action RPG, Astlibra Revision. Explore meticulously crafted worlds, fight brutal boss battles, and upgrade your skills to take down enemies lurking around every corner. ASTLIBRA Revision is a action rpg, 2d and side scroller game developed by KEIZO and published by WhisperGames. Released on October 13th 2022 has received 26,958 reviews of which 25,774 were positive and 1,184 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. The game has hit the top spot as the #1 most played side scroller game, thanks to its 125 peak concurrent players over the last day.
9.4
25,774
1,184
125
players
2. Prince of Persia The Lost Crown
Dash into a stylish and thrilling action-adventure platformer set in a mythological Persian world where the boundaries of time and space are yours to manipulate. Prince of Persia The Lost Crown is a metroidvania, exploration and 2d platformer game developed by Ubisoft Montpellier and published by Ubisoft. Released on August 08th 2024 has received 3,983 reviews of which 3,388 were positive and 595 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. The game currently holds the #2 spot among the most played side scroller games.
8.2
3,388
595
79
players
3. Capcom Arcade 2nd Stadium
Play more of your favorite arcade hits from yesteryear. Includes SONSON for free! Capcom Arcade 2nd Stadium is a action, arcade and 2d platformer game developed and published by CAPCOM Co. and Ltd.. Released on July 21st 2022 has received 977 reviews of which 665 were positive and 312 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.6 out of 10. The game currently holds the #3 spot among the most played side scroller games.
6.6
665
312
67
players
4. Afterimage
Afterimage is a hand-drawn 2D action adventure that emphasizes fast-paced combat with diversified character builds, non-linear levels, and a gripping story set in the ruins of a fantasy world. Afterimage is a metroidvania, female protagonist and 2d platformer game developed by Aurogon Shanghai and published by Maximum Entertainment. Released on April 24th 2023 has received 8,404 reviews of which 6,526 were positive and 1,878 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.6 out of 10. The game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played side scroller games.
7.6
6,526
1,878
55
players
5. 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! METAL SLUG 3 is a arcade, classic and action game developed by SNK CORPORATION and DotEmu and published by SNK CORPORATION. Released on February 14th 2014 has received 8,579 reviews of which 7,698 were positive and 881 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. The game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played side scroller games.
8.7
7,698
881
51
players
6. MEGA MAN X DiVE Offline
Mega Man X DiVE reimagined the world of the Mega Man X series, and now it's getting an offline version! Strengthen your characters and weapons with a variety of powerups to make them all your own. Then test them out in the side-scrolling action of "what-if" worlds in Mega Man X! MEGA MAN X DiVE Offline is a action, 2d and side scroller game developed and published by CAPCOM Co. and Ltd.. Released on August 31st 2023 has received 1,580 reviews of which 1,286 were positive and 294 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.8 out of 10. The game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played side scroller games.
7.8
1,286
294
42
players
7. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder's Revenge
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge reunites Leonardo, Michelangelo, Donatello and Raphael as they kick shell in a beautifully realized beat ’em up. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder's Revenge is a beat 'em up, multiplayer and side scroller game developed by Tribute Games Inc. and published by DotEmu and Gamirror Games. Released on June 16th 2022 has received 13,748 reviews of which 12,978 were positive and 770 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. The game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played side scroller games.
9.2
12,978
770
36
players
8. METAL SLUG
“METAL SLUG ”, the very first title in SNK’s legendary 2D run & gun action shooting game series where all began, returns to the missions on the Steam gaming platform! METAL SLUG is a action, arcade and 2d game developed by DotEmu and published by SNK CORPORATION. Released on June 25th 2015 has received 4,457 reviews of which 3,983 were positive and 474 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. The game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played side scroller games.
8.6
3,983
474
36
players
9. 30XX
Jump, shoot, and slash your way through 30XX, the roguelike action platformer you can play with a friend! Explore lush, ever-changing worlds that mix precise platforming with fevered combat. Destroy fearsome Guardians. Master unique Powers. Rediscover the thousand years we've lost. 30XX is a action roguelike, side scroller and 2d platformer game developed and published by Batterystaple Games. Released on August 09th 2023 has received 2,536 reviews of which 2,307 were positive and 229 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. The game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played side scroller games.
8.7
2,307
229
25
players
10. Kingdom Eighties
Kingdom Eighties is a short story-based standalone expansion set in the Kingdom universe. A rad adventure of micro-strategy and base building in vivid ‘80s neon. Defend your town against the mysterious Greed and discover the secrets of your family lineage! Kingdom Eighties is a exploration, side scroller and action rts game developed by Fury Studios and published by Raw Fury. Released on June 26th 2023 has received 2,938 reviews of which 2,169 were positive and 769 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.2 out of 10. The game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played side scroller games.
7.2
2,169
769
24
players
Best deals on side scroller games on Steam
Discover fantastic savings with the best discounts on a variety of side scroller games available on Steam right now, updated on June 17th 2025. Looking for even more deals? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of discounted side scroller games.
1. My Memory of Us
My Memory of Us is a moving fairy tale about friendship and hope in the darkest moments of our times. Enter a hand-crafted, gorgeously animated 2D world full of adventure, exploration, stealth and puzzles. Meet the kids brought up in different worlds and help them survive during times of occupation. My Memory of Us is a relaxing, action and world war ii game developed by Juggler Games and published by IMGN.PRO. Released on October 09th 2018 has received 876 reviews of which 809 were positive and 67 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. Featuring a massive 98% discount, this game currently holds the #1 spot in the best deals for side scroller category.
8.7
809
67
-98%
14.99€
0.41€
2. Blazing Chrome
In Blazing Chrome, bring your best pal and kick some metal butts to free the humankind while enjoying a classic run’n’gun, fully loaded with action and exciting fights! Blazing Chrome is a action, retro and pixel graphics game developed by JoyMasher and published by The Arcade Crew and CE-Asia. Released on July 11th 2019 has received 1,768 reviews of which 1,551 were positive and 217 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 98% discount, this game is now the #2 best deal in side scroller games.
8.4
1,551
217
-98%
16.99€
0.49€
3. Afterimage
Afterimage is a hand-drawn 2D action adventure that emphasizes fast-paced combat with diversified character builds, non-linear levels, and a gripping story set in the ruins of a fantasy world. Afterimage is a metroidvania, female protagonist and 2d platformer game developed by Aurogon Shanghai and published by Maximum Entertainment. Released on April 24th 2023 has received 8,404 reviews of which 6,526 were positive and 1,878 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.6 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 98% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in side scroller games.
7.6
6,526
1,878
-98%
24.99€
0.56€
4. Trek to Yomi
As a vow to his dying Master, the young swordsman Hiroki is sworn to protect his town and the people he loves against all threats. Faced with tragedy and bound to duty, the lone samurai must voyage beyond life and death to confront himself and decide his path forward. Trek to Yomi is a action, adventure and side scroller game developed by Leonard Menchiari and Flying Wild Hog and published by Devolver Digital. Released on May 05th 2022 has received 2,729 reviews of which 1,939 were positive and 790 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.9 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 98% discount, this title has earned the #4 position in the best deals for side scroller games.
6.9
1,939
790
-98%
19.50€
0.51€
5. Song of Iron
Behind you lies a trail of broken helms, shattered shields. You hold the axe of a fallen foe. Worn and dented, it will suit it's purpose. What lies ahead is still a mystery. Your goal is not. Song of Iron is a action, side scroller and adventure game developed and published by Resting Relic. Released on August 31st 2021 has received 464 reviews of which 332 were positive and 132 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.8 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 98% discount, this title has earned the #5 position in the best deals for side scroller games.
6.8
332
132
-98%
16.79€
0.43€
6. The Pedestrian
I can see the signs in my sleep now, always guiding me closer. Will this really work? Have we almost achieved the impossible? The Pedestrian is a puzzle, puzzle-platformer and logic game developed and published by Skookum Arts. Released on January 29th 2020 has received 5,287 reviews of which 5,116 were positive and 171 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 97% discount, this title has earned the #6 position in the best deals for side scroller games.
9.3
5,116
171
-97%
19.50€
0.65€
7. Lost Words: Beyond the Page
An atmospheric narrative adventure written by Rhianna Pratchett. Set between the pages of a diary and a fantasy story where you run on words and use them to interact with the world around you. Lost Words: Beyond the Page is a side scroller, puzzle-platformer and 2d platformer game developed by Sketchbook Games and Fourth State and published by Maximum Entertainment. Released on April 06th 2021 has received 766 reviews of which 727 were positive and 39 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 97% discount, this title has earned the #7 position in the best deals for side scroller games.
8.9
727
39
-97%
14.99€
0.46€
8. Creepy Tale 3: Ingrid Penance
As punishment for her transgressions, Ingrid is sent to hell. As she struggles through the darkness that hungers to consume her heart, she makes her way toward redemption. Her fate is in your hands. Creepy Tale 3: Ingrid Penance is a hand-drawn, 2d and story rich game developed and published by Creepy Brothers. Released on March 09th 2023 has received 759 reviews of which 703 were positive and 56 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 97% discount, this title has earned the #8 position in the best deals for side scroller games.
8.7
703
56
-97%
9.75€
0.38€
9. Songbird Symphony
Musical Metroidvania, with pixel art to die for. Guide orphaned chick 'Birb', on a platform adventure, as he faces off against the denizens of the forest in rhythm-action boss battles. Acclaimed for its gorgeous animation, and heart-warming storytelling, as Birb strives to discover his true origins. Songbird Symphony is a metroidvania, side scroller and exploration game developed by Joysteak Studios and published by PQube. Released on July 25th 2019 has received 646 reviews of which 581 were positive and 65 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 97% discount, this title has earned the #9 position in the best deals for side scroller games.
8.4
581
65
-97%
14.99€
0.47€
10. Shing!
Experience the most exciting and immersive beat-em-up combat system ever – become a kickass ninja and slice some demons in style! Shing! is a beat 'em up, side scroller and action roguelike game developed by Mass Creation and published by We Dig Games, NA Publishing Inc. and WhisperGames. Released on August 28th 2020 has received 429 reviews of which 333 were positive and 96 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.3 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 97% discount, this title has earned the #10 position in the best deals for side scroller games.
7.3
333
96
-97%
19.50€
0.62€
Free side scroller games on Steam
Check out this fantastic list of free-to-play side scroller games you can enjoy on Steam right now, updated on June 17th 2025. Looking for even more free titles? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of free to play side scroller games.
1. 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 #1 spot among the most played free side scroller games on Steam.
8.8
1,753
154
15
players
2. Soul Guardians
Soul Guardians is a 2D cross-scroll action RPG game. Hired as a mercenary of the Empire, the protagonist goes on a journey to stop the conspiracy of the Dark Forces Undertaker. Raising unique characters, collecting and combining chain arts to enjoy your own hot action! Soul Guardians is a rpg, action rpg and 2d platformer game developed and published by PICTOLOGI. Released on February 21st 2023 has received 328 reviews of which 221 were positive and 107 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.4 out of 10. The game currently holds the #2 spot among the most played free side scroller games on Steam.
6.4
221
107
9
players
3. 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 #3 spot among the most played free side scroller games on Steam.
7.2
1,801
621
8
players
4. Boring Man - Online Tactical Stickman Combat
Battle other 2D stickfigures online while jumping around like a lunatic and getting blown up into smithereens. With over 70 weapons, Boring Man is the most chaotic and hilarious 2D online shooter on the internet. Boring Man - Online Tactical Stickman Combat is a side scroller, pixel graphics and shooter game developed and published by Spasman Games. Released on February 20th 2015 has received 5,451 reviews of which 4,800 were positive and 651 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.5 out of 10. The game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played free side scroller games on Steam.
8.5
4,800
651
5
players
5. Deepest Sword
Venture deep into the Cavern of Longing in this short-yet-challenging physics platformer. Plunge your sword deep into the dragon's heart! How deep is your resolve? Deepest Sword is a pixel graphics, 2d platformer and side scroller game developed and published by Cosmic Adventure Squad. Released on June 09th 2021 has received 10,424 reviews of which 9,064 were positive and 1,360 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.5 out of 10. The game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played free side scroller games on Steam.
8.5
9,064
1,360
5
players
6. The Legend of Karl
The Legend of Karl is a 2.5D hack and slash platformer. You'll master various weapons while exploring the deep diabolical world. A quest struggling between Good and Evil, fight for Justice and what you Believe! The Legend of Karl is a rpg, side scroller and action rpg game developed and published by Actplus Studio. Released on February 21st 2021 has received 305 reviews of which 227 were positive and 78 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.0 out of 10. The game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played free side scroller games on Steam.
7.0
227
78
1
players
7. 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 #7 spot among the most played free side scroller games on Steam.
9.1
1,433
53
8. Cave Crawler
Cave Crawler is a short, 2D side-scrolling action platformer. Explore caves filled with interesting enemies and fun platforming challenges. Cave Crawler is a side scroller, precision platformer and 2d platformer game developed and published by Evan Youssef. Released on January 23rd 2022 has received 3,063 reviews of which 2,912 were positive and 151 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. The game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played free side scroller games on Steam.
9.1
2,912
151
9. Breadsticks
A speed-based platformer with throwable platforms! Travel through the dangers in the woods as a fox boy to join afternoon tea with Mr. Bear. Breadsticks is a side scroller, 2d platformer and action game developed by Cosmic Dad and published by DigiPen Institute of Technology. Released on November 05th 2022 has received 478 reviews of which 455 were positive and 23 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. The game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played free side scroller games on Steam.
8.8
455
23
10. The Little Red Lie
2D side scrolling, adventure, horror game where you avoid monsters and solve puzzles. The Little Red Lie is a side scroller, exploration and 2d platformer game developed by Tired Moon Studios and published by Milpitians. Released on April 06th 2021 has received 558 reviews of which 521 were positive and 37 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. The game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played free side scroller games on Steam.
8.7
521
37