Discounted 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
Final Exam
Jump into the frenzied action and the whacky humor of a pure 2.5D side-scroller! While they were going to their old high school for what was supposed to be the party of their life, four long-time friends end up in a ghost town full of monstrous creatures.
Valdis Story: Abyssal City
Assume the role of Wyatt in this Action/Exploration Platformer as you explore the ruins of a holy city that was lost many years ago. Battle various types of demons, angels, and a new threat known only as the “Ferals”, using swordsmanship, martial arts, and sorcery.
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.
Megabyte Punch
Megabyte Punch is a fighting/beat ‘em up game in which you build your own fighter! As you travel through different environments, you battle other creatures to get their parts. Parts have their own powers and bonuses, like gun arms for a shoot ability or powerful hips for a devastating pelvic thrust attack.
Giana Sisters: Twisted Dreams - Rise of the Owlverlord
Giana Sisters: Twisted Dreams - Rise of the Owlverlord is a blistering platformer with morphing worlds, featuring seven brand new levels, a new boss and new gripping tracks from Chris Hülsbeck and Machinae Supremacy! Dash through tricky levels and transform the whole world at will in this fast-paced platformer.
Volgarr the Viking
Return to the Golden Age of arcades with a hardcore action platformer that pulls no punches! Possesses all the hallmarks of true classics like Super Ghouls 'N Ghosts (SNES), Rastan Saga (Arcade), Castlevania (NES) and more with precise controls, high challenge, and meticulous design.
Rayman® Legends
Michel Ancel, the celebrated creator of Rayman®, Beyond Good & Evil®, and the Raving Rabbids®, returns to unleash his innovative creativity on this new entry into the Rayman® franchise.When Rayman, Globox, and the Teensies discover a mysterious tent filled with captivating paintings, they are suddenly transported to a series of...
Electronic Super Joy
Electronic Super Joy is a brutally hard platformer set in a world of pulse-pounding electronic music. Run, jump, smash & fly your way through 45+ weird & different levels, with low-gravity, world rotation, giant monsters & swarming missiles.
DuckTales: Remastered
DuckTales: Remastered is a beautiful hand-crafted reimagining of one of the most cherished 8-bit titles of all time. Go back to one of the golden ages of gaming, now refined with a level of detail that will please the most hardened devoted Disney or retro Capcom fan alike.
Guacamelee! Gold Edition
Guacamelee! Gold Edition is a Metroidvania-style action-platformer set in a magical Mexican-inspired world. The game draws its inspiration from traditional Mexican culture and folklore, and features many interesting and unique characters.
Beatbuddy: Tale of the Guardians
Awakened from his slumber, Beatbuddy journeys through lush hand-painted environments on a quest to save his companions and his own immortality. Beatbuddy interacts with the living breathing environment that pulses to the beat of an original soundtrack, aiding him as he unlocks new paths and solves puzzles.
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!
Rogue Legacy
Rogue Legacy is a genealogical rogue-"LITE" where anyone can be a hero. Each time you die, your child will succeed you. Every child is unique. One child might be colorblind, another might be a dwarf with vertigo. But that's OK, because no one is perfect, and you don't have to be to succeed.
Dungeons & Dragons: Chronicles of Mystara
Dungeons & Dragons: Chronicles of Mystara brings reworkings of two of Capcom’s classic arcade hits - Dungeons & Dragons: Tower of Doom and Dungeons & Dragons: Shadow over Mystara – together in one definitive digital package.
The Swapper
What if someone knew your mind better than you did? The Swapper is an award-winning, narrative driven puzzle game set in the furthest reaches of space.
Dust: An Elysian Tail
Immerse yourself in a gorgeous hand-painted world on a search for your true identity. As the mysterious warrior, Dust, your action-packed journey will take you from peaceful glades to snowy mountaintops and beyond.
Zack Zero
Zack Zero takes you on an action-packed platform adventure with incredible 3D graphics and the playability and entertainment of classic 2D games. Help Zack Zero save his beloved Marlene, kidnapped by the evil Zulrog in an effort to obtain the powerful substance that will allow him to travel back in time.
Sacred Citadel
Sharpen your axe, string your bow, brew your potions! Ancaria needs heroes like you. Grab your friends to join the resistance!The once peaceful land of Ancaria is in grave danger. The evil Ashen empire has enslaved its population and is using the orc-like Grimmoc to wipe out the Seraphim, who swore to protect it.
BIT.TRIP Presents... Runner2: Future Legend of Rhythm Alien
Step into rhythmic bliss with Runner2! Best Indie Game winner, Guinness World Record holder, and narrated by Charles Martinet. Unleash vibrant moves and beats in 120 levels!
Thomas Was Alone
Guide a group of rectangles through a series of obstacles, using their different skills together to get to the end of each environment.
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 15th 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 181 peak concurrent players over the last day.
9.4
25,774
1,184
181
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
97
players
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. The game currently holds the #3 spot among the most played side scroller games.
7.6
6,526
1,878
72
players
4. 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 #4 spot among the most played side scroller games.
9.2
12,978
770
70
players
5. 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 #5 spot among the most played side scroller games.
7.8
1,286
294
54
players
6. 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 #6 spot among the most played side scroller games.
8.7
7,698
881
50
players
7. 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 #7 spot among the most played side scroller games.
8.6
3,983
474
49
players
8. 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 #8 spot among the most played side scroller games.
6.6
665
312
49
players
9. Lost Castle / 失落城堡
Lost Castle is an action RPG beat'em up with roguelike elements and randomized dungeons for up to four players online and local! Lost Castle / 失落城堡 is a 4 player local, action roguelike and beat 'em up game developed by Hunter Studio and published by Neon Doctrine. Released on August 31st 2016 has received 23,524 reviews of which 20,442 were positive and 3,082 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.5 out of 10. The game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played side scroller games.
8.5
20,442
3,082
39
players
10. 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 #10 spot among the most played side scroller games.
8.7
2,307
229
35
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 15th 2025. Looking for even more deals? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of discounted side scroller games.
1. 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. Featuring a massive 98% discount, this game currently holds the #1 spot in the best deals for side scroller category.
8.4
581
65
-98%
14.99€
0.43€
2. 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 #2 best deal in side scroller games.
7.6
6,526
1,878
-98%
24.99€
0.54€
3. 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. Thanks to its incredible 98% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in side scroller games.
6.9
1,939
790
-98%
19.50€
0.51€
4. 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 #4 position in the best deals for side scroller games.
6.8
332
132
-98%
16.79€
0.43€
5. 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 #5 position in the best deals for side scroller games.
9.3
5,116
171
-97%
19.50€
0.65€
6. 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 #6 position in the best deals for side scroller games.
8.9
727
39
-97%
14.99€
0.48€
7. 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 #7 position in the best deals for side scroller games.
8.7
703
56
-97%
9.75€
0.38€
8. 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 #8 position in the best deals for side scroller games.
7.3
333
96
-97%
19.50€
0.62€
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 side scroller 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 side scroller games.
8.0
841
158
-96%
14.79€
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 15th 2025. Looking for even more free titles? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of free to play side scroller games.
1. 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 #1 spot among the most played free side scroller games on Steam.
8.5
9,064
1,360
16
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
10
players
3. 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 #3 spot among the most played free side scroller games on Steam.
8.5
4,800
651
6
players
4. 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 #4 spot among the most played free side scroller games on Steam.
7.2
1,801
621
3
players
5. 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 #5 spot among the most played free side scroller games on Steam.
9.1
2,912
151
2
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 1,907 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 #6 spot among the most played free side scroller games on Steam.
8.8
1,753
154
2
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
1
players
8. Ukrainian Ninja
Ukrainian Ninja is a multiplayer platformer game for Windows. The Ninja shoots and slashes, using weapons sold by the trader to clear each world. Ukrainian Ninja is a indie, action and casual game developed by Michael Kissinger, Marco Hulden, Shaun Egan, Joshua Marks and Denys Ovsiannykov and published by Dragon Fire Games Inc. Released on December 23rd 2014 has received 774 reviews of which 593 were positive and 181 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.3 out of 10. The game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played free side scroller games on Steam.
7.3
593
181
1
players
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 Savior From Above
A sidescrolling 3D adventure shortgame that combines multiple genres and features various action and puzzle sequences. Its artistic approach is supported by powerful visuals, intense atmosphere and a unique game narrative on the boundaries of science-fiction and fantasy. The Savior From Above is a atmospheric, side scroller and post-apocalyptic game developed and published by kóborfotonok. Released on December 06th 2021 has received 356 reviews of which 337 were positive and 19 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
337
19