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
Remnants of Naezith
With the powers granted to him by the dragon, Kayra will destroy the Remnants of Naezith, enchanted fragments of the dragon's body, to prevent anyone from exploiting their power for evil. Rush and swing through levels to top the leaderboards in this fast-paced, grappling hook precision platformer.
Celeste
Help Madeline survive her inner demons on her journey to the top of Celeste Mountain, in this super-tight platformer from the creators of TowerFall. Brave hundreds of hand-crafted challenges, uncover devious secrets, and piece together the mystery of the mountain.
Iconoclasts
Join renegade mechanic Robin and uncover the secrets of a dying planet. Explore a big world filled with intricate puzzles, interesting characters and menacing bosses in a beautiful platform adventure that tells a personal story about faith, purpose and the challenge of helping people.
Shootout on Cash Island
Bobby from Team HOT GUNS has a job to locate and secure the legendary Money Tree.
Full Metal Furies
From the creators of Rogue Legacy comes a "true-cooperative" action RPG. FULL METAL FURIES puts an emphasis on team play with a unique combat system where everyone is important. Play on the couch, alone or with friends, or make it an online party for up to four players!
Swarm Queen
Swarm Queen is a quick-to-learn but tactical and challenging tug-of-war strategy game about insectoid aliens trying to murder each other.
Battle Chef Brigade Deluxe
Battle Chef Brigade pairs combo-based hunting and puzzle-based cooking in a hand drawn, fantasy adventure. Cook your way into the Brigade while subduing Victusia’s destructive monsters. Follow Mina and Thrash in the single-player campaign or challenge your friends in Local Multiplayer and Daily Cook-Offs.
SORE
Mystical puzzle quest game in a gloomy minimalism style will tell you a story of a person who's got himself into a camera, and from which there is no way out it seems. Experimental gameplay diluted with a pinch of a philosophy, that's what SORE is.
Cuphead
Cuphead is a classic run and gun action game heavily focused on boss battles. Inspired by cartoons of the 1930s, the visuals and audio are painstakingly created with the same techniques of the era, i.e. traditional hand drawn cel animation, watercolor backgrounds, and original jazz recordings.
The Coma: Recut
You are Youngho, a Korean high school student trapped and relentlessly pursued by a psychotic killer in the hellish corridors of Sehwa High. Run, hide, explore, and survive while piecing together the mystery The Coma in this remastered version of the Korean cult classic.
Super Fancy Pants Adventure
Super Fancy Pants Adventure is a wild free-running adventure with buttery smooth platforming and a slick fountain pen!
Fight'N Rage
Fight’N Rage is a brand new old-school side-scroller beat’em up. Inspired by the classics from the “golden age”, and with an art style that mimics the aesthetic from the 90's arcade gems, this game pays homage to all classic gameplay features that makes this genre one of the best from its time!
Will Glow the Wisp
Navigate through psychadelic mazes to chill electornic beats. Imagine a mix between Super Meat Boy and Geometry Wars.
The Ultimatest Battle
The Ultimatest Battle is a real-time, 2D platform game in which two teams compete in different game modes with an almost completely destructible environment. UB is a true Free-to-Play, absolutely no Pay-to-Win.
Pixel Gladiator
Distant future… Brutal gladiatorial battles is a top-rated show, extremely popular all over the Universe. You’ve been sent to the abandoned planet as one of the participants of the show. Your goal is to survive as long as possible, fighting back deadly creatures in the focus of billions of viewers.
Sonic Mania
Sonic Mania is an all-new adventure with Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles full of unique bosses, rolling 2D landscapes, and fun classic gameplay.
1bitHeart
Welcome to 1bitHeart―the latest title from Alicemare and LiEat developer △○□× (Miwashiba). In this unique and endearing adventure game, take on the role of Nanashi, a lonely, agoraphobic boy, as you solve a slew of mysteries around town while also making friends.
Mega Man Legacy Collection 2
The Blue Bomber is back in this second collection of classic Capcom titles! Featuring faithful reproductions of Mega Man 7, 8, 9, & 10, this collection is bursting with additional content, from time trials and remix challenges to a music player and an extensive gallery of rare illustrations.
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.
Evil Genome 光明重影
3D metroidvania game Evil Genome is coming! Heroine Lachesis will lead you to explore the vast wasteland world, experience different battles as well as develop your own character!
Sundered®: Eldritch Edition
Sundered is a chaotic hand-drawn metroidvania where you resist or embrace ancient eldritch powers, a challenging and unique take on a classic genre from the creators of Jotun, now with local co-op!
GravNewton
Challenge all your skill and quick thinking ability in this precision platform game, where you are a bitrom who controller over gravity called Newton, who is trying to escape from a deformed creature that relentlessly follows him in subspace.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 May 02nd 2025.
1. 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 3,703 reviews of which 3,166 were positive and 537 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.3 out of 10. The game has hit the top spot as the #1 most played side scroller game, thanks to its 144 peak concurrent players over the last day.
8.3
3,166
537
144
players
2. 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 26,491 reviews of which 25,348 were positive and 1,143 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. While seeing 125 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #2 among side scroller games based on player count.
9.4
25,348
1,143
125
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 8,163 reviews of which 6,360 were positive and 1,803 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
6,360
1,803
82
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 pixel graphics game developed by Tribute Games Inc. and published by DotEmu and Gamirror Games. Released on June 16th 2022 has received 13,686 reviews of which 12,916 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
12,916
770
56
players
5. 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 2,517 reviews of which 2,294 were positive and 223 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
2,294
223
43
players
6. 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 955 reviews of which 649 were positive and 306 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.6 out of 10. The game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played side scroller games.
6.6
649
306
35
players
7. 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 1,548 reviews of which 1,262 were positive and 286 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.8 out of 10. The game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played side scroller games.
7.8
1,262
286
34
players
8. 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 8,558 reviews of which 7,680 were positive and 878 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. The game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played side scroller games.
8.7
7,680
878
24
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 23,491 reviews of which 20,423 were positive and 3,068 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
20,423
3,068
23
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 2,904 reviews of which 2,142 were positive and 762 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
2,142
762
23
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 May 02nd 2025. Looking for even more deals? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of discounted side scroller games.
1. 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. Featuring a massive 95% discount, this game currently holds the #1 spot in the best deals for side scroller category.
6.6
676
308
-95%
20.00€
1.00€
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 8,163 reviews of which 6,360 were positive and 1,803 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.6 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 93% discount, this game is now the #2 best deal in side scroller games.
7.6
6,360
1,803
-93%
25.29€
1.77€
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 2,673 reviews of which 1,897 were positive and 776 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.9 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 93% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in side scroller games.
6.9
1,897
776
-93%
19.71€
1.38€
4. Super Time Force Ultra
Super Time Force Ultra is an insane platformer filled with robots and dinosaurs and fun and time travel... sometimes all at the same time! Super Time Force Ultra is a side scroller, time manipulation and bullet hell game developed and published by Capybara Games. Released on August 25th 2014 has received 949 reviews of which 849 were positive and 100 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.5 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 92% discount, this title has earned the #4 position in the best deals for side scroller games.
8.5
849
100
-92%
12.50€
1.00€
5. 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 retro, action and pixel graphics game developed by JoyMasher and published by The Arcade Crew and CE-Asia. Released on July 11th 2019 has received 1,756 reviews of which 1,540 were positive and 216 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 92% discount, this title has earned the #5 position in the best deals for side scroller games.
8.4
1,540
216
-92%
17.75€
1.42€
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 5,121 reviews of which 4,953 were positive and 168 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 89% discount, this title has earned the #6 position in the best deals for side scroller games.
9.3
4,953
168
-89%
18.64€
2.05€
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 747 reviews of which 710 were positive and 37 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 88% discount, this title has earned the #7 position in the best deals for side scroller games.
8.9
710
37
-88%
14.58€
1.75€
8. Contra Anniversary Collection
The Contra Anniversary Collection brings this classic Run and Gun franchise back to modern platforms and a new generation of gamers. Contra Anniversary Collection is a action, side scroller and retro game developed and published by KONAMI. Released on June 11th 2019 has received 1,294 reviews of which 984 were positive and 310 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.3 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 87% discount, this title has earned the #8 position in the best deals for side scroller games.
7.3
984
310
-87%
20.46€
2.66€
9. 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 #9 position in the best deals for side scroller games.
6.4
414
216
-87%
22.92€
2.98€
10. Double Dragon Gaiden: Rise Of The Dragons
The Double Dragon brothers return in this fresh addition to the iconic franchise. With roguelite elements, every playthrough is a chance at new action. Tag in with 2 of 4 starter characters or unlock 12 additional characters, each with their own special moves and playstyles. Online & Local Co-op. Double Dragon Gaiden: Rise Of The Dragons is a beat 'em up, local co-op and side scroller game developed by Secret Base and published by Maximum Entertainment and Joystick. Released on July 27th 2023 has received 1,060 reviews of which 904 were positive and 156 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.1 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 85% discount, this title has earned the #10 position in the best deals for side scroller games.
8.1
904
156
-85%
25.07€
3.76€
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 May 02nd 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 10,360 reviews of which 9,003 were positive and 1,357 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
9,003
1,357
11
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 327 reviews of which 221 were positive and 106 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.5 out of 10. The game currently holds the #2 spot among the most played free side scroller games on Steam.
6.5
221
106
11
players
3. 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 #3 spot among the most played free side scroller games on Steam.
8.8
1,751
153
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 5,450 reviews of which 4,801 were positive and 649 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
4,801
649
4
players
5. 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 #5 spot among the most played free side scroller games on Steam.
7.2
1,790
622
3
players
6. 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 1,466 reviews of which 1,414 were positive and 52 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. The game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played free side scroller games on Steam.
9.1
1,414
52
1
players
7. 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 3,057 reviews of which 2,905 were positive and 152 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
2,905
152
1
players
8. 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 353 reviews of which 335 were positive and 18 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. The game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played free side scroller games on Steam.
8.7
335
18
1
players
9. Tadpole Tales
A tiny 2D Hand-drawn "Clean 'Em Up" game about a tadpole cleaning rivers and fighting pollution. Tadpole Tales is a shoot 'em up, hand-drawn and 2d game developed by Andrei Cretu, Giacomo Autili and Tomer Barnea and published by Pinnical Studio. Released on March 12th 2021 has received 854 reviews of which 770 were positive and 84 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.5 out of 10. The game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played free side scroller games on Steam.
8.5
770
84
1
players
10. Blind Fate: Edo no Yami — Dojo
Dive into a world that mixes Sci-Fi and ancient tradition. Slash through robots with a trusty katana, use hi-tech implants to navigate the surroundings, dodge enemy attacks, and land devastating finishers. Reclaim the past following the way of the Japanese samurai in the fantastic period of New Edo. Blind Fate: Edo no Yami — Dojo is a post-apocalyptic, side scroller and sci-fi game developed by Troglobytes Games and published by 101XP. Released on December 16th 2021 has received 510 reviews of which 444 were positive and 66 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.1 out of 10. The game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played free side scroller games on Steam.
8.1
444
66
1
players