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
Loot Hero DX
A legendary Dragon is haunting the lands. Towns are set ablaze, and its magic power resurrects the evil creatures of the world. A hero is needed to travel to the corners of the lands and slay the beast to restore peace.
The Adventures of Mr. Bobley
The Adventures of Mr. Bobley is a 3d platformer adventure game featuring physics based puzzles and challenges that also require you to drive vehicles and operate heavy machinery. Set at a skyscraper construction site. The game is all about physics and interaction with the environment.
Streets of Fury EX
Fight the gangs of Paris in this action packed Beat'Em up. Up to 4 players can join in, to cooperate, or fight against each other! Many unlockables, game modes, crazy combos and devastating furies await you in this deep fighting game.
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!
Super Chibi Knight
The Kingdom of Oukoku is threatened by the spicy influence of General Tso. Citizens have placed their hope in a small knight who fits the requirements of ancient legends. Which path will the Chibi Knight choose...
Tcheco in the Castle of Lucio
Tcheco in the Castle of Lucio is an exciting, fast-paced action game.Help Tcheco the Adventure Boy to leave a mysterious castle full of deadly creatures! Be ready for a big challenge, full of nonsense humor and retro goodness.
The Silent Age
Experience a post-apocalyptic world like never before in The Silent Age, a thrilling point-and-click adventure game. Use time travel to unravel the mystery behind humanity's disappearance and save the world from extinction. Start your journey now!
Kung Fury: Street Rage - Ultimate Edition
The original epic introduction to the eternal KUNG FURY beat ‘em up saga. New stages, and the Hackademy. Both THE ARCADE STRIKES BACK and the A DAY AT THE BEACH campaign.
BADLAND: Game of the Year Edition
With BADLAND: Game of the Year Edition, experience the multi-award-winning action adventure like never before - redesigned for Steam.
Axiom Verge
Explore and uncover the mystery of a surreal alien world by blasting aliens and glitching your environment in this intense retro side-scrolling action/adventure.
Stealth Inc 2: A Game of Clones
In Stealth Inc 2, you play the role of a clone escaping a sinister and high-tech testing facility. Stealth Inc 2 tests both your brain and your reflexes over 60 varied levels linked together in a sprawling overworld.
Guns, Gore & Cannoli
Guns, Gore & Cannoli - An over-the-top, comical and fast-paced action game with hand-drawn graphics set in the Roaring Twenties. An all-you-can-shoot fest where you embody Vinnie, a mobster with a mission in a city controlled by gangsters and plagued by zombies. Featuring up to 4-man local co-op.
Shantae and the Pirate's Curse
Embark on an all-new adventure with Shantae, the hair-whipping belly dancing genie. After losing her magic, Shantae teams up with the nefarious pirate Risky Boots in order to save Sequin Land from a curse.
JumpJet Rex
Test your dinosaur jump-jet skills with a game that redefines the platformer genre, aptly renaming it "platflyer." Simply put, you're a t-rex with rocket boots trying to save earth from an incoming asteroid. Do you have what it takes to stop it?
Assassin’s Creed® Chronicles: China
The first entry in the Assassin’s Creed Chronicles saga takes place in China, 1526, as the Ming dynasty starts to crumble. You embody Shao Jun, the last remaining Assassin of the Chinese Brotherhood, returning to her homeland with a vendetta.
Zombie Kill of the Week - Reborn
Zombie Kill of the Week - Reborn is a challenging, fast paced, 2D survival shooter! Featuring a compelling single player survival mode and cooperative multiplayer for up-to four players, this is one zombie firefight you're not going to want to miss!
Ori and the Blind Forest
“Ori and the Blind Forest” tells the tale of a young orphan destined for heroics, through a visually stunning action-platformer crafted by Moon Studios for PC.
Shelter 2
As a powerful Lynx, you will make your way through vast open landscapes. In the harsh tundra, you will raise and strengthen your cubs by mastering your skills for hunting prey. Do everything you can to prepare your little ones for the vicious entities dwelling in the wilderness.
Oddworld: New 'n' Tasty
Built from scratch, enjoy breathtaking visuals, enhanced audio and improved, deeper gameplay as New 'n' Tasty reignites the original Oddworld: Abe's Oddysee using the latest next-generation technology.
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.
Anoxemia
Anoxemia is a story-driven exploration game that puts you in control of the scientist Dr. Bailey and his operations drone, ATMA. Search the ocean floor as you discover and extract samples from the bowels of the underwater caves. Danger lurks in each passageway.
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 16th 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 138 peak concurrent players over the last day.
9.4
25,774
1,184
138
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
89
players
3. 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 #3 spot among the most played side scroller games.
9.2
12,978
770
81
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
69
players
5. 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 #5 spot among the most played side scroller games.
6.6
665
312
53
players
6. 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 #6 spot among the most played side scroller games.
8.6
3,983
474
52
players
7. 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 #7 spot among the most played side scroller games.
8.7
7,698
881
49
players
8. 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 #8 spot among the most played side scroller games.
7.8
1,286
294
46
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
28
players
10. Mega Man 11
Mega Man is back! The newest entry in this iconic series blends classic, challenging 2D platforming action with a fresh new visual style. The new Double Gear system boosts Mega Man's speed and power for a new twist to the satisfying gameplay the series is known for. Mega Man 11 is a action, platformer and side scroller game developed by and published by CAPCOM Co. and Ltd.. Released on October 02nd 2018 has received 4,587 reviews of which 4,106 were positive and 481 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. The game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played side scroller games.
8.6
4,106
481
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 16th 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 16th 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
11
players
2. 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 #2 spot among the most played free side scroller games on Steam.
8.5
4,800
651
10
players
3. 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 #3 spot among the most played free side scroller games on Steam.
6.4
221
107
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
4
players
5. 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 #5 spot among the most played free side scroller games on Steam.
8.8
1,753
154
2
players
6. Skelethrone: The Prey
This game is a challenging 2D action platformer with RPG elements inspired by games like Castlevania and Dark Souls. Skelethrone: The Prey is a free prequel to the main game, setting the stage for the events that will unfold throughout Skelethrone: The Chronicles of Ericona campaign. Skelethrone: The Prey is a metroidvania, souls-like and dark fantasy game developed by 70`Strike and published by Valkyrie Initiative. Released on March 14th 2024 has received 418 reviews of which 321 were positive and 97 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.2 out of 10. The game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played free side scroller games on Steam.
7.2
321
97
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
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