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
Rayman® Origins
Experience the magical universe of Rayman with legendary 2D gameplay that has captured the hearts of millions of fans!
Really Big Sky
A super fast, twin analogue shooter for the modern age!
Shank 2
The fan-favorite 2D brawler is back as ex-mob hit man Shank returns to action in Shank 2. With those closest to him under attack, Shank is once again forced on the offensive. Now he must put his trusty arsenal of handguns, shotguns, automatic weapons, chainsaws, machetes, grenades, plus all-new weaponry and moves to use in order to...
Titan Attacks!
As the last surviving tank commander on Earth, single-handedly turn back the evil invading alien army, drive back the Titans across the Solar System, and defeat them on their homeworld... Titan Attacks has the same easy-to-learn and addictive gameplay of the classic arcade shoot 'em up, but is packed full of extras - new features, new...
Fortune Summoners
A massive gameworld to explore with nearly a dozen dungeons to delve into.
Dustforce DX
Take control of a nimble janitor to rid the world of dust and debris.
SATAZIUS
The year is 2051. Location: SATAZIUS, a long-abandoned planet. The cruiser Agano was on patrol when it was attacked and stricken by a confederacy of space pirates that had established a base on SATAZIUS. The pirates attacked the Agano intending to steal the assault ship ‘Trafalgar’ that was stowed aboard the Agano, but the Trafalgar made...
Serious Sam Double D XXL
Pile on the firepower with the revolutionary Gunstacker and fire all your weapons at once in a symphony of destruction!
Alien Hallway
Players measure stamina with a never-ending stream of green creatures within the borders of a special military mission.
BIT.TRIP RUNNER
Experience the rhythmic thrill of BIT.TRIP RUNNER! With its retro charm, simple controls, and award-winning visuals, this classic sets the standard for rhythm gaming. Don't miss the game that started it all in the acclaimed runner series.
A.R.E.S.: Extinction Agenda
You are the ultimate weapon with an ultimate sidekick – Collect secret items and get power ups to become the perfect weapon.
Swords and Soldiers HD
Rewrite history as you take control of the brutal Vikings, the devious Aztecs or the crafty Chinese in their global quest to win the favour of the Gods! Swords & Soldiers is a side-scrolling strategy game that lets you control an entire army and lets you wield devastating magical abilities.
Super Meat Boy
The infamous, tough-as-nails platformer comes to Steam with a playable Head Crab character (Steam-exclusive)!
Worms Reloaded
Ten years on from Worms™ Armageddon and the turn-based comic mayhem continues in Worms™ Reloaded, an all-new edition available for PC through Steam.
eversion
The Princess of the Flower Kingdom has vanished! She was taken by the Ghulibas of the north, and it is up to brave Zee Tee to rescue her. On his quest, he - and you - will discover the hidden lands behind the peaceful kingdom, and come face to face with secrets that will set you on edge!
Aquaria
Aquaria is an award-winning action-adventure game set in a massive underwater world teeming with life and filled with ancient secrets. Join Naija, a lone underwater adventurer, as she travels from hidden caves shrouded in darkness, to beautiful, sunlit oases in search of her past.
Commander Keen
Commander Keen: Invasion of the Vorticons: Episode 1: Marooned on Mars (Dec. 14th 1990) Episode 2: The Earth Explodes (1991) Episode 3: Keen Must Die! (1991) Commander Keen's very first adventure, and the debut of id's groundbreaking side-scrolling technology.
Heavy Weapon Deluxe
It's shoot-'em-up arcade action at its best! Use an incredible assortment of heavy artillery to blast away enemy tanks and planes, and fight your way to victory. What are you waiting for? Pull yourself up by your bootstraps and get into the action!
Mark of the Ninja
In Mark of the Ninja, you'll know what it is to truly be a ninja. You must be silent, agile and clever to outwit your opponents in a world of gorgeous scenery and flowing animation. Marked with cursed tattoos giving you heightened senses, every situation presents you with options.
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. 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. 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. Thanks to its incredible 98% discount, this game is now the #2 best deal in side scroller games.
8.4
581
65
-98%
14.99€
0.43€
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€
0.54€
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€
0.67€
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€
0.47€
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. 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 #9 position in the best deals for side scroller games.
7.3
333
96
-97%
19.50€
0.62€
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 2,419 reviews of which 1,795 were positive and 624 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.2 out of 10. The game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played free side scroller games on Steam.
7.2
1,795
624
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