Best Top-Down 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 top-down games. For those who prefer not to search, lists of the most played, top deals and best free top-down games are available at the bottom of the page.
Filters & Lists
Mr. Saitou
A short game about an average white-collar worker who struggles to find meaning in a life full of constant overtime and isolation. After an accident lands him in the hospital, Mr. Saitou is spirited away to a strange fantasy world where an unexpected friend takes him on a life-changing adventure.
METAL DOGS
Set in a world after the destruction of humankind, the harsh battle of the combat dog "Pochi" begins. Explore dungeons that change every time you enter, get a wide variety of weapons, and power up your dog! Hunt the evil "WANTED"! Enjoy exhilarating battles casually in this shooting action game.
Crafty Survivors
All heroes got corrupted! Unlock a diverse cast of crafty professionals, use their unique skills, create your own builds and defend your home by eliminating hordes of monsters. Gather materials, rebuild your village and craft your way to the origin of this malignous curse!
Big Ambitions
Big Ambitions is a revolutionary role-playing business sim. Go from nothing to the biggest entrepreneur in New York by opening small businesses or slowly building huge corporations any way you like.
Masterplan Tycoon
Welcome to the resource management game where your creativity and logistics skills are put to the test! In this minimalistic simulation you will build interconnected chains of products and open new missions by completing various tasks to create the biggest system you can.
24 Killers
Explore a desert island full of oddities, transform into monsters you've rescued, collect mysterious spirits, and unlock mods that change up future playthroughs.
Outlanders
Outlanders is a town-building strategy game, populated by hard-working, charming folk in search of a simpler life. Some just want to survive off the land, others want to create amazing things.
Diary of Lucie
Diary of Lucie is action-roguelite game made with RPG Maker. In addition to simply avoiding the enemy's barrage, strategically use the enemy's bullet to make the battle situation advantageous!
Pixel Survivors : Roguelike
A rogue-lite game where you must face hundreds of monsters with increasingly difficult bosses that strong enough to take you down. Choose your abilities, build your favorite combat style, become stronger and survive as long as you can!
Ages of Conflict: World War Simulator
Ages of Conflict is a versatile Map Simulation game where you create and observe custom AI nations battle it out across an infinite number of worlds. Paint imaginative maps and scenarios, and command nations to change history into your liking!
Dust & Neon
Rain down hell on the robot army in DUST & NEON, an award-winning best-in-class post-apocalyptic shooter where twitchy-finger gunslingers are rewarded with fame and glory.
SkyIsland
"SkyIsland" is made by a group of students in a college, quarter-view action-adventure game. Enjoy the wonderful world and beautiful environments as you help the protagonist, Pino, fix his broken plane and defeat monsters to return home safely.
Tower Escape
Tower Escape is a reverse tower defense game, where instead of defending against incoming enemies, you play the baddies and guide your minions to the exit. Recruit a team of minions, and collect powerful gems and relics that make each run unique.
The Last Starship
The Last Starship is a 2D space construction game where you design and upgrade your starship. Choose your path: pirate hunter, miner, engineer, spacebus driver, and more, whilst exploring vibrant star systems. Enjoy a growing sandbox world, with regular free updates. Your cosmic adventure awaits!
Ikki Unite
SUNSOFT relapses... The legendary Bad Game Hall of Famer "Ikki" is back, and this time it's a multiplayer experience! You can't start a riot with just one or two people! Enlist up to 16 friends in this Roguelite madness... Ikki but united!
Noobs Want to Live
Noobs Want to Live is a fast-paced roguelike featuring several characters and a large pool of skills to choose from (that synergize with one another, too!) Fight, kill, grow. Each run is a new chance to create a steamrolling build!
Tower Tactics: Liberation
We fused deck-building roguelikes and tower defenses in a way never seen before - deploy your towers, collect valuable trinkets and cast powerful spells to defend yourself against the Salkoth!
Broken Universe - Tower Defense
Get ready to rethink all your defense strategies! Build barricades to stop monsters, or lure them into a maze and attack. A variety of stages that change each time depending on how you play them.
SpellForce: Conquest of Eo
On a journey to great magical might, explore and control the lands of Eo in this ever-changing turn-based strategy role-playing game. Field armies and heroes in tactical combat, finish hundreds of quests, and gather spells and artefacts to become the most powerful mage of all.
Second Front
Second Front is a tactical WWII turn-based strategy game. Craft & share your own scenarios and maps or use your strategic prowess in 48 scenarios set in iconic locations. Command over 40 types of infantry and 216 tanks, vehicles and guns. An infinite tactical sandbox experience.
Cultivation Story: Reincarnation
Cultivation Story: Reincarnation is a top-down pixel art style action roguelike based on cultivation and Chinese mythology.
Bloody Hell
A short but sweet game about an Angel on a Bloody Bullet-hell mission to kill Satan! Dash, Double Dash, Grapple & Blast your way through Hell to fulfill your Holy Mission. Will you be able to kill Satan? Or will you fail to master your abilities and DIE in this BLOODY HELL?
The Pioneers: Surviving Desolation
Deep and innovative space survival simulation experience. Build your station, manage your crew and explore the harsh environment of Io, the innermost moon of Jupiter. Are you brave enough to survive?
2112TD: Tower Defense Survival
Get ready for the ULTIMATE tower defense onslaught. Build, deploy, research and upgrade your defenses in this epic, old school RTS inspired sci-fi adventure.Most played top-down games on Steam
Take a look at the top top-down games that are currently attracting the largest player bases on the Steam platform, as of May 04th 2025.
1. Nordhold
Enemies are coming! Every decision matters: build your city, grow the economy, and prepare for enemy waves. Strengthen your defenses, adapt your strategy, and unleash your hero’s full potential. This unique Tower Defense will test your skills – are you worthy to claim a place at Valhalla? Nordhold is a rogue-lite, tower defense and city builder game developed by StunForge and published by StunForge and HypeTrain Digital. Released on March 25th 2025 has received 1,769 reviews of which 1,605 were positive and 164 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. The game has hit the top spot as the #1 most played top-down game, thanks to its 838 peak concurrent players over the last day.
8.6
1,605
164
838
players
2. Door Kickers 2: Task Force North
Command military Special Ops Teams in gripping tactical combat against a Middle East-based terrorist network. Sequel to RockPaperShotgun's "Best Tactics Game of 2014". Door Kickers 2: Task Force North is a tactical, top-down and real-time with pause game developed and published by KillHouse Games. Released on February 10th 2025 has received 10,630 reviews of which 10,176 were positive and 454 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. While seeing 743 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #2 among top-down games based on player count.
9.3
10,176
454
743
players
3. ZERO Sievert
ZERO Sievert is a tense top-down extraction shooter that challenges you to scavenge a procedurally-generated wasteland, loot gear, and explore what’s left of a devastated world. When the odds are stacked against you, you’ll need to do more than just survive... ZERO Sievert is a extraction shooter, survival and post-apocalyptic game developed by CABO Studio and published by Modern Wolf. Released on October 23rd 2024 has received 13,025 reviews of which 11,159 were positive and 1,866 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. While seeing 412 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among top-down games based on player count.
8.4
11,159
1,866
412
players
4. Dark Deity 2
Verroa is a peaceful continent on the brink of war as the Asverellian Empire seeks to expand - at your homeland’s expense. Command unlikely heroes, fight challenging turn-based battles, and watch hardship forge iron into steel. Dark Deity is back, bigger and better than before! Dark Deity 2 is a turn-based strategy, strategy rpg and anime game developed by Sword & Axe LLC and published by indie.io and Smilegate. Released on March 24th 2025 has received 942 reviews of which 896 were positive and 46 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. With 159 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played top-down games.
8.9
896
46
159
players
5. Ostranauts
Ostranauts is a hardcore noir space-sim. Manage life aboard your ship, and beware the cost of every decision you make. Scavenge and explore the boneyard. Create, build, and customise your ship. Hire a crew to help but remember, nothing is more certain than death and taxes. Ostranauts is a early access, top-down and cyberpunk game developed by Blue Bottle Games and published by Kitfox Games. Released on September 10th 2020 has received 1,818 reviews of which 1,440 were positive and 378 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.6 out of 10. With 128 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played top-down games.
7.6
1,440
378
128
players
6. The Last Plague: Blight
The Last Plague: Blight is an authentic survival experience rooted in realism and immersion. Endure the hazards of a brutal open world and uncover the origins of a mysterious disease. You are humanity’s final hope in ending the Blight The Last Plague: Blight is a early access, open world survival craft and top-down game developed and published by Original Studios. Released on October 03rd 2024 has received 873 reviews of which 795 were positive and 78 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. With 123 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played top-down games.
8.6
795
78
123
players
7. Darkwood
Darkwood - a new perspective on survival horror. Scavenge and explore a rich, ever-changing free-roam world by day, then hunker down in your hideout and pray for the morning light. Darkwood is a horror, survival horror and top-down game developed and published by Acid Wizard Studio. Released on August 17th 2017 has received 21,348 reviews of which 20,265 were positive and 1,083 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. The game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played top-down games.
9.3
20,265
1,083
84
players
8. Vacuum Warrior - Idle Game
Vacuum Warrior is a Free to Play incremental idle game. Listen to the crisp crackle of dust and debris entering your vacuum as you vacuum ridiculous amounts of dust. Upgrade your vacuums, idle gains, and robot vacuums, earn achievements, and explore numerous locations in the Vacuum Warrior universe! Vacuum Warrior - Idle Game is a casual, idler and clicker game developed by Benjamin Staugaard and published by Benzoft. Released on June 29th 2023 has received 749 reviews of which 611 were positive and 138 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.7 out of 10. The game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played top-down games.
7.7
611
138
70
players
9. Unrailed 2: Back on Track
The chaotic co-op railroad construction game is back! Team up with your friends to build a railroad through procedurally generated worlds with new biomes and bosses. Permanently upgrade your character and engine, even create your own levels - just don‘t let your train derail! Unrailed 2: Back on Track is a early access, trains and online co-op game developed by Indoor Astronaut and published by Indoor Astronaut and Kepler Ghost. Released on November 07th 2024 has received 1,246 reviews of which 1,129 were positive and 117 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. The game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played top-down games.
8.6
1,129
117
61
players
10. Cartel Tycoon
Cartel Tycoon is a survival business sim inspired by the ‘80s and '90s narco trade. Expand and conquer, fight off rival thugs and evade the authorities. Earn people's loyalty and strive to overcome the doomed fate of a power-hungry drug lord. Cartel Tycoon is a top-down, rts and resource management game developed by Moon Moose and published by tinyBuild. Released on July 26th 2022 has received 3,518 reviews of which 2,687 were positive and 831 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.4 out of 10. The game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played top-down games.
7.4
2,687
831
61
players
Best deals on top-down games on Steam
Discover fantastic savings with the best discounts on a variety of top-down games available on Steam right now, updated on May 04th 2025. Looking for even more deals? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of discounted top-down games.
1. Dark Deity
Step into the world of Terrazael and lead soon-to-be legendary heroes in a quest to restore a land fractured by broken oaths, reckless wars, and untamed magic. Fight back in turn-based battles, manage character relationships, collect dangerous artifacts, and hopefully restore the world... Dark Deity is a tactical, turn-based strategy and strategy rpg game developed by Sword & Axe LLC and published by indie.io. Released on June 15th 2021 has received 2,711 reviews of which 1,964 were positive and 747 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.0 out of 10. Featuring a massive 95% discount, this game currently holds the #1 spot in the best deals for top-down category.
7.0
1,964
747
-95%
24.00€
1.20€
2. Cartel Tycoon
Cartel Tycoon is a survival business sim inspired by the ‘80s and '90s narco trade. Expand and conquer, fight off rival thugs and evade the authorities. Earn people's loyalty and strive to overcome the doomed fate of a power-hungry drug lord. Cartel Tycoon is a top-down, rts and resource management game developed by Moon Moose and published by tinyBuild. Released on July 26th 2022 has received 3,518 reviews of which 2,687 were positive and 831 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.4 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 93% discount, this game is now the #2 best deal in top-down games.
7.4
2,687
831
-93%
28.86€
2.02€
3. Bang Bang Racing
Be one step ahead of your competitors, finding shortcuts, repairing your car in the pit lane, and dominating your opponents from the top-down view. Bang Bang Racing is a racing, arcade and local multiplayer game developed by Digital Reality Software & Playbox and published by HandyGames. Released on June 08th 2012 has received 630 reviews of which 518 were positive and 112 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.8 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 90% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in top-down games.
7.8
518
112
-90%
10.00€
1.00€
4. APE OUT
APE OUT is a wildly intense and colorfully stylized smash ‘em up about primal escape, rhythmic violence, and frenetic jazz. APE OUT is a violent, indie and top-down game developed by Gabe Cuzzillo, Bennett Foddy and Maxi Boch and published by Devolver Digital. Released on February 28th 2019 has received 3,486 reviews of which 3,305 were positive and 181 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 86% discount, this title has earned the #4 position in the best deals for top-down games.
9.1
3,305
181
-86%
14.86€
2.08€
5. Ikonei Island: An Earthlock Adventure
Ikonei Island is yours to discover! Explore and gather resources. Farm the land, craft tools and gear, and build your base or a cozy home. Befriend magical creatures and fight monsters with your friends or solo! Ikonei Island: An Earthlock Adventure is a exploration, relaxing and simulation game developed by Snowcastle Games and published by Jetpack Collective and The Iterative Collective. Released on November 09th 2023 has received 419 reviews of which 325 were positive and 94 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.3 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 83% discount, this title has earned the #5 position in the best deals for top-down games.
7.3
325
94
-83%
24.00€
4.08€
6. American Fugitive
FREE UPDATE; STATE OF EMERGENCY, OUT NOW! Framed for your father’s murder, you’ll need to do whatever it takes to unveil the real culprit. Tackle thrilling missions for the criminal underworld - just don’t let the cops track you down! American Fugitive is a action, open world and adventure game developed by Fallen Tree Games Ltd and published by Curve Games. Released on May 21st 2019 has received 3,060 reviews of which 2,289 were positive and 771 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.3 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 80% discount, this title has earned the #6 position in the best deals for top-down games.
7.3
2,289
771
-80%
19.99€
3.99€
7. Danger Scavenger
Danger Scavenger is fast-paced action, cyberpunk-themed, roguelite skyline crawler. Blow up, cut, shoot enemy robots on the roofs of skyscrapers. Choose your way to higher levels, loot, buy stuff, upgrade yourself, fight against greedy corporations, be a rebel! Danger Scavenger is a shoot 'em up, controller and action roguelike game developed by Piotr Wolk and Star Drifters and published by Star Drifters and Doyoyo Games. Released on March 25th 2021 has received 488 reviews of which 356 were positive and 132 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.9 out of 10.
6.9
356
132
4.99€
8. Renegade Ops
Blast your way through enemy lines to defeat Inferno, a madman intent on global domination. Destruction just got awesome. Renegade Ops is a action, twin stick shooter and arcade game developed by Avalanche Studios and published by SEGA. Released on October 26th 2011 has received 2,777 reviews of which 2,368 were positive and 409 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 75% discount, this title has earned the #8 position in the best deals for top-down games.
8.2
2,368
409
-75%
12.99€
3.24€
9. FixFox
Arriving on a curious planet, Vix and her toolbox Tin explore space, fixing machines with unconventional tools and eating cozy meals with kind robot locals. On an epic adventure, the duo repairs an interstellar beacon, constructs giant mechs, and unravels a cosmic mystery that transcends existence. FixFox is a top-down, exploration and puzzle game developed by Rendlike and published by Joystick Ventures. Released on March 31st 2022 has received 388 reviews of which 342 were positive and 46 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 70% discount, this title has earned the #9 position in the best deals for top-down games.
8.2
342
46
-70%
12.49€
3.74€
10. Dark Deity 2
Verroa is a peaceful continent on the brink of war as the Asverellian Empire seeks to expand - at your homeland’s expense. Command unlikely heroes, fight challenging turn-based battles, and watch hardship forge iron into steel. Dark Deity is back, bigger and better than before! Dark Deity 2 is a turn-based strategy, strategy rpg and anime game developed by Sword & Axe LLC and published by indie.io and Smilegate. Released on March 24th 2025 has received 942 reviews of which 896 were positive and 46 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. Currently offered at a 46% discount, this title has earned the #10 position in the best deals for top-down games.
8.9
896
46
-46%
23.13€
12.49€
Free top-down games on Steam
Check out this fantastic list of free-to-play top-down games you can enjoy on Steam right now, updated on May 04th 2025. Looking for even more free titles? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of free to play top-down games.
1. Vacuum Warrior - Idle Game
Vacuum Warrior is a Free to Play incremental idle game. Listen to the crisp crackle of dust and debris entering your vacuum as you vacuum ridiculous amounts of dust. Upgrade your vacuums, idle gains, and robot vacuums, earn achievements, and explore numerous locations in the Vacuum Warrior universe! Vacuum Warrior - Idle Game is a casual, idler and clicker game developed by Benjamin Staugaard and published by Benzoft. Released on June 29th 2023 has received 749 reviews of which 611 were positive and 138 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.7 out of 10. The game currently holds the #1 spot among the most played free top-down games on Steam.
7.7
611
138
70
players
2. Death Rally (Classic)
You start out from the bottom of the ranking list. Your objective: earn money in the fast-paced battle races. Fight hard for each precious championship point. Fellow competitors are showering you in a constant hail of bullets. Each race is deadly contest - a matter of life or death. Death Rally (Classic) is a racing, retro and top-down game developed by Remedy and published by 3D Realms (Apogee Software). Released on May 05th 2014 has received 750 reviews of which 682 were positive and 68 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.5 out of 10. The game currently holds the #2 spot among the most played free top-down games on Steam.
8.5
682
68
5
players
3. TEST TEST TEST
Escape a time loop as an overworked office employee by solving cryptic puzzles with alternate reality game elements. TEST TEST TEST is a puzzle, 2d and cute game developed by Mojiken and published by Toge Productions. Released on January 17th 2024 has received 857 reviews of which 786 were positive and 71 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. The game currently holds the #3 spot among the most played free top-down games on Steam.
8.6
786
71
1
players
4. I MAED A GAM3 W1TH Z0MB1ES 1N IT!!!1
A top down twin stick zombie slaying shooter that you are sure to play again and again! I MAED A GAM3 W1TH Z0MB1ES 1N IT!!!1 is a zombies, twin stick shooter and top-down shooter game developed by Ska Studios and OMNIViOLET and published by Ska Studios. Released on November 11th 2021 has received 1,653 reviews of which 1,618 were positive and 35 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. The game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played free top-down games on Steam.
9.3
1,618
35
5. THE NORMAL THING
THE NORMAL THING is a story about a dog who lost his memory. Sunless forests, strange gardens, weird inhabitants... Start a little journey to retrieve your memory. THE NORMAL THING is a 2d, adventure and puzzle game developed and published by Orata Studio. Released on December 10th 2020 has received 480 reviews of which 457 were positive and 23 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. The game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played free top-down games on Steam.
8.8
457
23
6. Prologue: Fish idle 2
Dive into the most fun idle fishing arcade game! Manage your Fish Kingdoms with automated fishing, upgrade your boat and gear, invest in passive income, and outsmart the market. Become the ultimate fish tycoon! Prologue: Fish idle 2 is a casual, adventure and point & click game developed and published by MulticastGames. Released on August 02nd 2024 has received 379 reviews of which 256 were positive and 123 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.5 out of 10. The game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played free top-down games on Steam.
6.5
256
123