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
Isle of Arrows
Isle of Arrows is a Puzzle Tower Defense game in which you build a fortress in the sky. Place towers, expand the isle, and build your own paths. Can you find the perfect spot for each tile to beat the RNG and defend against waves of invaders?
The Zachtronics Solitaire Collection
The Zachtronics Solitaire Collection is here! Inside you will find all seven Zachtronics solitaire games, updated with new 4K graphics, plus one brand new Tarot-themed solitaire variant only available here.
Gerda: A Flame in Winter
You have five days to save your husband, who has just been arrested by the Gestapo. Investigate, explore and form allegiances in this story-rich RPG-lite. Who will you trust?
Project Gunship
Rain hell on the enemy from 12,000 feet in an AC-130 Gunship. Project Gunship provides an authentic and historical simulation of combat in all gunship variants from Vietnam to present day.
Crustacean Nations
🦀Crustacean Nations🦀 is a real-time strategy game about total crab warfare. Build a sprawling sand castle and amass huge armies to dominate the beach and become the one true crustacean nation!
Farthest Frontier
Protect and guide your people as you forge a town from untamed wilderness at the edge of the known world. Harvest raw materials, hunt, fish and farm to survive. Produce crafted items to trade, consume, equip and fight with as you battle for your survival against the elements and outside threats.
Real estate tycoon
"Illusory life: urban real estate tycoon" is a simulated business role-playing game with urban theme. We try to restore the game world like a novel of urban face slapping, and give the players a "capitalist" identity.（We are a very poor studio, so English translation will be launched in the future）
Tiny Tactics
Tiny Tactics is a Tower Defense game with a heavy focus on mazing, with mechanics inspired by the Auto Chess genre.
Hard West 2
Hard West 2 is a journey to the heart of darkness in the American West. Take control of a supernatural posse and catch the mysterious Ghost Train. Outsmart, outcheat and outgun your enemies in this turn-based tactics game set in a Wild West world where nothing is as it seems.
PlateUp!
Cook and serve your dishes, design and decorate your restaurants, and expand your culinary kingdom with new unlocks, abilities and dishes in procedurally-generated locations. Classic cooking action with permanent roguelite progression. Hire your friends - or do it all yourself!
Star Valor
Choose your own destiny as you explore an open-world procedurally generated galaxy where anything is possible. Become a miner, a trader, a bounty hunter, a pirate, or perhaps a jack of all trades. Start off small and build your way to the top but remember with every action, comes consequences.
Police Stories: The Academy
Welcome, trainee! Use tactics and special equipment to become a true cop in the free version of Police Stories: The Academy. Neutralize criminals, search for clues and find a "rat" in the police station alone or in co-op with a partner.
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.
Impact Point
IMPACT POINT! – An ultra satisfying, fast paced, 2-4 player, arena based, multiplayer, top down 2D shooter. Grab what you can and battle it out with 2-4 players to be the last man standing in a game heavily inspired by retro and vaporwave shooters.
Necrosmith
A necromancer simulator. Assemble the dead using different body parts while upgrading your tower, combine the abilities of the different fantastic races to fight your way through the hordes of enemies and overrun the ’chosen ones’. To tell the truth, the dead are pretty, uhm, dumb.
Freshly Frosted
Place conveyor belts to solve puzzles in the world's most adorable donut factory!
Ares Virus2
The "Ares Virus" series of games is widely acclaimed for its unique combat and individual style of painting. Now that the sequel is back, it will give you an unprecedented experience.
Yakiniku simulator
Simple and easy game! Just chill out and simulate eating yakiniku!
Unexplored 2: The Wayfarer's Legacy
Dynamic, procedurally generated adventure game that puts exploration first. Build your legacy as each wayfarer will change the fate of the world. Endless replayability with a huge set of difficulty modifiers. Boasting an award-winning soundtrack, a beautiful art style, and regular updates.
Keplerth
Welcome to Keplerth! Try to survive on a hostile alien planet in this 2D sandbox RPG, where you can choose to live alone or fight side by side with your friends in the online multiplayer mode. Survive, build, farm, fight, and explore your way to victory in this open-world adventure!
Slava Ukraini!
A completely free game of heroic defence against enemy aggression. Take part in the defence of Ukraine against Russian aggression. A tribute to the courage and valor of the Ukrainian armed forces.
APICO
APICO is a laid-back beekeeping sim game about breeding, collecting, & conserving bees! Set in a series of lush environments, APICO uniquely combines resource gathering, biology, and beekeeping minigames, taking ideas from a mix of real-life and fantasy apiculture & floriculture.
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 June 18th 2025.
1. 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 10,848 reviews of which 10,389 were positive and 459 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. The game has hit the top spot as the #1 most played top-down game, thanks to its 510 peak concurrent players over the last day.
9.3
10,389
459
510
players
2. 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 13,238 reviews of which 11,326 were positive and 1,912 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. While seeing 211 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #2 among top-down games based on player count.
8.4
11,326
1,912
211
players
3. 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 2,140 reviews of which 1,924 were positive and 216 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. While seeing 209 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among top-down games based on player count.
8.6
1,924
216
209
players
4. 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 21,618 reviews of which 20,529 were positive and 1,089 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. The game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played top-down games.
9.3
20,529
1,089
88
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 1,886 reviews of which 1,494 were positive and 392 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.6 out of 10. The game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played top-down games.
7.6
1,494
392
76
players
6. 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 755 reviews of which 616 were positive and 139 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.7 out of 10. The game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played top-down games.
7.7
616
139
72
players
7. 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 1,058 reviews of which 997 were positive and 61 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. The game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played top-down games.
8.9
997
61
56
players
8. 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 3,536 reviews of which 2,699 were positive and 837 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.4 out of 10. The game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played top-down games.
7.4
2,699
837
54
players
9. Pipistrello and the Cursed Yoyo
Are you ready for the first Yoyovania?! In this 2D top-down adventure you'll explore a sprawling urban landscape, reinterpreting your surroundings through your mastery of yoyo tricks. Navigate the city's many districts, fight rival crime bosses, and regain the influence of the Pipistrello family! Pipistrello and the Cursed Yoyo is a top-down, action-adventure and exploration game developed by Pocket Trap and published by PM Studios and Inc.. Released on May 28th 2025 has received 310 reviews of which 305 were positive and 5 were negative resulting in a rating of 9.0 out of 10. The game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played top-down games.
9.0
305
5
53
players
10. Nexomon: Extinction
Nexomon: Extinction is a return to classic monster catching games, with a brand new story, eccentric characters and over 300 unique Nexomon to trap, tame and evolve. Nexomon: Extinction is a creature collector, turn-based combat and rpg game developed by and published by VEWO INTERACTIVE INC. and PQube. Released on August 28th 2020 has received 3,237 reviews of which 2,951 were positive and 286 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. The game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played top-down games.
8.8
2,951
286
50
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 June 18th 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 2,753 reviews of which 1,995 were positive and 758 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.0 out of 10. Featuring a massive 99% discount, this game currently holds the #1 spot in the best deals for top-down category.
7.0
1,995
758
-99%
22.99€
0.41€
2. Toodee and Topdee
A cosmic turbulence caused the 2D Platformer and the Top-Down Puzzler dimensions to merge! Switch between Toodee and Topdee and their unique perspectives to overcome hard-as-nails challenges, solve mind-melting puzzles and defeat huge bosses. Toodee and Topdee is a controller, puzzle and colorful game developed and published by dietzribi. Released on August 04th 2021 has received 758 reviews of which 715 were positive and 43 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 98% discount, this game is now the #2 best deal in top-down games.
8.8
715
43
-98%
19.50€
0.42€
3. 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 3,536 reviews of which 2,699 were positive and 837 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.4 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 98% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in top-down games.
7.4
2,699
837
-98%
28.99€
0.72€
4. Dwarfs!?
Dig! Dig! Dig! Manage the small underground Dwarf base and make it as rich as possible before they meet their inevitable doom. Purchase before May 11th and save! Dwarfs!? is a dwarf, colony sim and pixel graphics game developed by Power of 2 and published by Tripwire Interactive. Released on May 04th 2011 has received 1,040 reviews of which 803 were positive and 237 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.4 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 98% discount, this title has earned the #4 position in the best deals for top-down games.
7.4
803
237
-98%
8.19€
0.23€
5. GARAGE: Bad Trip
Drug dealer Butch slays hordes of living dead to save a girl. Garage is a bloody topdown shooter inspired by VHS era B-movies. GARAGE: Bad Trip is a gore, action and violent game developed by Zombie Dynamics and published by tinyBuild. Released on July 06th 2018 has received 775 reviews of which 513 were positive and 262 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.4 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 98% discount, this title has earned the #5 position in the best deals for top-down games.
6.4
513
262
-98%
14.79€
0.39€
6. Zombie Driver HD
Insane mix of cars, speed, explosions, blood and zombies! Fight through an epic narrative campaign or test yourself in the Slaughter and Blood Race modes. Zombie Driver HD is a zombies, racing and top-down game developed and published by Exor Studios. Released on October 17th 2012 has received 3,933 reviews of which 3,280 were positive and 653 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.1 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 97% discount, this title has earned the #6 position in the best deals for top-down games.
8.1
3,280
653
-97%
9.99€
0.35€
7. Subterrain
Uncompromising Sci-Fi survival on Mars! Manage the entire colony single-handed! Craft, Research, Explore and Fight against evolving mutants. Vast open world and randomly generated levels to explore! Can you survive long enough to escape the horror? Subterrain is a survival, top-down and crafting game developed and published by Pixellore Inc. Released on January 21st 2016 has received 1,358 reviews of which 1,036 were positive and 322 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.3 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 97% discount, this title has earned the #7 position in the best deals for top-down games.
7.3
1,036
322
-97%
16.99€
0.54€
8. Heat Signature
Heat Signature is a game from the developers of Gunpoint where you break into spaceships, make terrible mistakes, and think of clever ways out of them. You take a mission, fly to the target ship, sneak inside, and make clever use of your gadgets to distract, ambush and take out the crew. Heat Signature is a space, stealth and indie game developed and published by Suspicious Developments. Released on September 21st 2017 has received 7,146 reviews of which 6,756 were positive and 390 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 96% discount, this title has earned the #8 position in the best deals for top-down games.
9.2
6,756
390
-96%
12.99€
0.60€
9. Crimsonland
Thousands of aliens, giant spiders, mutant lizards, and more are on the attack - can you survive the onslaught? Crimsonland is a top-down shooter with a touch of RPG. Unlock over 30 weapons and over 50 perks from quirky to brutal. Complete the quest and show your skills in five survival modes. Crimsonland is a action, shooter and top-down game developed and published by 10tons Ltd. Released on June 11th 2014 has received 3,002 reviews of which 2,778 were positive and 224 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 96% discount, this title has earned the #9 position in the best deals for top-down games.
8.9
2,778
224
-96%
13.79€
0.64€
10. Nexomon: Extinction
Nexomon: Extinction is a return to classic monster catching games, with a brand new story, eccentric characters and over 300 unique Nexomon to trap, tame and evolve. Nexomon: Extinction is a creature collector, turn-based combat and rpg game developed by and published by VEWO INTERACTIVE INC. and PQube. Released on August 28th 2020 has received 3,237 reviews of which 2,951 were positive and 286 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 96% discount, this title has earned the #10 position in the best deals for top-down games.
8.8
2,951
286
-96%
19.99€
0.81€
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 June 18th 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 755 reviews of which 616 were positive and 139 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
616
139
72
players
2. 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 257 were positive and 122 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.5 out of 10. The game currently holds the #2 spot among the most played free top-down games on Steam.
6.5
257
122
9
players
3. 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 761 reviews of which 693 were positive and 68 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
693
68
4
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 1,678 reviews of which 1,640 were positive and 38 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
1,640
38
1
players
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. 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 876 reviews of which 803 were positive and 73 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. The game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played free top-down games on Steam.
8.6
803
73