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
Ys I & II Chronicles+
Long, long ago, there was an ancient kingdom called Ys which prospered under the auspices of two heavenly Goddesses. Over time, the kingdom came to be known as Esteria, and its divine history was largely forgotten by all but the descendants of those who once preached the Goddesses’ will.
Droid Assault
Play Droid Assault and experience running blaster battles with hordes of rampaging killer robots! Discover a unique tactical arcade shooter, with the fun addictive gameplay of 8-bit classics. You'll need your wits and the help of your acquired droid squad to stay alive in this fast-paced retro actionfest.
Hotline Miami
Hotline Miami is a high-octane action game overflowing with raw brutality, hard-boiled gunplay and skull crushing close combat.
Dwarfs - F2P
Dwarfs!? is an addictive, fast paced arcade-like experience, with plenty of difficulty levels and game modes, in the tradition of great games such as “Lemmings” and “Dwarf Fortress”.
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.
FTL: Faster Than Light
This "spaceship simulation roguelike-like" allows you to take your ship and crew on an adventure through a randomly generated galaxy filled with glory and bitter defeat.
Death Rally
Load your guns, start your engines...THE CLASSIC IS BACK! Brought to you from Remedy, renowned developers of Max Payne and Alan Wake, Remedy's Death Rally classic top down racer is back, stronger and more vicious than ever.
Penny Arcade's On the Rain-Slick Precipice of Darkness 3
The Startling Developments Detective Agency springs into action as On the Rain-Slick Precipice of Darkness 3 begins, set in motion by a call from a mysterious source. The ever escalating perils on the Rain-Slick Precipice of Darkness will season our tender heroes to their very core!
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.
Dynamite Jack
A brave space marine, armed with only bombs and a flashlight, must escape the Anathema Mines!
Warp
Warp™ is a strategic stealth-action puzzler where gamers play as Zero, a loveable yet lethal, little orange alien with a big score to settle. Abducted by a villainous General from his home world and taken to an underwater research facility, Zero must plan his ultimate escape by relying on his arsenal of special abilities.
Ys: The Oath in Felghana
An Action RPG driven by fast-paced combat and paired with an intricate puzzle-filled world.
iBomber Defense Pacific
iBomber moves to the Pacific as you fight a whole new enemy across the Pacific rim to regain freedom.
Galactic Civilizations® II: Ultimate Edition
Get the complete GalCiv II saga including Galactic Civilizations II: Dread Lords, the expansion pack Dark Avatar, and the newest expansion pack Twilight of the Arnor!
Renegade Ops
Blast your way through enemy lines to defeat Inferno, a madman intent on global domination. Destruction just got awesome.
The Binding of Isaac
Now 20% More Evil with the Free Halloween update!
Nuclear Dawn
Explore war-torn post-apocalyptic landscapes and take fight against enemies using various weapons in this FPS/RTS hybrid.
Cossacks: Art of War
Cossacks: The Art of War continues the history of the great battles of XVII–XVIII centuries
Space Pirates and Zombies
Explore a randomly generated Galaxy populated with factions, enemies, missions, and items providing you with a unique experience each time you play.
Dungeons of Dredmor
Test your luck and cunning in this exciting RPG as you craft, cast, and pillage your way through Lord Dredmor's Dungeons.
Breath of Death VII
Resurrect the classic era of RPGs with the retro parody RPG, Breath of Death VII: The Beginning. Join Dem the Skeleton Knight, Sara the ghost historian, Lita the vampire techie, and Erik the zombie prince as they explore an undead world in search of the secrets of the past. Laugh! Cry! Laugh some more!
Frozen Synapse
Brings the simultaneous turn-based strategy genre up-to-date and lets you give detailed, accurate orders to your squad.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 April 30th 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 1,670 reviews of which 1,515 were positive and 155 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 709 peak concurrent players over the last day.
8.6
1,515
155
709
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 10,564 reviews of which 10,110 were positive and 454 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. While seeing 622 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
10,110
454
622
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 343 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
343
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 875 reviews of which 835 were positive and 40 were negative resulting in a rating of 9.0 out of 10. With 176 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played top-down games.
9.0
835
40
176
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 125 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
125
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 845 reviews of which 766 were positive and 79 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.5 out of 10. The game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played top-down games.
8.5
766
79
97
players
7. 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 #7 spot among the most played top-down games.
7.7
611
138
88
players
8. 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 #8 spot among the most played top-down games.
9.3
20,265
1,083
72
players
9. 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 #9 spot among the most played top-down games.
7.4
2,687
831
60
players
10. 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 1,232 reviews of which 1,118 were positive and 114 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. The game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played top-down games.
8.6
1,118
114
37
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 April 30th 2025. Looking for even more deals? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of discounted top-down games.
1. 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. Featuring a massive 92% discount, this game currently holds the #1 spot in the best deals for top-down category.
7.4
2,687
831
-92%
28.25€
2.26€
2. 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 #2 best deal in top-down games.
7.8
518
112
-90%
10.00€
1.00€
3. 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. Thanks to its incredible 86% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in top-down games.
9.1
3,305
181
-86%
14.86€
2.08€
4. Mr. Shifty
Teleport, shift through bullets, and master lightning-fast takedowns in an all new kind of action game from tinyBuild and Team Shifty! Mr. Shifty is a action, indie and adventure game developed by Team Shifty and published by tinyBuild. Released on April 13th 2017 has received 1,680 reviews of which 1,480 were positive and 200 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 84% discount, this title has earned the #4 position in the best deals for top-down games.
8.4
1,480
200
-84%
14.88€
2.38€
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. Currently offered at a significant 80% discount, this title has earned the #7 position in the best deals for top-down games.
6.9
356
132
-80%
4.99€
0.99€
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 875 reviews of which 835 were positive and 40 were negative resulting in a rating of 9.0 out of 10. Currently offered at a 46% discount, this title has earned the #10 position in the best deals for top-down games.
9.0
835
40
-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 April 30th 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
88
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. 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 1,651 reviews of which 1,616 were positive and 35 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. The game currently holds the #3 spot among the most played free top-down games on Steam.
9.3
1,616
35
1
players
4. 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 #4 spot among the most played free top-down games on Steam.
8.8
457
23
1
players
5. 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 #5 spot among the most played free top-down games on Steam.
8.6
786
71
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