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
Anomaly: Warzone Earth
Lead an armored squad through the perils of this reversed tower defense action-strategy game!
HOARD
YOU ARE THE DRAGON in this award-winning arcade strategy game. Burn villages, collect gold, and level up your dragon while playing 10 minute matches in single player or up to 4 player co-op and competitive modes. Over 30 levels and multiple game modes ensure you'll be burning for a long time!
Revenge of the Titans
The ultimate mash-up of Real-time Strategy and Tower Defense!
Atom Zombie Smasher
The zombie apocalypse is upon us and it's up to you to evacuate everyone before they fall prey to the undead. Conduct massive rescue operations with a helping hand from snipers, artillery crews, orbital bombardments, and more.
Alien Breed 3: Descent
Experience the final explosive chapter in the Alien Breed series and uncover the horrifying truth surrounding the existence of the Breed. Launch discount good thru Nov. 24 10am PST.
Alien Breed 2: Assault
Can you survive the alien onslaught? Gamers across the world will now have a chance to play the next chapter in this high-budget, high-quality series.
Alien Swarm
Co-operative multiplayer game and complete code base available for free.
Alien Breed: Impact
Experience the explosive science fiction arcade-shooter that resurrects a much revered franchise in an epic single player and co-op multiplayer campaign.
Avencast: Rise of the Mage
Play Avencast, the epic roguelike action-RPG with tons of combat moves, spells, and equipment. Fight against evil forces to save your academy and vanquish the darkness. As you progress, learn powerful spells and combos to increase your chances of victory.
Zombie Shooter 2
Just choose a character to the liking, get experience to develop skills, earn money and spend it at weapons, medications and useful devices. All of this will be used against thousands of enemies. The zombies fill the game screen, never letting you rest, even for a minute.
Gratuitous Space Battles
Who needs backstory? Who needs resource-gathering? Diplomacy is so last year. Gratuitous Space Battles cuts right to the chase of sci-fi strategy games, and deals with large, completely unjustified space battles between huge opposing space fleets.
Torchlight
Adventure awaits in the award-winning Action RPG debut from Runic Games! Explore the randomized depths of this boom town, collect loot, and level up to save Torchlight - and possibly the world.
Nation Red
Nation Red is an ultra fast infinite play arena-based shooter providing an exceptional close-quarter battlefield experience. Fight thousands of zombie mutants and their bosses in frantic bloody gameplay while earning close to 100 perks. Fight in Barricade, Survival or Free Play mode.
Alien Shooter
The endless darkness and the somber, long passages of a military complex have become the abode of evil, thousands of blood-thirsty creatures fill its offices, storehouses and mysterious laboratories. About 1,000 monsters on each map, showing up to 100 monsters simultaneously on one playing screen.
Larva Mortus
Larva Mortus is a fast-paced hack and slash top-down shooter. As an agent specializing in exorcism, you are tasked to hunt monsters of the supernatural in a dark, ominous, and randomly generated atmosphere full of undead, terrifying and demonic nightmares.
Multiwinia
Multiwinia is a fast-paced, retro-inspired RTS that blends arcade action with strategic depth. Command armies of Multiwinians in multiplayer battles across vibrant, nostalgic environments. With simple controls and dynamic gameplay, it offers endless fun and challenge for players of all skill levels.
Empires Mod
Unique strategy/first person shooter mix: One commander on each team plays from above, choosing research, placing buildings and giving orders. The rest fill the role of soldiers on the ground, with four distinct classes to choose from and customizable vehicles to drive.
Act of War: Direct Action
Tomorrow's War Is NOW Ripped from today's headlines, Act of War: Direct Action™ is a frightening tale of suspense, international intrigue and geopolitical military conflict. This real-time strategy experience puts you squarely in control of counterterrorist forces and delivers a first look at tomorrow's war.
Shadowgrounds
Shadowgrounds breathes fresh air into the action genre with explosive combat sequences, an innovative weapon upgrade system, and an intriguing storyline. The adrenaline-pumping, top-down gameplay and audiovisual fireworks set the scene for this new action experience which also includes single computer (split keyboard or joystick) co-op...
Dangerous Waters
S.C.S. - Dangerous Waters allows you total control over multiple air, surface, and submarine platforms in a modern-day naval environment. Take direct control of individual crew stations and also plan and execute combined arms naval strategies from a top-down 'Commanders Eye' perspective.
Stronghold 2: Steam Edition
Tax, torture or treat your peasants! Rehabilitate criminals or sentence them to death? Decide as you enjoy jousting over a lavish banquet, all while under siege from the warmongering Lord Barclay.
Mini Motor Racing EVO
Little Cars, BIG Fun! Start your engines!
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 15th 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 618 peak concurrent players over the last day.
9.3
10,389
459
618
players
2. 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 330 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #2 among top-down games based on player count.
8.6
1,924
216
330
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 13,238 reviews of which 11,326 were positive and 1,912 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. While seeing 263 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
11,326
1,912
263
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. With 120 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played top-down games.
9.3
20,529
1,089
120
players
5. 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 1,310 reviews of which 1,183 were positive and 127 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. With 107 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played top-down games.
8.6
1,183
127
107
players
6. 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 #6 spot among the most played top-down games.
7.6
1,494
392
88
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
85
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 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 #8 spot among the most played top-down games.
7.7
616
139
78
players
9. 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 #9 spot among the most played top-down games.
8.8
2,951
286
72
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 3,536 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 #10 spot among the most played top-down games.
7.4
2,699
837
63
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 15th 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€
0.42€
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€
0.73€
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€
0.82€
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 15th 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
78
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 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 #2 spot among the most played free top-down games on Steam.
8.6
693
68
7
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 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 #3 spot among the most played free top-down games on Steam.
8.6
803
73
3
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. 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 #5 spot among the most played free top-down games on Steam.
6.5
257
122
1
players
6. 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 #6 spot among the most played free top-down games on Steam.
8.8
457
23