Free 1980s Games on Steam
Steam currently has 5,277 1980s games available to download and play. Explore our list of the best free games ranked by popularity and ratings. Data for this list is calculated from reviews and player counts reported directly by Steam and will be updated in real-time. Free 1980s game rankings were last updated on 8/29/2025.
Looking for more? Explore other lists such as:
- Best 1980s games on Steam
- Best 1980s Steam Deck games
- Best 1980s Steam games for Mac OS
- Best 1980s Linux games on Steam
- Free Steam games
- Most played Steam games
- Best rated Steam games
1. Galaxy Idle Clicker
Embark on an interstellar journey with Galaxy Idle Clicker! Conquer galaxies, upgrade your spaceship, and face off against a myriad of enemy ships. With engaging minigames, powerful upgrades, GIC delivers an unparalleled idle space adventure. Join the cosmic conquest today and dominate the universe!
Galaxy Idle Clicker holds the #1 spot for "best free 1980s game on Steam" with a Player Score of 70. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 862 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 629 positive reviews and 233 negative reviews — making it "Mostly Positive" on Steam.
It can be played and ran on Windows systems. At the moment, it is possible to play Galaxy Idle Clicker on the Steam Deck (though some functionality may be limited).
| Release Date | 8/6/2025 |
| Developer | Soehnle |
| Publishers | |
| Steam App Id | 2962810 |
2. RetroArch
RetroArch is an open source and cross platform frontend/framework for emulators, game engines, video games, media players and other applications
RetroArch has achieved a Player Score of 87, placing it in the #2 spot for the best free 1980s games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 8,421 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 7,527 positive reviews and 894 negative reviews — making it "Very Positive" on Steam.
It can be played and ran on Windows, Mac, and Linux systems. At the moment, there is no confirmed information regarding Steam Deck support for this game.
3. Poppy Playtime
You must stay alive in this horror/puzzle adventure. Try to survive the vengeful toys waiting for you in the abandoned toy factory. Use your GrabPack to hack electrical circuits or nab anything from afar. Explore the mysterious facility... and don't get caught.
Poppy Playtime has achieved a Player Score of 84, placing it in the #3 spot for the best free 1980s games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 101,334 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 86,310 positive reviews and 15,024 negative reviews — making it "Very Positive" on Steam.
It can be played and ran on Windows systems. At the moment, it is not possible to play or run Poppy Playtime on the Steam Deck.
| Release Date | 10/12/2021 |
| Developer | Mob Entertainment |
| Publisher | Mob Entertainment |
| Steam App Id | 1721470 |
4. Infinitode 2 - Infinite Tower Defense
Infinitode 2 - a strategy in the Tower Defense genre, in which the player will have to build towers to protect his base from endless waves of enemies. The game features huge maps, lots of towers, resource miners, upgrade tree and map editor.
Infinitode 2 - Infinite Tower Defense has achieved a Player Score of 88, placing it in the #4 spot for the best free 1980s games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 3,796 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 3,469 positive reviews and 327 negative reviews — making it "Very Positive" on Steam.
It can be played and ran on both Windows and Linux systems. At the moment, it is possible to play Infinitode 2 - Infinite Tower Defense on the Steam Deck (though some functionality may be limited).
5. Pinball FX
Pinball FX is digital pinball evolved. Get the highest score on tables inspired by the biggest brands in entertainment. New tables arrive frequently!
Pinball FX has achieved a Player Score of 69, placing it in the #5 spot for the best free 1980s games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 2,251 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 1,599 positive reviews and 652 negative reviews — making it "Mostly Positive" on Steam.
It can be played and ran on Windows systems. At the moment, it is possible to play Pinball FX on the Steam Deck (though some functionality may be limited).
| Release Date | 4/13/2023 |
| Franchise | Zen Studios |
| Developer | Zen Studios |
| Publisher | Zen Studios |
| Steam App Id | 2328760 |
6. Pinball FX3
Pinball FX3 is the biggest, most community focused pinball game ever created. Multiplayer matchups, user generated tournaments and league play create endless opportunity for pinball competition.
Pinball FX3 has achieved a Player Score of 85, placing it in the #6 spot for the best free 1980s games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 5,224 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 4,591 positive reviews and 633 negative reviews — making it "Very Positive" on Steam.
It can be played and ran on Windows systems. At the moment, it is possible to play Pinball FX3 on the Steam Deck (though some functionality may be limited).
| Release Date | 9/26/2017 |
| Franchise | Zen Studios |
| Developer | Zen Studios |
| Publisher | Zen Studios |
| Steam App Id | 442120 |
7. Contraband Police: Prologue
Take over the duties of a border guard inspector in a communist country of the 80's. Smuggling, corruption and forgery are the order of the day here. Be vigilant and earn the respect of your superiors.
Contraband Police: Prologue has achieved a Player Score of 87, placing it in the #7 spot for the best free 1980s games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 7,330 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 6,540 positive reviews and 790 negative reviews — making it "Very Positive" on Steam.
It can be played and ran on Windows systems. At the moment, it is possible to play Contraband Police: Prologue on the Steam Deck (though some functionality may be limited).
| Release Date | 2/16/2021 |
| Developer | Crazy Rocks |
| Publishers | |
| Steam App Id | 1396240 |
8. Vigor
Outlive the apocalypse! Dive into intense Encounters and extract the most valuable spoils the Outlands have to offer! Loot, shoot, and build to become the absolute Outlander and explore the landscape of a post-war Norway in Vigor, a free-to-play looter shooter.
Vigor has achieved a Player Score of 46, placing it in the #8 spot for the best free 1980s games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 6,903 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 3,188 positive reviews and 3,715 negative reviews — making it "Mixed" on Steam.
It can be played and ran on Windows systems. At the moment, it is possible to play Vigor on the Steam Deck (though some functionality may be limited).
| Release Date | 9/18/2024 |
| Franchise | Bohemia Interactive |
| Developer | Bohemia Interactive |
| Publisher | Bohemia Interactive |
| Steam App Id | 2818260 |
9. Vigil
Vigil is a short Narrative Horror Game that takes place in an unsettling underground facility. Your job is to dispose of boxes, however, you’re not alone. A terrifying automaton roams the facility, moving only when you look away or when you blink in real life.
Vigil has achieved a Player Score of 82, placing it in the #9 spot for the best free 1980s games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 949 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 821 positive reviews and 128 negative reviews — making it "Very Positive" on Steam.
It can be played and ran on Windows systems. At the moment, there is no confirmed information regarding Steam Deck support for this game.
| Release Date | 8/15/2025 |
| Developer | Singularity Studios |
| Publisher | Singularity Studios |
| Steam App Id | 3817090 |
10. 哪吒传奇
"The Legend of Nezha" is a casual business simulation game. Players will take on the role of the owner of an inn. They will have a complete and rich set of service functions. The game will meticulously simulate various massage techniques,It can enable players to be more immersed in the game.
哪吒传奇 has achieved a Player Score of 69, placing it in the #10 spot for the best free 1980s games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 59 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 45 positive reviews and 14 negative reviews — making it "Mostly Positive" on Steam.
It can be played and ran on Windows systems. At the moment, there is no confirmed information regarding Steam Deck support for this game.
More Free 1980s Games
Explore even more rankings for the 100 best free 1980s games available on Steam.
| Image | Name | Actions | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1,466 | 8/6/2025 | 70 | Free | Steam Charts | |
| 577 | 9/14/2021 | 87 | Free | Steam Charts | |
| 375 | 10/12/2021 | 84 | Free | Steam Charts | |
| 181 | 5/6/2021 | 88 | Free | Steam Charts | |
| 112 | 4/13/2023 | 69 | Free | Steam Charts | |
| 101 | 9/26/2017 | 85 | Free | Steam Charts | |
| 90 | 2/16/2021 | 87 | Free | Steam Charts | |
| 81 | 9/18/2024 | 46 | Free | Steam Charts | |
| 79 | 8/15/2025 | 82 | Free | Steam Charts | |
| 43 | 6/20/2025 | 69 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 41 | 4/20/2024 | 91 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 41 | 7/19/2022 | 75 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 31 | 7/17/2024 | 77 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 21 | 11/4/2013 | 72 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 21 | 5/24/2021 | 54 | $59.99 | Steam Charts | |
 | 20 | 9/28/2023 | 92 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 18 | 6/5/2025 | 81 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 18 | 3/25/2024 | 70 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 18 | 4/12/2025 | 47 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 18 | 11/5/2024 | 91 | Free | Steam Charts |
Soures & References
Steambase has best-in-class data powered directly by Steam, our data partners, and in-house experts. Player counts and rankings are enriched, analyzed, and updated in real-time to ensure we surface the most up-to-date insights. Learn more about the Steambase approach to data collection and our review methodology.
- Valve Corporation. (2025, August 29). Steam Store. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2025, August 29). Galaxy Idle Clicker on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2025, September 2). RetroArch on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2025, September 2). Poppy Playtime on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2025, August 26). Infinitode 2 - Infinite Tower Defense on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2025, September 2). Pinball FX on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2025, September 2). Pinball FX3 on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2025, August 6). Contraband Police: Prologue on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2025, September 2). Vigor on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2025, September 2). Vigil on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2025, September 2). 哪吒传奇 on Steam. Steam Store.