Free Real-Time with Pause Games on Steam

1. Crusader Kings II

Explore one of the defining periods in world history in an experience crafted by the masters of Grand Strategy.

Crusader Kings II holds the #1 spot for "best free Real-Time with Pause game on Steam" with a Player Score of 89. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 71,206 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 64,504 positive reviews and 6,702 negative reviews — making it "Very Positive" on Steam.

It can be played and ran on Windows, Mac, and Linux systems. At the moment, it is possible to play Crusader Kings II on the Steam Deck (though some functionality may be limited).

2. Starship Theory

Starship Theory is a ship building survival game. Mine and trade to gather resources. Plan and construct new upgrades. Train and manage crew. Fight to survive.

Starship Theory has achieved a Player Score of 50, placing it in the #2 spot for the best free Real-Time with Pause games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 1,061 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 529 positive reviews and 532 negative reviews — making it "Mixed" 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. Tribe XR | DJ Academy

Become a DJ: Learn to DJ on Pioneer DJ equipment. Join daily workshops. Connect with community. Level up your skills. Perform to the world. Start your FREE 7 DAY TRIAL today. Access all the premium content.

Tribe XR | DJ Academy has achieved a Player Score of 77, placing it in the #3 spot for the best free Real-Time with Pause games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 262 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 217 positive reviews and 45 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 Tribe XR | DJ Academy on the Steam Deck.

4. Everyone Dies

[Great time killer game] People have never been so close to extinction, and all because of one mistake of nature. A dove a symbol of peace, love, purity, hope? Not in 2027.

Everyone Dies has achieved a Player Score of 71, placing it in the #4 spot for the best free Real-Time with Pause games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 138 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 106 positive reviews and 32 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.

5. Small Kingdoms Prologue

Rule a small fantasy kingdom and conquer your rival as you build up your cities and armies on the world map and command your troops on the battlefield. Small Kingdoms is a streamlined grand strategy and real-time strategy game, the Small Kingdoms Prologue is a free introductory campaign

Small Kingdoms Prologue has achieved a Player Score of 56, placing it in the #5 spot for the best free Real-Time with Pause games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 15 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 9 positive reviews and 6 negative reviews — making it "Mixed" on Steam.

It can be played and ran on Windows systems. At the moment, it is possible to play Small Kingdoms Prologue on the Steam Deck (though some functionality may be limited).

6. Day of Defeat: Source Press Review

Day of Defeat: Source Press Review has achieved a Player Score of 0, placing it in the #6 spot for the best free Real-Time with Pause games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 0 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 0 positive reviews and 0 negative reviews — making it "No user reviews" on Steam.

It is not available to play on Windows, Mac OS, or Linux systems. At the moment, there is no confirmed information regarding Steam Deck support for this game.

7. Subtension

Outfit, crew and command your submarine to save what's left of humanity beneath the seas of a ruined earth. Man your sub's systems and take aim in this real-time strategy epic! Inspired by FTL, this subnautic student project serves as our first 2-semester release.

Subtension has achieved a Player Score of 69, placing it in the #7 spot for the best free Real-Time with Pause games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 9 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 8 positive reviews and 1 negative reviews — making it "9 user reviews" on Steam.

It can be played and ran on both Windows and Mac systems. At the moment, there is no confirmed information regarding Steam Deck support for this game.

8. Gutasaga

Gutasaga - 2D Strategy RPG pre-viking era game. Immerse yourself in the 550 - 600 AD saga. Be the Viking who opened trade routes with Constantinople. Encounter over 40 nations with unique cultures on your journey. Succeed in trading 205 historically recreated goods. Or try raids and piracy.

Gutasaga has achieved a Player Score of 62, placing it in the #8 spot for the best free Real-Time with Pause games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 14 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 10 positive reviews and 4 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.