Free Shoot 'Em Up Games on Steam
Steam currently has 6,373 Shoot 'Em Up 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 Shoot 'Em Up game rankings were last updated on 5/28/2025.
Looking for more? Explore other lists such as:
- Best shoot 'em up games on Steam
- Best shoot 'em up Steam Deck games
- Best shoot 'em up Steam games for Mac OS
- Best shoot 'em up Linux games on Steam
- Free Steam games
- Most played Steam games
- Best rated Steam games
1. Metal Slug: Awakening
Metal Slug: Awakening continues the classic gameplay loved by fans, with exciting new features like World Adventure, 3-player Team-up, and Roguelike challenges. Join forces with your friends online to take on powerful bosses anytime, anywhere!
Metal Slug: Awakening holds the #1 spot for "best free Shoot 'Em Up game on Steam" with a Player Score of 66. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 3,205 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 2,174 positive reviews and 1,031 negative reviews — making it "Mixed" on Steam.
It can be played and ran on Windows systems. At the moment, it is not possible to play or run Metal Slug: Awakening on the Steam Deck.
| Release Date | 7/19/2024 |
| Developer | Tencent |
| Publisher | HaoPlay Limited |
| Steam App Id | 2963870 |
2. Sven Co-op
Sven Co-op is a co-operative game originally based around Valve Software's Half-Life. In this game players must work together against computer controlled enemies and solve puzzles as a team.
Sven Co-op has achieved a Player Score of 92, placing it in the #2 spot for the best free Shoot 'Em Up games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 31,299 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 29,299 positive reviews and 2,000 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 Sven Co-op on the Steam Deck (though some functionality may be limited).
| Release Date | 1/22/2016 |
| Developer | Sven Co-op team |
| Publisher | Sven Co-op team |
| Steam App Id | 225840 |
3. The Braves
Demolish hordes of enemies and survive against all odds! Unlock different characters, find powerful skill combinations and embark on an exciting journey through the variety of very different worlds in this cute but unforgiving roguelike game!
The Braves has achieved a Player Score of 69, placing it in the #3 spot for the best free Shoot 'Em Up games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 1,621 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 1,152 positive reviews and 469 negative reviews — making it "Mostly Positive" on Steam.
It can be played and ran on both Windows and Mac systems. At the moment, it is possible to play The Braves on the Steam Deck (though some functionality may be limited).
| Release Date | 5/3/2024 |
| Franchise | 101XP |
| Developer | 101XP GAME STUDIOS |
| Publisher | 101XP |
| Steam App Id | 2479830 |
4. Graalonline Era
Era is a modern 2D action MMO RPG. Purchase weapons and work with a gang to compete in activities such as special events, base capturing and PvP battles in the Spar Complex, or start your own gang and chart your own path!
Graalonline Era has achieved a Player Score of 68, placing it in the #4 spot for the best free Shoot 'Em Up games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 581 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 411 positive reviews and 170 negative reviews — making it "Mostly 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.
| Release Date | 2/17/2024 |
| Developer | GraalOnline |
| Publisher | Toonslab |
| Steam App Id | 2358050 |
5. Chicken Invaders Universe
A deliciously addictive core of finger-blistering shooting action, surrounded by delectable morsels of galactic exploration, spacecraft customization, and community competitions.
Chicken Invaders Universe has achieved a Player Score of 88, placing it in the #5 spot for the best free Shoot 'Em Up games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 3,489 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 3,181 positive reviews and 308 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 Chicken Invaders Universe on the Steam Deck (though some functionality may be limited).
| Release Date | 12/15/2022 |
| Franchise | InterAction studios |
| Developer | InterAction studios |
| Publisher | InterAction studios |
| Steam App Id | 1510460 |
6. Zombie Gunship Survival
The Apocalypse came and went. All we have left is our will to survive, the endless hordes of zombies, and enough bullets to rip them all to shreds.
Zombie Gunship Survival has achieved a Player Score of 50, placing it in the #6 spot for the best free Shoot 'Em Up games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 1,913 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 961 positive reviews and 952 negative reviews — making it "Mixed" on Steam.
It can be played and ran on Windows systems. At the moment, it is possible to play Zombie Gunship Survival on the Steam Deck (though some functionality may be limited).
| Release Date | 9/22/2021 |
| Developer | Flaregames |
| Publisher | Flaregames |
| Steam App Id | 1597480 |
7. Capcom Arcade Stadium
Relive the Capcom classics! Get 1943 -The Battle of Midway- and game logo wallpapers free with your download!
Capcom Arcade Stadium has achieved a Player Score of 54, placing it in the #7 spot for the best free Shoot 'Em Up games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 4,407 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 2,395 positive reviews and 2,012 negative reviews — making it "Mixed" on Steam.
It can be played and ran on Windows systems. Valve has also verified it as playable on the Steam Deck and will run well.
| Steam Price | $59.99 |
| Release Date | 5/24/2021 |
| Developer | CAPCOM Co., Ltd. |
| Publisher | CAPCOM Co., Ltd. |
| Steam App Id | 1515950 |
8. Modern Tanks: War Tank Games
Get ready for an exciting adventure in the epic tank battles. Pump up combat vehicles of the mid-20th century, and the latest tanks like Leopard 2, T-90, Abrams, the legendary T-14 ""Armata"" and other classified novelties become available at the last levels!
Modern Tanks: War Tank Games has achieved a Player Score of 53, placing it in the #8 spot for the best free Shoot 'Em Up games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 343 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 184 positive reviews and 159 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.
9. Rabbit Hole
Rabbit Hole is a fast paced, tough-as-nails 2D RogueLike-Shooter, made with love for the genre. You are Disc, someone who was suddenly brought to the Rabbit Hole. Collect guns, fight foes and meet strange new characters on your descent to the bottom, all in an attempt to find your heart again.
Rabbit Hole has achieved a Player Score of 86, placing it in the #9 spot for the best free Shoot 'Em Up games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 1,373 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 1,245 positive reviews and 128 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 Rabbit Hole on the Steam Deck (though some functionality may be limited).
| Release Date | 3/2/2024 |
| Developers | |
| Publisher | Engi_ee |
| Steam App Id | 2831340 |
10. Paint Warfare
A fast-paced online arena FPS with jetpacks, hang gliders, fast respawns, 6-minute rounds and instant matches
Paint Warfare has achieved a Player Score of 82, placing it in the #10 spot for the best free Shoot 'Em Up games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 1,705 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 1,464 positive reviews and 241 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.
| Release Date | 3/6/2022 |
| Developer | bananadev. |
| Publishers | |
| Steam App Id | 1190150 |
More Free Shoot 'Em Up Games
Explore even more rankings for the 100 best free Shoot 'Em Up games available on Steam.
| Image | Name | Actions | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 326 | 7/19/2024 | 66 | Free | Steam Charts | |
| 311 | 1/22/2016 | 92 | Free | Steam Charts | |
| 170 | 5/3/2024 | 69 | Free | Steam Charts | |
| 146 | 2/17/2024 | 68 | Free | Steam Charts | |
| 104 | 12/15/2022 | 88 | Free | Steam Charts | |
| 69 | 9/22/2021 | 50 | Free | Steam Charts | |
| 25 | 5/24/2021 | 54 | $59.99 | Steam Charts | |
| 16 | 2/27/2018 | 53 | Free | Steam Charts | |
| 14 | 3/2/2024 | 86 | Free | Steam Charts | |
| 13 | 3/6/2022 | 82 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 10 | 8/21/2024 | 85 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 10 | 7/24/2024 | 63 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 10 | 9/21/2023 | 66 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 10 | 3/7/2025 | 75 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 8 | 9/1/2023 | 65 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 7 | 10/30/2024 | 78 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 7 | 2/20/2024 | 74 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 6 | 5/7/2021 | 72 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 6 | 5/21/2025 | 64 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 5 | 3/3/2025 | 59 | 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, May 28). Steam Store. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2025, May 28). Metal Slug: Awakening on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2025, May 14). Sven Co-op on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2025, May 31). The Braves on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2025, May 14). Graalonline Era on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2025, May 25). Chicken Invaders Universe on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2025, May 25). Zombie Gunship Survival on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2025, May 30). Capcom Arcade Stadium on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2025, March 29). Modern Tanks: War Tank Games on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2025, May 16). Rabbit Hole on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2025, May 3). Paint Warfare on Steam. Steam Store.