Free Shoot 'Em Up Games on Steam
Steam currently has 6,886 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 1/3/2026.
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. 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 holds the #1 spot for "best free Shoot 'Em Up game on Steam" with a Player Score of 92. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 31,914 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 29,869 positive reviews and 2,045 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 |
2. 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 has achieved a Player Score of 66, placing it in the #2 spot for the best free Shoot 'Em Up games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 3,466 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 2,347 positive reviews and 1,119 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 |
3. 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 65, placing it in the #3 spot for the best free Shoot 'Em Up games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 659 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 444 positive reviews and 215 negative reviews — making it "Mixed" on Steam.
It can be played and ran on Windows, Mac, and Linux systems. At the moment, it is possible to play Graalonline Era on the Steam Deck (though some functionality may be limited).
| Release Date | 2/17/2024 |
| Developer | GraalOnline |
| Publisher | Toonslab |
| Steam App Id | 2358050 |
4. 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 #4 spot for the best free Shoot 'Em Up games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 3,704 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 3,377 positive reviews and 327 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 |
5. 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 70, placing it in the #5 spot for the best free Shoot 'Em Up games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 1,986 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 1,426 positive reviews and 560 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 |
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 2,137 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 1,058 positive reviews and 1,079 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 4,606 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 2,528 positive reviews and 2,078 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. Star Lusts
StarLusts is a bullet hell-style shoot ‘em up game which fuses sci-fi, mecha, and anthropomorphic themes. Players become Captains of an Earth Federation ship, leading mecha Cadettes through space to battle alien threats and capture ancient beauties called Mimics.
Star Lusts has achieved a Player Score of 60, placing it in the #8 spot for the best free Shoot 'Em Up games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 187 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 117 positive reviews and 70 negative reviews — making it "Mixed" on Steam.
It can be played and ran on Windows systems. At the moment, it is possible to play Star Lusts on the Steam Deck (though some functionality may be limited).
9. Modern Tanks: War Tank Games
The team war begins — get in your tank and open fire! This is a competitive arena where the best fight. A simulator, a shooter, an action game, and at the same time a completely free game. Mistakes are not forgiven here. Go ahead!
Modern Tanks: War Tank Games has achieved a Player Score of 53, placing it in the #9 spot for the best free Shoot 'Em Up games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 367 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 198 positive reviews and 169 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.
10. Deadswitch Combat
DEADSWITCH COMBAT is a fast-paced 2D multiplayer shooter. Experience action-packed combat with hundreds of weapons, vehicle combat, and plenty of team-based game modes.
Deadswitch Combat has achieved a Player Score of 80, placing it in the #10 spot for the best free Shoot 'Em Up games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 245 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 214 positive reviews and 31 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 | 9/26/2025 |
| Developer | Wilkin Games |
| Publisher | Wilkin Games |
| Steam App Id | 3408170 |
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 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 281 | 1/22/2016 | 92 | Free | Steam Charts | |
| 268 | 7/19/2024 | 66 | Free | Steam Charts | |
| 133 | 2/17/2024 | 65 | Free | Steam Charts | |
| 121 | 12/15/2022 | 88 | Free | Steam Charts | |
| 80 | 5/3/2024 | 70 | Free | Steam Charts | |
| 79 | 9/22/2021 | 50 | Free | Steam Charts | |
| 48 | 5/24/2021 | 54 | $59.99 | Steam Charts | |
| 27 | 7/28/2025 | 60 | Free | Steam Charts | |
| 26 | 2/27/2018 | 53 | Free | Steam Charts | |
| 25 | 9/26/2025 | 80 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 20 | 2/20/2024 | 74 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 15 | 3/7/2025 | 66 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 15 | 9/11/2022 | 89 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 10 | 3/3/2025 | 62 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 7 | 12/4/2009 | 87 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 7 | 3/1/2024 | 86 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 6 | 5/12/2025 | 56 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 6 | 5/7/2021 | 72 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 4 | 12/17/2021 | 93 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 4 | 5/28/2020 | 87 | 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. (2026, January 3). Steam Store. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2026, January 3). Sven Co-op on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2026, January 16). Metal Slug: Awakening on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2026, January 8). Graalonline Era on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2025, December 19). Chicken Invaders Universe on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2026, January 21). The Braves on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2025, December 19). Zombie Gunship Survival on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2026, January 19). Capcom Arcade Stadium on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2026, January 21). Star Lusts on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2026, January 5). Modern Tanks: War Tank Games on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2026, January 17). Deadswitch Combat on Steam. Steam Store.