Free Shoot 'Em Up Games on Steam
Steam currently has 6,129 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 2/14/2025.
Looking for more? Explore other lists such as:
- Best shoot 'em up games on Steam
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- 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 2,993 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 2,037 positive reviews and 956 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 31,018 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 29,053 positive reviews and 1,965 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 68, placing it in the #3 spot for the best free Shoot 'Em Up games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 1,437 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 1,009 positive reviews and 428 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.
| Release Date | 5/3/2024 |
| Franchise | 101XP |
| Developer | 101XP GAME STUDIOS |
| Publisher | 101XP |
| Steam App Id | 2479830 |
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 3,417 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 3,121 positive reviews and 296 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. 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 69, placing it in the #5 spot for the best free Shoot 'Em Up games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 536 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 388 positive reviews and 148 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 |
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 1,799 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 905 positive reviews and 894 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 Zombie Gunship Survival on the Steam Deck.
| 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 4,291 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 2,310 positive reviews and 1,981 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.
| Release Date | 5/24/2021 |
| Developer | CAPCOM Co., Ltd. |
| Publisher | CAPCOM Co., Ltd. |
| Steam App Id | 1515950 |
8. 瘟疫清零计划 Project Zero
这是一款3D俯视角的Roguelike射击游戏。 通过选择不同的天赋，玩家将Build出一个超强幸存者。 从而可以更好地击杀丧尸，并且活下来。 最终，玩家将会背负结束这场瘟疫的使命，为“清零”而战吧！
瘟疫清零计划 Project Zero has achieved a Player Score of 89, placing it in the #8 spot for the best free Shoot 'Em Up games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 3,527 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 3,283 positive reviews and 244 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 | 9/11/2022 |
| Developers | |
| Publishers | |
| Steam App Id | 2088250 |
9. 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 #9 spot for the best free Shoot 'Em Up games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 330 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 176 positive reviews and 154 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. World of Shooting
A first-person shooting sports sim from the developers of World of Guns. Collect hundreds of realistic firearms and accessories, beat practical shooting and tactical training campaigns, set global high scores, and build your own ranges!
World of Shooting has achieved a Player Score of 75, placing it in the #10 spot for the best free Shoot 'Em Up games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 597 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 475 positive reviews and 122 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 World of Shooting on the Steam Deck (though some functionality may be limited).
| Release Date | 2/20/2024 |
| Developer | Noble Empire Corp. |
| Publisher | Noble Empire Corp. |
| Steam App Id | 1678150 |
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 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 297 | 7/19/2024 | 66 | Free | Steam Charts | |
| 223 | 1/22/2016 | 92 | Free | Steam Charts | |
| 136 | 5/3/2024 | 68 | Free | Steam Charts | |
| 135 | 12/15/2022 | 88 | Free | Steam Charts | |
| 132 | 2/17/2024 | 69 | Free | Steam Charts | |
| 77 | 9/22/2021 | 50 | Free | Steam Charts | |
| 71 | 5/24/2021 | 54 | Free | Steam Charts | |
| 29 | 9/11/2022 | 89 | Free | Steam Charts | |
| 22 | 2/27/2018 | 53 | Free | Steam Charts | |
| 22 | 2/20/2024 | 75 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 20 | 5/7/2021 | 72 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 17 | 3/6/2022 | 82 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 17 | 3/2/2024 | 86 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 12 | 8/21/2024 | 85 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 11 | 7/24/2024 | 86 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 9 | 7/10/2020 | 71 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 9 | 12/17/2021 | 93 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 7 | 10/30/2024 | 79 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 5 | 8/26/2022 | 92 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 4 | 10/14/2020 | 63 | 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, February 14). Steam Store. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2025, February 14). Metal Slug: Awakening on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2025, January 22). Sven Co-op on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2025, February 13). The Braves on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2025, February 11). Chicken Invaders Universe on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2025, January 16). Graalonline Era on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2025, February 12). Zombie Gunship Survival on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2025, February 15). Capcom Arcade Stadium on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2025, January 14). 瘟疫清零计划 Project Zero on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2025, January 3). Modern Tanks: War Tank Games on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2025, February 7). World of Shooting on Steam. Steam Store.