Free Shoot 'Em Up Games on Steam
Steam currently has 6,638 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 9/30/2025.
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 3,341 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 2,265 positive reviews and 1,076 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 31,616 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 29,590 positive reviews and 2,026 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. 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 67, placing it in the #3 spot for the best free Shoot 'Em Up games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 605 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 426 positive reviews and 179 negative reviews — making it "Mostly Positive" 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. 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 #4 spot for the best free Shoot 'Em Up games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 1,781 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 1,263 positive reviews and 518 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 |
5. 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 #5 spot for the best free Shoot 'Em Up games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 2,042 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 1,014 positive reviews and 1,028 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 |
6. 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 87, placing it in the #6 spot for the best free Shoot 'Em Up games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 3,569 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 3,246 positive reviews and 323 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 |
7. 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 76, placing it in the #7 spot for the best free Shoot 'Em Up games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 30 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 27 positive reviews and 3 negative reviews — making it "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 |
8. 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 #8 spot for the best free Shoot 'Em Up games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 4,505 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 2,447 positive reviews and 2,058 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 | $19.79 |
| Release Date | 5/24/2021 |
| Developer | CAPCOM Co., Ltd. |
| Publisher | CAPCOM Co., Ltd. |
| Steam App Id | 1515950 |
9. 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 65, placing it in the #9 spot for the best free Shoot 'Em Up games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 146 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 102 positive reviews and 44 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).
10. All-Time Battle
Locked in a stalemate war scientist come up with a new plan. Rather then battle over places of land battle over places of when and disrupt the future.
All-Time Battle has achieved a Player Score of 46, placing it in the #10 spot for the best free Shoot 'Em Up games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 37 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 16 positive reviews and 21 negative reviews — making it "Mixed" 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 | 10/24/2020 |
| Franchise | Broken Bunny Studios |
| Developer | Broken Bunny Studios, Inc |
| Publisher | Broken Bunny Studios, Inc |
| Steam App Id | 1427640 |
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 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 226 | 7/19/2024 | 66 | Free | Steam Charts | |
| 149 | 1/22/2016 | 92 | Free | Steam Charts | |
| 103 | 2/17/2024 | 67 | Free | Steam Charts | |
| 79 | 5/3/2024 | 69 | Free | Steam Charts | |
| 51 | 9/22/2021 | 50 | Free | Steam Charts | |
| 26 | 12/15/2022 | 87 | Free | Steam Charts | |
| 22 | 9/26/2025 | 76 | Free | Steam Charts | |
| 22 | 5/24/2021 | 54 | $19.79 | Steam Charts | |
| 18 | 7/28/2025 | 65 | Free | Steam Charts | |
| 16 | 10/24/2020 | 46 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 11 | 2/26/2018 | 53 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 10 | 10/1/2018 | 65 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 10 | 3/3/2025 | 60 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 9 | 3/7/2025 | 74 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 8 | 9/11/2022 | 89 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 8 | 5/7/2021 | 72 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 7 | 12/4/2009 | 87 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 7 | 4/30/2025 | 47 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 6 | 5/26/2022 | 70 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 6 | 3/1/2024 | 86 | 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, September 30). Steam Store. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2025, September 30). Metal Slug: Awakening on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2025, September 7). Sven Co-op on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2025, August 28). Graalonline Era on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2025, September 29). The Braves on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2025, September 27). Zombie Gunship Survival on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2025, September 27). Chicken Invaders Universe on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2025, September 29). Deadswitch Combat on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2025, September 26). Capcom Arcade Stadium on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2025, September 30). Star Lusts on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2025, June 13). All-Time Battle on Steam. Steam Store.