Free Side Scroller Games on Steam
Steam currently has 5,414 Side Scroller 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 Side Scroller game rankings were last updated on 1/13/2025.
Looking for more? Explore other lists such as:
- Best side scroller games on Steam
- Best side scroller Steam Deck games
- Best side scroller Steam games for Mac OS
- Best side scroller Linux games on Steam
- Free Steam games
- Most played Steam games
- Best rated Steam games
1. Tap Ninja - Idle game
Defeat enemies, earn gold, upgrade your village, become a Ninja Master!
Tap Ninja - Idle game holds the #1 spot for "best free Side Scroller game on Steam" with a Player Score of 84. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 8,126 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 6,986 positive reviews and 1,140 negative reviews — making it "Very Positive" on Steam.
It can be played and ran on Windows, Mac, and Linux systems. Valve has also verified it as playable on the Steam Deck and will run well.
| Release Date | 3/17/2022 |
| Developer | Broken Glass |
| Publisher | Broken Glass |
| Steam App Id | 1891700 |
2. CounterSide
Everything has another side Urban Graphic Novel RPG "CounterSide" A world where conflict never ends between Counters and Corrupted Objects after the Administration Failure We invite you to a journey to save the Reality.
CounterSide has achieved a Player Score of 73, placing it in the #2 spot for the best free Side Scroller games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 3,538 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 2,648 positive reviews and 890 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 CounterSide on the Steam Deck (though some functionality may be limited).
| Release Date | 9/1/2022 |
| Developer | Studiobside Co.,Ltd |
| Publisher | Studiobside Co.,Ltd |
| Steam App Id | 1976440 |
3. Elsword
Elsword is a free-to-play, online action RPG that uses classic side-scrolling game mechanics in an immersive manga inspired world.
Elsword has achieved a Player Score of 72, placing it in the #3 spot for the best free Side Scroller games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 9,517 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 7,037 positive reviews and 2,480 negative reviews — making it "Mostly Positive" on Steam.
It can be played and ran on Windows systems. At the moment, it is not possible to play or run Elsword on the Steam Deck.
4. Grim Clicker
Grim Clicker is an IDLE/RPG clicker where you will find your own strategy to explore the lost worlds. Inspired by games such as Diablo, Grim Dawn, Dark Souls, etc., the game features a complex character development, many unique items, active and passive playstyle.
Grim Clicker has achieved a Player Score of 77, placing it in the #4 spot for the best free Side Scroller games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 2,733 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 2,169 positive reviews and 564 negative reviews — making it "Mostly Positive" 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 | 1/30/2024 |
| Developer | EvilCharm Games |
| Publishers | |
| Steam App Id | 1160750 |
5. ASTRA: Knights of Veda
ASTRA: Knights of Veda is a visually stunning, story-rich, 2D RPG. A dark plague besets the world of Planis, perptrated through a dark ritual performed by the Mad King. You, and the other Knights of Veda, are the only ones who can bring normality back to the world.
ASTRA: Knights of Veda has achieved a Player Score of 47, placing it in the #5 spot for the best free Side Scroller games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 4,655 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 2,175 positive reviews and 2,480 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 ASTRA: Knights of Veda on the Steam Deck.
6. Dungeon Fighter Online
Get ready for the ultimate brawl! Dungeon Fighter Online is a classic beat-em up 2D action game with an epic storyline and RPG elements! Choose from 17 diverse classes, and unravel ancient mysteries as you punch, slash, shoot, or summon your way to victory!
Dungeon Fighter Online has achieved a Player Score of 61, placing it in the #6 spot for the best free Side Scroller games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 5,436 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 3,352 positive reviews and 2,084 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 Dungeon Fighter Online on the Steam Deck.
7. 飄流幻境M
"Wonderland M" is a turn-based MMORPG with ancient civilizations, cute characters, and exploration. Pilot vehicles, meet characters, recruit companions, and create your dream home. Compose your own legendary adventure in "Wonderland M"!
飄流幻境M has achieved a Player Score of 68, placing it in the #7 spot for the best free Side Scroller games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 168 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 123 positive reviews and 45 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 | 6/26/2024 |
| Developers | |
| Publishers | |
| Steam App Id | 1481340 |
8. Kingdom Heroes M
歷經20年的感動，給你最原汁原味的《三國群英傳M》
Kingdom Heroes M has achieved a Player Score of 63, placing it in the #8 spot for the best free Side Scroller games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 208 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 139 positive reviews and 69 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 | 5/31/2023 |
| Franchise | USERJOY |
| Developer | USERJOY Technology Co.,Ltd. |
| Publisher | USERJOY Technology Co.,Ltd. |
| Steam App Id | 2321430 |
9. Arisen Force: Life Devotee
Enjoy a free-to-play, stylish action combat experience as you explore a chapter storylines from Journey to the West.
Arisen Force: Life Devotee has achieved a Player Score of 91, placing it in the #9 spot for the best free Side Scroller games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 1,317 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 1,267 positive reviews and 50 negative reviews — making it "Overwhelmingly 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.
10. StarBreak
StarBreak is a unique skill-based action platformer MMO where you explore strange sci-fi worlds alongside dozens of other players, kill legions of dangerous aliens and fight epic boss battles.
StarBreak has achieved a Player Score of 75, placing it in the #10 spot for the best free Side Scroller games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 1,273 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 1,002 positive reviews and 271 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 | 5/10/2016 |
| Developer | Crunchy Games |
| Publisher | Crunchy Games |
| Steam App Id | 420790 |
More Free Side Scroller Games
Explore even more rankings for the 100 best free Side Scroller games available on Steam.
| Image | Name | Actions | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2,328 | 3/17/2022 | 84 | Free | Steam Charts | |
| 438 | 9/1/2022 | 73 | Free | Steam Charts | |
| 257 | 7/2/2014 | 72 | Free | Steam Charts | |
| 211 | 1/30/2024 | 77 | Free | Steam Charts | |
| 171 | 4/2/2024 | 47 | Free | Steam Charts | |
| 156 | 8/9/2016 | 61 | Free | Steam Charts | |
| 116 | 6/26/2024 | 68 | Free | Steam Charts | |
| 111 | 5/31/2023 | 63 | Free | Steam Charts | |
| 77 | 11/24/2024 | 91 | Free | Steam Charts | |
| 55 | 5/10/2016 | 75 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 41 | 8/1/2012 | 83 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 35 | 2/6/2018 | 71 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 30 | 4/29/2022 | 91 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 28 | 7/22/2022 | 63 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 20 | 7/18/2024 | 69 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 14 | 12/22/2015 | 64 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 14 | 11/30/2017 | 57 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 13 | 1/11/2023 | 67 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 13 | 2/22/2023 | 65 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 9 | 8/5/2014 | 95 | 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, January 13). Steam Store. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2025, January 13). Tap Ninja - Idle game on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2024, December 9). CounterSide on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2025, January 3). Elsword on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2025, January 8). Grim Clicker on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2025, January 4). ASTRA: Knights of Veda on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2024, December 31). Dungeon Fighter Online on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2025, January 8). 飄流幻境M on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2024, December 26). Kingdom Heroes M on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2024, December 28). Arisen Force: Life Devotee on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2024, November 21). StarBreak on Steam. Steam Store.