Free Side Scroller Games on Steam
Steam currently has 5,731 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 5/1/2025.
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 83. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 8,461 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 7,206 positive reviews and 1,255 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 3,634 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 2,721 positive reviews and 913 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. 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 #3 spot for the best free Side Scroller games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 4,785 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 2,230 positive reviews and 2,555 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.
4. 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 #4 spot for the best free Side Scroller games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 9,558 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 7,050 positive reviews and 2,508 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.
5. 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 60, placing it in the #5 spot for the best free Side Scroller games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 5,515 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 3,379 positive reviews and 2,136 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.
6. 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 76, placing it in the #6 spot for the best free Side Scroller games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 2,765 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 2,179 positive reviews and 586 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 |
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 69, placing it in the #7 spot for the best free Side Scroller games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 187 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 139 positive reviews and 48 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 215 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 143 positive reviews and 72 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 | 5/30/2023 |
| Franchise | USERJOY |
| Developer | USERJOY Technology Co.,Ltd. |
| Publisher | USERJOY Technology Co.,Ltd. |
| Steam App Id | 2321430 |
9. Awesomenauts - the 2D moba
Use your power, show your might! Play this Multiplayer Online Battle Arena (MOBA) game for FREE now! AWESOMENAUTS combines 2D platforming with team-based strategy and hero based action. Whether you are a new recruit or an intergalactic legend, play AWESOMENAUTS!
Awesomenauts - the 2D moba has achieved a Player Score of 83, placing it in the #9 spot for the best free Side Scroller games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 26,725 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 22,611 positive reviews and 4,114 negative reviews — making it "Very Positive" on Steam.
It can be played and ran on Windows, Mac, and Linux systems. At the moment, it is possible to play Awesomenauts - the 2D moba on the Steam Deck (though some functionality may be limited).
| Release Date | 8/1/2012 |
| Developer | Ronimo Games |
| Publishers | |
| Steam App Id | 204300 |
10. 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 92, placing it in the #10 spot for the best free Side Scroller games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 1,880 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 1,821 positive reviews and 59 negative reviews — making it "Overwhelmingly Positive" on Steam.
It can be played and ran on Windows systems. At the moment, it is possible to play Arisen Force: Life Devotee on the Steam Deck (though some functionality may be limited).
More Free Side Scroller Games
Explore even more rankings for the 100 best free Side Scroller games available on Steam.
| Image | Name | Actions | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3,368 | 3/17/2022 | 83 | Free | Steam Charts | |
| 661 | 9/1/2022 | 73 | Free | Steam Charts | |
| 346 | 4/2/2024 | 47 | Free | Steam Charts | |
| 293 | 7/2/2014 | 72 | Free | Steam Charts | |
| 210 | 8/9/2016 | 60 | Free | Steam Charts | |
| 186 | 1/30/2024 | 76 | Free | Steam Charts | |
| 125 | 6/26/2024 | 69 | Free | Steam Charts | |
| 123 | 5/30/2023 | 63 | Free | Steam Charts | |
| 57 | 8/1/2012 | 83 | Free | Steam Charts | |
| 39 | 11/24/2024 | 92 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 30 | 7/21/2022 | 66 | $59.99 | Steam Charts | |
 | 30 | 5/10/2016 | 76 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 29 | 8/5/2014 | 95 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 28 | 1/11/2023 | 67 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 25 | 2/6/2018 | 71 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 21 | 7/18/2024 | 68 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 16 | 11/30/2017 | 56 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 14 | 6/9/2021 | 85 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 14 | 2/24/2017 | 80 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 13 | 11/5/2013 | 82 | 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 1). Steam Store. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2025, May 1). Tap Ninja - Idle game on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2025, April 30). CounterSide on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2025, April 24). ASTRA: Knights of Veda on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2025, May 8). Elsword on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2025, May 8). Dungeon Fighter Online on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2025, May 4). Grim Clicker on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2025, April 30). 飄流幻境M on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2025, March 31). Kingdom Heroes M on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2025, March 14). Awesomenauts - the 2D moba on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2025, April 9). Arisen Force: Life Devotee on Steam. Steam Store.