Free Side Scroller Games on Steam
Steam currently has 5,587 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 3/15/2025.
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 8,322 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 7,134 positive reviews and 1,188 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. 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 #2 spot for the best free Side Scroller games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 5,468 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 3,363 positive reviews and 2,105 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.
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 4,713 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 2,190 positive reviews and 2,523 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 9,528 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 7,035 positive reviews and 2,493 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. 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 #5 spot for the best free Side Scroller games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 2,761 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 2,179 positive reviews and 582 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 |
6. 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 70, placing it in the #6 spot for the best free Side Scroller games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 182 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 136 positive reviews and 46 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 | 6/25/2024 |
| Developers | |
| Publishers | |
| Steam App Id | 1481340 |
7. 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 64, placing it in the #7 spot for the best free Side Scroller games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 213 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 143 positive reviews and 70 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 |
8. 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 #8 spot for the best free Side Scroller games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 26,708 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 22,605 positive reviews and 4,103 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 |
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 92, placing it in the #9 spot for the best free Side Scroller games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 1,719 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 1,664 positive reviews and 55 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 1,270 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 1,001 positive reviews and 269 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 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2,411 | 3/17/2022 | 83 | Free | Steam Charts | |
| 349 | 8/9/2016 | 61 | Free | Steam Charts | |
| 202 | 4/2/2024 | 47 | Free | Steam Charts | |
| 198 | 7/2/2014 | 72 | Free | Steam Charts | |
| 187 | 1/30/2024 | 76 | Free | Steam Charts | |
| 167 | 6/25/2024 | 70 | Free | Steam Charts | |
| 119 | 5/31/2023 | 64 | Free | Steam Charts | |
| 74 | 8/1/2012 | 83 | Free | Steam Charts | |
| 58 | 11/24/2024 | 92 | Free | Steam Charts | |
| 41 | 5/10/2016 | 75 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 36 | 7/22/2022 | 66 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 36 | 2/6/2018 | 71 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 32 | 7/18/2024 | 68 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 28 | 11/5/2013 | 82 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 16 | 4/12/2024 | 87 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 13 | 12/22/2015 | 63 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 12 | 11/29/2017 | 57 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 12 | 1/11/2023 | 66 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 12 | 8/14/2024 | 41 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 10 | 5/7/2021 | 72 | 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, March 15). Steam Store. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2025, March 15). Tap Ninja - Idle game on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2025, March 18). Dungeon Fighter Online on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2025, March 13). ASTRA: Knights of Veda on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2025, March 14). Elsword on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2025, February 23). Grim Clicker on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2025, March 14). 飄流幻境M on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2025, March 14). Kingdom Heroes M on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2025, March 14). Awesomenauts - the 2D moba on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2025, March 14). Arisen Force: Life Devotee on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2025, March 2). StarBreak on Steam. Steam Store.