Free Strategy Games on Steam
Steam currently has 31,792 Strategy 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 Strategy game rankings were last updated on 7/25/2024.
Looking for more? Explore other lists such as:
- Best strategy games on Steam
- Best strategy Steam Deck games
- Best strategy Steam games for Mac OS
- Best strategy Linux games on Steam
- Free Steam games
- Most played Steam games
- Best rated Steam games
1. Counter-Strike 2
For over two decades, Counter-Strike has offered an elite competitive experience, one shaped by millions of players from across the globe. And now the next chapter in the CS story is about to begin. This is Counter-Strike 2.
Counter-Strike 2 holds the #1 spot for "best free Strategy game on Steam" with a Player Score of 87. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 8,165,918 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 7,112,591 positive reviews and 1,053,327 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 Counter-Strike 2 on the Steam Deck (though some functionality may be limited).
| Release Date | 8/21/2012 |
| Developers | |
| Publisher | Valve |
| Steam App Id | 730 |
2. Dota 2
Every day, millions of players worldwide enter battle as one of over a hundred Dota heroes. And no matter if it's their 10th hour of play or 1,000th, there's always something new to discover. With regular updates that ensure a constant evolution of gameplay, features, and heroes, Dota 2 has taken on a life of its own.
Dota 2 has achieved a Player Score of 81, placing it in the #2 spot for the best free Strategy games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 2,280,507 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 1,862,887 positive reviews and 417,620 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 Dota 2 on the Steam Deck (though some functionality may be limited).
3. Banana
Banana is a clicker Game, in which you click a Banana! In Banana you click the Banana to gain even more Bananas! Every 3, you get dropped a banana. Each banana is also made by the community in discord. Come hang out with us and let's grow into something awesome !
Banana has achieved a Player Score of 82, placing it in the #3 spot for the best free Strategy games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 38,293 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 31,856 positive reviews and 6,437 negative reviews — making it "Very Positive" on Steam.
It can be played and ran on both Windows and Linux systems. Valve has also verified it as playable on the Steam Deck and will run well.
| Release Date | 4/23/2024 |
| Developers | |
| Publishers | |
| Steam App Id | 2923300 |
4. PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS
Play PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS for free. Land on strategic locations, loot weapons and supplies, and survive to become the last team standing across various, diverse Battlegrounds. Squad up and join the Battlegrounds for the original Battle Royale experience that only PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS can offer.
PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS has achieved a Player Score of 59, placing it in the #4 spot for the best free Strategy games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 2,398,207 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 1,405,805 positive reviews and 992,402 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 PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS on the Steam Deck.
| Release Date | 12/21/2017 |
| Developer | KRAFTON, Inc. |
| Publisher | KRAFTON, Inc. |
| Steam App Id | 578080 |
5. Once Human
Once Human is a multiplayer open-world survival game set in a strange, post-apocalyptic future. Unite with friends to fight monstrous enemies, uncover secret plots, compete for resources, and build your own territory. Once, you were merely human. Now, you have the power to remake the world.
Once Human has achieved a Player Score of 70, placing it in the #5 spot for the best free Strategy games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 49,241 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 34,902 positive reviews and 14,339 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 Once Human on the Steam Deck.
| Release Date | 7/9/2024 |
| Developer | Starry Studio |
| Publisher | Starry Studio |
| Steam App Id | 2139460 |
6. Governor of Poker 3
Governor of Poker 3 is the best multiplayer poker game with a great design. In this multi-player version of Governor of Poker you compete live with thousands of real poker players to prove you are the number 1 Texas Hold ’em poker star!
Governor of Poker 3 has achieved a Player Score of 69, placing it in the #6 spot for the best free Strategy games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 15,089 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 10,566 positive reviews and 4,523 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 Governor of Poker 3 on the Steam Deck (though some functionality may be limited).
| Release Date | 2/19/2016 |
| Developers | |
| Publishers | |
| Steam App Id | 436150 |
7. Cats
Cats — and that says it all. Interactive cat clicker. Click on cats for new cats. That's all, really.
Cats has achieved a Player Score of 75, placing it in the #7 spot for the best free Strategy games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 2,115 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 1,654 positive reviews and 461 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 | 5/21/2024 |
| Franchise | 100 Cozy Games |
| Developer | 100 Cozy Games |
| Publisher | 100 Cozy Games |
| Steam App Id | 2977660 |
8. Tapple - Idle Clicker
Welcome to Tapple, the addictive clicker game where your tapping skills can lead you to an unimaginable amount of Tapples! Upgrade your clicking power, automate your income, and unlock exciting new levels. Start your journey with a single click and watch your Tapple Empire grow.
Tapple - Idle Clicker has achieved a Player Score of 67, placing it in the #8 spot for the best free Strategy games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 313 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 223 positive reviews and 90 negative reviews — making it "Mostly 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 | 6/29/2024 |
| Developer | Zeeno |
| Publisher | L7 Software |
| Steam App Id | 3047030 |
9. Yu-Gi-Oh! Master Duel
Yu-Gi-Oh! MASTER DUEL is the ultimate free-to-play cross-platform strategy card game with fast-paced Duels, stunning HD graphics and a new, dynamic soundtrack! Get ready to challenge Duelists around the world!
Yu-Gi-Oh! Master Duel has achieved a Player Score of 75, placing it in the #9 spot for the best free Strategy games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 75,173 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 56,737 positive reviews and 18,436 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 | 1/19/2022 |
| Franchise | Yu-Gi-Oh! |
| Developers | |
| Publishers | |
| Steam App Id | 1449850 |
10. Limbus Company
As the Executive Manager of Limbus Company, lead your group of twelve Sinners, venture into the buried facilities of Lobotomy Corporation, and lay claim on the Golden Boughs.
Limbus Company has achieved a Player Score of 82, placing it in the #10 spot for the best free Strategy games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 34,340 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 28,772 positive reviews and 5,568 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 Limbus Company on the Steam Deck (though some functionality may be limited).
| Release Date | 2/26/2023 |
| Developer | ProjectMoon |
| Publisher | ProjectMoon |
| Steam App Id | 1973530 |
More Free Strategy Games
Explore even more rankings for the 100 best free Strategy games available on Steam.
| Image | Name | Actions | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 824,934 | 8/21/2012 | 87 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 451,663 | 7/9/2013 | 81 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 382,275 | 4/23/2024 | 82 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 314,106 | 12/21/2017 | 59 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 117,222 | 7/9/2024 | 70 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 28,949 | 2/19/2016 | 69 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 26,714 | 5/21/2024 | 75 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 21,304 | 6/29/2024 | 67 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 18,326 | 1/19/2022 | 75 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 11,417 | 2/26/2023 | 82 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 11,327 | 11/9/2016 | 79 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 11,076 | 7/19/2023 | 78 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 8,036 | 1/7/2024 | 70 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 7,019 | 12/29/2017 | 91 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 6,577 | 5/16/2018 | 78 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 4,618 | 10/3/2021 | 86 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 4,270 | 8/22/2023 | 81 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 3,988 | 5/23/2023 | 64 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 3,759 | 2/21/2024 | 50 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 3,284 | 9/8/2015 | 78 | 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. (2024, July 25). Steam Store. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2024, July 25). Counter-Strike 2 on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2024, July 25). Dota 2 on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2024, July 25). Banana on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2024, July 24). PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2024, July 25). Once Human on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2024, July 18). Governor of Poker 3 on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2024, July 24). Cats on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2024, July 24). Tapple - Idle Clicker on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2024, July 25). Yu-Gi-Oh! Master Duel on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2024, July 26). Limbus Company on Steam. Steam Store.