50 Best Steam Games You Should Play in 2023

When it comes to PC games, Steam is arguably one of the top storefronts, and of course, we had to pick fifty of our favorite best games from there. From the likes of Dishonored, Dying Light, and the Batman Arkham collection to Hotline Miami and Hades, among many others, we have a stellar collection of Steam games here for you. With Steam sales happening periodically throughout the year, you should know which games to add to your wishlist or get right now. So, without further ado, let’s look at the 50 best Steam games that you should definitely play in 2023.

Remember that I have considered various criteria before adding games to this list. While one game might rank higher for you, it might not for me. Another thing to consider is that graphics are an afterthought while making the list. As long as the game is fun to play, they deserve a spot on this list. With that said, let’s dive right in!

1. Deus Ex

The first game is my favorite title by the now-defunct game developer Ion Storm. Deus Ex is an RPG where you play as a cybernetically enhanced UNATCO agent JC Denton. The game is set in 2052, where shadow organizations and conspiracy theories are true. What initially starts like a typical action RPG slowly devolves into a fantastic story, with the player uncovering society’s hidden secrets. Deus Ex popularized the immersive sim genre, giving you various choices to approach any mission.

While the graphics and gameplay may feel dated to many, thanks to the passionate community, there are a handful of mods available to fix that. While I prefer playing Deus Ex with the GMDX mod, we suggest downloading the Deus Ex: Revision mod from Steam, which is free of cost. The storyline and gameplay easily make Deus Ex a worthy title to get included in our best Steam games list.

Buy Deus Ex ($6.99)
Download Deus Ex: Revision mod (Free)

2. Black Mesa

Half-Life by Valve changed gaming in a turbulent way. While the second Half-Life and its episodes paved the way for features like realistic game physics, the first Half-Life gave us the gift called the GoldSRC engine. Unfortunately, the original Half-Life never got a Source engine treatment by Valve. Crowbar Collective, a group of modders turned developers banded together to remake the first Half-Life. And well, that resulted in Black Mesa.

As mentioned above, Black Mesa is a source engine remake for the first Half-Life, adding every feature that the engine brings with itself. Black Mesa also deviated from the original game by making subtle level design choices, giving a unique spin to it while not losing the Half-Life identity.

Furthermore, the developers created one of the most hated sections of the original game, Zen, into something marvelous. So, this is worth picking up if you never played Half-Life. Or, if you have played it before, why not replay it again?

Buy Black Mesa ($19.99)

3. Yakuza 0

Yakuza 0 is an action beat-em-up game and canonically the first entry in the long-running series by SEGA. It features a gripping storyline involving two of the series’ staples — Kazuma Kiryu and Goro Majima, during the bubbling 80s in Japan. The game features fun combat, various side activities, and quirky side-quests. Furthermore, Yakuza 0 features the popular karaoke song “Baka Mitai.” If you ask me, that alone warrants a playthrough of the title. Because of its fun gameplay and gripping story, we had to add Yakuza 0 to our best Steam games list.

Buy Yakuza 0 ($19.99)

4. XCOM 2

A tactical-strategy game, XCOM2 is the sequel to the critically acclaimed XCOM: Enemy Unknown. While the previous title put you in the shoes of the commander of a secret organization battling against an alien invasion, XCOM 2 makes you control the same organization. Only this time, the aliens are running the Earth, and you and XCOM have become fugitives. The game has an active timer system, making most missions time-sensitive. Furthermore, the game features character permadeath, giving a sense of urgency to the gameplay.

XCOM 2 is a top-notch title that warrants a playthrough, and a Steam game that made me obsessed with tactical turn-based combat titles.

Buy XCOM 2 ($23.93)

5. Fallout: New Vegas

While Bethesda’s Fallout 3 gained polarising reception among the fans, Fallout: New Vegas, a standalone spin-off, gained critical fame. And for good reasons. While the gameplay of first/third-person shooting remains the same, and most of the features from Fallout 3 are there, its writing sets this game apart. Fallout: New Vegas puts you in the shoes of a courier in the Mojave desert, searching for answers after they get ambushed and shot in the head by a mysterious group of people.

What ensues is them getting entangled in a civil war between two factions and venturing into the oddities in a post-nuclear Vegas. The game’s brilliant writing and exploration make it a must-play title in our best Steam games list. However, much like every Bethesda title, this game requires modding to run properly. Hence, we suggest following this guide to fix your game before exploring the Mojave desert.

Buy Fallout: New Vegas ($9.99)

6. Killer7

Japanese developer Grasshopper Manufacturer is known to create eccentric games having a deeper meaning. Killer 7 fits itself exactly into that mold. An on-rails shooter with puzzle mechanics, Killer7 puts you in the shoes of Harman Smith and his seven personalities, who are proficient in doing the job in various ways. Hired by the US government to combat the terrorist organization Heavenly Smile, Killer7 becomes a deconstruction of current world politics, human interaction, and other thoughts.

This was the first major title that helped famed Japanese developer SUDA51 reach cult status in the West. Another game that stands the test of time thanks to its story and gets a place on our best Steam games list.

Buy Killer7 ($19.99)

7. Deep Rock Galactic

Rock and Stone! This is a quote that will become all too familiar as you start teaming up with your friends and clear multiple mining expeditions in the Deep Rock Galactic, a co-op tactical mining shooter. The goal in this game is simple – pick a job, assemble a team of dwarves, complete your mining expeditions, and drink beer upon success. You get to choose between four unique classes before each journey and venture into a procedurally generated cave system, which is fully destructible.

Deep Rock Galactic has amassed a lot of goodwill over the years, and anyone who enjoys co-op games will tell you that this is the go-to title if you have friends to spend some time mining. And if you do not, fret not, as the game has one of the most helpful communities.

Buy Deep Rock Galactic ($29.99)

8. Hades

Hades is a roguelike action game that puts you in the shoes of Zaegreus, the son of Hades, as he tries to escape the underworld realm. Battle your way through a changing labyrinth filled with mythological creatures, powerful weapons, and divine abilities.

Furthermore, its rich narrative and stunning visuals will enamor you while playing Hades for the first time. Hades has become a universally loved videogame and for the right reasons. There is hardly anything to complain about, and the gameplay loop is satisfying to ensure that you return to it very often.

Buy Hades ($24.99)

9. Dusk

In an era where Call of Duty became the go-to standard for FPS, Dusk brought back the much-needed fast-paced retro shooters. Paying homage to games such as Quake and Unreal Tournament, the game pits you against a hoard of monstrosities in fast-paced, blood-soaked battles. With its chilling atmosphere and loud soundtrack, Dusk is a love letter to classic shooters and will make you return. And, when you are bored of the single-player, bring a few groups of friends and boot up the multiplayer for some deathmatch.

Buy Dusk ($19.99)

10. Vampire The Masquerade: Bloodlines

Infamous for how broken the game launched, which can be fixed by the Unofficial Patch, Vampire The Masquerade: Bloodlines is an RPG that puts you in the shoes of a fledgling vampire in Los Angeles. Taking place in the tabletop RPG universe of World of Darkness, the game is known for its impeccable story and writing. That alone has helped gain the game its cult status over the years. As you start doing various jobs for Camarilla, you uncover a secret conspiracy that might shake the very core of the vampire order.

Furthermore, while the game doesn’t contain a character creator, you can choose your vampire class. Depending on what you choose, the gameplay experience changes. You can certainly upscale and boost the visuals of the game. However, we strongly suggest against that, and the unofficial patch should be enough. Till the end of this world, I will sneak this game into any list out there, and this best Steam games article is no different.

Buy Vampire The Masquerade: Bloodlines ($19.99)

11. System Shock 2

While Looking Glass’s System Shock introduced the immersive sim genre of games to the audience, it was System Shock 2 that elevated the formula. Developed by Irrational Games, the developers of Bioshock, System Shock 2 sees you fight your way through a spaceship full of infected cybernetic soldiers rampaging. With a sentient AI hell-bent on killing, you must explore and employ any possible solutions to escape from the ship while preventing the AI from annihilating humanity.

System Shock 2 lets you pick from three disciplines with unique skills, weapons, and psionic powers. Furthermore, there are several audio and text logs to discover, which give a necessary backdrop to everything that happened on the ship. With the remaster by Nightdive Studios coming soon, download and try the game.

Buy System Shock 2 ($9.99)

12. Dishonored

Stealth-action game with immersive sim features, Dishonored puts you in the shoes of Corvo Attano, a falsely-accused bodyguard of an Empress in a distant European isle country. An island nation suffering from the rat plague and a supposed coup, Corvo becomes a masked assassin, taking out people responsible for falsely framing him. He also uses the supernatural powers given by the elusive Outsider, allowing him to traverse the world in various ways.

Dishonored lets you decide on the approach, giving you multiple tools to experiment and have fun with. This results in two people having different gameplay experiences from each other. Furthermore, if you want to play the game like a traditional stealth game, then do not opt into the Outsider’s powers and boons. The sheer choice the game provides you makes Dishonored a great title.

Buy Dishonored ($19.99)

13. Blasphemous

Blasphemous is a dark and twisted Metroidvania that puts you in the helmet of the Penitent One as they journey through a cursed land of penance and redemption. With its eerie visuals, unforgiving gameplay, and deep lore, Blasphemous will test your skills in an unforgettable pilgrimage of torment. Since the sequel to Blasphemous is launching later this year, try out the game that started it all.

Buy Blasphemous ($24.99)

14. No More Heroes

No More Heroes is an action hack-n-slash game where players control Travis Touchdown, a badass otaku turned killer-for-hire, as he climbs the ranks of the United Assassins Association, wielding his iconic beam katana. With its eccentric style, intense combat, and humor, No More Heroes is an unforgettable ride. This title launched Grasshopper Manufacturer to their cult-punk status around the world.

Buy No More Heroes ($19.99)

15. Devil May Cry: HD Collection

Step into the shoes of Dante, the protagonist of Devil May Cry: HD Collection, as you battle hordes of supernatural enemies in stylish hack-and-slash combat. This version of the game comes with three classic games remastered for modern platforms, delivering epic demon-slaying action, jaw-dropping visuals, and a devilishly good time. Oh, and just as a reminder, you can skip Devil May Cry 2.

Buy Devil May Cry: HD Collection ($29.99)

16. Okami HD

A masterpiece of storytelling and visuals, Okami HD is a puzzle-adventure game that allows players to control Amaterasu, the wolf goddess, and restore color and life to a world plagued by darkness. Players employ the help of a celestial brush to solve puzzles, defeat evil, and restore harmony to a mesmerizing realm. With its breathtaking visuals, music, and gameplay, Okami HD is a work of art that will leave you dumbfounded.

Buy Okami HD ($19.99)

17. Binary Domain

Around mid-2012, the developers of Yakuza wanted to deviate from creating the beat-em-up series and venture into the cover-shooter space. What resulted is Binary Domain, a third-person cover shooter by Sega.

Set in a futuristic Tokyo, Binary Domain players take charge of an international team on a mission to unearth a conspiracy while battling hordes of deadly robots. With intense gunplay, dynamic AI interactions, and a narrative that challenges the player’s moral choices, Binary Domain delivers thrilling gameplay and an exploration of humanity’s relationship with technology.

Buy Binary Domain ($14.99)

18. Darkest Dungeon

A 2D-roguelike RPG, Darkest Dungeon, sees you assembling a team of flawed heroes and guiding them through nefarious dungeons filled with deadly creatures and traps. Manage their sanity, battle horrors, and make tough decisions in this nail-biting turn-based game. With its haunting atmosphere, strategic depth, and punishing difficulty, Darkest Dungeon will test your courage and sanity.

Buy Darkest Dungeon ($24.99)

19. Disco Elysium

Disco Elysium has a lot of drama revolving around how the original creators were ousted by investors. Regardless, we cannot deny that this is a work of art in the form of video game. An open-world CRPG, Disco Elysium puts you in the shoes of a detective unraveling a murder mystery in a gritty city plagued by corruption and decay. You navigate a dystopian world, engage in deep conversations, and influence your character’s morality, skills, and sanity. With a thought-provoking narrative and beautiful art style, Disco Elysium is a masterpiece.

Buy Disco Elysium ($39.99)

20. Dying Light

While Dying Light 2 is slowly getting updated and improved, Dying Light deserves every bit of attention now that the development for the game has wrapped up. Players get to explore two locations in the fictional city of Harran, overtaken by a zombie outbreak. Utilize agility and combat skills to survive, scavenge, and parkour during the day.

By night, brace yourself for a battle against supercharged predators. With its tense gameplay, intense atmosphere, and dynamic day-night cycle, Dying Light deserves a playthrough. We also suggested the game in our best steam deck games article.

Buy Dying Light ($29.99)

21. Batman: Arkham Collection

The collection of three critically acclaimed trilogy of games, Batman Arkham Collection, puts you in the shoes of the eponymous DC Comics character. Each game happens in three locations, starting with Batman Arkham Asylum, where players fend off Joker’s trap in Arkham Asylum of Gotham.

In the next installation, the story shifts to the open world of a closed-off section of Gotham in Batman: Arkham City, where Batman tries to unearth a conspiracy theory. Finally, explore the entirety of Gotham Islands and try to thwart the plans of Scarecrow in Batman: Arkham Knight.

Each title has an addictive beat-em-up gameplay, utilizing iconic Batman gadgets, and with each successive sequel, the gameplay improves. Arkham Knight also introduces a fully drivable Batmobile. Play the games, and become Batman. Not literally.

Buy Batman Arkham Collection ($59.99)

22. Dragon’s Dogma: Dark Arisen

Embark on a fantasy adventure in Dragon’s Dogma: Dark Arisen, an action RPG made by the brains behind Devil May Cry. In this game, players venture into a vast world filled with mythical creatures and treacherous landscapes. With satisfactory customization for the Arisen nail-biting real-time battles, utilizing a deep and dynamic combat system.

With its rich lore, thrilling quests, and the ability to recruit AI companions known as Pawns, Dragon’s Dogma: Dark Arisen is a must-play for fans of action RPGs.

Buy Dragon’s Dogma: Dark Arisen ($29.99)

23. Hotline Miami 1 & 2

The game that popularized the sub-genre of music synth-wave, Hotline Miami 1 and 2 puts players in the shoes of multiple people through 80s Miami. Dive into a psychedelic world of violence, wearing animal masks as you unleash top-down shooter action. With its soundtrack by the likes of Carpenter Brut, challenging gameplay, and a head-scratching narrative, Hotline Miami 1 and 2 delivers an adrenaline-fueled experience that will hook you to the last bullet.

The game also got a homage recently in the action movie John Wick: Chapter 4, so why not give it a try? Especially seeing that the game goes for cheap during the Steam sales.

Buy Hotline Miami 1 ($9.99)
Buy Hotline Miami 2 ($14.99)

24. Banished

One of the most popular medieval city builders, Banished tasks you to guide a group of outcasts and establish a thriving community in a harsh wilderness. Now, you need to manage resources, balance growth and sustainability, and townpeople from the perils of nature. With its immersive gameplay, challenging decisions, and beautiful visuals, Banished offers a captivating and rewarding experience in the art of survival. Furthermore, thanks to official workshop mod support, the gameplay gets even more fun.

Buy Banished ($19.99)

25. Hitman: The World of Assassination

Hitman: The World of Assassination combines the three new Hitman games by I/O Interactive together into one single pack. Offering a vast sandbox to explore, take control of Agent 47, the world’s deadliest assassin, and travel to stunning international locations to eliminate your targets.

With enhanced gameplay, fun level design, & a serviceable storyline, this game takes assassination to new heights. You need to plan, adapt, and become the ultimate assassin in this gripping experience.

Buy Hitman: World of Assassination ($69.99)

26. Sunless Sea

Embark on an atmospheric and spooky journey in Sunless Sea, a survival and exploration game set in a mysterious underground ocean. Navigate the Unterzee as the captain of a ship, choosing tough decisions, fighting terrifying creatures, and uncovering secrets lurking in the shadows. With its storytelling, world-building, and gameplay, Sunless Sea offers a captivating experience for adventurers seeking an unforgettable voyage.

Buy Sunless Sea ($18.99)

27. Dark Souls: Remastered

The remastered release of the original Dark Souls game, Dark Souls: Remastered fixes the critically acclaimed action RPG, providing an enhanced experience for everyone. Journey through the interconnected world of Lordran, filled with challenging enemies, intricate level design, and atmospheric storytelling.

This version of the game comes with improved graphics, performance, and proper multiplayer functionality. It brings the punishing yet rewarding gameplay of the original Dark Souls to new heights, solidifying its status as a modern classic.

Buy Dark Souls: Remastered ($39.99)

28. Resident Evil 4 (2005)

While we could’ve opted for the remake of Resident Evil 4, because that title is equally great, we went for the original for how memorable the game is. Taking place years after the mainline Resident Evil games, Resident Evil 4 puts you in control of Leon S. Kennedy, a US govt. agent sent on a mission to a European village to rescue the kidnapped daughter of the president.

While the gameplay might take some getting used to, it’s the campy storyline and characters that elevate this game to its beloved status. A must-try if you want to experience an enjoyable storyline.

Buy Resident Evil 4 ($19.99)

29. Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic

Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic (KOTOR) is a role-playing game that takes players on a memorable journey through the Star Wars universe. Set thousands of years before the films, KOTOR puts players in a rich storyline where they choose their destiny as a Jedi Knight or Sith Lord. With its engaging characters, deep moral choices, & turn-based combat, KOTOR remains a beloved classic among everyone.

Buy Star Wars KOTOR ($9.99)

30. Va-11 Hall-A

Deep dive into the cyberpunk world of Va-11 Hall-A, a visual novel and bartender simulator. In this game, you play a bartender at the Va-11 Hall-A bar, mixing drinks for a cast of characters while listening to their stories and navigating their struggles. With its gorgeous pixel art, captivating storytelling, and branching narrative, Va-11 Hall-A offers a thought-provoking experience that explores themes of identity, technology, and the human condition.

Buy Va-11 Hall-A ($14.99)

31. Darkwood

Darkwood is an atmospheric survival horror game that throws players into a nightmarish forest filled with horrors. Set in a procedurally generated world, the game tests your courage as you explore a dark and twisted landscape. Gather resources, craft tools, and fortify your hideout to survive the terrifying creatures.

With its creepy atmosphere, intense gameplay, and narrative, Darkwood offers you a truly immersive and terrifying experience for horror enthusiasts. The unique setting and gameplay of Darkwood is the reason why we added this to our best Steam games list.

Buy Darkwood ($14.99)

32. Barotrauma

Barotrauma is a nail-biting multiplayer submarine simulator that throws players into the depths of an alien ocean on Jupiter’s Moon Europa. Together with a crew, you must navigate the hostile waters, repair the submarine systems, take care of your resources, and fend off hostile creatures.

With its realistic physics, and intense cooperative experience, Barotrauma delivers an adrenaline-fueled adventure. The number of tense situations I and my friends have experienced in Barotrauma has elevated this game to be one of my favorite titles and is the reason why I added it to the best Steam games list.

Buy Barotrauma ($34.99)

33. Slay The Spire

Slay the Spire is an addictive deck-building roguelike game. It sends you on a journey through the Spire, facing off enemies and collecting cards to build a unique deck. With its blend of turn-based combat, strategic decision-making, and procedurally generated levels, Slay the Spire provides replayability and a sense of progression. Prepare to face countless challenges and discover strategies as you conquer the Spire and claim victory

Buy Slay The Spire ($24.99)

34. Bioshock

Another classic immersive sim experience, Bioshock is a first-person shooter taking place in the underwater dystopia of Rapture, a city with captivating storytelling, mesmerizing visuals, and morally complex choices.

As you unravel the mysteries, you wield weapons and genetic enhancements to survive grotesque enemies and uncover the city’s secrets. With its tense atmosphere, narrative, and setting, Bioshock leaves a lasting impact on players.

Buy Bioshock ($19.99)

35. Mafia 2

Mafia 2 is an open-world crime game that takes players on a thrilling journey through the criminal underworld. Set in the fictional city of Empire Bay during the 1940s and 1950s, players step into the shoes of Vito Scaletta, a war veteran turned mobster.

With its detailed setting, cinematic storytelling, and engaging gameplay, Mafia 2 offers a compelling narrative of loyalty, betrayal, and the consequences of a life of crime.

Buy Mafia 2 ($29.99)

36. The Forest

The Forest is a survival horror game that throws players into a mysterious forest. Stuck on the island after a plane crash, you must navigate a treacherous environment, gather resources, build shelters, and fend off cannibals. But there’s a more profound darkness beneath the surface, as you uncover the secrets of the island. With its tense world, intense gameplay, and immersive narrative, The Forest delivers an experience that keeps players on edge.

Buy The Forest ($15.99)

37. Rust

Rust is a particularly unforgiving multiplayer survival game that throws players into a harsh and competitive world. You must scavenge for resources from scratch, craft tools, build shelter, and fend off other players and hostile forces. With its PvP combat, environments, and player-driven economy, Rust offers a challenging experience where trust can break, and alliances can be forged. Adapt, survive, and shape your path in this gritty and unpredictable sandbox adventure.

Buy Rust ($39.99)

38. Total War: Shogun 2

Total War: Shogun 2 is a strategy game that takes players to the Sengoku period in Japan. Command armies, make alliances, and engage in battles to conquer and unite Japan under your rule. With its deep diplomacy, tactical gameplay, and gorgeous visuals, Shogun 2 offers an immersive and authentic experience of samurai warfare.

Lead your clan to victory and shape the future of Japan in this strategic masterpiece. While numerous Total War titles have come out over the year, none have surpassed the sheer greatness of Shogun 2. And for that reason, we put this game on our best Steam games list.

Buy Total War: Shogun 2 ($29.99)

39. Cities Skyline

Cities: Skylines is a city-building simulation game that gives players the responsibility of building and managing a city. With depth and realism, you design and manage every aspect of a metropolis, from zoning to services and transportation. Create unique cities, and tackle challenges like pollution.

Furthermore, thanks to a robust modding community, Cities: Skylines offers an immersive urban planning experience. Cities Skyline successfully manages to capture the nostalgia from games like SimCity and present it in a modern format for newer audiences.

Buy Cities Skyline ($29.99)

40. Kerbal Space Program

Ever dreamt of building a spaceship? While making a real one is tough, you can do so in Kerbal Space Program. It is an educational sandbox game that lets players design and manage their space program. Control the adorable Kerbals, an alien race, as you create rockets, launch missions, and explore the vast space.

With realistic physics simulation, challenging mission objectives, and endless creativity, Kerbal Space Program provides an enjoyable experience that will reignite the love for space exploration.

Buy Kerbal Space Program ($39.99)

41. Undertale

Undertale is an indie RPG that delivers a heartfelt experience. Embark on a journey through the Underground, a realm filled with quirky characters and moral dilemmas. Your choices significantly shape the outcome of the story, with multiple endings reflecting your actions. With its retro-style graphics, memorable soundtrack, and innovative gameplay mechanics, Undertale leaves a lasting impact on players as they explore themes of friendship and the power of choice.

Buy Undertale ($9.99)

42. Stardew Valley

Stardew Valley is a charming farming simulation game that mesmerizes players with its beautiful gameplay and heartwarming storytelling. Escape the city and embrace the simple countryside life. Cultivate your farm, engage in rewarding activities, build relationships with the townsfolk, and uncover the valley’s secrets. Additionally, there is a new co-op mode, where you and your friend or partner can team up and create the best farm. With its beautiful pixel art and comforting soundtrack, Stardew Valley offers a peaceful escape into a vibrant virtual world.

Buy Stardew Valley ($14.99)

43. Terraria

Terraria is an imaginative sandbox game that allows exploration and creativity. Dive into a pixelated world filled with treasures, creatures, and mysteries. Collect resources, build tools, and create your settlements. Whether you’re battling bosses, digging into caverns, or making intricate structures, Terraria’s vast world invites endless possibilities.

With its addictive gameplay, retro charm, and cooperative multiplayer, Terraria provides an immersive and unforgettable experience for players of all ages. Its year’s worth of content and brilliant modding support warrant its addition to our best Steam games list.

Buy Terraria ($9.99)

44. Divinity: Original Sin 2

The sequel to the isometric RPG Divinity: Original Sin, this game is an epic RPG that transports players to a vast fantasy world. Embark on a journey filled with quests, deep character customization, and tactical turn-based combat. With its deep narrative, player choices, and co-op multiplayer, Original Sin 2 offers a personalized experience for every player. Unleash your creativity, explore a magical world and mystery, and forge your path in this expansive role-playing adventure.

Buy Divinity: Original Sin 2 ($44.99)

45. Papers Please

Papers Please is an indie game that puts you in the role of an immigration officer in a dystopian country. Tasked with processing documents, players must balance empathy and survival. As you traverse through the bureaucratic challenges, moral dilemmas, and political intrigue, Papers Please explores themes of immigration and the consequences of authority. With its addictive gameplay and storytelling, this game offers a powerful experience, hence the addition of it to our best Steam games list.

Buy Papers Please ($9.99)

46. Return of the Obra Dinn

Another indie title by Lucas Pope of Papers Please, Return of the Obra Dinn is a puzzle-adventure game that challenges players to uncover the truth behind a ship tragedy. Step into the shoes of an insurance investigator with a magical pocket watch that can recreate the final moments of the ship. With its captivating narrative, unique visuals, and deduction gameplay, Obra Dinn offers a thrilling experience that keeps players engaged until the final reveal.

Buy Return of the Obra Dinn ($19.99)

47. Left 4 Dead 2

When it comes to the best Steam games article, you know we have to add this game. One of the most popular co-op shooters to grace the earth, Left 4 Dead 2 is the sequel to the equally satisfying Left 4 Dead. It is a cooperative first-person shooter that drops players into a world infested with hordes of zombies.

Team up with friends or AI companions to fight for survival, and battle waves of the undead. With its intense gameplay, dynamic AI director that changes the level of difficulty based on the team’s performance, and diverse weapons and characters, Left 4 Dead 2 is the best way to spend your weekend with friends.

Buy Left 4 Dead 2 ($9.99)

48. Portal 2

Another classic title from the time when Valve was still making revolutionary video games, and was not focused on Steam and Steam Deck. Portal 2 is a puzzle game where you venture through a now-defunct Aperture Science Centre.

Equipped with the portal gun, players navigate through challenging test chambers, manipulating space and bending physics to solve puzzles. With its innovative gameplay still ahead of its time, and an engaging cooperative mode, Portal 2 delivers an unforgettable gaming experience.

Buy Portal 2 ($9.99)

49. Vampire Survivors

Vampire Survivors has quickly managed to gain tons of recognition for its simplistic and addictive gameplay in recent years, and deservedly so. Spanning various levels, players must navigate through locations, search for resources, and annihilate hoards of enemies. With its gripping gameplay loop and rogue-lite nature, Vampire Survivors offers an addictive experience that you can enjoy in short bursts.

I judiciously play this game for short bursts of time mid-work when I need to blow some Steam off, even when I was working on this best Steam games list. Hence, that compelled me to put this game in it. Vampire Survivors prove that simplicity sometimes goes a long way, and for the price tag, it warrants a playthrough

Buy Vampire Survivors ($4.99)

50. Hollow Knight

The final game for our best Steam games list is one of the critically acclaimed modern Metroidvania platformers. Hollow Knight lets you control the silent knight, who dives into the depths of the ancient kingdom of Hallownest wielding a nail as your weapon. Explore intricate and interconnected caverns, battle challenging foes, and uncover the secrets of a lost civilization. With simplistic albeit challenging combat, rewarding exploration, and deep lore, Hollow Knight offers an unforgettable journey through a beautiful and melancholic realm.

Buy Hollow Knight ($7.49)