Top-Rated Free Side Scroller Games on Steam

61 free Side Scroller games with 500+ reviews and a 70%+ positive rating, newest first.

Browse all Side Scroller →
Evitania Online - Idle RPG - Players say: Build a class-based hero and helper characters who fight and gather resources offline, then use their gains to craft gear and take on bosses. Players like: Relaxed Idle Play · Easy to Learn · Pixel-Art Style ·
Read More ▶Less ◀

Online Idle RPG with an open world without the grind of classic MMORPGs. Collect rare loot, develop your character, master professions, craft powerful gear, and defeat challenging bosses as you progress endlessly.

Deadswitch Combat - Players say: Fight through fast 2D side-scrolling battles in PvP, co-op survival, and solo missions, with customizable weapons and vehicles. Players like: Punchy Gunplay · Nostalgic 2D Shooter · Mode Variety ·
Read More ▶Less ◀

DEADSWITCH COMBAT is a fast-paced 2D multiplayer shooter. Experience action-packed combat with hundreds of weapons, vehicle combat, and plenty of team-based game modes.

Batography - Players say: Guide a curious bat through a moonlit town, using photos to help animal neighbors and collect mooncakes before a full-moon shot. Players like: Cute Hand-Drawn Art · Relaxing Night Atmosphere · Photo-Based Puzzles ·
Read More ▶Less ◀

Play as a curious bat on his mission to take a full fledged photo of the moon. Run, Climb, Glide and Snap your way through an array of obstacles while interacting with the cheeky characters in the neighbourhood. Can you collect all the moon cakes?

Deathless Death - Players say: As a priest, explore four linked sinners’ memories through point-and-click puzzles, then choose whether to forgive or condemn them. Players like: Distinctive Artwork · Stylized Interactions · Atmospheric Music ·
Read More ▶Less ◀

In the quiet of conscience and shadows of sin, four souls find themselves entwined in crimes involving a woman. In this narrative puzzle game, you don the sacred robe of a priest, hear the confessions of sinners, uncover secrets, seek the truth behind their crimes and deliver the final judgment.

Slash/Jump - Players say: A knight who cannot walk or jump uses sword-swing recoil to propel through hazards in a compact precision platformer. Players like: Distinctive Sword Movement · Responsive Controls · Thoughtful Level Design ·
Read More ▶Less ◀

How do you platform if walking and jumping aren't an option? With a sword of course! Bounce and slash your way through this short and sweet, uniquely controlled precision platformer!

Akatori: Сhapter One - Players say: Young monk Mako explores two realms, fighting with fists and a bird companion that doubles as a weapon and platforming tool. Players like: Distinctive Pixel Art · Satisfying Combat · Responsive Platforming ·
Read More ▶Less ◀

Join young Mako as she ventures into a wild world of exploration and finds a mysterious bird companion. Navigate through two distinct realms with your staff and face off against an ancient sentinel in this prologue to the action-packed metroidvania Akatori.

Holo X Break - Players say: Choose a Hololive talent, fight through holoX’s minions, and take on its five bosses in a side-scrolling beat-'em-up. Players like: Fun Beat-'Em-Up · Hololive Fan Details · Local Co-op Fun ·
Read More ▶Less ◀

Fight your way through endless waves of holoX's minions! Gear up with all sorts of equipment and items in this action packed beat-em-up to reach the 5 bosses of hololive's "holoX", and put a stop to their plans!

Screenshot
Screenshot
Screenshot
Mar 29, 2024
86% 👍
of 2.7k
Sonder - Players say: A discarded robot and a soul explore a thought-shaped world, combining their distinct abilities to solve puzzles and fight. Players like: Co-op With Friends · Teamwork Puzzles · Emotional Story ·
Read More ▶Less ◀

Experience an innovative co-op adventure where two players have to work together. Engage in collaborative puzzle solving and dynamic combat with each player having unique abilities. Delve into a psychological narrative that explores the essence of humanity.

Screenshot
Screenshot
Screenshot
Feb 15, 2024
90% 👍
of 830
Grim Clicker - Players say: Build a dark-fantasy warrior through branching skills and gear, then use clicks or automatic combat to push into lost worlds. Players like: Branching Skill Builds · Idle And Active Play · Steady Character Growth ·
Read More ▶Less ◀

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.

Cat Search In The Wild West - Players say: Search a hand-drawn western town for 100 camouflaged cats, five cat outlaws, and five wanted posters. Players like: Relaxing Short Sessions · Camouflaged Cat Search · Western Town Artwork ·
Read More ▶Less ◀

105 Cats are hiding in this old western town! Can you find them all? Sit back, relax, and explore this hand-drawn western town.

Screenshot
Screenshot
Screenshot
Jan 8, 2024
95% 👍
of 542
Draw - Players say: Guide Stickman through a lined-paper world, drawing objects to solve platforming puzzles as a story of grief unfolds. Players like: Emotional Story · Drawing Puzzles · Hand-Drawn Art ·
Read More ▶Less ◀

Welcome to the world of Draw, a 2D sidescroller and visual novel! Armed with nothing but a pencil, play as “Stickman” as you explore a brand-new world. Solve puzzles by drawing into the game, meet new friends while dodging scribble monsters, and make memories that’ll never be erased!

Breadsticks - Players say: Guide a fox boy through wooded caves, throwing breadsticks as platforms and wall-jumping toward afternoon tea with Mr. Bear. Players like: Breadstick Platforms · Cute Fox Art · Short Fun Sessions ·
Read More ▶Less ◀

A speed-based platformer with throwable platforms! Travel through the dangers in the woods as a fox boy to join afternoon tea with Mr. Bear.

Screenshot
Screenshot
Screenshot
Nov 5, 2022
95% 👍
of 506
CounterSide - Players say: Lead a company of Counters against Corrupted Objects, deploying squads in real-time side-view battles amid an urban sci-fi story. Players like: Story and Worldbuilding · Character Writing · Art and Soundtrack ·
Read More ▶Less ◀

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.

Gun Devil - Players say: As a gun-wielding devil, dash, glide, and shoot through hellish stages, gather upgrades, and search for your kidnapped wife. Players like: Fluid Movement · Fast Bullet-Fights · Pixel-Art Style ·
Read More ▶Less ◀

GUN DEVIL is an explosive platformer about rescuing your kidnapped hell wife from Satan's child, the Caramelized Dumbass and his Pimp Legion.

Tap Ninja - Idle game - Players say: Tap to slash enemies as a running ninja, earn gold, build village income, collect companions, and reset for permanent upgrades. Players like: Long-Term Progression · Many Unlockable Systems · Background Idle Play ·
Read More ▶Less ◀

Defeat enemies, earn gold, upgrade your village, become a Ninja Master!

A Taste of the Past - Players say: After her mother's death, Chinese-American teen Mei rides an afterlife train, meets her ancestors, and recreates family recipes. Players like: Emotional Story · Beautiful Artwork · Family and Culture ·
Read More ▶Less ◀

What do you do when you lose someone you love? A Taste of the Past is an emotional sidescroller about reconnecting with your Chinese culture while navigating a train to the afterlife. Featuring a wholesome story, cooking minigames, and hope.

With You - Players say: Guide two awkwardly moving characters through wordless physics-platform puzzles, coordinating with a partner as their relationship unfolds. Players like: Fun Partner Co-op · Cute Hand-Drawn Art · Moving Relationship Story ·
Read More ▶Less ◀

With You is a cooperative two-player puzzle-playground. It's a tiny game that hopes to inspire couples to connect, communicate, and collaborate.

Towards Future - Players say: As teddy-bear AI Gill, explore a ruined base, solve puzzles, and search with FifteenFour for your missing owner. Players like: Emotional Short Story · Atmospheric Pixel Art · Clue-Based Exploration ·
Read More ▶Less ◀

Waking up in the darkness, unable to see the sunrise, he remembered the little master carefully carried him home. The base has already fallen into ruin and there are no signs of any living people here. Where did the little master go? Is there any hope left under the doomsday?

Touhou Mystery Reel - Players say: As Cirno investigates strange structures in Gensokyo, platform through stages, deflect attacks, and choose bosses or shortcuts. Players like: Satisfying Parry Combat · Touhou Characters · Instant Respawns ·
Read More ▶Less ◀

Touhou Mystery Reel is a 2D platformer action game with special combat system. You can experience exciting battles and interesting stories in the game. There will be different endings of the stages. The player has the freedom to choose either to fight the powerful bosses or to take "shortcuts".

Cave Crawler - Players say: Jump and shoot your way through five side-scrolling cave levels, avoiding enemies and hazards on the path to a boss fight. Players like: Quick Retro Platforming · Jumping And Shooting · Brief Fun Challenge ·
Read More ▶Less ◀

Cave Crawler is a short, 2D side-scrolling action platformer. Explore caves filled with interesting enemies and fun platforming challenges.

Blind Fate: Edo no Yami — Dojo - Players say: As blind cyber-samurai Yami, sense a machine-filled Edo through damaged sensors and fight robots with a katana and finishers. Players like: Challenging Combat · Cyber-Edo Atmosphere · Sensor-Based Awareness ·
Read More ▶Less ◀

Dive into a world that mixes Sci-Fi and ancient tradition. Slash through robots with a trusty katana, use hi-tech implants to navigate the surroundings, dodge enemy attacks, and land devastating finishers. Reclaim the past following the way of the Japanese samurai in the fantastic period of New Edo.

Sucker for Love: Prelude - Players say: Use a pink spellbook to woo an eldritch date through dangerous rituals while resisting madness and the horrors they unleash. Players like: Cosmic Romance Comedy · Ritual Gameplay · Art and Style ·
Read More ▶Less ◀

Preform a series of scary rituals to win over an eldritch cutie and win a smooch!

100 hidden frogs - Players say: Search a tall, hand-drawn black-and-white forest scene, scrolling and clicking to uncover 100 camouflaged frogs. Players like: Relaxing Quick Diversion · Hand-Drawn Artwork · Easy Achievements ·
Read More ▶Less ◀

The frogs hid. Can you find them?

Flesh Water - Players say: On a final shift at an abandoned pool, clean up, prepare a creature’s meal, and make choices that shape four endings. Players like: Unusual Premise · Uneasy Atmosphere · Pixel-Art Style ·
Read More ▶Less ◀

This is your last day as a worker for a pet feeding service, and depending on how the day goes, your life. Prepare the final meal for a client's odd pet that lives in an abandoned pool all while trying to make it out safely and avoid mistakes.

Jerma's Big Adventure - Players say: As Jerma falls into a cavern, swing a baseball bat, fight robot dinosaurs and warlocks, and escape amid live chat reactions. Players like: Absurd Jerma References · Goofy Comedy · Responsive Controls ·
Read More ▶Less ◀

Oh no! Jerma985 has fallen into a spooky cavern filled with ROBOT dinosaurs and EVIL warlocks. In this wacky action-platformer, fight to escape the treacherous cavern while a live studio chat cheers you on!

Deepest Sword - Players say: Guide a knight through a cave with an ever-growing sword, using its awkward reach to climb toward a dragon. Players like: Clever Sword Mechanic · Short, Funny Experience · Pixel-Art Style ·
Read More ▶Less ◀

Venture deep into the Cavern of Longing in this short-yet-challenging physics platformer. Plunge your sword deep into the dragon's heart! How deep is your resolve?

Deadswitch 3 - Players say: Fight through fast 2D battles, tackle stealth-or-loud co-op missions, survive enemy waves, and unlock gear as you rank up. Players like: Weapon Variety · Survival and Co-op · Punchy Gunplay ·
Read More ▶Less ◀

Deadswitch 3 is a fast-paced 2D multiplayer shooter. Experience action-packed combat with hundreds of weapons and multiple solo and team-based game modes.

Slow and Steady - Players say: Guide a very slow tortoise through a side-scrolling retelling of the tortoise-and-hare race, one tiny step at a time. Players like: Cute Animal Friends · Gentle, Calming Mood · Story and Ending ·
Read More ▶Less ◀

Slow and Steady is a game where you make the slowest tortoise ever reach the finish line.

Screenshot
Screenshot
Screenshot
Apr 27, 2021
88% 👍
of 745
Bacon May Die - Players say: Control a potato-shaped pig in a 2D brawler, fending off enemy hordes with melee strikes, guns, and unlockable gear. Players like: Fast Chaotic Fights · Absurd Pig Humor · Weapon Variety ·
Read More ▶Less ◀

Chaotic bacon-flavored beat'em up with plenty of enemies to smash around

He Needs His Medicine - Players say: A police officer investigates a bizarre apartment, gathers ingredients, and mixes medicine for a creature, with six possible endings. Players like: Unsettling Atmosphere · Distinctive Visuals · Multiple Endings ·
Read More ▶Less ◀

You have been dispatched for a 911 call. From the moment you step inside the apartment, you realize something is really wrong with the place. You are gonna make Him the last dosage. He needs his medicine.

The Little Red Lie - Players say: Returning to the forest years after her grandmother’s death, Red solves puzzles and evades monsters while uncovering the past. Players like: Striking Color Contrast · Creepy Fairy-Tale Retelling · Atmospheric Forest ·
Read More ▶Less ◀

2D side scrolling, adventure, horror game where you avoid monsters and solve puzzles.

Tadpole Tales - Players say: Guide a tadpole through polluted rivers, clearing enemy waves with cleansing shots and taking on river bosses. Players like: Hand-Drawn Art · Boss Designs · Music And Sound ·
Read More ▶Less ◀

A tiny 2D Hand-drawn "Clean 'Em Up" game about a tadpole cleaning rivers and fighting pollution.

Screenshot
Screenshot
Screenshot
Mar 12, 2021
90% 👍
of 874
Introvert: A Teenager Simulator - Players say: As a mute new student, navigate five days of school and social choices after a classmate threatens violence if he stays friendless. Players like: Interesting Premise · Lo-Fi Soundtrack · Voice Acting ·
Read More ▶Less ◀

One of the new guys in school tells you he’s going to shoot up the school if he doesn’t make friends in 5 days. Discover the decisions, people, situations you will encounter while playing and trying to make friends of your own and living your own life.

Tukoni: Prologue - Players say: Guide a forest spirit through a hand-drawn woodland, helping animals by exploring, collecting and combining items to solve visual puzzles. Players like: Hand-Drawn Art · Cozy Atmosphere · Relaxing Puzzles ·
Read More ▶Less ◀

Tukoni: Prologue is a point-and-click puzzle adventure, based on a series of award-winning books by the Ukrainian artist Oksana Bula. Play as Tukoni, the forest spirits, as you meet unique characters, solve captivating puzzles, craft new items, and explore a magical world filled with kindness.

Raji: Prologue - Players say: In ancient India, Raji uses powers granted by the gods to fight demons and search for her captured brother. Players like: Distinctive Visual Style · Indian Mythology · Enjoyable Gameplay ·
Read More ▶Less ◀

Raji: An Ancient Epic is an action-adventure game set in ancient India. A young girl named Raji has been chosen by the gods to stand against the demonic invasion. She must use the powers granted to her by the gods to rescue her brother as she battles to face the demon lord Mahabalasura.

Soldat - Players say: A side-view arena shooter where soldiers use military weapons and jetpacks to battle across seven multiplayer modes. Players like: Nostalgic Classic · Fun With Friends · Fast Combat ·
Read More ▶Less ◀

Soldat is a unique 2D (side-view) multiplayer action game. Soldiers fight against each other in 2D battle arenas using a deadly arsenal of military weapons, across 7 default game modes.

Screenshot
Screenshot
Screenshot
Apr 15, 2020
94% 👍
of 1.8k
Super Bernie World - Players say: Play as Bernie Sanders in a retro side-scrolling platformer, leaping through U.S. levels and dodging political enemies. Players like: Mario-Style Platforming · Political Humor · Pixel Art ·
Read More ▶Less ◀

Join Bernie's movement and transform the United States in this free retro 2D platformer.

Electronic Super Joy 2 - Players say: Chase Mega-Satan’s wish-granting golden butt through a fast, difficult platformer packed with hazards, secrets, and electronic music. Players like: Electronic Soundtrack · Tight Platforming · Absurd Humor ·
Read More ▶Less ◀

Electronic Super Joy 2 is a brutally hard platformer, set in a world of brain-smashing electronic music. Run, jump, smash, & slice your way through 55+ weird & different levels, with giant monsters, swarming missiles & secret areas.

Closers - Players say: Play a superpowered agent defending humanity from dimensional monsters in a side-scrolling action RPG built around combos and skills. Players like: Distinct Character Styles · Fast Combo Combat · Memorable Characters ·
Read More ▶Less ◀

Closers is an episodic anime action RPG bursting with spectacular battles and steeped in an epic storyline. Choose your Closer, gather your friends or dive in solo, and use your amazing powers to protect Earth, in mankind’s desperate battle against horrific monsters from another dimension!

The Ultimatest Battle - Players say: Lead a class-based Nub through team platform battles, blasting destructible arenas in objective, zombie, and boss modes. Players like: Playing With Friends · Chaotic Party Brawls · Unpredictable Physics ·
Read More ▶Less ◀

The Ultimatest Battle is a real-time, 2D platform game in which two teams compete in different game modes with an almost completely destructible environment. UB is a true Free-to-Play, absolutely no Pay-to-Win.

BRAIN / OUT - Players say: A side-view multiplayer shooter where mercenaries battle, use stealth and customize weapons across competitive and extraction modes. Players like: Distinctive 2D Combat · Weapon Variety · Post-Soviet Atmosphere ·
Read More ▶Less ◀

Brain / Out is a multiplayer shooter with a nostalgic post-Soviet feel. Experience dynamic battles and exterminate your enemies with a large arsenal of modern weaponry. Lock'n'load!

MANDAGON - Players say: Guide a totem through a Tibetan-inspired afterlife, platforming across a quiet world to gather tablets and uncover its story. Players like: Calming Atmosphere · Pixel-Art Scenery · Soothing Soundtrack ·
Read More ▶Less ◀

Explore Mandagon, a world inspired by Tibetan theology and philosophy. With a focus on life and death, discover what it means to make a true sacrifice . . .

StarBreak - Players say: Explore hostile sci-fi side-scrolling worlds, battle aliens and bosses with other players, and risk permanent character loss. Players like: Rewarding Gameplay Loop · Skill-Based Challenge · Long-Term Goals ·
Read More ▶Less ◀

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.

Khimera: Destroy All Monster Girls - Players say: As lab-made chimera Chelshia, punch through pirate-held stages, gain upgrades, and reclaim the treasure threatening her island. Players like: Responsive Platforming · Funny Dialogue · Retro Pixel Art ·
Read More ▶Less ◀

Play as Chelshia the chimera in this platforming beat-em-up adventure into the wonderful world of monster girls!

Pink Heaven - Players say: Play as the pink office worker, jumping and shooting through a short 2D adventure to rescue a shopkeeper from UFOs. Players like: Cute Pixel Art · Quick Platforming · Pleasant Music ·
Read More ▶Less ◀

A certain office lady is back!!

Pink Hour - Players say: As a pink-clad office worker, cross a dangerous cave, jump over enemies, and recover lost papers to make it back to work. Players like: Charming Pixel Art · Polished Platforming · Quick Play Sessions ·
Read More ▶Less ◀

Help a pink-clad office lady find a missing document so the boss doesn't get angry in this free spin-off minigame to Kero Blaster.

Teeworlds - Players say: A free 2D side-scrolling shooter where up to 16 players duel, swing with grappling hooks, and capture flags. Players like: Hook-Based Movement · Fast Skillful Combat · Playing With Friends ·
Read More ▶Less ◀

Teeworlds is a free online multiplayer game, available for all major operating systems. Battle with up to 16 players in a variety of game modes, including Team Deathmatch and Capture The Flag. You can even design your own maps!

Screenshot
Screenshot
Screenshot
Aug 24, 2015
89% 👍
of 4.4k
Ori and the Blind Forest - Players say: Guide Ori through a dying forest in a 2D platform adventure focused on precise jumps, evolving movement abilities, and exploration. Players like: Hand-Painted Visuals · Beautiful Soundtrack · Responsive Platforming ·
Read More ▶Less ◀

“Ori and the Blind Forest” tells the tale of a young orphan destined for heroics, through a visually stunning action-platformer crafted by Moon Studios for PC.

Boring Man - Online Tactical Stickman Combat - Players say: Fight rival stick figures in a 2D shooter, combining acrobatic movement, a varied arsenal, and online or bot matches. Players like: Chaotic 2D Combat · Weapon Variety · Nostalgic Friend Sessions ·
Read More ▶Less ◀

Battle other 2D stickfigures online while jumping around like a lunatic and getting blown up into smithereens. With over 70 weapons, Boring Man is the most chaotic and hilarious 2D online shooter on the internet.

Screenshot
Screenshot
Screenshot
Feb 20, 2015
88% 👍
of 5.4k
Ukrainian Ninja - Players say: Play as a ninja who jumps, shoots, and slashes through eight worlds, buying weapons and facing bosses solo or with others. Players like: Varied Weapon Arsenal · Co-op Multiplayer · Relaxed Action ·
Read More ▶Less ◀

Ukrainian Ninja is a multiplayer platformer game for Windows. The Ninja shoots and slashes, using weapons sold by the trader to clear each world.

Screenshot
Screenshot
Screenshot
Dec 23, 2014
77% 👍
of 796