15 Best Games on Steam You Can’t Miss in 2026
When it comes to the best games on Steam, the selection seems endless – and that’s part of the fun. Steam has long stopped being just a platform for launching games. It’s a whole world, where hidden gems from indie developers sit alongside big AAA games.
Among these best games on Steam, it’s easy to get lost, especially if you’re looking for something worthwhile but aren’t exactly sure what you’re after.
The best way to find something interesting and save time is to check out the list of best Steam games we’ve put together for you today.
These aren’t random titles; these are games that truly stand out. Whether you’re a fan of action-adventure, RPGs, or co-op battles, you’ll find options here that you’ll want to add to your library.
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Our Top Picks for Steam Games
When it comes to the truly best Steam games, the first thing that comes to mind is those games that leave a lasting impression after you finish them. These are expansive RPGs, thrilling action-adventures, heartfelt life stories, or free-to-play hits where you can easily rack up hundreds of hours.
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Buy nowBaldur’s Gate 3 2023A deep RPG with elements of Dungeons & Dragons, where every choice affects the story and the world.
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Buy nowPortal 2 2011A puzzle game with a unique portal mechanic, great humor, and an engaging co-op mode.
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Buy nowElden Ring 2022An open world from FromSoftware, featuring brutal combat, tough bosses, and hidden secrets.
Looking for even more interesting games? Keep reading, below we’ll tell you more not only about these titles but also about other top projects on Steam that definitely deserve your attention.
15 Best Games on Steam That Absolutely Deserve Your Time
When it comes to the best games on Steam, I often find it hard to pick just a few titles. There’s such a huge selection of games in this universe that anyone can find something they enjoy.
From deep role-playing games where every dialogue matters, to crazy co-op titles that you can play with friends in the evening. In the list below, I’ve included titles that truly showcase everything Steam has to offer.
Playing each of these games is a true joy, and you can’t just pass them by.
1. Baldur’s Gate 3 [Best RPG Game]
- Platforms
- PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, GeForce Now, Windows, Mac OS
- Release Date
- 2023
- Best For
- Players who love weighty choices and vivid companions
- Developer
- Larian Studios
- Publisher
- Larian Studios
- Features
- Turn-based D&D 5e combat, branching choices, romanceable companions, 4-player co-op
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Baldur’s Gate 3 is what I’d call a true masterpiece of role-playing games with a deeply thought-out world. Every decision you make here matters. Every battle isn’t just a mindless use of weapons and magic. A tactical approach is absolutely essential – otherwise, you simply won’t get any further.
I’d recommend this game to anyone who enjoys making choices and is looking for vivid characters. If you’ve already had the chance to experience the game, be sure to check out the ranking of best games like Baldur’s Gate 3 to find something else interesting for yourself.
GAMES LIKE BALDUR’S GATE 3
2. Portal 2 [Best Puzzle Game in Gaming History]
- Platforms
- Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 3, macOS, Xbox 360, Windows, Linux, GeForce Now, Mac OS
- Release Date
- 2011
- Best For
- Puzzle lovers who like a dose of dark humor with their logic
- Developer
- Valve
- Publisher
- Valve
- Features
- Portal gun puzzles, GLaDOS and Wheatley, gels and light bridges, separate co-op campaign
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What you’re looking at isn’t just a puzzle – it’s an entire tangled world waiting to be unraveled. And also, meet GLaDOS – a genetic lifeform that, over the course of the story, will try to get rid of you in various ways.
It’s the perfect mix of battle and puzzle, and it’s hard to pull yourself away until the final credits. The game has won over 70 awards in the gaming industry for its music and story. And there’s also co-op – grab your portal guns with a friend and dive into solving puzzles together.
GAMES LIKE PORTAL 2
3. Elden Ring [Best Action RPG game]
- Platforms
- PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows
- Release Date
- 2022
- Best For
- Challenge seekers who want a vast world full of brutal bosses
- Developer
- FromSoftware
- Publisher
- Bandai Namco Entertainment
- Features
- Open Lands Between, Torrent mount, Spirit Ash summons, legacy dungeons
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Elden Ring has rightfully earned its spot in the rankings of top RPG games among players. It’s a grand open world where every move you make can lead to an epic battle.
The game will appeal to those who enjoy a variety of gameplay mechanics – fighting, character development, exploration of new areas, and atmospheric boss battles. If you like adding challenges to your life, Elden Ring was definitely made for you.
GAMES LIKE ELDEN RING
4. Red Dead Redemption 2 [Best Open-World Adventure Game]
- Platforms
- PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Stadia, Windows
- Release Date
- 2018
- Best For
- Patient explorers who want to soak in a living Wild West
- Developer
- Rockstar Games
- Publisher
- Rockstar Games
- Features
- Honor system, hunting and fishing, Dead Eye targeting, Red Dead Online
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Red Dead Redemption 2 is a game I’d place among the best open world games. It realistically recreates the atmosphere of the Wild West. It’s a massive territory filled with unique characters, stories, and opportunities for exploration.
The missions are quite varied – from intense shootouts to peaceful strolls through majestic American landscapes, and even wild animal hunting. Small spoiler – the game takes time to accelerate, giving you more space to explore the world. But I recommend pushing through a little further – trust me, Red Dead Redemption 2 will definitely end up on your list of favorite games.
GAMES LIKE RED DEAD REDEMPTION 2
5. Vampire Survivors [Best Indie Survival Game]
- Platforms
- PC, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
- Release Date
- 2021
- Best For
- Anyone after quick, addictive runs with one-more-go appeal
- Developer
- Poncle
- Publisher
- poncle
- Features
- Auto-firing weapons, weapon evolutions, hordes of hundreds, unlockable characters
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One of the most exciting indie projects among the great roguelike games, offering a unique survival experience in a world full of vampires. The gameplay mechanics are quite simple, but the process is captivating.
After each round, you’ll want to start another. I also enjoyed the retro-style graphics. Each run is a new story, perfect for challenge enthusiasts. Just try it, and you won’t be able to stop.
GAMES LIKE VAMPIRE SURVIVORS
6. Stardew Valley [Best Farming Simulation]
- Platforms
- PC, PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
- Release Date
- 2016
- Best For
- Players craving a cozy escape from fast-paced action
- Developer
- ConcernedApe
- Publisher
- ConcernedApe
- Features
- Crop and animal farming, villager friendships and marriage, mine dungeons, 4-player co-op
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If you’re tired of action and just want to spend some quiet time completing various quests, check out Stardew Valley. Here, you can build your own farm, make friends with neighbors, explore mysterious caves, and much more.
Every player will find something they love. I enjoy the game for its simple graphics, but it’s still bright and cozy. I would recommend it to anyone looking for simple tranquility in their everyday life.
GAMES LIKE STARDEW VALLEY
7. Hollow Knight [Best Metroidvania Game]
- Platforms
- PC, PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
- Release Date
- 2017
- Best For
- Explorers who love a mysterious kingdom and tough fights
- Developer
- Team Cherry
- Publisher
- Team Cherry
- Features
- Hand-drawn Hallownest, charm loadouts, map-buying exploration, 40+ bosses
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If you’re a fan of the top metroidvania games, you simply can’t miss Hollow Knight. The world is beautiful, boundless, but every corner hides unique enemies and puzzles. Exploration starts literally within minutes after launching the game.
Fight your way through dangerous dungeons, battle powerful enemies, and gradually unravel the mysteries of the abandoned kingdom. The game will appeal to exploration enthusiasts and those who believe that games are not just about entertainment, but about a deep story filled with meaning and emotions.
GAMES LIKE HOLLOW KNIGHT
8. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt [Best Action RPG of All Time]
- Platforms
- PC, PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
- Release Date
- 2015
- Best For
- Fans of story-rich fantasy and morally grey side quests
- Developer
- CD Projekt Red
- Publisher
- CD Projekt
- Features
- Monster contracts, signs and alchemy, Gwent card game, two large story expansions
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One of the top RPGs, with an excellent atmosphere, story, and character development. It’s one of the best adaptations of books into the world of video games. You take on the role of Geralt of Rivia, a monster hunter.
He embarks on a journey through a vast world full of not only story missions but also side quests. And of course, there are enemies everywhere. If you enjoy thrilling RPG games, The Witcher 3 cannot disappoint.
GAMES LIKE THE WITCHER
9. Cyberpunk 2077 [Best Open-World Game in a Futuristic Setting]
- Platforms
- PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
- Release Date
- 2020
- Best For
- Sci-fi fans who want big choices in a neon-soaked city
- Developer
- CD Projekt Red
- Publisher
- CD Projekt
- Features
- Cyberware upgrades, branching life paths, Keanu Reeves as Johnny Silverhand, Phantom Liberty DLC
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Cyberpunk 2077 is one of the most ambitious and unique RPGs that deserves your attention. Welcome to Night City – a city where you’ll encounter intricate storylines, complex characters, and a wide range of decisions that will impact your gameplay. And of course, there’s Keanu Reeves, who inspired one of the key characters.
At launch, the game was quite buggy, but thanks to constant updates, the developer has achieved an incredible result. Keep in mind that the latest patch releases are not available on the PS4. However, there’s no such issue on next-gen consoles, and the game can also confidently be included in the list of the best Steam Deck games.
GAMES LIKE CYBERPUNK 2077
10. Doom Eternal [Best Hardcore Action Shooter]
- Platforms
- PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
- Release Date
- 2020
- Best For
- Shooter fans who crave nonstop, high-speed demon slaying
- Developer
- id Software
- Publisher
- Bethesda Softworks
- Features
- Glory kills, chainsaw ammo refills, Meathook dash, Battlemode multiplayer
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Great game for fans of dynamic shooters. If you enjoy intense battles and powerful weapons, the game is definitely worth your money. You once again take on the role of Doomguy, just like in the original series, and fight against an army of demons.
The character has enough weapons and abilities to choose a playstyle that suits you. Plus, every battle here tests your nerves to the limit.
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11. Half-Life: Alyx [Best VR Game]
- Platforms
- PC (VR)
- Release Date
- 2020
- Best For
- VR headset owners who want a flagship story shooter
- Developer
- Valve
- Publisher
- Valve
- Features
- Gravity Gloves, physics-driven interaction, multitool puzzles, Steam Workshop mods
This is a vibrant return to the world of Half-Life, but in an absolutely new format. If you’re a lucky owner of a virtual reality headset, you definitely need to download this game.
Unlike the original series, here you control Alyx Vance, who must destroy alien invaders and save the world from a looming threat. The visual effects, sound design, and interaction with the environment are top-notch.
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12. Divinity: Original Sin 2 [Best RPG with Strategy Elements]
- Platforms
- Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, macOS, Nintendo Switch, iOS, iPadOS
- Release Date
- 2018
- Best For
- Tactics lovers who want deep turn-based fights with friends
- Developer
- Larian Studios
- Publisher
- Larian Studios
- Features
- Elemental surface combos, freeform skill classes, Game Master mode, 4-player co-op
This game rightfully holds the title of one of the best RPGs of all time. A vast world filled with quests and a well-thought-out combat system. It hooks you from the first moment. The battles here are tactical – you can’t just swing your weapon around.
It’s important to use the hero’s unique abilities to defeat enemies. Another plus of the game is the cooperative mode for playing with friends.
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13. Hades [Best Roguelike Game]
- Platforms
- PC, PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
- Release Date
- 2019
- Best For
- Players who value replayability and slick, fast combat
- Developer
- Supergiant Games
- Publisher
- Supergiant Games
- Features
- Olympian god boons, six weapons with aspects, story that unfolds across runs, God Mode
Hades is another top-tier roguelike game that stands out with its unique dynamic combat system and captivating storyline. Here, you play as Zagreus, the son of Hades, who is trying to escape the Underworld.
Along the way, he fights numerous enemies, gaining new abilities and skills. The combat is artistic here – it gives vibes of an astounding beat-em-up game. The game features interesting characters, each with their own backstory. If you value replayability in games, this is the one for you.
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14. Dead by Daylight [Best Multiplayer Horror Game]
- Platforms
- PC, PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
- Release Date
- 2016
- Best For
- Friend groups who want tense, team-based horror matches
- Developer
- Behaviour Interactive
- Publisher
- Behaviour Interactive
- Features
- 4v1 asymmetric matches, licensed horror killers, perk builds, regular seasonal events
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Dead by Daylight will appeal to fans of multiplayer games where battles are filled with horror elements. Players can choose from several maps, where four players face off against a fifth player who takes on the role of the killer.
Every match is an intense fight, where success depends on teamwork. The game constantly holds new events, which is why it maintains its relevance, even though it was released back in 2016.
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15. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim [Best Fantasy RPG]
- Platforms
- PC, PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
- Release Date
- 2011
- Best For
- Fantasy fans who want endless side quests and freedom
- Developer
- Bethesda Game Studios
- Publisher
- Bethesda Softworks
- Features
- Dragon shouts, use-based skill leveling, radiant quests, huge modding community
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One of the best RPG games of all time, with excellent graphics (considering the release date in 2011), a meticulously thought-out storyline, and plenty of side quests. Take on the role of the Dragonborn, a Dovahkiin, who must free the world from enormous monsters.
The game is famous for its vast world, from endless forests to dark dungeons filled with dangers. The game includes special talents for characters, which you will develop as you progress through the story and complete side quests.
GAMES LIKE THE ELDER SCROLLS V: SKYRIM
FAQs
What is the best Steam game to buy?
That’s a tough question because every player has their own tastes. Personally, I would say that Baldur’s Gate 3 is in a league of its own. It has a deep story, a great choice system, well-developed characters, and tons of ways to play the game.
If you’d like to explore a huge and immersive world, I’d recommend playing Red Dead Redemption 2.
How to share games on Steam?
Steam allows you to share your library through the Family Library Sharing feature. This lets you provide access to your library with family members or friends who live in the same region of the world.
It’s all secure, as you get to choose which games on your account they’ll have access to.
How to play Steam games on your phone?
You can play games from your phone through the Steam Link app. A stable internet connection is important, as the game is streamed via cloud technology. I recommend using a gamepad, as it will make the experience much more satisfying.
