The Highest-Rated Games on Steam, Ranked

Highlights

Steam is generally considered to be the best launcher for PC gaming with over 50,000 titles, including a variety of successful indie games.
User ratings help to identify the best games on Steam, with Left 4 Dead 2, Half-Life: Alyx, and RimWorld among the top-rated titles.
Portal 2 is the highest-rated game on Steam, offering innovative mechanics, challenging puzzles, and even a co-op multiplayer mode.

As a seasoned gamer with over two decades of experience under my belt, I must say it’s truly a delight to see such a diverse and engaging lineup of games gracing the Steam platform today. From the relaxing yet challenging offerings like HoloCure, reminiscent of Vampire Survivors and Halls of Torment, to the immersive world-building of Stardew Valley that echoes the charm of Harvest Moon and Minecraft, there’s something for every taste.

While several game launchers exist, Steam stands out as the premier choice for PC gaming due to its extensive library of over 50,000 games. Among these, a notable number are independent games that have gained significant popularity thanks to Steam’s vast user community.

Although an abundance of options is generally beneficial, deciding on which game to play next can be a bit challenging. Fortunately, this platform enables users to evaluate and comment on various titles, making it straightforward to discover top-rated Steam games by checking out those with the highest player ratings.

As a long-time gaming enthusiast and Steam user, I can confidently say that the following list of games is based on the collective wisdom of thousands of players like myself. Using data from SteamDB, this list only considers titles with more than 25,000 total Steam ratings. In my experience, these high user scores reflect not just fun gameplay, but also a strong community and lasting appeal. So if you’re looking for the cream of the crop on Steam, give these games a try!

15 Slay the Spire

Steam Rating: 96.5% Positive (150k+ Reviews)

The Highest-Rated Games on Steam, Ranked

Among the numerous excellent deck-building games available on Steam, only a handful can rival the acclaim received by Mega Crit’s “Slay the Spire.” Launched in early 2019, this game has significantly boosted the genre’s popularity due to its engaging roguelike features and visually appealing design. Notably, it has attracted a substantial number of players who were fans of Blizzard Entertainment’s “Hearthstone.”

After many years since its debut, “Slay the Spire” continues to be one of Steam’s top games and maintains a robust player community despite its age. For enthusiasts of this genre, it’s practically essential to play, while also being an ideal starting point for those new to roguelike deck-building games.

14 Euro Truck Simulator 2

Steam Rating: 96.6% Positive (750k+ Reviews)

Driving a truck might not seem like a high-fashion career, but there’s an unexpected sense of peace that comes from cruising the roads and highways across Europe in Euro Truck Simulator 2. Intriguingly, this game has garnered over 650 thousand positive reviews on Steam, positioning it among the platform’s most cherished and successful titles.

As a devoted fan speaking now, I must say that even though Euro Truck Simulator 2 is over a decade old, it continues to captivate a substantial number of players worldwide. This longevity can be attributed to the game’s consistent updates and expansions. At the moment, we’re able to traverse an impressive 34 European countries, covering more than half the continent! For enthusiasts of virtual travel or those who appreciate relaxing and repetitive gameplay, Euro Truck Simulator 2 offers a unique and engaging experience that keeps us coming back for more.

13 Pizza Tower

Steam Rating: 96.7% Positive (50k+ Reviews)

As a passionate gaming enthusiast, I’m thrilled to share my excitement about one of the freshest additions to the Steam hall of fame, released back in early 2023 – the captivating “Pizza Tower”. This newcomer has quickly climbed its way up the ranks among the highest-rated games on Steam.

As a longtime gamer with years of experience under my belt, I have to say that this game stands out as one of the most exciting and visually stunning platformers I’ve ever played. The over-the-top action is unlike anything I’ve seen before, making it feel fresh and unique in the sea of similar games. The striking visuals and bombastic soundtrack only add to its appeal, transporting me into a world that feels like a dream come true for any gamer.

12 The Henry Stickmin Collection

Steam Rating: 96.7% Positive (40k+ Reviews)

As a passionate gamer, I can’t help but give a shoutout to Innersloth, the brilliant minds behind the sensationally popular imposter game Among Us. However, it’s essential not to overlook their other captivating creation: The Henry Stickmin Collection. This gem is actually a revamped version of one of the studio’s founding fathers’ early flash games, offering a fresh take on the titular character’s storyline and even introducing a thrilling new chapter as part of its release.

Although The Henry Stickmin Collection only reached a maximum player base of 2,812, it doesn’t hold a candle to the popularity of other top Steam games. However, an impressive number of those who did play it appreciated it enough to give it positive reviews. This implies that players willing to overlook the game’s simple aesthetics are likely to discover enjoyment from this delightful choose-your-own-adventure title.

11 Left 4 Dead 2

Steam Rating: 96.7% Positive (850k+ Reviews)

In terms of cooperative multiplayer games, it’s hard to beat “Left 4 Dead 2” from 2009. This game significantly improves upon its predecessor’s solid groundwork, delivering one of the most thrilling and enjoyable first-person shooter experiences of the 21st century.

In a world infested by ravenous zombies, you take on the role of a lone survivor, working alongside three others in a desperate bid for survival. This game has sparked numerous other cooperative zombie-themed titles and undeniably deserves its high standing among Steam’s top games.

10 Half-Life: Alyx

Steam Rating: 96.8% Positive (75k+ Reviews)

While there are numerous impressive virtual reality games available, it’s not common to find many that have been created by big, renowned studios such as Valve. However, Half-Life: Alyx stands out as one of the rare exceptions and showcases the potential of this technology when ample resources are invested in its development.

5 years after the events of Half-Life 2: Episode Two, we find ourselves in Half-Life: Alyx, where players assume the role of 19-year-old Alyx Vance as she navigates a quarantine zone to uncover the truth about a Combine superweapon called The Vault. This game is visually stunning from start to finish and is a must-play for anyone who loves virtual reality gaming.

9 RimWorld

Steam Rating: 96.8% Positive (175k+ Reviews)

As an avid fan, I’d like to share the fascinating journey of how RimWorld came into existence. It all started with a successful Kickstarter campaign led by developer Tynan Sylvester, who managed to gather a substantial sum of around $200,000. This generous contribution allowed him to bring his vision to reality. Fast forward approximately two and a half years, the game was finally released on Steam in 2018. And four years after that, the console version hit the market, allowing players like me to enjoy this incredible game across various platforms.

In this construction and administration game, players found immense enjoyment due to its AI-driven narrative creator, which keeps each gaming experience unique. With over 160,000 reviews on Steam, most users highly recommend it.

8 Terraria

Steam Rating: 96.9% Positive (1.25m+ Reviews)

As a gamer, I can’t help but sing the praises of Terraria – a game that truly stands out in the crowded landscape of digital entertainment. With over a million glowing reviews on Steam, it’s earned a spot in the hall of fame, surpassing the combined positive ratings of five out of six top-rated games!

Created by Re-Logic and distributed by 505 Games, the game known as Terraria is a 2D sandbox title with crafting features, primarily focused on exploration. Often described as a blend between Minecraft and Metroid, this combination has proven to be exceptionally popular, selling over 44 million copies since its launch in May 2011.

7 HoloCure – Save the Fans!

Steam Rating: 97.1% Positive (25k+ Reviews)

While not universally acclaimed as a top Steam game due to its relatively low player base (less than 15,000 ratings at the time of writing), it’s hard to brush aside the praise HoloCure – Save the Fans! has received. This free, fan-made game modeled after Vampire Survivors boasts a high positive review ratio, with the majority of players recommending its play.

Fans of games such as “Vampire Survivors” and “Halls of Torment” will find themselves drawn to “HoloCure”, especially if they appreciate anime-style characters. It’s one of the genre’s calmer options, boasting vibrant graphics and a lively soundtrack that provide a welcome contrast. However, it doesn’t skimp on depth, ensuring multiple playthroughs due to its replay value.

6 Portal

Steam Rating: 97.1% Positive (150k+ Reviews)

As a gamer, I’ve gotta say, there’s something truly special about diving into the world of Portal. Its engaging storyline and cleverly designed puzzles make it a game that’s hard to put down. In essence, you’re using these nifty two-way portals to navigate through a series of brain-teasing challenges, with the laws of physics and momentum adding an extra layer of complexity to the mix.

In contrast to many other games from the turn of the century, the storyline of Portal is remarkably simple. Players take on the role of a test subject known as Chell, navigating through a sequence of tests with the aim of pleasing a witty and malicious AI named GLaDOS. Despite its straightforward plot, it’s highly entertaining and definitely worth checking out for puzzle game enthusiasts.

5 Hades

Steam Rating: 97.2% Positive (250k+ Reviews)

In recent times, there’s been a significant surge in the appeal of the roguelike genre, as demonstrated by the phenomenal success of Supergiant Games’ title, “Hades.” Launched towards the end of 2020, this game boasts a Metacritic score of 93 and ranks high among Steam users for its excellent ratings.

In this game, named after the mythical realm, players assume the role of Zagreus, the son of Hades. The objective is to break free from the underworld and ascend to Mount Olympus. However, achieving this goal requires overcoming multiple obstacles and winning the support of various deities residing in the lofty heights of Olympus.

4 Vampire Survivors

Steam Rating: 97.3% Positive (225k+ Reviews)

As a passionate gamer, I can’t help but notice the meteoric rise of the roguelike genre, and one game that truly stands out is the captivating twin-stick shooter, Vampire Survivors. This gem is crafted by the talented Italian indie game developer, Luca Galante. Initially released as an early access title on Steam towards the end of 2021, it finally saw a full release in October of the following year.

Initially, Vampire Survivors appears visually and mechanically straightforward. But as you delve deeper, you start to appreciate the intricate care taken in designing each minute detail. Add to that a wealth of hidden features and rewards, and it’s this combination that has solidified its status among Steam’s top games.

3 Stardew Valley

Steam Rating: 97.5% Positive (725k+ Reviews)

Eric Barone, it seems, drew inspiration from games like Harvest Moon, Story of Seasons, and Minecraft during the creation of Stardew Valley. The impact of these games can definitely be seen in the finished product. Furthermore, it’s obvious that a great deal of effort and dedication were poured into this labor of love, a fact that is apparent in virtually every aspect of the game.

Stardew Valley injected a burst of energy into the simulation game category, which was growing somewhat monotonous at the time of its launch. Consequently, Barone’s innovative approach to the genre sparked numerous imitators, but none have managed to replicate Stardew Valley’s achievement in popularity.

2 People Playground

Steam Rating: 97.5% Positive (250k+ Reviews)

Launched on Steam back in 2019, “People Playground” offers a sandbox experience where players can engage in imaginative ways to eliminate ragdoll characters. Unlike many top-rated games on Steam, “People Playground” is an independent production, which makes its outstanding recommendation rate on the platform even more noteworthy.

While undeniably well-known, People Playground is relatively unknown compared to other renowned games in its category. As of now, it lacks any critic ratings on Metacritic and doesn’t have a dedicated Wikipedia page.

1 Portal 2

Steam Rating: 97.7% Positive (375k+ Reviews)

In numerous aspects, “Portal 2” stands out as an exceptional follow-up. It builds upon the qualities that made its predecessor so captivating, enhancing them with innovative new gameplay mechanics, puzzles, and even a cooperative multiplayer experience. The combination of these advancements and familiar elements earns it top marks on Steam, making it one of the highest-rated games available.

Just like last time, I find myself back in the shoes of Aperture Science test subject Chell, navigating an array of intricate physics-based puzzles. Once again, the witty GLaDOS AI is my constant companion, but this time around, she’s got a new sidekick – Wheatley, a secondary antagonist voiced brilliantly by the humorous British writer and comedian, Stephen Merchant.

2024-08-04 09:54