The Ultimate Guide to the Top 10 Steam Games of All Time

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 on Steam have highlighted Left 4 Dead 2, Half-Life: Alyx, and RimWorld as some of the top-rated games. However, Portal 2 stands out as the highest-rated game on the platform, thanks to its innovative mechanics, challenging puzzles, and the added bonus of a co-op multiplayer mode.

Steam is widely regarded as the top platform for PC gaming, surpassing other launchers in popularity. With over fifty thousand titles available, including a robust collection of indie games, the success of many of these games can be attributed to the extensive user base on Steam.

Although having numerous options is advantageous, it can sometimes be challenging to decide which game to play next. Thankfully, Steam provides users with the ability to rate and review titles, simplifying the process of identifying the best games by seeking out those with the highest ratings from fellow players.

The following list is made up of the ten most highly-rated games on Steam based on user scores and uses data from SteamDB.

10 Left 4 Dead 2 (96.7%)

When it comes to cooperative multiplayer games, few can match the excellence of Left 4 Dead 2. Released in 2009, this game superbly builds upon the already solid framework established by its predecessor, delivering an incredibly thrilling and enjoyable first-person shooter experience that stands out among the best of the 21st century.

9 Half-Life: Alyx (96.8%)

: A thrilling adventure awaits in a post-apocalyptic world swarming with ravenous zombies. Step into the shoes of a resourceful survivor and team up with three companions to ensure your survival. This game served as a catalyst for numerous cooperative zombie-themed games, solidifying its well-deserved position among the top games on Steam.

Numerous awe-inspiring virtual reality games grace the gaming world, but only a handful have emerged from the prestigious developer, Valve. Half-Life: Alyx stands as a remarkable anomaly, portraying the full potential of this innovative technology when substantial resources are devoted to its creation.

8 RimWorld (96.8%)

Set in a world five years after the events of Half-Life 2: Episode Two, Half-Life: Alyx immerses players in the shoes of 19-year-old Alyx Vance as she embarks on a perilous journey through the quarantine zone in pursuit of the truth behind The Vault, a formidable superweapon developed by the Combine. This awe-inspiring title captivates players from beginning to end, making it an absolute must-play for all VR enthusiasts.

RimWorld was born from a successful Kickstarter campaign led by developer Tynan Sylvester, who managed to raise slightly over $200,000 to turn their creative dreams into reality. Approximately two and a half years later, the game made its debut on Steam, followed by a console edition arriving four years down the line.

This construction and management simulation game has garnered immense popularity among players due to its AI-powered story generator, guaranteeing unique playthroughs each time. The game has received reviews from over 160 thousand users on Steam, with the vast majority highly recommending it.

7 Terraria (97.0%)

Terraria stands out for its remarkable number of ratings and reviews. With over 1.1 million positive ratings, it surpasses the combined total of five of the top-rated games on Steam. Although the ratio of positive to negative ratings may be slightly lower, this accomplishment remains truly extraordinary.

6 Portal (97.1%)

Developed by Re-Logic and published by 505 Games, Terraria is an immensely popular 2D sandbox game that focuses on exploration and crafting mechanics. The game's combination of Minecraft-like gameplay and Metroid-inspired elements has led to its tremendous success, with over 44 million copies sold since its initial launch in May 2011.

Portal offers an exceptional writing and intricate puzzles that leave players captivated. With the game's core premise centered around utilizing two-way portals to overcome a series of challenges, the incorporation of physics and momentum further enhances the overall gameplay experience.

5 Hades (97.3%)

Also, the plot of Portal sets itself apart from other video games of the turn-of-the-century by its remarkable simplicity. Chell, the protagonist, is assigned the task of completing a series of tests under the control of GLaDOS, a sharp-tongued and mischievous AI system. Despite its straightforward narrative, Portal provides an enjoyable experience, making it an effortless recommendation for fans of puzzle games.

In recent years, the roguelike genre has experienced a tremendous surge in popularity, exemplified by the tremendous success of Hades, developed by Supergiant Games. Launched in late 2020, this game has earned an impressive rating of 93 on Metacritic and is widely regarded as one of the highest-rated games among Steam users.

Hades, drawing inspiration from Greek mythology, allows players to assume the role of Zagreus, the son of the Greek god from which the game derives its name. By overcoming a multitude of challenges and earning the favor of various Olympians, Zagreus strives to escape the underworld and ascend Mount Olympus.

4 Stardew Valley (97.3%)

Stardew Valley, developed by Eric Barone, draws inspiration from beloved titles such as Harvest Moon, Story of Seasons, and Minecraft. This influence is clearly reflected in the final release, showcasing Barone's talent for game design. Moreover, the tremendous care and attention poured into this passion project are evident in every aspect of the game.

Stardew Valley revitalized the simulation genre, which had grown weary at the time of its release. Consequently, Barone's innovative approach to the genre spawned numerous imitators, yet none have achieved the level of success that Stardew Valley has attained.

3 Vampire Survivors (97.4%)

Vampire Survivors, created by Luca Galante, is an acclaimed twin-stick shooter game that exemplifies the escalating fame of the roguelike genre. Originating as an early access version on Steam towards the end of 2021, the game later hit the shelves in October of the subsequent year.

2 People Playground (97.5%)

Vampire Survivors is a game that may appear quite simple at first, both visually and mechanically. However, the more you delve into it, the more intricacies and attention to detail become evident. The developers have gone above and beyond to meticulously craft every aspect of the game, leaving no stone unturned. Additionally, the abundance of hidden secrets and unlockables only add to the overall experience. These qualities have undoubtedly contributed to Vampire Survivors earning its well-deserved place among the top games available on Steam.

People Playground, launched on Steam in 2019, is an indie sandbox game that actively promotes the imaginative elimination of ragdolls through various means. Its remarkable popularity on the platform is particularly noteworthy considering the plethora of highly acclaimed titles available.

People Playground, despite its evident popularity, remains relatively unknown in comparison to other leading games in the market. As of now, the game lacks any critic ratings on Metacritic and is yet to have its dedicated Wikipedia page.

1 Portal 2 (97.7%)

Portal 2 is an exceptional sequel in every aspect. It not only retains the brilliance of the original game but also elevates it to new heights with the addition of captivating mechanics, mind-bending puzzles, and an immersive co-op multiplayer experience. This amalgamation of new elements and familiar features has propelled Portal 2 to become the highest-rated game on Steam.

In Portal 2, players once again take control of Chell, the test subject of Aperture Science. Chell is faced with a succession of intricate puzzles that revolve around physics. Making a comeback in this installment is GLaDOS, the infamous antagonist, and she is accompanied by a new character named Wheatley. The role of Wheatley is brilliantly brought to life by the talented British writer and comedian Stephen Merchant.