Free Strategy Games on Steam
Steam currently has 32,680 Strategy games available to download and play. Explore our list of the best free games ranked by popularity and ratings. Data for this list is calculated from reviews and player counts reported directly by Steam and will be updated in real-time. Free Strategy game rankings were last updated on 9/11/2024.
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1. Counter-Strike 2
For over two decades, Counter-Strike has offered an elite competitive experience, one shaped by millions of players from across the globe. And now the next chapter in the CS story is about to begin. This is Counter-Strike 2.
Counter-Strike 2 holds the #1 spot for "best free Strategy game on Steam" with a Player Score of 87. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 8,306,008 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 7,232,254 positive reviews and 1,073,754 negative reviews — making it "Very Positive" on Steam.
It can be played and ran on both Windows and Linux systems. At the moment, it is possible to play Counter-Strike 2 on the Steam Deck (though some functionality may be limited).
2. Dota 2
Every day, millions of players worldwide enter battle as one of over a hundred Dota heroes. And no matter if it's their 10th hour of play or 1,000th, there's always something new to discover. With regular updates that ensure a constant evolution of gameplay, features, and heroes, Dota 2 has taken on a life of its own.
Dota 2 has achieved a Player Score of 81, placing it in the #2 spot for the best free Strategy games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 2,319,904 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 1,893,731 positive reviews and 426,173 negative reviews — making it "Very Positive" on Steam.
It can be played and ran on Windows, Mac, and Linux systems. At the moment, it is possible to play Dota 2 on the Steam Deck (though some functionality may be limited).
3. PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS
Play PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS for free. Land on strategic locations, loot weapons and supplies, and survive to become the last team standing across various, diverse Battlegrounds. Squad up and join the Battlegrounds for the original Battle Royale experience that only PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS can offer.
PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS has achieved a Player Score of 59, placing it in the #3 spot for the best free Strategy games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 2,430,268 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 1,428,477 positive reviews and 1,001,791 negative reviews — making it "Mixed" on Steam.
It can be played and ran on Windows systems. At the moment, it is not possible to play or run PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS on the Steam Deck.
- Release Date:12/21/2017
- Developer:KRAFTON, Inc.
- Publisher:KRAFTON, Inc.
- Last Updated:9/19/2024
- Steam App Id:578080
4. Banana
Banana is a clicker Game, in which you click a Banana! In Banana you click the Banana to gain even more Bananas! Every 3, you get dropped a banana. Each banana is also made by the community in discord. Come hang out with us and let's grow into something awesome !
Banana has achieved a Player Score of 81, placing it in the #4 spot for the best free Strategy games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 44,080 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 36,217 positive reviews and 7,863 negative reviews — making it "Very Positive" on Steam.
It can be played and ran on both Windows and Linux systems. Valve has also verified it as playable on the Steam Deck and will run well.
- Release Date:4/23/2024
- Developers:
- Publishers:
- Last Updated:9/16/2024
- Steam App Id:2923300
5. Once Human
Once Human is a multiplayer open-world survival game set in a strange, post-apocalyptic future. Unite with friends to fight monstrous enemies, uncover secret plots, compete for resources, and build your own territory. Once, you were merely human. Now, you have the power to remake the world.
Once Human has achieved a Player Score of 71, placing it in the #5 spot for the best free Strategy games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 87,721 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 63,230 positive reviews and 24,491 negative reviews — making it "Mostly Positive" on Steam.
It can be played and ran on Windows systems. At the moment, it is not possible to play or run Once Human on the Steam Deck.
- Release Date:7/9/2024
- Developer:Starry Studio
- Publisher:Starry Studio
- Last Updated:9/13/2024
- Steam App Id:2139460
6. Governor of Poker 3
Governor of Poker 3 is the best multiplayer poker game with a great design. In this multi-player version of Governor of Poker you compete live with thousands of real poker players to prove you are the number 1 Texas Hold ’em poker star!
Governor of Poker 3 has achieved a Player Score of 69, placing it in the #6 spot for the best free Strategy games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 15,301 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 10,682 positive reviews and 4,619 negative reviews — making it "Mixed" on Steam.
It can be played and ran on both Windows and Mac systems. At the moment, it is possible to play Governor of Poker 3 on the Steam Deck (though some functionality may be limited).
- Release Date:2/19/2016
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- Publishers:
- Last Updated:9/12/2024
- Steam App Id:436150
7. Yu-Gi-Oh! Master Duel
Yu-Gi-Oh! MASTER DUEL is the ultimate free-to-play cross-platform strategy card game with fast-paced Duels, stunning HD graphics and a new, dynamic soundtrack! Get ready to challenge Duelists around the world!
Yu-Gi-Oh! Master Duel has achieved a Player Score of 74, placing it in the #7 spot for the best free Strategy games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 76,757 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 57,791 positive reviews and 18,966 negative reviews — making it "Mostly Positive" on Steam.
It can be played and ran on Windows systems. Valve has also verified it as playable on the Steam Deck and will run well.
- Release Date:1/19/2022
- Franchise:Yu-Gi-Oh!
- Developers:
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- Last Updated:9/19/2024
- Steam App Id:1449850
8. Cats
Cats — and that says it all. Interactive cat clicker. Click on cats for new cats. That's all, really.
Cats has achieved a Player Score of 75, placing it in the #8 spot for the best free Strategy games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 2,391 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 1,852 positive reviews and 539 negative reviews — making it "Mostly Positive" on Steam.
It can be played and ran on Windows systems. Valve has also verified it as playable on the Steam Deck and will run well.
- Release Date:5/21/2024
- Franchise:100 Cozy Games
- Developer:100 Cozy Games
- Publisher:100 Cozy Games
- Last Updated:8/28/2024
- Steam App Id:2977660
9. Tapple - Idle Clicker
Welcome to Tapple, the idle clicker game where every tap brings you closer to an ever-growing collection of Tapples. Build your empire one tap at a time, discover unique Tapple drops, and experience the rewarding gameplay that keeps you coming back for more.
Tapple - Idle Clicker has achieved a Player Score of 68, placing it in the #9 spot for the best free Strategy games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 444 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 315 positive reviews and 129 negative reviews — making it "Mostly Positive" on Steam.
It can be played and ran on Windows, Mac, and Linux systems. Valve has also verified it as playable on the Steam Deck and will run well.
- Release Date:6/29/2024
- Developer:Zeeno
- Publishers:
- Last Updated:9/19/2024
- Steam App Id:3047030
10. Eternal Return
Eternal Return is a free-to-play, 2.5D perspective Battle Royale game. Search, Craft, Hunt, and Fight using a variety of characters. Plan your strategy and become the last survivor on this eternal experiment.
Eternal Return has achieved a Player Score of 78, placing it in the #10 spot for the best free Strategy games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 59,265 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 46,956 positive reviews and 12,309 negative reviews — making it "Mostly Positive" on Steam.
It can be played and ran on Windows systems. At the moment, it is possible to play Eternal Return on the Steam Deck (though some functionality may be limited).
- Release Date:7/20/2023
- Developer:Nimble Neuron
- Publishers:
- Last Updated:9/15/2024
- Steam App Id:1049590
More Free Strategy Games
Explore even more rankings for the 100 best free Strategy games available on Steam.
Soures & References
Steambase has best-in-class data powered directly by Steam, our data partners, and in-house experts. Player counts and rankings are enriched, analyzed, and updated in real-time to ensure we surface the most up-to-date insights. Learn more about the Steambase approach to data collection and our review methodology.
- Valve Corporation. (2024, September 11). Steam Store. Steam Store. https://store.steampowered.com
- Valve Corporation. (2024, September 11). Counter-Strike 2 on Steam. Steam Store. https://store.steampowered.com/app/730
- Valve Corporation. (2024, September 18). Dota 2 on Steam. Steam Store. https://store.steampowered.com/app/570
- Valve Corporation. (2024, September 19). PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS on Steam. Steam Store. https://store.steampowered.com/app/578080
- Valve Corporation. (2024, September 16). Banana on Steam. Steam Store. https://store.steampowered.com/app/2923300
- Valve Corporation. (2024, September 13). Once Human on Steam. Steam Store. https://store.steampowered.com/app/2139460
- Valve Corporation. (2024, September 12). Governor of Poker 3 on Steam. Steam Store. https://store.steampowered.com/app/436150
- Valve Corporation. (2024, September 19). Yu-Gi-Oh! Master Duel on Steam. Steam Store. https://store.steampowered.com/app/1449850
- Valve Corporation. (2024, August 28). Cats on Steam. Steam Store. https://store.steampowered.com/app/2977660
- Valve Corporation. (2024, September 19). Tapple - Idle Clicker on Steam. Steam Store. https://store.steampowered.com/app/3047030
- Valve Corporation. (2024, September 15). Eternal Return on Steam. Steam Store. https://store.steampowered.com/app/1049590