Highlights

  • Sea Of Stars is a top-down turn-based RPG that pays homage to classic Super Nintendo RPGs like Chrono Trigger and Super Mario RPG. It features stunning pixel art and an engaging storyline.
  • Vampire Survivors is a fast-paced roguelike game where you must survive in a monster-infested world. With endless hours of content and unique runs, it offers satisfying gameplay and exploration.
  • Terraria is like a 2D version of Minecraft, with a procedurally generated world and endless opportunities for crafting, building, and fighting monsters. The 16-bit art style and controls make it an immersive sandbox adventure.

To many people, there's nothing better than a good 2D game. They're unique, exciting, and, more often than not, incredibly adventurous. Sure, they may be lacking a little in the depth department compared to their 3D counterparts, but they more than make up for it with their beautiful visuals, stunning storylines, and marvelous mechanics. What's more, there are countless to choose from on Steam.

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For all the wonderful 2D games out there, though, some set themselves apart from the rest. They're the ones that you can never forget and often end up going back to time and time again. Simply put, these games are two-dimensional masterpieces and a must-play if you want the best 2D games on Steam.

Updated on September 16, 2023, by PJ Molloy - It's a great time to be a fan of 2D games. The past two years saw an incredible lineup of innovative, engaging 2D games across all platforms, especially Steam. 2D games never go out of style, and if you have a Steam account, you're never going to run out of high-quality 2D titles.

3D games may have bigger budgets and fancier graphics, but the latest 2D games on Steam prove that so much content and fun can be provided with just two dimensions. With the hype surrounding big 2D titles like Sonic Superstars, now is the perfect time to get caught up with the best 2D games on Steam.

25 Sea Of Stars

Sea Of Stars - Valere and Zale Standing Back To Back During A Starry Night

Genre

Turn-Based RPG

Release

August 28, 2023

Platforms

PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch

If you're a fan of classic RPGs from the Super Nintendo era, then Sea Of Stars is a dream come true. It's a top-down turn-based RPG with an art style, story, and gameplay reminiscent of legendary retro RPGs like Chrono Trigger and Super Mario RPG.

The gameplay includes many quality-of-life updates to the classic Super Nintendo RPG format, so you can say goodbye to random encounters and grinding. The pixel art is stunning, and the story provides plenty of laughs, heartwarming moments, and surprising twists.

24 Dave The Diver

Dave The Diver - Dave Swimming Away From A Boss With A Gun

Genre

Adventure

Release

June 28, 2023

Platforms

PC, macOS, Nintendo Switch

Dave The Diver is a nice blend of exploration-based adventure, management simulation, and RPG elements. You play as Dave, a diver by day and restaurant owner by night. The goal is to explore the sea, complete quests, and collect fish for his sushi restaurant.

The game has you craft items and gear Dave can use during expeditions. When you have everything you need, you plunge into the ocean's depths to find secrets, avoid sharks, and fight bosses. You manage the restaurant at night, designing the place and discovering new recipes to attract more customers. The pixel art is beyond charming and perfectly complements this quirky 2D game.

23 Vampire Survivors

Vampire Survivors - A Vampire Standing In Front Of A Blood Red Moon

Genre

Roguelike

Release

October 20, 2022

Platforms

PC, macOS, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, Android, iOS

There's nothing more satisfying than mowing down hoards of monsters. Vampire Survivors is a roguelike where you must fend for yourself in a monster-infested world. The goal is to survive as long as you can. The longer you live, the more characters, items, and relics you unlock.

While you defeat countless enemies, you can explore the world, find secrets, and gain experience points to refill your health or acquire new powerful items. The gameplay is fast-paced and action-packed, and since every run is different, Vampire Survivors offers endless hours of content.

22 Guilty Gear Strive

Guilty Gear Strive - Sol Badguy And Ky Kiske Locked In An Intense Battle

Genre

Fighting, Multiplayer

Release

June 11, 2021

Platforms

PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5

This action-packed 2D fighting game has rave reviews and won Best Fighting Game at The Game Awards 2021. Guilty Gear Strive is visually stunning with gorgeous 2.5D cell-shaded graphics and fast-paced, intense combat.

This game is an absolute joy to play and really rings true to its predecessors while being a little more beginner-friendly than other Guilty Gear games. The controls are relatively easy to get used to, and the anime art style is breathtaking. If you're a fan of 2D fighting games, then give this one a shot.

21 Super Meat Boy

Super Meat Boy - Meat Boy Smiling With A Missing Tooth And A Black Eye

Genre

Platformer, Indie

Release

October 20, 2010

Platforms

PC, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, PlayStation Vita, Wii U, Nintendo Switch, OS X, Linux

Many consider Super Meat Boy the game that started the indie revolution by providing inspiration and confidence to hoards of would-be developers. It's also famous for being one of the hardest games on Steam.

It might not look very difficult at a glance, but completing a stage of Super Meat Boy can take countless attempts due to the devilish placement of the many deadly obstacles. Thankfully, the game's stellar controls are some of the tightest to have ever been featured in a video game. With enough practice and perseverance, you should be able to beat this fantastic 2D game and come away with a real sense of achievement.

20 Inside

Inside - A Boy Hides From A Robot In A Dark Warehouse

Genre

Puzzle, Platformer, Indie

Release

June 29, 2016

Platforms

Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, iOS, macOS

Inside follows a small boy who finds himself at the center of a dark project. He must escape, keep his head down, solve puzzles, and try not to become like the strange zombie people around him.

Inside is one of the best 2D games on Steam, mainly due to its intriguing visuals, beautiful soundtrack, and unsettling atmosphere. It's a joy to play despite its creepy look. At its core are interesting puzzles and horror-based platforming that will engage, shock, and enthrall until the very end.

19 Rimworld

Rimworld - Several Characters Shooting Lasers And Causing An Explosion

Genre

Management Simulator, Indie

Release

October 17, 2018

Platforms

PC Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, macOS, Linux

Promoting itself as a sci-fi simulation perfect for fans of Firefly, Dwarf, and Dune, Rimworld is a management simulator where you build, manage, develop, and watch simply drawn characters live their lives in this interesting world.

Hours will fly by as you fully immerse in this adorable game. The beautiful soundtrack is a treat for the ears, and the easy play style allows you to sit back and enjoy yourself. Since each playthrough is unique and exciting, it’s no wonder why it's one of the best 2D games on Steam.

18 Hollow Knight

Hollow Knight - The Knight Running Toward A Massive Enemy

Genre

Metroidvania, Indie

Release

February 24, 2017

Platforms

PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, Linux, macOS

Hollow Knight is a modern classic, perfectly blending classic Metroidvania gameplay with a gorgeous Tim Burton-esque setting. The hand-drawn art style is enough to qualify it as one of the greatest 2D games on Steam.

Hollow Knight is a stunning platformer with music that soothes the soul and a stunningly eerie atmosphere that'll send goosebumps up your arms. You explore the ruins of a fallen kingdom, find secrets, unlock new abilities, and investigate the mysterious lore hidden in these spooky caverns. If you like 2D platformers, you owe it to yourself to try this one.

17 Baba Is You

Baba Is You - Baba Standing Next To The Phrases "Baba Is You," And "Flag Is Win."

Genre

Puzzle, Indie

Release

March 13, 2019

Platforms

PC, Nintendo Switch, Linux, macOS, iOS, Android

Baba Is You came out in 2019 and has been widely beloved ever since. It's an abstract puzzle game where you push blocks around the environment to overcome various obstacles. The twist? Each block is a rule. By changing them around, you can literally change the rules of the game.

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It's hard to get bored with Baba Is You. There are more than 200 levels, and you'll be engrossed by all of them. If you need more proof of its excellence, look no further than the many awards it has won over the years, including Excellence In Design, the Nuovo Award at the Independent Games Festival, and the IndieCade Europe Choice Award.

16 Terraria

Terraria - A House Build Into The Side Of A Cave

Genre

Action-Adventure, Sandbox, Indie

Release

May 16, 2011

Platforms

PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox 360, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 3, PlayStation Vita, iOS, Android, Windows Phone, Linux, macOS, Nintendo 3DS, Wii U, Nintendo Switch, Google Stadia

Imagine if Minecraft was a 2D game. That's Terraria in a nutshell. This open-world sandbox 2D game allows you to explore a procedurally generated world, craft, build, and fight monsters to your heart's content.

It isn't just the premise that proves Terraria is worth playing - it's the mods, the gorgeous 16-bit art style, and the controls that will win over anyone interested in a 2D sandbox adventure. You can get lost in Terraria, and because of the many updates, you'll never run out of things to do, bases to build, and bosses to fight.

15 Ori And The Blind Forest

Ori And The Blind Forest - Ori Standing In A Dark Cave Filled With Spikes, Mushrooms, And Grass

Genre

Platform, Adventure, Metroidvania

Release

March 11, 2015

Platforms

PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch

Were it not for the success of other independent games like Castle Crashers and Limbo, the world may have never been blessed with Moon Studios' fantastic debut title: Ori and The Blind Forest. This beautiful Metroidvania is the perfect blend of heartwarming storytelling and exploration-based platforming.

This game is one of the most visually impressive of its decade, with bright colors and individually crafted backgrounds offering up a real treat for the eyes. The gameplay emphasizes finding secrets, collecting items, and unlocking abilities, ensuring there's always a new surprise to keep the experience fun and engaging.

14 Celeste

Celeste - Madeline Looking Over A Cliff During A Sunset

Genre

Platformer, Indie

Release

January 25, 2018

Platforms

PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Linux, macOS, Nintendo Switch, Google Stadia

With over one million copies sold and countless award nominations, Celeste is one of the greatest indie-game success stories ever. It's a 2D platformer that follows Madeleine as she attempts to climb the intimating Mount Celeste. The story is a tasteful metaphor for anxiety and depression, making for one of the most beautiful stories on Steam.

The jaw-dropping 8-bit art style ensures that every screenshot you take is gorgeous enough to hang on your wall, and the vivid colors bring the game's backdrops to life. The game controls well, features a wonderful soundtrack from Lena Raine, and provides plenty of challenges without feeling unfair.

13 Limbo

Limbo - The Silhouette Spider About To Attack The Boy

Genre

Puzzle, Platformer

Release

July 21, 2010

Platforms

PC, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 3, PlayStation Vita, OS X, Linux, Nintendo Switch, iOS, Android

Similar to Inside, Limbo is a dark and creepy puzzle platformer with moody lighting and spooky areas to explore. You never know what's hiding around the corner as you venture through the woods, leading to many surprises that never fail to send a chill up your spine.

It's the type of game where you will die on multiple occasions, but it never feels unfair or frustrating. It may require a few playthroughs to really figure out the game’s mysterious lore, but it’s still a unique and enjoyable 2D game.

12 Cuphead

Cuphead - Cuphead And Mugman Fighting Beppi The Clown

Genre

Run-And-Gun, Platformer, Indie

Release

September 29, 2017

Platforms

PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, macOS, Nintendo Switch

Cuphead is a run-and-gun game with plenty of quirky platforming levels and memorable boss fights. The game is famous for its immense difficulty, but it's incredibly rewarding when you finally succeed. It's perfect if you're up for a nice challenge.

What makes this one of the best 2D games on Steam is how beautiful and well-made the visuals are. The creators used the same animation techniques as cartoons from the 1930s. The traditional hand-drawn animation, watercolor backgrounds, and original swing soundtrack fit the era to a tee. If you like 2D platformers, you won't want to miss this. Just make sure you play with a controller.

11 Ori And The Will Of The Wisps

Ori And The Will of the Wisps - Ori Staring At A Giant Bear Statue

Genre

Platform, Adventure, Metroidvania

Release

March 11, 2020

Platforms

PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Microsoft Windows, Nintendo Switch

Published by Xbox Game Studios, Ori And The Will Of The Wisps is the sequel to Ori And The Blind Forest and lives up to the hype. What might initially attract you is the stunning visuals. It's calming, beautiful, and will enchant anyone playing.

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However, it isn't just the visuals that make this title deserving of being one of the best 2D games. The game is emotional and will leave you feeling empowered and needing a few tissues. If you're looking for a heartwarming, engaging experience, look no further.

10 Guacamelee

Guacamelee - The Protagonists Fighting Bad Guys In A Temple

Genre

Metroidvania, Action, Platformer

Release

April 9, 2013

Platforms

PC, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 3, PlayStation Vita, Wii U, Nintendo Switch, OS X, Linux

When it comes to Metroidvania-style platformers, they don't come much better than Guacamelee. It may not provide much length, but it more than makes up for this with its tight combat, excellent soundtrack, eye-catching visuals, and fantastic humor sprinkled throughout the game that will keep you laughing from start to finish.

The Super Turbo Championship Edition is undoubtedly the best way to experience Guacamelee. While the sequel adds a lot of quality-of-life improvements, nothing beats the original. If you like comedic games, especially ones with a lot of puns, then this quirky 2D game is right up your alley.

9 Stardew Valley

Stardew Valley - A Farmer Tending To Their Crops In A Serene Farm

Genre

Simulation, Role-Playing, Indie

Release

February 26, 2016

Platforms

PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, macOS, Linux, PlayStation Vita, iOS, Android

Stardew Valley is an extremely well-known game unlike any other. This is a relaxing farming simulator with secrets, twists, and a variety of stories everywhere you look. It tells the tale of an office worker unhappy with their life. When they inherit their grandfather's farm, they run off to live a new, more nature-filled life.

You can raise animals, grow crops, explore the mines, and start a family. There's even a ton of post-game content to ensure you're entertained for hours. If you're looking for a cozy game on Steam to help you relax after a long day, Stardew Valley is the way to go.

8 Factorio

Factorio - A Rocket Ship Blasting Off Into The Sky

Genre

Management Simulation, Indie

Release

August 14, 2020

Platforms

PC, Linux, macOS, Nintendo Switch

This 2D base-building game might look simplistic at first glance, but there's so much to do. Factorio is a construction and management simulator where you're trapped on an alien planet and must gather resources to build an escape rocket. You can even grab a friend for co-op.

One of the best aspects of Factorio is the wide range of mods available. They spice the game up a little if you need a break from the base gameplay or just want to make your life a little easier.

7 World Of Goo

World Of Goo - A Blob Of Goo With Two Big Eyes

Genre

Puzzle, Indie

Release

October 13, 2008

Platforms

PC, Wii, OS X, Linux, iOS, Android, BlackBerry OS, Nintendo Switch

World Of Goo is a physics-based puzzle game that'll put your brain to the test. The goal is to use orbs of goo to build bridges that help you reach the end of the stage. The catch is that you need to use as little goo as possible, creating a nice challenge to get the gears turning in your mind.

The game's silly humor, quirky characters, and cartoonish art style never fail to put a smile on your face while you navigate the many clever puzzles. Its cozy and humorous tone makes it an excellent choice for a more casual 2D game on Steam.

6 Braid

Braid - Tim In A Serene Forest, Looking Down Into A Pit

Genre

Puzzle, Platformer, Indie

Release

August 6, 2008

Platforms

PC, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Mac OS X, Linux, PlayStation 3, macOS, Nintendo Switch

This time-bending, reality-altering 2D puzzle platformer will keep anyone's mind working at full speed. The goal is to solve puzzles by manipulating time, with new surprising twists around every corner. Even the story has a shocking twist you won't want to miss.

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Braid has an interesting style that isn't seen in many 2D games. It's drawn in a painterly style, which is both awesome to look at and extremely unique. The best thing about Braid is how forgiving it is. If you don't like or can't figure out a puzzle, you can simply move on and solve it later.