- #1 In a Barrel
97% match6 user reviews100% of 6 reviews2024
Dev: PPewP
Windows
In a Barrel is a hellish game about desperately trying to survive as a fish in an unfair world that only wants you dead. As you play and die, you will be able to upgrade your fish for a better chance of survival. If you're fast and lucky enough, you may just reach freedom.
Why similar: Bullet Hell 40.6%, Action 28.9%, Arcade 26%, Indie 2.3%, Singleplayer 2.2%
- #2 Arsenal
96% match4 user reviews100% of 4 reviews2023
Dev: 0_stamina
Windows
A small survivors-like about a space girl fighting aliens on the moon.
Why similar: Bullet Hell 44.4%, Action 29.3%, Arcade 23.9%, Singleplayer 2.4%
- #3 SEISO
96% matchNo user reviews2026
Dev: Solrygane
Windows
SEISO is a high-octane bullet hell designed for pure adrenaline. Face relentless waves of enemies, master your reflexes, and climb the global leaderboards in this minimalist, neon-soaked action experience.
Why similar: Bullet Hell 45.4%, Action 30%, Arcade 19.8%, Singleplayer 2.5%, Indie 2.3%
- #4 Atomic Cosmos
95% matchNo user reviews
Dev: MakerPub: Invisible Promise
Windows
Atomic Cosmos is a bullet hell game that takes place on a small planet. Avoid meteors, lasers, and random events to survive as long as possible.
Why similar: Bullet Hell 37.4%, Action 26.6%, Arcade 24%, 3D 8.4%, Indie 2%
- #5 Xylon
94% match4 user reviews100% of 4 reviews2025
Dev: Jordan Fayd'herbe
Windows
A fast-paced retro shoot 'em up where you dodge bullets, upgrade your ship, and battle escalating waves of enemies and bosses.
Why similar: Bullet Hell 50.3%, Arcade 26.3%, Action 21.7%, Singleplayer 1.7%
- #6 The Blocks Shoot At You
94% match2 user reviews33% of 3 reviews2023
Dev: seudo nimm
Windows
Break blocks and get shot at in this chaotic cross of bullet hell and brick breaker. Bounce a ball and dodge projectile patterns that spawn whenever you break a block, while controlling the ball and using abilities to clear levels.
Why similar: Bullet Hell 49.6%, Arcade 25%, Action 23.8%, Singleplayer 1.6%
- #7 Laser Hell
93% match2 user reviews100% of 2 reviews2025
Dev: VixenPub: Medieval Vixens
Windows
A fast-paced and minimalist game where you aim to live as long as you can, to climb higher on the leaderboard.
Why similar: Bullet Hell 41.2%, Action 28.6%, Arcade 26.3%, Indie 2.2%, Singleplayer 1.6%
- #8 Shape VS Shapes
92% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Matthew GrumanPub: Gruman Co
Mac
Shape VS Shapes is a fast-paced arcade game. Blast your way through 50+timed levels or go for a high score in Endless Mode!
Why similar: Bullet Hell 38.2%, Arcade 31.2%, Action 26.7%, Indie 2.2%, Singleplayer 1.8%
- #9 EPIC PIZZA
91% matchMixed67% of 15 reviews2023
Dev: Archor WrightPub: Archor Games
Windows
EPIC PIZZA - The People of Calzonia are hungry for Pizza. You have to Race against Time to get it to them.
Why similar: Action 30.5%, Arcade 28.1%, Exploration 16.5%, Physics 13.3%, 3D 10%
- #10 Spaceman Sparkles 2
91% matchMostly Positive73% of 79 reviews2015
Dev: tjern
Windows
Median: 3.3 hrsMean: 4.8 hrs≥1hr: 90%
Spaceman Sparkles 2 is a frantic bullet-hell that takes place in a thumpin' disco universe, you'll be begging for mercy while bobbing your head to the beat.
Why similar: Bullet Hell 50.3%, Action 49.7%
- #11 Mesh Storm
90% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Fat Boomer Games
Windows · Linux
Retromodern hi-speed shmup
Why similar: Bullet Hell 39.7%, Action 30.7%, Arcade 27.9%, Singleplayer 1.7%
- #12 SPACE DASHER
89% matchNo user reviews
Dev: 7acques
Windows
A minimalist arcade space shooter with roguelite elements. Left-click to shoot, right-click to Blink through enemies, and survive increasingly difficult waves while building your ship with random upgrades.
Why similar: Bullet Hell 42%, Action 29.5%, Arcade 26.9%, Singleplayer 1.6%
- #13 The Swarm
89% match1 user reviews100% of 1 reviews2026
Dev: Shattered Realms
Windows
The game is about destroying aliens and fighting never ending waves of enemies. It is a retro, bullet hell, arcade like game where you try to score the highest number of points possible. After you die restart from the beginning.
Why similar: Bullet Hell 42%, Action 29.5%, Arcade 26.9%, Singleplayer 1.6%
- #14 Geometric Hell
88% match4 user reviews100% of 4 reviews2025
Dev: William Sigurdsson
Windows
Geometric Hell is an arcade bullet-hell shooter with minimalistic graphics. Survive waves of aggressive geometric shapes and upgrade to keep up with the progressive increase in difficulty. Many deaths are expected before you get a chance to fight the final boss.
Why similar: Bullet Hell 40.9%, Arcade 27.4%, Action 19.5%, Physics 10.5%, Singleplayer 1.8%
- #15 Ultra Thunderball
87% matchMostly Positive73% of 11 reviews2022
Dev: Dennis Krüger
Windows
WELCOME TO ULTRA THUNDERBALL!!!! Are you ready for the greatest arcade challenge yet? Equip your Gun-Bat and try to defeat the evil geometrics. See you in the tournament!
Why similar: Bullet Hell 41.8%, Action 29%, Arcade 27.4%, Singleplayer 1.7%
- #16 The C0RE
86% matchNo user reviews2026
Dev: WZRD Studio
Windows
Welcome aboard The C0RE! A fun, fast action dodger in space where you have to deflect bullets and capture as many powerups as you can! The C0RE has POWERUPS, MODES, A SKIN SHOP, LEADERBOARDS, and soooo much more!
Why similar: Bullet Hell 41.1%, Action 28.9%, Arcade 26.3%, Indie 2.1%, Singleplayer 1.6%
- #17 CounterBlocks
86% match1 user reviews100% of 1 reviews2020
Dev: Acerola Software
Windows · Mac
CounterBlocks is an arcade-like rebellious block-breaking game that combines simple block-breaking and non-simple counter bullets.
Why similar: Bullet Hell 37.1%, Action 30.5%, Arcade 28.4%, Indie 2.3%, Singleplayer 1.7%
- #18 Exit the Gungeon
84% matchMostly Positive74% of 3,744 reviews2020
Dev: Dodge RollPub: Devolver Digital
Windows
Median: 1.5 hrsMean: 11.4 hrs≥1hr: 58%
Exit the Gungeon is a small, spin-off 'dungeon climber' immediately following the adventures of the misfit Gungeoneers.
Why similar: Arcade 42.4%, Bullet Hell 27.3%, Action 22.7%, Indie 5.3%, Atmospheric 1.4%
- #19 Luminous Labyrinth
85% matchNo user reviews2022
Dev: Bobby Wolfe
Windows
A high contrast, hand crafted, maze game full of colorful obstacles and puzzle solving.
Why similar: Action 31.9%, Arcade 30.3%, Exploration 16.5%, 3D 10%, Atmospheric 7.6%
- #20 Freedom Bomber
83% match1 user reviews100% of 1 reviews2025
Dev: Tacit Software Solutions
Windows
Bomb your way to freedom! Manage your weapons and upgrade your pilot and repel the invaders of your territory in this side scrolling action game.
Why similar: Bullet Hell 41.6%, Action 29.3%, Arcade 27.3%, Singleplayer 1.7%
- #21 Echoes of Eternity
82% match2 user reviews100% of 2 reviews2025
Dev: DurableChain
Windows
Echoes of Eternity is a linear action RPG set after civilization’s fall to AI. With bullet-hell elements, you will fight and uncover a human story of loss and resilience—built with AI-assisted art, code, and design.
Why similar: Bullet Hell 45.8%, Action 28.7%, Arcade 20.9%, Singleplayer 2.6%, Indie 2.1%
- #22 方解夢異聞 ~ Avant-Garde Discerning Paralleler (東方二次創作STG)
82% matchMostly Positive79% of 14 reviews2019
Dev: 遊色高楼
Windows
幻想郷で急速に進み始めた近代化現象の謎に、あの息ぴったりの式神コンビと、異色の邪仙&山彦コンビが挑む! 全16ステージ+αの、ステージ選択制東方二次創作縦スクロールSTG!ステージ選択制ならではのバラエティに富んだ弾幕の数々を、君は攻略することができるか!?
Why similar: Bullet Hell 45.6%, Action 45%, Indie 9.3%
- #23 Miss Kobayashi's Dragon Maid Burst Forth!! Choro-gon☆Breath DIRECTOR'S CUT
81% matchVery Positive91% of 121 reviews2022
Dev: KAMINARI GAMES Inc.Pub: Bushiroad Inc.
Windows
The official game of the hugely popular “Miss Kobayashi’s Dragon Maid” manga comes to Steam as a director’s cut that reflects the passion of the development team! Fly, shoot, and punch... send enemies flying right before your eyes!
Why similar: Bullet Hell 45.2%, Arcade 26.6%, Action 26.3%, Singleplayer 1.9%
- #24 An Oath to the Stars
81% matchMostly Positive71% of 28 reviews2017
Dev: Himeki Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Left for dead by her closest friend and comrade, Hoshiko is now looking for revenge. Follow her in this modern hardcore danmaku SHMUP about revenge, friendship and honour.
Why similar: Bullet Hell 48.1%, Action 42%, Indie 9.8%
- #25 Screaming Eagles
80% matchPositive82% of 11 reviews2017
Dev: A Maniacal Game LP
Windows · Mac
Screaming Eagles is a flight top-down shooter that exemplifies everything that all great shooters of reference would include. Flashy effects, millions of enemies, huge bosses, it’s a retro-inspired shooter fit for gamers of old and new.
Why similar: Bullet Hell 39%, Action 28.3%, Arcade 23%, Indie 9.8%
- #26 Paddle Combat
79% match2 user reviews100% of 2 reviews2020
Dev: Marcin Priachin
Windows
Paddle Combat is a fast paced arcade game where you control paddle which has to avoid enemies while bouncing disk at them. Play through 60 variety levels against multiple distinct enemy types.
Why similar: Bullet Hell 40.2%, Action 28.8%, Arcade 27.2%, Indie 2.2%, Singleplayer 1.6%
- #27 Imortel
78% matchNo user reviews2025
Dev: Morte
Windows
Experience a bullet hell set in a cursed village. Survive waves of enemies using your guns, abilities, and reflexes. Purchase upgrades or take them from your enemies. Survive if you can. Explore if you dare!
Why similar: Bullet Hell 38.9%, Action 25.5%, Arcade 24.6%, Atmospheric 8.3%, Indie 1.7%
- #28 Starzine
79% match3 user reviews100% of 3 reviews2017
Dev: Intersect Games
Windows
As the remote-controlled exoplanet survey and reconnaissance drone SR-19 descends into the atmosphere of planet Xenos, it runs into trouble — and gets a little help. Starzine delivers fast-paced, 3D paddle-and-ball arcade action updated for the 21st century.
Why similar: Action 34.5%, Arcade 29.2%, Physics 24.8%, Indie 8.4%, Singleplayer 3%
- #29 早苗の信仰王への道
77% matchNo user reviews2025
Dev: mitiroom
Windows
幻想アクションタワーディフェンスゲームです。 東風谷早苗を操作して邪魔するやつらを蹴散らします。
Why similar: Bullet Hell 59.2%, Action 26.6%, 3D 11.6%, Singleplayer 2.5%
- #30 Gamma Blast
78% matchMostly Positive70% of 10 reviews2018
Dev: Ilias GiouroukisPub:
Windows · Linux
Blast your way through enemy waves. Strike at enemy formations prioritizing targets depending on the situation. Rip them to pieces using an arsenal of powerful and versatile weapons. Put your reflexes to the test dodging a fire storm of enemy projectiles. Destroy challenging Bosses to achieve victory.
Why similar: Bullet Hell 39.3%, Action 33.1%, Arcade 19.9%, Indie 7.7%
- #31 Graviton Core
76% matchNo user reviews2026
Dev: JPGames
Windows
Absorb mass. Bend gravity. Detonate everything. A fast-paced hardcore bullet hell where every explosion is your choice.
Why similar: Bullet Hell 37.1%, Action 23.6%, Arcade 23.3%, Physics 11.5%, Indie 3%
- #32 Dodge 2
76% match1 user reviews100% of 1 reviews2025
Dev: Bisso
Windows
Bullet hell with the mouse.
Why similar: Bullet Hell 41.9%, Action 28.1%, Arcade 26.6%, Indie 2.1%, Singleplayer 1.3%
- #33 Tri-Ger
75% matchNo user reviews2026
Dev: Jo C. H.Pub: The MIX Games
Windows
TRI-GER is a top-down rouge-like SHMUP with technicolor vector based graphics. Fight endless waves of enemies, and be sure to match your color to get a high score!
Why similar: Bullet Hell 41.2%, Action 28.6%, Arcade 26.3%, Indie 2.1%, Singleplayer 1.8%
- #34 Retro Space Shooter 8-Bit
73% match4 user reviews100% of 4 reviews2025
Dev: Other Games
Windows
Defend Earth in this fast-paced 8-bit arcade shooter. Survive waves of alien attacks, destroy the asteroid, and face the alien mothership. Short, intense, and replayable. This is Retro Space Shooter 8-Bit.
Why similar: Bullet Hell 40.9%, Action 27.8%, Arcade 26.3%, Indie 3.4%, Singleplayer 1.6%
- #35 Scribble Ships
75% matchPositive92% of 36 reviews2017
Dev: Slothzilla GamesPub: (none)
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 2.7 hrsMean: 3.2 hrs≥1hr: 81%
Scribble Ships is a 2D top-down arcade shooter that tosses the player into a world of color and chaos. With a range of ships to choose from, the player is tasked with coloring the monochromatic enemies that are trying to take your color away.
Why similar: Action 51.1%, Arcade 42.9%, Indie 6%
- #36 Champions of Breakfast
74% matchVery Positive84% of 206 reviews2016
Dev: Pirate Software
Windows · Linux
Median: 2.5 hrsMean: 3.7 hrs≥1hr: 76%
A fast-paced arcade shooter breakfast-hell.
Why similar: Bullet Hell 41.2%, Action 31.3%, Arcade 20%, Indie 7.5%
- #37 Alien Blitz
74% matchMostly Positive74% of 31 reviews2016
Dev: Jean-Baptiste Simillon
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.5 hrsMean: 5.0 hrs≥1hr: 95%
Alien Blitz is a 3d action-shooter with lots of bullets, missiles, weapons, maps and monsters.Take your shotgun and go kill some Aliens !
Why similar: Action 35.5%, Bullet Hell 34.7%, Arcade 22%, Indie 7.8%
- #38 Bullet Inferno
72% matchPositive83% of 12 reviews2025
Dev: Tree(3) Games
Windows · Mac
A Bullet Hell style game based on Dante's Inferno. Dodge your way through all 9 circles of the Inferno to hopefully find the lord and pray for his forgiveness!
Why similar: Bullet Hell 42.6%, Action 28.8%, Arcade 27.1%, Singleplayer 1.4%
- #39 Echoes+
73% matchVery Positive92% of 857 reviews2015
Dev: Binary Zoo
Windows · Mac
Median: 24 minMean: 2.7 hrs≥1hr: 27%
Echoes+ is an intense retro action space shooter that will test your reaction and concentration levels to the max!
Why similar: Bullet Hell 44.9%, Action 30.4%, Arcade 17.2%, Indie 6.1%, Singleplayer 1.4%
- #40 Er-Spectro
73% matchMixed42% of 24 reviews2017
Dev: TheDreikPub: Phoenix Reborn Games
Windows
Median: 6 minMean: 6.1 hrs≥1hr: 32%
Defeat 7 bosses in this radial Shoot 'em up game to obtain full power of color spectre and defeat hidden evil.
Why similar: Action 38.4%, Bullet Hell 30.6%, Arcade 19.8%, Indie 9%, Singleplayer 2.2%
- #41 Chasing Styx
72% matchVery Positive84% of 99 reviews2017
Dev: ForepawSoft
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 2.1 hrsMean: 10.9 hrs≥1hr: 61%
Chasing Styx is a three-headed dog, run 'n' gun, couch co-op, bullet-hell adventure. As Cerberus, explore the far reaches of the Underworld featuring multiple routes filled with disgruntled dead, tricky traps, screen covering waves of bullets, and hidden treasures used to upgrade your hellhound.
Why similar: Bullet Hell 55.5%, Action 36.8%, Indie 7.7%
- #42 Super Shoot Owl
71% matchMixed62% of 60 reviews2017
Dev: Shazard G Bansraj
Windows
Owly has been kidnapped by the treacherous Tala. Fight your way through hordes of evil llamas in a quest of liberation and vengeance.
Why similar: Action 48.6%, Bullet Hell 40%, Indie 11.4%
- #43 Hyper Psychic Gauntlets
71% match4 user reviews100% of 4 reviews2020
Dev: SpinVR.ca
Windows
You uncover an ancient artifact that grants you telekinetic powers, and in doing so awaken its guardians to prove your worth as its wielder. Smash your way through your enemies as you uncover the hidden powers of your artifact.
Why similar: Bullet Hell 42.4%, Action 29%, Arcade 26.3%, Singleplayer 2.3%
- #44 Zero Strain
71% matchPositive83% of 24 reviews2019
Dev: Kaio Meris
Windows
Move, shoot, and dodge in this hyper-fast top-down shooter. Descend into the depths of uncharted dimensions and destroy everything in your path!
Why similar: Action 39.1%, Bullet Hell 33.5%, Arcade 18.3%, Indie 9.1%
- #45 Cx6
70% match7 user reviews100% of 7 reviews2023
Dev: White Box Dev
Windows · Linux
Cx6 is an arcade-style bullet-hell game about deflecting off walls and manipulating gravity to avoid being struck by an endless wave of bullets.
Why similar: Bullet Hell 49%, Action 24%, Arcade 23.4%, Indie 1.9%, Singleplayer 1.7%
- #46 String Mace
67% matchPositive85% of 40 reviews2026
Dev: SneakyToad
Windows
Smash through swarms of enemies by swinging a huge spiked ball on a string! Build absurd combos, crush towering bosses, and chase the highest score you can reach!
Why similar: Arcade 35.6%, Action 28.9%, Physics 18.2%, 3D 13%, Indie 2.5%
- #47 Balls Mania!
69% match2 user reviews100% of 2 reviews2023
Dev: ZaxtorGameS
Windows
"Balls Mania!" is a truly unique game where the object is to get as many "blue balls" as you can without getting your own balls smashed! In "Balls Mania!" the more blue balls you have and the more "ball goop" you spill, the higher your score is likely to be!
Why similar: Bullet Hell 46.7%, Arcade 28.5%, Action 19.6%, Indie 3.2%, Singleplayer 2%
- #48 BoxesWithGuns
70% matchMostly Negative21% of 82 reviews2015
Dev: Thomas Christof
Windows
Median: 6 minMean: 12.5 hrs≥1hr: 24%
BoxesWithGuns is a 2D neon vertex endless shooter game. Try to survive as long as possible by avoiding collisions with the enemies that spawn. One game equals the length of the background music track playing. Collect dollars and customize your spaceship by adding new boxes and weapons.
Why similar: Action 50.9%, Arcade 37.1%, Indie 8.4%, Singleplayer 3.6%
- #49 AF-ZERO
70% match7 user reviews29% of 7 reviews2017
Dev: RecompilePub: SA Industry
Windows
A tribute to the 80's games containing 7 stages with continuous action.
Why similar: Bullet Hell 38.9%, Action 31%, Arcade 22.9%, Indie 7.2%
- #50 Magus Over Fool
69% match3 user reviews100% of 3 reviews2019
Dev: HYPER GATE
Windows
Fly to the sky from the bottom of the world! Become 'The Fool' in the world of tarot cards, and to regain the strength that 'The Magus' and the world have reversed.
Why similar: Bullet Hell 58.7%, Action 33.4%, Indie 7.8%
- #51 Endless Bullet Heaven
67% matchPositive95% of 44 reviews2022
Dev: Dracoraz
Windows
In this endless bullet avoidance game, you join the fallen angel named Brace in her fight to reach the heavens in which she once resided!
Why similar: Bullet Hell 49.8%, Arcade 25.3%, Action 21.5%, Indie 1.9%, Singleplayer 1.5%
- #52 Time Barbarian Extreme!!
68% match2 user reviews100% of 2 reviews2018
Dev: Wholesale Algorithms
Windows
Time Barbarian Extreme!!A fast-paced shooter, inspired by retro arcades of the past.A penguin from the future... a barbarian from the past... fighting for survival in a broken world... really messed up world... seriously look at the moon!Pew, pew, pew, nuff said.
Why similar: Action 62.5%, Arcade 37.5%
- #53 Fatal Wings
68% match1 user reviews100% of 1 reviews2020
Dev: Brain Lab Studio
Windows
Fatal wings is a classic top down space shoot ‘em. Playing as the last resistance fighters from the similian colony in planet Lithios against a brutal attack led by vernor’s forces
Why similar: Action 48.3%, Bullet Hell 24.6%, Arcade 15.8%, Indie 11.3%
- #54 Lifeless Vanguard
68% match5 user reviews100% of 5 reviews2019
Dev: Zeus Game Studio
Windows
Shoot, dodge, get more powerful, defeat a massive fleet of enemies, take part in the toughest boss fights you've probably ever been in in this twin-stick/bullet-hell shooter. Do you have what it takes to survive and win?
Why similar: Bullet Hell 37.9%, Action 35.4%, Arcade 18.9%, Indie 7.8%
- #55 Grave Space
66% match6 user reviews100% of 6 reviews2024
Dev: Mojo Trio Games
Windows
Pilot through 10 progressive levels in this SNES/SEGA style 90's retro side scroller/bullet hell.
Why similar: Bullet Hell 51%, Arcade 24.3%, Action 21.4%, Indie 2%, Singleplayer 1.3%
- #56 東方眠世界 ~ Wonderful Waking World
65% matchVery Positive97% of 312 reviews2022
Dev: Oligarchomp
Windows
A simplistic, dynamic Touhou fangame bullet hell shmup with a pixel art esthetic. Shoot down your enemies and dodge your way through an incessant barrage of projectiles!
Why similar: Bullet Hell 54.3%, Arcade 23.6%, Action 17.2%, Singleplayer 2.8%, Indie 2%
- #57 Sky Mercenaries
67% matchMostly Positive70% of 130 reviews2014
Dev: PolarityFlow, Adrian ZinggPub: PolarityFlow
Windows · Linux
Median: 3.1 hrsMean: 3.7 hrs≥1hr: 95%
Sky Mercenaries - Fast paced action overdose with rpg elements
Why similar: Bullet Hell 46.2%, Arcade 24.5%, Action 23.7%, Indie 5.7%