- #1 Outskirts
97% match8 user reviews100% of 8 reviews2017
Dev: Rezo Zero
Windows · Mac · Linux
Outskirts is a colorful 360° bullet-hell with beautiful vector based art, interactive music and a deep combo system. Drive your ship through your foes and make your path to the leaderboard!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 32.5%, Bullet Hell 30.9%, Action 20.3%, Indie 16.3%
- #2 Conran - The dinky Raccoon
96% match8 user reviews63% of 8 reviews2017
Dev: Nifty Productions
Windows
Blast your way through waves of enemies. Kill bots, collect their scraps to upgrade your weapons, take advantage of the dynamically changing arena and, eventually, buy yourself free.
Why similar: Strategy 50.9%, Action 28.3%, Indie 20.8%
- #3 101 Ways to Die
96% matchMostly Positive77% of 44 reviews2016
Dev: 4 Door LemonPub: 4 Door Lemon Vision 1
Windows
Median: 3.2 hrsMean: 4.7 hrs≥1hr: 93%
In this puzzle-platformer you'll need creativity, cruelty and an absolute lack of morals as you help the evil Professor Splattunfuder complete his life's work - to create the most horrific recipe book ever, 101 Ways To Die!
Why similar: Strategy 50%, Action 24.1%, Indie 19.4%, Casual 6.5%
- #4 Alchemic Jousts
94% matchPositive86% of 44 reviews2016
Dev: Lunatic Pixels
Windows
Median: 3.8 hrsMean: 5.1 hrs≥1hr: 92%
Alchemic Jousts is a 2D action strategy game where you discover new Skills by combining the ones you already know. Command your elementals and support them with a wide variety of Skills. Control the arena and crush your opponent in one-to-one encounters!
Why similar: Strategy 46.8%, Action 23.7%, Indie 19.7%, 2D 5.8%, Casual 3.9%
- #5 The Thing: Tower Defense
94% matchMixed64% of 77 reviews2016
Dev: booblycPub: Booblyc OU
Windows
With over 50,000,000 plays over the previous parts, the Incursion series has enthralled and challenged many players over the years. Now you can save your world from darkness in new Incursion: The Thing. Bigger! Faster! Stronger!
Why similar: Strategy 52.2%, Action 26.4%, Indie 21.3%
- #6 Graceful Explosion Machine
93% matchPositive81% of 47 reviews2017
Dev: Vertex Pop
Windows
Median: 3.3 hrsMean: 6.2 hrs≥1hr: 93%
Skillfully pilot the Graceful Explosion Machine, a fighter ship armed with a ludicrously overpowered quad-weapon array! Lost in deep space, you'll shoot, dash and combo your way through jewel-hued uncharted planets, fighting an alien armada to find a way home.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 25.3%, Action 20%, Arena Shooter 16.3%, Indie 16.2%, Bullet Hell 14.5%
- #7 Yeah Jam Fury: U, Me, Everybody!
92% matchPositive100% of 31 reviews2017
Dev: World Entertainment StudiosPub: McLeodGaming
Windows · Mac · Linux
GET THE MANGO! Yeah Jam Fury tests your speed and ingenuity in over 100 levels of smiling face blocks. Utilize all three of your egos to create blocks, scale walls, and destroy everything in the way of your righteous fruit.
Why similar: Strategy 46.1%, Action 22.6%, Indie 17.7%, Puzzle 7.3%, 2D 5.1%
- #8 Pix
91% match9 user reviews78% of 9 reviews2017
Dev: Pixel After Pixel
Windows · Mac · Linux
Pix jumps through perilous platformer levels on a quest to collect colorful, sparkling pixels. Death lurks around every corner in each risky mission to recover the glowing goodness!
Why similar: Strategy 50.5%, Action 28%, Indie 21.6%
- #9 Lucid Aether
87% matchNo user reviews
Dev: FAL Works
Windows · Mac
Lucid Aether is a new kind of bullet hell shoot 'em up game.
Why similar: Action 25.2%, Shoot 'Em Up 24.3%, Bullet Hell 23.1%, Indie 20.3%, 2D 5.7%
- #10 Solid Aether
90% matchPositive100% of 39 reviews2018
Dev: FAL Works
Windows · Mac
NOTHING BUT BULLET HELL. Solid Aether is a bullet hell shoot'em up game that is extremely simple designed. It is a classic 2D shooter game featuring a variety of bullet patterns that are generated continuously in a stylish black and white world.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 22.2%, Bullet Hell 21.2%, Abstract 19.9%, Action 17.5%, Indie 14.1%
- #11 100 nya
91% matchPositive88% of 26 reviews2016
Dev: .M.Y.W.
Windows
Median: 4.7 hrsMean: 6.7 hrs≥1hr: 98%
The game develops logical thinking. Taught to think through the moves in advance.
Why similar: Strategy 61.5%, Indie 25.9%, Puzzle 12.5%
- #12 KAMI 2
84% matchNo user reviews2026
Dev: State of PlayPub: Noodlecake
Windows · Mac · Linux
Kami 2 is a relaxing puzzle game where you fold colorful paper to fill each board with a single color in as few moves as possible. Solve hundreds of handcrafted levels or create and share your own with the puzzle builder. Designed with real sheets of folded paper.
Why similar: Strategy 28.7%, Abstract 26.6%, Modern 18.1%, Puzzle 10.3%, 2D 5.6%
- #13 APT
89% matchMostly Positive71% of 31 reviews2015
Dev: RIP Studios LLC
Windows
Put your skills to the test and challenge yourself in this new breed of platformer. Refine your mechanics, earn the ranks, then post them against the community on the Steam Leaderboards.
Why similar: Strategy 50.4%, Action 28%, Indie 21.6%
- #14 Happy STG
88% match2 user reviews100% of 2 reviews2019
Dev: Tomoyuki Mizuma
Windows
Vertical scroll shooting game. Please avoid the bullets and defeat the enemies and clear the stage. You can set different types of bullets for "Main" and "Sub". You can also use skills. Skills include skills that make powerful attacks and skills that can eliminate bullets fired by enemies.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 26.9%, Bullet Hell 23.7%, Action 23.7%, Indie 19.1%, 2D 5.3%
- #15 SBX 5K
85% matchMixed65% of 20 reviews2020
Dev: Shadowmatic Labs
Windows
PVP turn-based strategy sci-fi arena shooter
Why similar: Strategy 42.1%, Action 21.6%, Arena Shooter 18.7%, Indie 17.6%
- #16 MEG 9: Lost Echoes
86% matchMostly Negative22% of 18 reviews2017
Dev: Skunkwerks Kinetic
Windows
Within the hostile environment of the Probability Aperture, a high-tech research complex called Horizon vanishes from the grid. Take control of the Rig, a massive 10-ton remote-operated vehicle outfitted with the latest in military hardware, to get Horizon back online.
Why similar: Strategy 51%, Action 28.2%, Indie 20.8%
- #17 DETOUR
86% matchMixed61% of 1,774 reviews2011
Dev: Geoff 'Zag' Keene
Windows
Median: 2.5 hrsMean: 3.5 hrs≥1hr: 70%
A true test your wits and spatial reasoning. Detour combines highway-building fun with the excitement of a competitive real-time strategy game. Construct a path for your convoy to reach its destination in this incredibly addictive title. With online multiplayer!
Why similar: Strategy 43.4%, Indie 21.8%, Shoot 'Em Up 15.3%, Puzzle 12.4%, 2D 3.6%
- #18 Vexcell
76% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Joseph Bremer
Windows
Vexcell is an elegant, minimalist puzzle game. Embrace the satisfaction of everything falling into place.
Why similar: Strategy 36.7%, Abstract 24.4%, Puzzle 15.4%, 2D 7.1%, Relaxing 6.6%
- #19 Close Order
84% matchMixed50% of 76 reviews2016
Dev: Raconteur Games
Windows
Median: 4.4 hrsMean: 4.4 hrs≥1hr: 97%
Close Order is an arcade shooter with one simple goal: become a badass armada! In this mashup of genres, defeat enemies for parts to build up an armada of ships around you. Fight from a distance, charge headfirst into battle, or create a mix of anything and everything. You decide how to play!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 31%, Bullet Hell 29.6%, Action 21.8%, Indie 17.6%
- #20 Diadra Empty
83% matchMostly Positive77% of 90 reviews2015
Dev: Frozen OrbPub: Rockin' Android
Windows
Median: 4.4 hrsMean: 5.1 hrs≥1hr: 97%
Diadra Empty is a free-roaming shoot-'em-up on a grand scale. Take the role of Nyalra and her faithful dragon Minimi in a fantastical quest to save her missing sister, and battle legions of monsters and menacing bosses.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 27.7%, Bullet Hell 26.3%, Action 25.5%, Indie 20.5%
- #21 Wild Ones Battle Stadium
74% matchMixed48% of 108 reviews2024
Dev: kratos
Windows · Mac
Wild Ones Battle Stadium is a 2D turn-based game where players control animals in battles, earning points, coins, and experience. Customize the game with equipment and pets, join clans, and compete in modes like Battle Royale.
Why similar: Arena Shooter 28.3%, Bullet Hell 25.3%, Strategy 22.7%, Action 19%, 2D 4.8%
- #22 Hangeki
82% matchPositive88% of 40 reviews2014
Dev: Pentavera
Windows
Hangeki is an arcade style shooter that emphasizes the use of over 50 spectacular weapons. Formulate new strategies and take on the alien invasion in this reimagining of the classic shoot em up.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 32.8%, Bullet Hell 24.3%, Action 23.5%, Indie 19.5%
- #23 Zotrix
82% matchMixed59% of 200 reviews2015
Dev: ZeroBit GamesPub: Ocean Media LLC
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 4.0 hrsMean: 4.9 hrs≥1hr: 96%
Zotrix is a modern take on the classic arcade shooter. The game introduces resource trading economy and system of upgrades between number of space stations bringing the classic experience into modern generation. Aliens are attacking and Solar Division Command needs You!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 26.8%, Strategy 25.7%, Action 22.5%, Indie 12.7%, Bullet Hell 12.2%
- #24 AstroGenesis
80% match5 user reviews20% of 5 reviews2019
Dev: GraphprojectPub: StavroGames
Windows
Dynamic game in the genre of Bullet hell. Destroy your enemies dodging the hail of bullets!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 27.2%, Bullet Hell 25.9%, Action 25.9%, Indie 20.9%
- #25 PsycoCat
79% match6 user reviews83% of 6 reviews2019
Dev: YukiOstudio
Windows
You are the PsycoCat, an ultimate cat hooked to a balloon with an alien weapon After an apprenticeship against floating rocks you will be ready to fight the most terrible creatures of the world. Bull, rabbit, flying chicken and more await you for a terrible confrontation in the heavens. Good luck
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 32.5%, Bullet Hell 31%, Indie 17.2%, Action 16.7%, Casual 2.6%
- #26 Don'Yoku
81% matchMixed53% of 36 reviews2015
Dev: Dark-Spot Studio
Windows
Median: 4.4 hrsMean: 4.6 hrs≥1hr: 96%
If you love shoot ‘em up and you love ‘em hard, with glorious music, with screen filling bullet patterns and huge token cancels, then Don’yoku is just for you!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 35%, Bullet Hell 25.6%, Action 21.8%, Indie 17.6%
- #27 Ghost Blade HD
78% matchVery Positive87% of 55 reviews2017
Dev: Hucast GamesPub: 2Dream
Windows · Mac · Linux
Ghost Blade HD is an intense bullet-hell shoot 'em up game, with satisfying and addictive score-based gameplay. With its inspiration going back to the shooting games of the 1990s era, Ghost Blade HD ties old memories to current tones and techniques.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 35.6%, Bullet Hell 31%, Action 18.3%, Indie 15.2%
- #28 Zenodeath
75% matchPositive92% of 13 reviews2020
Dev: Team Grybanser Fox
Windows
Zenodeath is the final entry in the Zeno series, the final evolution, featuring a modern OST by HeavyViper and two gameplay types.
Why similar: Action 29.5%, Shoot 'Em Up 26%, Indie 23.8%, Bullet Hell 20.6%
- #29 DotLine
78% match4 user reviews50% of 4 reviews2018
Dev: The Selenite Forge
Windows · Mac · Linux
DotLine is a challenging minimalist puzzle game. Click on puzzle elements to drive the ball to the exit without falling into the void. Completing the game will require fast thinking and reaction !
Why similar: Strategy 41.8%, Action 24.5%, Indie 17.9%, Puzzle 15.8%
- #30 Red is Dead - The Complex Fun Random Level Fast Strategy Game
77% matchPositive88% of 17 reviews2016
Dev: Theodore Palser
Windows
Red is Dead is an intense action game with a randomized obstacle course containing over 120 levels. While playing this game you get an insane rush while being heavily amused. There are many physics in the game that you can interact with. Overcome insanely hard levels and beat your personal high score.
Why similar: Strategy 52.2%, Action 23.1%, Indie 19.5%, Casual 5.2%
- #31 Mr. Robot
79% matchVery Positive82% of 97 reviews2008
Dev: Moonpod
Windows
Median: 48 minMean: 3.3 hrs≥1hr: 45%
Asimov is a lowly service mechanoid aboard the interstellar colony ship Eidolon. Carrying hundreds of frozen human colonists to a new world. When the Eidolon's computer brain malfunctions, it falls to Asimov to undertake a perilous journey through the bowels of the massive ship to save his robot friends and the precious human cargo. Mr.
Why similar: Strategy 43.5%, Action 22%, Indie 20.8%, Puzzle 13.6%
- #32 Flatshot
77% matchMixed67% of 12 reviews2017
Dev: TurupawnPub: Rosalila
Windows · Linux
Flatshot is a free as in freedom shooting game with flat and minimalist aesthetics. Shoot, dodge, parry and charge to defeat +50 enemy bosses. Sharpen your skills in this easy to learn hard to master Bullet Hell.
Why similar: Bullet Hell 25.8%, Indie 25.4%, Shoot 'Em Up 25%, Action 23.8%
- #33 Text Wormhole
75% matchVery Positive88% of 50 reviews2017
Dev: Elknight
Windows · Mac
Median: 30 minMean: 1.8 hrs≥1hr: 20%
Text Wormhole is a dodge game of bullet hell generated by the roguelike way dynamically based on the theme of letters, which adopts the minimalist design style. The unprecedented visual spectacle will give you an extraordinary game experience.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 26.5%, Action 26%, Bullet Hell 23.1%, Indie 20.3%, Casual 4%
- #34 The Tawashi
73% matchPositive100% of 23 reviews2020
Dev: MUTOYS
Windows
A vertical scrolling shooter with a nostalgic twist! Evade and shoot on end!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 31.8%, Bullet Hell 26.5%, Action 22.7%, Indie 18.9%
- #35 Nullum
71% matchPositive94% of 48 reviews2020
Dev: Misc.261
Windows
Nullum is a minimalist puzzle game. The goal is to eliminate all tiles by creating matching numbers.
Why similar: Strategy 34.3%, Abstract 33.4%, Indie 14.4%, Puzzle 8%, 2D 4.6%
- #36 Salvaged
76% matchMixed43% of 14 reviews2016
Dev: Opposable Games
Windows
The human race explores the stars, but a keen focus on the future has left a trail of desolation in the past. You are Alex Pieterson, commander of the salvage ship Thaddeus and its team of hardened agents. You are a remnant of that past, fighting for survival in a huge new galaxy.
Why similar: Strategy 66.4%, Action 33.6%
- #37 Technolites: Episode 1
73% match4 user reviews75% of 4 reviews2018
Dev: ZUGALU ENTERTAINMENT
Windows
Technolites is an action packed top down shooter with an epic animated adventure, fully voice acted. The first game in the genre to allow you to build your own ship, with dozens of unique parts and weapons.
Why similar: Strategy 34.8%, Shoot 'Em Up 25.6%, Action 19.5%, Indie 15.7%, Casual 4.4%
- #38 Tankorama
73% match3 user reviews100% of 3 reviews2019
Dev: GO Dizajn
Windows
TANKORAMA is an old school top-down shoot ‘em up game with modern graphics and addictive gameplay. Control HOVERING TANKS, destroy enemies, collect power ups and challenge wicked bosses in single player. Show who is THE BOSS on Earth!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 30.3%, Bullet Hell 26.2%, Action 21.3%, Indie 17.2%, Casual 5%
- #39 Terra Feminarum
72% matchVery Positive86% of 64 reviews2018
Dev: Polar Night Games
Windows
Terra Feminarum is a Finnish mythology themed Japanese style danmaku shoot ’em up.
Why similar: Action 26.4%, Shoot 'Em Up 26.2%, Bullet Hell 26.1%, Indie 21.3%
- #40 Starlaxis Supernova Edition
74% matchMixed60% of 62 reviews2015
Dev: Spiderwork Games
Windows
Median: 2.7 hrsMean: 4.7 hrs≥1hr: 97%
Prepare yourself for mind-blowing puzzle strategy in new dimensions! You think Starlaxis is just a small puzzle game? THINK AGAIN! Master breath-taking challenges, win seemingly impossible boss fights, complete multiple missions goals, overcome dozens of enemies, and last but not least: Save EARTH!
Why similar: Strategy 44.9%, Action 22.3%, Indie 18%, Puzzle 10.4%, Casual 4.4%
- #41 Mars Wars
62% matchNo user reviews
Dev: lonewolfdesign
Windows
Mars Wars is a top-down shooter game, where you have to defend your base from aliens on Mars. You control a rover with different weapons that you can use to kill the aliens.
Why similar: Strategy 51.4%, Action 26.9%, Indie 21.7%
- #42 SpaceMerc
72% match7 user reviews71% of 7 reviews2017
Dev: Colin EUMP
Windows · Linux
SpaceMerc is a casual narrative bullet hell shooter about one pilot's quest to get paid by blowing stuff up. There's also an intergalactic war or something going on too.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 30.9%, Bullet Hell 29.4%, Action 19.9%, Indie 16.1%, Casual 2.2%
- #43 Pick Your Poison
62% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Ranmantaru Games
Windows
Pick a disadvantage each level, how far can you go in this roguelike?
Why similar: Strategy 51.4%, Action 26.9%, Indie 21.7%
- #44 BR Logic Pack
70% matchMixed57% of 14 reviews2018
Dev: Benarom Games
Windows
Game bundle with 10 logical / puzzle games. Something for those who like pipes, mazes, tiles, math games, falling blocks, match3, dungeons, pixels and challenges. Ambient games, without tons of distractions. Focused on random levels.
Why similar: Strategy 42.8%, Action 22.4%, Indie 17.5%, Puzzle 11.9%, Casual 5.4%
- #45 Er-Spectro
71% matchMixed42% of 24 reviews2017
Dev: TheDreikPub: Phoenix Reborn Games
Windows
Median: 6 minMean: 6.3 hrs≥1hr: 33%
Defeat 7 bosses in this radial Shoot 'em up game to obtain full power of color spectre and defeat hidden evil.
Why similar: Action 26.3%, Shoot 'Em Up 23.8%, Indie 21.2%, Bullet Hell 20.6%, 2D 6.6%
- #46 Chess Arena-象棋竞技场
69% matchMixed60% of 15 reviews2019
Dev: HideChara
Windows
这是一款下棋和动作游戏结合的创意作品,传统的象棋棋子们将化身为真正的战士,在棋盘上决斗。
Why similar: Strategy 53%, Action 26%, Indie 21%
- #47 Ruzh Delta Z
71% matchMixed62% of 506 reviews2015
Dev: Pribuni
Windows
Median: 6 minMean: 3.5 hrs≥1hr: 14%
Ruzh Delta Z is a frenzied shoot-em-up which draws inspiration from classics such as Gradius, DoDonPachi, and R-Type. Shoot your way through perilous stages and wreck thousands of rogue vessels in your quest to become the ultimate pilot.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 27.2%, Action 25.9%, Bullet Hell 23.7%, Indie 18.2%, Casual 5.1%
- #48 东方龙华传 - The Gatekeeper of Scarlet's Mansion
54% matchPositive100% of 12 reviews2025
Dev: Fs
Windows
In this Touhou doujin STG, you don't attack enemies by shooting bullets. Instead, use punches, fairy maids, and Spell Cards to fulfill gatekeeper's duty. On top of that, learn how to build combos, win a lot of blue points, and experience the exhilarating feeling when they fill the entire screen!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 28%, Bullet Hell 27.1%, Strategy 22%, Action 12.3%, 2D 4.2%
- #49 Unfair Jousting Fair
70% matchPositive80% of 25 reviews2015
Dev: Rodaja
Windows
Beat your friends in joust while you try to keep your balance on top of your unicycle! Compete in the ridiculous jousting tournament your mother never let you have. You can now practice your unicycle and lancing skills without fear of your video becoming viral, or breaking any bones for that matter.
Why similar: Indie 77.5%, Casual 22.5%
- #50 Cubetractor
70% matchMostly Positive74% of 480 reviews2013
Dev: Ludochip
Windows · Mac
Median: 12 minMean: 3.7 hrs≥1hr: 19%
WINNER: IGF China award for BEST GAME!Cubetractor is a neo-retroesque action-strategy-puzzle hybrid where you defeat enemies through an unconventional cube-pulling, turret-buildling mechanic. The game carries elements of a reverse tower defence and a grounded bullet-hell dodger to deliver a unique gameplay experience presented in a...
Why similar: Strategy 46.4%, Indie 21.6%, Action 21.5%, Puzzle 10.5%
- #51 Aerial Guardian
69% matchMostly Negative28% of 86 reviews2018
Dev: Maddnuss GamesPub: Matthew Nuss
Windows
Aerial Guardian is a large scale multiplayer battle first person shooter. Choose from several classes and play as a soldier to embroil yourself in a space fleet battle. Choose from a variety of over 20 weapons and several vehicles including mechs.
Why similar: Strategy 52.9%, Action 25.6%, Indie 21.6%
- #52 Radirgy Swag
49% matchPositive94% of 33 reviews2026
Dev: RS34
Windows
Dodge, slash, and shoot your way through waves of enemies while collecting items. Blast off on a quick trip toward the Moon in Radio-allergic Shoot ’Em Up!
Why similar: Bullet Hell 39.9%, Shoot 'Em Up 36%, Action 15.1%, 2D 7.1%, Singleplayer 2%
- #53 Deadweight
67% matchPositive80% of 20 reviews2016
Dev: DK VIP Lounge
Windows · Mac
Play as one of many clones condemned to fight each other in perpetuity for the amusement of the robot lord, King Mechanicus.
Why similar: Strategy 52.2%, Action 26.4%, Indie 21.3%
- #54 PlanetFate
67% matchPositive88% of 16 reviews2016
Dev: Aaron Matthies
Windows
Defend your planet against aliens and asteroids in this room-scale VR game. Set mines, position orbital laser and torpedo defense units and watch out for threats from any direction. Do you have what it takes to prevent the destruction of your planet?
Why similar: Strategy 52.2%, Action 26.4%, Indie 21.3%
- #55 Moonlight Warrior
66% match1 user reviews100% of 1 reviews2019
Dev: MoonlightGames
Windows
One person developer made marvelous turn-based game which can beat 43 stages
Why similar: Strategy 52.2%, Action 26.4%, Indie 21.3%
- #56 GL1TCH
67% match1 user reviews0% of 1 reviews2018
Dev: whatthehal Games, LLC
Windows
GL1TCH shrinks you down to a bit and sends you into circuits to overload and disable them by utilizing arcade-style controls and smart-thinking strategy.
Why similar: Strategy 52.2%, Action 26.4%, Indie 21.3%