Games Like Police Stories: The Academy

A fresh take on top-down shooters with an emphasis on tactics that forces you to make split second decisions. Neutralize criminals, rescue civilians and defuse bombs in Single Player mode or Co-op. And remember - shooting first is not an option!

Why similar: Top-Down Shooter 18.1%, Crime 11.6%, Tactical 11.5%, Co-op 8.2%, Shooter 8.2%

Why You'll Like It: This is the full, definitive version of the seed game, offering the complete tactical police experience.

Door Kickers is an innovative realtime strategy game that puts you in charge of a SWAT team and lets you command them during a tactical intervention.

Why similar: Tactical 30%, Strategy 13.1%, Top-Down 13.1%, Top-Down Shooter 9.1%, Simulation 7.8%

Why You'll Like It: The gold standard for top-down tactical planning, requiring precise squad management and room-clearing strategy.

Rescue hostages, disarm bombs and save the day in this old school, side-scroller action game with retro graphics and retro sensibilities. Online and Couch Coop Included.

Why similar: Level Editor 15.6%, Tactical 11.7%, Local Co-Op 11.5%, Shooter 10.4%, Pixel Graphics 8.1%

Why You'll Like It: A fast-paced, 2D side-scrolling tactical shooter that maintains the intense room-clearing feel of the series.

Thunder Tier One is a realistic top-down shooter where you join an elite special operations team tasked with stopping a dangerous terrorist organization wreaking havoc across the fictional Eastern European country of Salobia.

Why similar: Top-Down Shooter 21.8%, Tactical 13.3%, Shooter 10.7%, Realistic 10%, Top-Down 9.8%

Why You'll Like It: A realistic top-down tactical shooter that emphasizes squad coordination and authentic military equipment.

Command military Special Ops Teams in gripping tactical combat against a Middle East-based terrorist network. Sequel to RockPaperShotgun's "Best Tactics Game of 2014".

Why similar: Top-Down Shooter 19.2%, Tactical 18.8%, Level Editor 18.5%, Top-Down 13.9%, Co-op 9.6%

Why You'll Like It: An evolution of the tactical top-down genre with more advanced AI, equipment, and complex mission environments.

As an elite SWAT operator, think fast and put your tactics to the test to master a series of missions and save lives. Summon your team of up to four players in online and local co-op, or hone your skills solo. Don’t just be the best—be the best of the best.

Why similar: Crime 22.3%, Shooter 10.7%, Top-Down 9.7%, Tactical 8.8%, Realistic 8.4%

Why You'll Like It: Focuses heavily on tactical room clearing and non-lethal takedowns, mirroring the core mechanics of the seed game.

Ready or Not is an intense, tactical, first-person shooter that depicts a modern-day world in which SWAT police units are called to defuse hostile and confronting situations.

Why similar: Tactical 24.6%, Realistic 17.9%, Crime 15.3%, Shooter 14.5%, Co-op 10.7%

Why You'll Like It: The ultimate tactical police simulation that captures the high-stakes atmosphere and procedural nature of law enforcement operations.

Teeth-clenching stealth, followed by tactical hardcore gunplay for those not looking for a quiet way in. Intravenous redefines challenging stealth-action and will keep you on the edge of your seat!

Why similar: Tactical 24.3%, Top-Down Shooter 19.9%, Crime 13.6%, Top-Down 9%, Shooter 7.3%

Why You'll Like It: A highly polished top-down tactical stealth game where every shot and movement must be carefully calculated.

Zero Hour is a tactical FPS with online team-based game play that takes place in a variety of fictional locations interpreted in Bangladesh with Real-life scale & resource management. It brings a grounded, close quarter combat experience to the game.

Why similar: Tactical 22.9%, Shooter 17.2%, Realistic 14.2%, Multiplayer 9.7%, Co-op 9.6%

Why You'll Like It: A realistic tactical shooter that focuses on the intense, claustrophobic nature of police room-clearing operations.

Carefully plan your team's tactics in close quarters battles. Use the timeline to synchronize each door breach, grenade throw and room entry with precision. Watch your team execute your plan autonomously in epic cinematic replays. Take on challenging roguelike campaigns or standalone missions.

Why similar: Strategy 21.8%, Top-Down 21.5%, Tactical 17.6%, Top-Down Shooter 12.1%, Simulation 11.5%

Why You'll Like It: Offers deep tactical planning and squad-based execution that rewards careful preparation and situational awareness.

ST brings the most intense, tactical-action experience to Steam. Select your custom loadout, plan out strategies and accomplish your objectives. Addictive Survival mode and unrivaled multiplayer including Squads (1 vs 1, 2 vs 2, 2 vs 1)

Why similar: Top-Down Shooter 24.6%, Tactical 16.8%, Co-op 10.3%, Simulation 9.1%, Online Co-Op 8.5%

Why You'll Like It: Real-time tactical combat that focuses on squad management and precise positioning in challenging scenarios.

Of Guards and Thieves is a multiplayer stealth game in which high-powered guards face off against fast and elusive thieves in a contest of wits. Outsmarting the enemy and shooting your way through to the goal are equally valid strategies. Simple rules, emergent gameplay and high replayability.

Why similar: Top-Down Shooter 17.3%, Multiplayer 14.4%, Shooter 14.4%, Top-Down 11.9%, Co-op 11.2%

Why You'll Like It: An asymmetric tactical game that pits teams against each other in stealth-heavy, top-down environments.

RUNNING WITH RIFLES is a top-down tactical shooter with open world RPG elements. In RWR, you join the ranks of an army as a common soldier, just like the thousands around you.

Why similar: Top-Down Shooter 27.4%, Tactical 14.7%, Top-Down 11%, Shooter 10.2%, Co-op 8.7%

Why You'll Like It: A top-down tactical shooter that emphasizes large-scale squad movement and objective-based tactical gameplay.

Intravenous 2 is the ultimate blend of tactical gameplay and immersive storytelling. Will you embrace the shadows or confront your foes head-on? The choice is yours. Experience a new era of tactical stealth action. Save lives. Uncover secrets. Take vengeance.

Why similar: Top-Down Shooter 18.7%, Crime 17.8%, Tactical 15.6%, Shooter 12.5%, Realistic 11%

Why You'll Like It: Builds on the tactical stealth mechanics of the first game with improved systems and more complex mission design.

The System built a world of injustice and oppression. Pressed up against the wall, it now fights for its survival. Uphold the law as an elite police officer or join the Stagers to liberate the world, defining the future of society in this multiplayer isometric tactical shooter!

Why similar: Top-Down Shooter 23.7%, Crime 14.5%, Tactical 12.6%, Shooter 10.3%, PvE 8.5%

Why You'll Like It: A tactical top-down shooter that emphasizes heist-style gameplay and detailed gun customization.

Breach & Clear brings deep tactical strategy simulation to PC, Mac and Linux! Build your Special Operations team, plan and execute advanced missions, and own every angle.Choose your real-world squad -- US Army Rangers, Germany's KSK, Canada’s JTF2, UK SAS, and more -- and take on a variety of foes with different skill-sets and...

Why similar: Tactical 40.3%, Strategy 25.6%, Simulation 11.5%, Shooter 7.5%, Action 6%

Why You'll Like It: A squad-based tactical combat game that emphasizes positioning and tactical entry into hostile environments.

Welcome to Brighton! Join the police force of this fictitious American city and experience the day to day life of a police officer.

Why similar: Crime 35.4%, Realistic 16%, Co-op 13.2%, Multiplayer 11.6%, Simulation 11.5%

Why You'll Like It: Provides a more grounded, simulation-heavy look at the daily duties and procedural aspects of police work.

Blacklist Brigade is a co-op focused top-down shooter game, where players as a part of a mercenary group fight against banana republic dictators and other evil scoundrels.

Why similar: Top-Down Shooter 24%, Tactical 11.4%, Shooter 10.9%, Top-Down 10.6%, Online Co-Op 7.4%

Why You'll Like It: A challenging top-down shooter that emphasizes tactical movement and cooperative play in high-difficulty settings.

Take charge of a SWAT unit as an elite operator. Command a specialized AI squad or team up in co-op to seize suspects, rescue civilians, and restore order. Study the briefing, kit out your team, and execute your plan with disciplined precision.

Why similar: Tactical 17.9%, Crime 17.7%, Shooter 16.7%, Realistic 13.2%, Co-op 10.8%

Why You'll Like It: A tactical game focused on leading a SWAT team through complex, high-stakes scenarios with a focus on planning.

Carefully plan your team's tactics in close quarters battles. Use the timeline to synchronize each door breach, grenade throw and room entry with precision. Watch your team execute your plan autonomously in epic cinematic replays. Take on challenging roguelike campaigns or standalone missions.

Why similar: Top-Down Shooter 26.9%, Level Editor 20.4%, Tactical 14.7%, Top-Down 11.9%, Strategy 9.6%

Why You'll Like It: A tactical strategy game that focuses on military-style room clearing and squad management in a top-down view.

CS2D is a free fast-paced top-down multiplayer shooter. Featuring many different game modes, a built-in map editor and much more.

Why similar: Top-Down Shooter 29%, Shooter 24.4%, Multiplayer 13.9%, 2D 11.4%, Top-Down 7.2%

Why You'll Like It: A 2D top-down adaptation of classic tactical shooter mechanics that emphasizes quick reflexes and team coordination.

Brings the simultaneous turn-based strategy genre up-to-date and lets you give detailed, accurate orders to your squad.

Why similar: Tactical 44.9%, Strategy 29.2%, Multiplayer 11.7%, Top-Down 11.6%, Local Multiplayer 1.4%

Why You'll Like It: A turn-based tactical game that requires the same level of careful planning and predictive strategy as the seed game.

Operation: Harsh Doorstop is the ultimate, free to play, tactical shooter sandbox. Play singleplayer, multiplayer, or co-op modes and explore thousands of community-created maps, weapons, and vehicles via the Steam Workshop. Created by ex-developers of Squad, Red Orchestra, and Insurgency.

Why similar: Realistic 20.9%, Tactical 20.8%, Shooter 18%, Multiplayer 14.6%, Simulation 9.2%

Why You'll Like It: A realistic tactical military shooter that shares the high-stakes combat feel and emphasis on teamwork.

It's 3:00 a.m. Your neighbours are having a loud party. Stop them. Party Hard is tinyBuild's award-winning stealth strategy game about ruining parties by any means.

Why similar: Crime 29%, Pixel Graphics 26.3%, Strategy 19.4%, Top-Down 9.4%, Action 8.2%

Why You'll Like It: Shares the top-down perspective and stealth-oriented tactical gameplay, focusing on careful observation and timing.

Counter Agents is a spy-themed, head-to-head multiplayer game where your objective is to sneak around guards, steal the briefcase, and make it to an exit point before your opponent!

Why similar: Level Editor 19.4%, Top-Down Shooter 17.6%, Local Co-Op 11.6%, Shooter 11.2%, Local Multiplayer 10.8%

Why You'll Like It: A stealth-focused tactical game that emphasizes careful movement and observation in a competitive setting.

Firefighting Simulator lets you experience what it means to fight fires up close as an active part of a major US city's firefighting crew - together with up to 3 friends in the co-op multiplayer- or in the single player mode.

Why similar: Realistic 19.3%, Simulation 17.4%, Co-op 15.3%, Multiplayer 14.7%, Online Co-Op 11.1%

Why You'll Like It: While a different profession, it shares the cooperative, procedure-heavy simulation style found in tactical police games.

Athena Crisis is a modern retro turn-based strategy game that places you in command of 40+ units in your journey across the multiverse. Embark on a challenging single-player quest or dive into the thrill of ranked or casual multiplayer modes to become the best Athena Crisis player!

Why similar: Level Editor 16.9%, Tactical 15.6%, Top-Down 11%, PvE 9.6%, Pixel Graphics 8.9%

Why You'll Like It: A turn-based tactical game that shares the pixel-art aesthetic and strategic depth required for successful mission completion.

Get a taste of prison life! Become a prison guard and deal with dangerous convicts. Prison management, lots of daily activities. Will you become the best guard in history? Or maybe you'll turn into the worst scumbag this Prison has ever seen?

Why similar: Crime 44.7%, Realistic 20.3%, Simulation 14.6%, Atmospheric 10.1%, Action 7.6%

Why You'll Like It: Provides a similar simulation-focused perspective on law enforcement and the daily management of a high-security facility.

Tired of political exploitation? Join me and let's rebuild our thieving business together! Let's steal cars, radios, and TVs - anything that catches your eye can be yours! Recall what it's like to be a thief in Thief Simulator 2: Prologue!

Why similar: Crime 31.7%, Co-op 14.9%, Simulation 12.9%, Multiplayer 12.6%, Realistic 8.3%

A new breed of Police Simulator, Enforcer demands you show exceptional bravery in the line of duty while under pressure and enemy gunfire.

Why similar: Crime 50%, Simulation 23.2%, Action 10.3%, Shooter 6.9%, Realistic 4.2%

Why You'll Like It: An open-world police simulation that captures the daily duties and varied responsibilities of law enforcement.

Shoot and drift around the chaotic streets of Strife City, a hub for crime, secret societies, paranormal activities and lots’a *CHA-CHING*!

Why similar: Top-Down Shooter 21.8%, Top-Down 14.4%, Shooter 13.2%, Multiplayer 11.5%, Pixel Graphics 10.8%

Why You'll Like It: A fast-paced top-down action game that shares the arcade-style tactical combat feel of the seed game.

Free introduction to the full Police Chief Simulator game takes you to Winston Springs Police Station! Handle incoming reports, renovate and expand the station, solve cases, and fight crime!

Why similar: Strategy 31.1%, Simulation 29.5%, Action 18.9%, Realistic 15.2%, Atmospheric 5.4%

Police Shootout Prologue is a new turn-based FPS game. Put on your uniform and get ready to respond the most surprising calls in your policeman’s career. Solve cases and gain experience, and find out why a good young policeman gave up his career in a big city and moved to a small town of San Adrino

Why similar: Crime 34.3%, Multiplayer 25.4%, Simulation 23.9%, Action 14.5%, Singleplayer 1.9%

Face the varied challenges of the Machine God Zir in ARENA, a standalone expansion for Synthetik: Legion Rising! Leverage the next level in gun-play and experiment with powerful tech in varied action packed Arenas!

Why similar: Top-Down Shooter 37.1%, Co-op 16.3%, Multiplayer 13%, Shooter 9.3%, Action 8.1%

Save lives – be a hero! Join forces against the chaos in the newest title of the award-winning EMERGENCY series. Take up your shift as incident commander and coordinate with other players to fight fires, arrest gangsters and rescue injured civilians. Your city needs you!

Why similar: Realistic 15%, Multiplayer 14.6%, Strategy 12.8%, Co-op 11.7%, Online Co-Op 10.5%

Police Shootout is a new turn-based FPS game. Put on your uniform and get ready to respond the most surprising calls in your policeman’s career. Solve cases and gain experience, but also find out why a good young policeman gave up his career in a big city and moved to a small town of San Adrino.

Why similar: Crime 30.7%, Shooter 17.3%, Tactical 17%, Realistic 12.2%, Simulation 11.2%

POLYGON is a tactical multiplayer team 1st person shooter. Using various weapons, you will battle with up to 32 players on large-scale maps. Properly managing your arsenal and skills, you will lead your team to victory!

Why similar: Shooter 33.7%, Tactical 31.5%, Multiplayer 18%, Action 9.9%, Atmospheric 7%

The multiplayer supermarket has arrived to your neighbourhood for free! Stock your shop space, unlock perks and franchises, hire employees or chase those pesky shoplifters. The more players, the more action!

Why similar: Simulation 31.3%, Multiplayer 29.6%, Online Co-Op 28.6%, Realistic 8.1%, Singleplayer 2.4%

The FREE PROLOGUE version of our tactical squad shooter. In SWAT Commander: Prologue, you join an elite special forces unit. Team up with other operatives, manage your equipment, and most importantly – complete your mission successfully.

Why similar: Crime 23.2%, Shooter 18.2%, Tactical 16.7%, Realistic 14.5%, Multiplayer 10.9%

Pixel Strike 3D is a Multiplayer First-Person Shooter that features fast-paced gameplay and a wide variety of player customization. Battle friends and foes from all around the world in over 20 unique game modes, with over 70 available weapons.

Why similar: Tactical 23.7%, Shooter 19.4%, Co-op 14.5%, Multiplayer 13.4%, Pixel Graphics 11.3%

Wanna find out what a prison riot looks like? Check a free stand-alone prologue for Prison Simulator. A story that is not available in the full game! Be warned: Police baton might not be enough to bring order to the prison halls.

Why similar: Crime 38.6%, Realistic 18%, Shooter 14.6%, Simulation 10.5%, Atmospheric 8.6%

Game about the difficult work of people that manage emergency lines and services. Answer incoming calls and react properly - give first aid instructions, advise, dispatch correct number of firemen / police / ambulances, or sometimes - just ignore the call. Play on ANY CITY in the world!

Why similar: Crime 22.9%, Simulation 22.6%, Strategy 20.9%, Realistic 12.7%, Tactical 10.2%

One-armed robber is a chaotic first-person heist game that centers around a uniquely challenging premise. Players take the role of a determined robber equipped with only one arm, tasked with pulling off daring heists on banks, shops, and various establishments.

Why similar: Multiplayer 25.2%, Co-op 19.9%, Shooter 14.7%, Simulation 11.9%, Tactical 10.6%

Play solo or in up to 10-player multiplayer co-op! Flashing Lights is an open world police, firefighting and EMS simulator game with plenty of opportunity for role-play or more relaxed fun with friends. Become the law or save lives! Discover leagues of player-created mods!

Why similar: Crime 32%, Shooter 15.8%, Realistic 15%, Co-op 11.2%, Simulation 11.1%

A co-operative multiplayer "Thieves vs. Guards" game about halting, catching and make it out with the loot!

Why similar: Top-Down 23.9%, Tactical 18.9%, Pixel Graphics 11.3%, Action 11.2%, 2D 10.4%

'Riot Control Simulator: Rookie Day' places you in a law enforcement role during minor post-match riots. Manage crowds, establish secure perimeters, and navigate confrontations, choosing strategies that prioritize bystander safety. Learn, decide, and lead! *This is a free prologue*

Why similar: Crime 45.4%, Simulation 25.4%, Action 14.4%, Multiplayer 6.3%, Realistic 4.5%

You’re out of jail, but the debt isn’t gone. Sneak, steal, and break into houses solo or in 4-player co-op. Use lockpicks, sleeping gas, and brute force to complete jobs, outsmart security, and make enough money before time runs out. Will you pay back what you owe, or lose everything?

Why similar: Crime 39%, Multiplayer 16.1%, Simulation 13.2%, Online Co-Op 12.2%, Realistic 7.8%

"Escape Memoirs: Mini Stories" is a series of co-operative escape-room style puzzle scenarios. Each one is sure to test your wits as you try to overcome the challenges that stand in the way of your escape.

Why similar: Multiplayer 28.4%, Co-op 25.7%, Online Co-Op 25.2%, Realistic 11.1%, Atmospheric 7%

A first-person shooting sports sim from the developers of World of Guns. Collect hundreds of realistic firearms and accessories, beat practical shooting and tactical training campaigns, set global high scores, and build your own ranges!

Why similar: Shooter 25%, Level Editor 22.8%, Tactical 16.5%, Realistic 14.4%, Simulation 12.5%

Sub Rosa is a multiplayer first-person shooter about tense deals, double-crosses, and the occasional high-speed car chase.

Why similar: Crime 31.3%, Shooter 21%, Multiplayer 18.2%, Action 7.5%, Co-op 7.4%

Co-operative multiplayer game and complete code base available for free.

Why similar: Top-Down Shooter 20.9%, Co-op 19.7%, Shooter 14%, Multiplayer 11.2%, Top-Down 10.7%

Purge the undead! Intense action-shooter with deep rpg elements, including upgradeable guns and armor, unique class skills, and class special abilities. Entire game can be played single player or as a 4-player online co-op game, including PvP events like Last Man Standing.

Why similar: Top-Down Shooter 36.7%, Multiplayer 13%, Shooter 13%, Co-op 11.7%, Top-Down 10.3%

Crime Simulator: Playgrounds is a short, chaotic, and hilarious entry in the Crime Simulator franchise. Throw hammers, spray pepper gas, and cause mayhem solo or with up to 4 players. Take over hideouts, complete absurd missions, and unleash destruction with the wildest weapons. No rules—just fun!

Why similar: Crime 39.8%, Co-op 15.3%, Multiplayer 14.4%, Online Co-Op 12.3%, Action 7.7%

Perfect Heist is a round-based online game, where the robber team tries to execute a bank robbery without getting noticed, and the cop team tries to prevent it. Robbers hide in plain sight and try to slowly infiltrate the bank while the Cops try to figure out who is a normal customer, and who is a robber!

Why similar: Crime 29.7%, Shooter 24.6%, Multiplayer 19%, Strategy 17.2%, Action 9.5%

Action-packed 2D multiplayer top-down shooter. Play as a human or dinosaur with hundreds of weapons, game modes, and maps!

Why similar: Top-Down Shooter 22.2%, Shooter 12%, Top-Down 11.5%, Level Editor 10.8%, Tactical 10.4%

From Gooseman, creator of the original Counter-Strike mod - Alpha Response delivers intense police action in dynamic, real-world environments. Fight solo or with friends against diverse enemies in high-stakes missions that demand fast reflexes, teamwork and split-second decision making.

Why similar: Crime 26.8%, Tactical 16.4%, Shooter 15%, Realistic 12.5%, Co-op 11%

FREE UPDATE; STATE OF EMERGENCY, OUT NOW! Framed for your father’s murder, you’ll need to do whatever it takes to unveil the real culprit. Tackle thrilling missions for the criminal underworld - just don’t let the cops track you down!

Why similar: Crime 37.6%, Top-Down Shooter 25.3%, Top-Down 21.7%, Action 12.2%, Shooter 2.3%