Games Like Steel Rain

Stardust Galaxy Warriors: Stellar Climax is a fast-paced couch co-op action shooter with SHMUP/Brawler gameplay and RPG elements. Choose your mechs, weapons & upgrades then soar through space, defeat evil & save the future... from itself!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 23.5%, Side Scroller 17.3%, Bullet Hell 15.1%, Local Co-Op 13.4%, Shooter 8.6%

Why You'll Like It: Combines classic side-scrolling action with RPG elements and character progression in a cooperative setting.

Jets'n'Guns 2 is a side-scrolling space shooter with insane levels of action and destruction. Travel the galaxies and unleash an arsenal of the deadliest weapons and devices to save the universe from its inevitable doom.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 51.2%, Side Scroller 15.7%, Bullet Hell 14.2%, Action 9.8%, Indie 6.7%

Why You'll Like It: Features extensive ship customization and RPG-like upgrade systems that mirror the strategic depth of Steel Rain.

Sky Force Reloaded is a classic shoot ‘em up experience packed in gorgeous visuals and excellent gameplay. Enjoy flashy explosions, beautiful scenery and massive bosses in single player or local cooperative modes.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 33.2%, Bullet Hell 22.2%, Local Co-Op 16.4%, Arcade 12.1%, Shooter 7.2%

Why You'll Like It: Focuses heavily on ship progression and mission-based upgrades that provide a similar sense of long-term growth.

Steredenn is a frenetic and chaotic space shooter, carved in big beautiful pixels, with insane boss battles. Embark in your ship and engage the fight against dreadful space pirates in a never-ending combat for your survival.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 25.5%, Bullet Hell 16.8%, Side Scroller 14.9%, Local Co-Op 12.6%, Arcade 9.6%

Why You'll Like It: A roguelike shoot-em-up that emphasizes weapon variety and tactical loadout choices during runs.

This is a side-scrolling shooting game in which you take control of the "Drainus", the Kharlal Empire's most cutting-edge fighter with the ability to absorb energy bullets, and take down the enemy ships zipping through space.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 43.2%, Shooter 12.3%, Bullet Hell 10.8%, Action 8.5%, Female Protagonist 7.1%

Why You'll Like It: Includes a robust energy-absorption and upgrade system that allows for strategic customization of your ship's capabilities.

This intense space shoot ’em up challenges you to fight across two battlefields on one splitscreen. Instantly switch between them to dodge waves of bullets, reach secret areas, or surprise your enemies. Play solo or turn it up to 11 with a local co-op partner.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 33.6%, Local Co-Op 20%, Arcade 10.8%, Shooter 8.8%, Female Protagonist 8.4%

Why You'll Like It: Features a unique dual-screen mechanic that requires the same level of strategic formation management as Steel Rain.

Sine Mora EX is a side-scrolling shoot'em up that provides a unique challenge, where time is the ultimate factor. Mixing classic shooter sensibilities with contemporary presentation, Sine Mora EX is a gorgeous shoot'em up offering both a Story Mode that weaves an excessive tale and an Arcade Mode.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 22.5%, Side Scroller 19%, Bullet Hell 17%, PvP 7.9%, Arcade 7.5%

Why You'll Like It: Introduces time-manipulation mechanics and a narrative-driven structure that elevates the standard arcade experience.

This is the story of a fighter who wanted to become...

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 42.4%, Bullet Hell 25.6%, Arcade 8.3%, Action 5.2%, Indie 4.6%

Why You'll Like It: Offers deep, evolving mechanics and a high level of polish that appeals to fans of complex shoot-em-ups.

Why play shoot 'em ups one ship at a time? Launch them all at once! Unleash an entire armada of ships in Shoot 1UP!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 23.8%, Side Scroller 19.7%, Bullet Hell 17.6%, Arcade 8.8%, Shooter 8.6%

Why You'll Like It: Allows you to control multiple ships simultaneously, directly echoing the multi-wing combat of the seed game.

Xenoraid is a vertically scrolling shoot'em up with procedurally driven missions and detailed shooting mechanics. Modern features such as real time fighter switching and squadron management make Xenoraid a fresh and thrilling shooter!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 23.8%, Bullet Hell 11.5%, Local Co-Op 11.4%, Survival 10.8%, Space 9.8%

Why You'll Like It: Focuses on squad-based management where you must strategically swap between ships to survive.

Challenge yourself to a new kind of bullet-hell fusion shooter. Change your aircraft to get new skills just when you need them against advancing foes. Aim for the top spot!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 21.2%, Bullet Hell 16.1%, Side Scroller 15.8%, Local Co-Op 11.9%, Space 10.1%

Why You'll Like It: Features a unique transformation mechanic that forces players to adapt their strategy on the fly.

Shoot! Dodge! and... Get Hit!? "Ikaruga" is a vertical shoot 'em up that features an unique polarity-switching gameplay. Switch the ship's polarity and "get hit and absorb" enemy bullets! Achieve High Score with the chain bonus!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 44.3%, Bullet Hell 33%, Arcade 11.2%, Shooter 3.8%, Action 2.4%

Why You'll Like It: A classic that demands high-level strategic thinking through its polarity-switching mechanic.

Reign of Bullets is a shoot ‘em up with epic loot and lots of guns. Upgrade your ship and customize your weapons to build the ultimate fighter plane.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 51.4%, Side Scroller 28.8%, Action 11.2%, Indie 8.6%

Why You'll Like It: Incorporates loot-based progression and weapon crafting that feels very similar to the RPG elements in Steel Rain.

RefRain - prism memories - is an empowering, cyberpunk, bullet-hell shoot-’em-up that focuses on fast-paced, offensive gameplay. “Dive” into a hazardous digital world, cycle through 3 different attack modes, and delete the opposition with superior firepower.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 45.5%, Bullet Hell 28.1%, Action 14.8%, Indie 11.6%

Why You'll Like It: Provides a deep system of tactical weapon management and high-intensity bullet-hell action.

A super fast, twin analogue shooter for the modern age!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 28%, Bullet Hell 15%, Space 12.3%, Side Scroller 10.1%, Indie 9.4%

Why You'll Like It: Features a variety of game modes and space-exploration elements that complement its chaotic action.

Fight, fly, flourish! BLUE REVOLVER is a manic arcade-style shoot-em-up built for newcomers and psychos alike. Powerful special weapons cut through tough areas, while an adaptive difficulty system tailors the game to your skill level as you evade and counter a maniac environmental force!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 48%, Bullet Hell 26.7%, Arcade 9%, Action 4.3%, Indie 3.7%

Why You'll Like It: A modern take on the genre that balances intense bullet patterns with accessible but deep mechanics.

Warp into action with Solar Shifter EX. Man your ship and dive into fierce combat situations in space and over beautiful and distant planet surfaces. Solar Shifter EX is a sci-fi shoot 'em up with the unique ability to 'shift'.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 70.1%, Action 17.3%, Indie 12.5%

Why You'll Like It: Features a unique ability to shift between different ship states, adding a layer of tactical depth to combat.

A deep, tactical shoot'em up. With every takedown, you’ll earn cash and xp to upgrade your ship and unlock new abilities. Online and local co-op. Unique versus mode. Realistic physics and water simulation.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 43.4%, Bullet Hell 17.2%, Local Co-Op 11.1%, Arcade 7.2%, Shooter 7.2%

Why You'll Like It: A straightforward action-shooter that captures the classic feel of arcade aerial combat.

Super Hydorah is a nonlinear horizontal shoot’ em up designed to offer a challenging experience, sublimating the richness of traditional shmup classics. Face the menace of the Meroptians aboard the Delta Lance, alone or with your friends in this game with direct action and nostalgic art.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 48.2%, Arcade 15.8%, Bullet Hell 9.3%, Action 8.6%, Indie 6.6%

Why You'll Like It: A non-linear shoot-em-up that offers branching paths and strategic weapon selection.

Addictive fast-paced shoot-em-up with beautiful 3D graphics and an amazing soundtrack. 5 ships to choose from and 5 action-packed Stages.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 43%, Bullet Hell 28.5%, Arcade 12.6%, Action 9.5%, Indie 6.3%

Why You'll Like It: Provides a fast-paced arcade experience with a focus on high-intensity bullet patterns.

A retro shooter with a new power: the power to become any ship.Lost in the depths of space, you are a being of pure psychic energy with the uncanny power to take over and control anything you see in order to survive.Built for PC, Enemy Mind lets you battle your way through 70+ waves of challenging enemies.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 24%, Bullet Hell 15.1%, Side Scroller 14.9%, Space 11.3%, Shooter 8.7%

Why You'll Like It: Offers a unique body-swapping mechanic that forces you to constantly adapt your strategy to new enemy ships.

Operation STEEL is a roguelike shoot-em-up rendered in hand-drawn art. Blow up loads of enemies, destroy huge bosses, find weapons, and upgrade your load-out between levels. Combat the electronic legion across 20+ procedurally generated levels!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 35.2%, Bullet Hell 26.1%, Arcade 13.6%, Side Scroller 10.6%, Shooter 6.6%

Why You'll Like It: A roguelike shooter that emphasizes build variety and tactical upgrades during each session.

Outnumbered and outgunned in deep space? No problem! Turn your enemies' attacks into pure bullet heaven with your shield tech and absorb projectiles to power up your ship and score big! But when your shield expires and it's danger time, you better switch up your strategy fast...

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 30.8%, Side Scroller 22.8%, Space 10.3%, Arcade 9.8%, Shooter 8.8%

Why You'll Like It: A retro-inspired shooter that emphasizes precise movement and strategic positioning.

Take to the skies once again as the last defender of humanity against overwhelming odds! Lovingly built to be enjoyed by newcomers and genre veterans alike, Danmaku Unlimited 3 is a perfect medley of the best aspects of classic bullet hell shooters wrapped up in a modern and approachable package.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 40.8%, Bullet Hell 35%, Arcade 11.2%, Action 7.5%, Indie 5.5%

Why You'll Like It: Focuses on high-quality bullet-hell action with a refined system for managing resources and power-ups.

Equip your battleship's guns, install faster engines, and increase the power of your reactor. Throw a barrage of rockets on hordes of enemy ships, burning everything in your path!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 23%, Bullet Hell 17.3%, Space 11.4%, Local Co-Op 8.5%, PvP 8%

Why You'll Like It: Allows for significant ship customization and robot-themed upgrades that fit the strategic theme.

【About "The Hurricane of the Varstray"】"The Hurricane of the Varstray" is a vertically scrolling shoot'em up with a SF story: in the distant future, to defend the Earth against the invasion of mystery mechanical structures, 4 girls head to "the Varstray sector," far away from the Earth and considered as the v

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 32%, Bullet Hell 23.7%, Space 7.2%, Arcade 7%, Female Protagonist 6.6%

Why You'll Like It: An anime-styled shooter that provides a wide array of weapon choices for different tactical situations.

Gear up for an intergalactic thrill ride! Space Elite Force is a frenzied space-shooter packed with weapon customization and epic boss battles. Take command of your ship and fight for the survival of humanity!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 24.9%, Side Scroller 20.6%, Bullet Hell 18.8%, Arcade 9.4%, Space 9.3%

Why You'll Like It: A side-scrolling shooter that focuses on upgradeable stats and diverse enemy encounters.

Raging Blasters is a vertical scroll shmup featuring high speed scrolling and the exhilaration of destruction.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 31.8%, Local Co-Op 13.6%, Shooter 11%, Female Protagonist 9.1%, Bullet Hell 7.6%

Climb into the cockpit of an otherworldly war machine and fly into battle against a horrifying alien race bent on eradicating humanity to preserve their own civilization.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 32.1%, Bullet Hell 24.1%, Arcade 12.3%, Shooter 11.6%, Space 11.5%

Why You'll Like It: Blends cinematic 2D and 3D perspectives with fast-paced combat and unique formation-based attacks.

Saviors brings the best bullet hell experience you can find on Steam. Play through 18 challenging stages in this ultimate test of tactics and reflexes.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 43.8%, Bullet Hell 24.3%, Space 9%, Arcade 5.1%, Action 5%

Sky Mercenaries - Fast paced action overdose with rpg elements

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 38.9%, Bullet Hell 30.1%, Arcade 14.4%, Action 9.4%, Indie 7.3%

Command destructive spaceships to obliterate hordes of enemy vessels, while quickly solving puzzles to weave through networks of vibrantly colorful, adversarial machines!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 33%, Space 14.7%, Local Co-Op 14.4%, Shooter 9.8%, Bullet Hell 9.3%

Blast through the stars in this high-octane platformer-shooter!

Why similar: Strategy 55.3%, Action 31.2%, Indie 8.1%, Singleplayer 5.4%

Hear the shrieks of colliding metal! Behold the true form of steel! An explosive onslaught of shooting action!!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 39.8%, Bullet Hell 27.4%, Arcade 11.1%, Action 9.1%, Indie 6.7%

CounterAttack: Uprising is a side scrolling space shooter (shmup). Team up or fight solo, 1 - 4 player local or up to 8 players online coop, unlock upgrades, use powerful ultimate abilities, enhance your ship the way you want, and save the Earth from annihilation.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 20.2%, Side Scroller 15.7%, Bullet Hell 15%, Local Co-Op 11.7%, Survival 9.1%

Bullet Hell Insanity + Tower Defense Strategy. Rogue Star Rescue is a quirky new type of rogue-like shooter. Blast your way through diverse planets while rescuing your teammates and gathering traps for your defense strategy. Play solo or online to stop the Rogue Star before it annihilates everything!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 31.9%, Bullet Hell 27.1%, Local Co-Op 16.4%, Shooter 7.7%, Strategy 7.4%

A non-shooting shoot 'em up where you must grow, make friends, and survive together.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 36.5%, Bullet Hell 33.4%, Co-op 13%, Arcade 9.1%, Action 4.5%

Craft Your Ultimate Circular Fortress! Dive into SHOOPER NOVA, where you choose props and components to build a unique fortress. Unlock combos to shape your strategy and battle style. Become an unstoppable barrage machine and obliterate waves of enemies from all directions!

Why similar: Bullet Hell 26.8%, Shoot 'Em Up 16%, Strategy 14.5%, Arcade 11.2%, Space 7.8%

Bleed 2 is a relentless arcade action game featuring air-dodging, bullet-reflecting, and tons of bosses. Now with randomly-generated levels and daily challenges, too!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 30.3%, Bullet Hell 22.7%, Local Co-Op 10.4%, Arcade 10%, Action 9.1%

Classic color match puzzle meets space shoot'em up action! Hop into your spaceship, open a path through huge waves of aliens and other hazards, and face intense boss battles!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 32%, Bullet Hell 23.6%, Arcade 11.3%, Shooter 10.6%, Space 10.1%

BlastZone 2 is a fast paced side scrolling shooter that combines 2D and 3D gameplay elements with a shifting camera. Play solo or join up with a friend locally or online to battle the alien forces! There are many game modes, ship types, and difficulty levels, find your favorite combination!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 23.6%, Bullet Hell 17.7%, Side Scroller 15.8%, Local Co-Op 13.7%, Survival 10.7%

Nova Drift distills the mechanical depth and strategy of an ARPG into classic arcade space combat. Control an endlessly evolving bio-mechanical ship, face legions of strange and deadly foes, and ride the wake of a dying star across the void.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 28.5%, Bullet Hell 22.3%, Space 13.2%, Arcade 11.1%, Shooter 10.4%

Railgunners is a shooter built to highly customizable difficulty levels. Fight your way through hundreds of enemy ships, and help humanity fight back against the alien invasion!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 29.2%, Bullet Hell 20.9%, Arcade 9.7%, Shooter 8%, Female Protagonist 7.6%

Super Galaxy Squadron is a fast-paced vertical shooter designed for human beings as well as SHMUP veterans. Featuring multiple game modes, a challenging but merciful difficulty curve, forgiving health system, and SEVENTEEN playable ships.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 38.2%, Bullet Hell 28.7%, Arcade 9.7%, Action 6.4%, Space 5%

Sixty basic cores, hundreds of base station equipment, and thousands of chips, you can freely cooperate and shoot through the dual-angle joystick operation in a survival Roguelike game! Explore the sci-fi space and build your strongest battleship!

Why similar: Space 35.1%, Strategy 29.1%, Action 17.6%, Exploration 10.9%, Singleplayer 7.3%

Legendary shoot-'em-up makes its way on the PCs! Abundant explosions, truly epic boss fights and beautifully crafted 3D environments are here to keep you entertained. Sky Force Anniversary offers single player experience and local cooperative mode for 2 players.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 39.5%, Bullet Hell 22.9%, Local Co-Op 11%, Arcade 9.7%, Shooter 5.4%

Shoot, destroy, collect, craft and destroy even more! "Dark Gravity" is a fast-paced, low poly vertical shoot'em up game that features non-linear campaign mode with lots of enemies and bosses. Craft new weapons, upgrade your fighter and build an ultimate aerial war machine!

Why similar: Bullet Hell 32.2%, Arcade 17.6%, Shooter 16.7%, Local Co-Op 12.8%, Action 8.5%

Shizuku and Akane...two pilots bound by rivalry and friendship battle to save their world from malevolent cosmic forces! A classic arcade style shmup with deeply satisfying fast paced combat, wide variety of load-out combos, and even local co-op!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 36.4%, Side Scroller 19.1%, Space 11.7%, Local Co-Op 10.3%, Arcade 9.1%

Prepare yourself for an insatiable rain of bullets, bombs, and beams in Crimzon Clover. Earn all the power-ups for an overpowered experience in the all new ARRANGE version.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 36.6%, Bullet Hell 27.8%, Arcade 14.6%, Shooter 10.4%, Action 7.9%

In Blazing Chrome, bring your best pal and kick some metal butts to free the humankind while enjoying a classic run’n’gun, fully loaded with action and exciting fights!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 27.9%, Side Scroller 23.2%, Local Co-Op 12.8%, Arcade 9.2%, Shooter 8%

Wish Project is a vertical shoot 'em up that features unique and challenging bullet patterns, 4 difficulties ranging from casual to hardcore, 8 unique playable characters, 6 stages, local co-op, unlockable characters and game modes, and an intuitive scoring system that encourages replay and mastery.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 28.2%, Bullet Hell 21.8%, Local Co-Op 13.8%, Action 9.2%, Shooter 7.8%

Raining Blobs is a challenging, fast-paced arcade puzzle game based around matching falling blocks, featuring adorable anime-style pixelart! Prove that you have what it takes to survive the endless blob rain with up to 16 players!

Why similar: Strategy 43.3%, Arcade 34%, Indie 22.7%

A sci-fi Vampire Survivors-like shooter. Control mecha girls to fight terrifying bug swarms. 40+ unique weapons & hundreds of passive skills for diverse Builds. Features space base management, mecha girl development, Live2D healing massages, and 4-player co-op. Enjoy interstellar survival adventures

Why similar: Survival 18.9%, Bullet Hell 17.9%, Space 16.4%, RPG 11.7%, Female Protagonist 11.5%

Sine Mora is a horizontal shoot'em up that provides a unique take on challenge, where time is the ultimate factor.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 45.4%, Bullet Hell 20.2%, Side Scroller 12.8%, Arcade 8%, Shooter 4.8%

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 33.4%, Action 13.6%, Strategy 13.3%, Bullet Hell 12.4%, RPG 10.4%

A twist at every turn! Explore a colorful shoot 'em up with varied and diverse gameplay beyond the familiar shooting and dodging. Every situation, every enemy, and every boss offers a different handcrafted experience.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 30.6%, Bullet Hell 22.6%, Arcade 11.7%, Local Co-Op 10.6%, Shooter 9.8%

Get into your Flying Tank and shoot 'em up like it's the good old days! Kill strange bosses, drop bombs from above and build an arsenal of fun, powerful weapons. Reclaim the stolen Earth - alone or with a friend - in a rich action-packed side-scrolling shmup!

Why similar: Side Scroller 28.2%, Bullet Hell 25.3%, Local Co-Op 21.7%, Co-op 11.9%, Shooter 7.6%

Space Elite Force II is a frenetic space-shooter with weapon customization and insane bosses battles. Embark in your ship and fight for the survival of the human race!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 23.4%, Side Scroller 18.5%, Bullet Hell 16.3%, Arcade 9.2%, Space 9.2%