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There is no single objective “best” 2D game on Steam: the right pick depends on whether you want a maze-like world to explore, puzzles and secrets, poker-inspired runs, or a collection of retro-style games. Here are four distinct starting points, organized by what you want to play rather than presented as a definitive ranking.
How to choose a 2D game on Steam
“2D” describes how a game presents its world, not one kind of gameplay. A useful shortlist separates games by their core activity and structure: exploring a connected map, solving traversal puzzles, building card hands over repeated runs, or sampling several genres in one collection. Think about how much you enjoy challenge and optional secrets, too.
The examples below come from the Steam Curator page “The Absolute Best Indie Games!”, accessed October 8, 2026. It offers a broad set of recommendations, not a representative ranking of Steam’s 2D catalog.
Best for exploring a connected world: metroidvanias
Choose a metroidvania if you want to explore a large map, fight bosses, and collect power-ups. The curator’s list includes Hollow Knight: Silksong in this category. This is the best fit of these examples for players drawn to a world that invites ongoing exploration rather than a sequence of unrelated game modes.
#1 Best Overall
- DRAGON QUEST III HD-2D Remake is a stunning reimagining of the beloved masterpiece and narrative beginning to The Erdrick Trilogy – the first three games of the mainline DRAGON QUEST series. Featuring vibrant HD-2D graphics, new and modernized features, and a refined narrative, players are invited to set out on an epic fantasy adventure to save the world from a dark evil.
- A fully modernized remake of the original: Stunning HD-2D visuals fuse pixel art with 3D graphics, bringing players into the world of DRAGON QUEST III like never before, along with an improved and modernized UI, and other quality of life improvements.
- Traditional DRAGON QUEST style battles: A refined take on the classic turn-based battle system, featuring new animations, additional improvements such as an adjustable battle speed, an auto-battle setting, and more.
- Immersive world: Deep exploration of a vast world map with an abundance of rich and captivating locations to discover, challenging players to overcome many unexpected encounters during the journey.
- Experience a timeless musical score: An immersive, authentic, and diverse musical composition that captures the timeless essence and magic of the DRAGON QUEST universe.
Best for puzzles and secrets: Animal Well
The curator describes Animal Well as a 2D puzzle platformer set in a strange world, with an emphasis on traversal and secrets. It suits players who want to work out how to move through an environment and discover what it conceals, rather than focus primarily on poker-style strategy or a multi-game collection.
Best for poker-inspired runs: Balatro
Balatro is described as a poker-based roguelike: players build hands and combine perks and multipliers. It is the clearest pick here for someone who wants card-based decision-making and a run-oriented structure instead of platforming and world exploration.
Rank #2
- A fully modernized remake of the originals: Stunning HD-2D visuals fuse pixel art with 3D graphics, along with an improved and modernized UI, and other quality of life improvements make these the best versions of the games yet.
- Traditional DRAGON QUEST style battles: A refined take on the classic turn-based battle system, featuring new animations, additional improvements such as an adjustable battle speed, an auto-battle setting, and more.
- Two legendary adventures, in one package: Experience the epic origins of the DRAGON QUEST series with both DRAGON QUEST I and DRAGON QUEST II. Two games beautifully remade and bundled together in one definitive offering.
- Experience a timeless musical score: An immersive, authentic, and diverse musical composition that captures the timeless essence and magic of the DRAGON QUEST universe.
Best for retro variety: UFO 50
UFO 50 is presented as a collection spanning multiple genres and celebrating retro gaming. Its collection format makes it a different kind of recommendation from a single exploration or puzzle platformer: choose it if variety across game styles is the appeal.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What this shortlist can—and cannot—tell you
These four examples show how widely 2D games can differ in play style and structure; they are discovery suggestions, not an objective “top games” ranking. The curator page does not establish comparable review counts or sentiment, current prices, regional availability, or which games are currently bestsellers or most played. Check each game’s Steam store page for current purchase and availability details before deciding.
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Rank #4
- Step into a classic arcade experience that pays homage to the Terminator universe with authentic arcade gameplay, music and visuals built from the ground up. Relive iconic moments and forge new paths as Sarah, John and the T-800 in a narrative featuring a mix of classic Terminator 2: Judgment Day scenes and untold Terminator stories.
- Shoot, sneak and escape the T-1000’s blades in a wide array of levels and lead the Resistance as John Connor in critical Future War missions. Battle against the full force of Cyberdyne and Skynet’s arsenal, with multiple enemy types and adrenaline-pumping boss fights to take on.
- See the world of Terminator 2: Judgment Day like never before with detailed 2D sprite artwork of your favorite characters and scenes. Enjoy a cinematic soundtrack featuring recrafted music from the legendary score and all-new compositions.
- Mix things up with multiple different game modes to unlock and choose from: Story Mode, Arcade Mode, Infinite Mode, Boss Rush, Mother of the Future and Level Training!
Rank #3
- Step into a classic arcade experience that pays homage to the Terminator universe with authentic arcade gameplay, music and visuals built from the ground up. Relive iconic moments and forge new paths as Sarah, John and the T-800 in a narrative featuring a mix of classic Terminator 2: Judgment Day scenes and untold Terminator stories.
- Shoot, sneak and escape the T-1000’s blades in a wide array of levels and lead the Resistance as John Connor in critical Future War missions. Battle against the full force of Cyberdyne and Skynet’s arsenal, with multiple enemy types and adrenaline-pumping boss fights to take on.
- See the world of Terminator 2: Judgment Day like never before with detailed 2D sprite artwork of your favorite characters and scenes. Enjoy a cinematic soundtrack featuring recrafted music from the legendary score and all-new compositions.
- Mix things up with multiple different game modes to unlock and choose from: Story Mode, Arcade Mode, Infinite Mode, Boss Rush, Mother of the Future and Level Training!
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
