Are you tired of playing the same old action games on Steam? Do you crave something fresh and exciting to sink your teeth into? Look no further! We’ve compiled a list of hidden gems- Underrated Action Games on Steam—that deserve your attention. From thrilling adventures to pulse-pounding combat, these games offer unforgettable experiences that entertain you for hours.

1. CrossCode

• Release Date: September 20, 2018
• Platform: PC, Steam, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, MORE
• Metacritic Score: 86

Dive into the world of CrossWorlds, a retro-inspired MMORPG filled with secrets, puzzles, and intense action. Play as Lea, a mute amnesiac trapped in a virtual reality game, as you unravel the mysteries of her past. With fast-paced combat, challenging dungeons, and a captivating story, CrossCode is a hidden gem that shouldn’t be missed.

2. Katana ZERO

• Release Date: April 18, 2019
• Platform: PC, Steam, Nintendo Switch, Microsoft Windows, macOS, Xbox One
• Metacritic Score: 84

Step into the shoes of a samurai assassin in Katana ZERO, a stylish action-platformer with a noir-inspired narrative. With its fluid combat, time-bending mechanics, and striking pixel-art visuals, Katana offers a thrilling experience. Prepare to slice and dice your way through hordes of enemies as you uncover the dark secrets of your past.

3. Hollow Knight

• Release Date: February 24, 2017
• Platform: PC,  Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, macOS, MORE
• Metacritic Score: 90

Explore the sprawling underground kingdom of Hallownest in Hollow Knight, a beautifully crafted action-adventure game. Delve into cavernous depths, battle fearsome creatures, and uncover hidden secrets as you journey through this atmospheric world. With its tight controls, gorgeous hand-drawn art, and immersive gameplay, Hollow Knight is a must-play for action enthusiasts.

4. Hotline Miami

• Release Date: October 23, 2012
• Platform: PC, Steam, Android, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation Vita, MORE
• Metacritic Score: 85

Experience brutal, fast-paced action in Hotline Miami, a top-down shooter with a killer soundtrack and addictive gameplay. Set in an alternate 1989 Miami, you’ll play as a masked vigilante on a mission to take down the criminal underworld. With its retro aesthetic, challenging levels, and visceral combat, Hotline Miami will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.

5. Bastion

• Release Date: August 16, 2011
• Platform: PC, Steam, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Web browser, MORE
• Metacritic Score: 86

Embark on a journey through a vibrant, hand-painted world in Bastion, an action RPG with a captivating story and dynamic narration. As the Kid, you’ll explore floating ruins, battle monstrous creatures, and unravel the mysteries of the Calamity. With its beautiful art style, innovative gameplay mechanics, and memorable soundtrack, Bastion is a true hidden gem.

6. Mark of the Ninja

• Release Date: October 16, 2012
• Platform: PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Steam
• Metacritic Score: 91

Become the ultimate ninja assassin in Mark of the Ninja, a stealth-action game with stunning visuals and intuitive gameplay. Sneak through the shadows, dispatching enemies with precision and skill, as you uncover a deadly conspiracy. With its emphasis on stealth, strategy, and player choice, Mark of the Ninja offers a fresh take on the action genre.

7. Gunpoint

• Release Date: June 3, 2013
• Platform: PC
• Metacritic Score: 83

Take on the role of a freelance spy in Gunpoint, a stylish puzzle platformer with a noir-inspired aesthetic. Use your wits and gadgets to infiltrate high-security buildings, hack computers, and outsmart your adversaries. With its clever level design, branching storylines, and humorous dialogue, Gunpoint offers a unique and engaging gameplay experience.

8. Hyper Light Drifter

• Release Date: March 31, 2016
• Platform: PC,  Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows, Linux
• Metacritic Score: 84

Embark on a journey through a surreal, sci-fi world in Hyper Light Drifter, an action-adventure game with breathtaking visuals and challenging gameplay. As the Drifter, you’ll explore ancient ruins, battle monstrous creatures, and uncover the secrets of a long-forgotten civilization. With its evocative atmosphere, tight controls, and cryptic storytelling, Hyper Light Drifter is a hidden gem that will keep you coming back for more.

9. Furi

• Release Date: July 5, 2016
• Platform: PC, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows
• Metacritic Score: 84

Prepare for intense boss battles in Furi, a stylish action game with fast-paced combat and a killer soundtrack. Play as the Stranger, a mysterious warrior, as you fight your way through a series of challenging duels against powerful adversaries. With its fluid combat system, striking visuals, and adrenaline-pumping action, Furi offers a unique and exhilarating gaming experience that will test your skills to the limit.

10. Ori and the Blind Forest

• Release Date: March 11, 2015
• Platform: PC,  Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows, Xbox 360
• Metacritic Score: 88

Embark on an emotional journey in Ori and the Blind Forest, a visually stunning platformer with heartwarming storytelling and challenging gameplay. Follow the journey of Ori, a guardian spirit, as you navigate through a mystical forest and restore its balance. With its breathtaking art direction, emotional narrative, and rewarding exploration, Ori and the Blind Forest is a genre masterpiece.

11. Dead Cells

• Release Date: August 7, 2018
• Platform: PC, Windows, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, and Nintendo Switch.
• Metacritic Score: 89

Enter a challenging, procedurally generated world in Dead Cells, a roguelike action-platformer with fast-paced combat and addictive gameplay. Explore ever-changing levels, defeat fearsome bosses, and unlock powerful upgrades as you strive to escape the cursed island. With its fluid movement, satisfying combat, and punishing difficulty, Dead Cells offers a fresh take on the action genre.

12. Iconoclasts

• Release Date: January 23, 2018
• Platform: PC
• Metacritic Score: 85

Embark on an emotional journey in Iconoclasts, a 2D action-adventure game with a compelling story and engaging gameplay. Play as Robin, a young mechanic with a knack for fixing things, as she uncovers the dark secrets of her world. With its charming pixel art style, intricate level design, and thought-provoking themes, Iconoclasts offers a captivating experience that will stay with you long after the credits roll.

13. Axiom Verge

• Release Date: May 14, 2015
• Platform: PC, PlayStation 4, Linux, OS X, Windows, PlayStation Vita, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
• Metacritic Score: 84

Explore a vast, mysterious world in Axiom Verge, a retro-inspired action-platformer with a deep, interconnected world to discover. As Trace, a scientist trapped in a strange alien world, you’ll uncover hidden secrets, battle bizarre creatures, and unlock powerful abilities. With its haunting atmosphere, intricate level design, and addictive gameplay, Axiom Verge offers a nostalgic yet fresh take on the action-adventure genre.

14. Transistor

• Release Date: May 20, 2014
• Platform: PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Microsoft Windows, Linux
• Metacritic Score: 83

Immerse yourself in a stylish, cyberpunk world in Transistor, an action RPG with strategic combat and a captivating story. Play as Red, a singer with a mysterious weapon called the Transistor, as you unravel the secrets of a futuristic city under siege. With its beautiful art design, innovative gameplay mechanics, and haunting soundtrack, Transistor offers a unique and memorable gaming experience.

15. Broforce

• Release Date: October 15, 2015
• Platform: PC,  Nintendo Switch, Xbox Cloud Gaming, PlayStation 4, MORE
• Metacritic Score: 82

Team up with your friends in Broforce, a chaotic, over-the-top action game that pays homage to classic ’80s and ’90s action movies. Play as iconic action heroes like Rambo, Terminator, and Indiana Jones as you blast through hordes of enemies and rescue hostages. With its retro-inspired pixel art, destructible environments, and addictive multiplayer gameplay, Broforce is a blast from the past that’s perfect for co-op fun.

Summary

These hidden gems offer thrilling action, captivating stories, and unforgettable experiences that will delight gamers of all stripes. Whether you’re a fan of fast-paced combat, mind-bending puzzles, or heartfelt storytelling, there’s something for everyone on this list. So why wait? Dive into these underrated Steam action games today and discover the magic for yourself!