Hack and slash games are some of the most satisfying experiences in all of gaming. There's something genuinely therapeutic about loading into a map, grabbing a weapon, and cutting through waves of enemies without overthinking every move. You get to turn your brain off, zone in, and just let the combat flow. The problem is that most of the best-known hack and slash titles are paid, and they aren't cheap.
Free hack and slash games on Steam have a mixed reputation. A lot of them are buggy, short, or not worth the download. That's made it harder to recommend titles in this space without some serious digging. The good news is that there are actually some excellent free options out there if you know where to look, and we've done the work to find the ones that stand up to scrutiny.
This list covers eight free hack and slash games on Steam that are actually worth your time right now. You'll find multiplayer samurai combat, roguelike wave survival, first-person extraction shooters with swords, and everything in between. Let's get into it.
Tiny Survivors
Tiny Survivors is technically a roguelike, but it sits firmly in the hack and slash genre thanks to its wave-based combat and endless enemy mowing. If you're a fan of games like Vampire Survivors, Brotato, or Soulstone Survivors, this one will feel immediately familiar.
The gameplay loop is simple. You pick a starting weapon and try to survive incoming waves of enemies. The farther you go, the more money you earn, which you can spend between rounds to buy new weapons or upgrade the ones you already have. Each run is randomly generated, and the weapons you're offered are randomized too, so no two runs play out exactly the same.
The arena is small, which creates constant pressure. You can't just kite enemies forever because the space doesn't give you that option. That tight design forces you to make real decisions about positioning, upgrade priorities, and when to push versus when to play defensively. It can get hectic, and the small arena is really the only notable downside of the game.
If you pick the right weapons and use them correctly, the deeper waves become manageable. If you don't, you'll get overwhelmed fast. That risk and reward loop is what makes Tiny Survivors one of the more addictive free hack and slash games on Steam, especially if you've already sunk time into other action roguelikes.
King of Crabs
King of Crabs is technically a battle royale, but don't let the genre label fool you. This game is absolutely a hack and slash at its core, and it doesn't require you to play the BR mode at all. PVE and team-based modes are available, and they're actually where most of the fun is.
The game reminds people of Crab Champions in terms of vibe and visual style, even though Crab Champions is a roguelike. Both share that absurd premise of playing as crabs in combat, both lean into the chaos, and both have surprisingly tight gameplay despite the silly concept. The difference is that King of Crabs is free and designed around multiplayer experiences.
Combat is fast and chaotic. You scuttle around, lock onto targets, and unleash claw-based attacks while dodging incoming damage. It's mindless in the best way possible, which is really what a lot of hack and slash fans are looking for anyway. The progression system also adds depth, letting you unlock and upgrade different crab types as you play more.
One thing worth noting is that the game requires a constant internet connection, even for modes that feel like they should be playable offline. That's a minor inconvenience but worth mentioning if you play on unstable internet. Otherwise, King of Crabs is one of the more fun free hack and slash games on Steam and absolutely worth installing.
Gladio and Glory
Gladio and Glory is a hack and slash with a ragdoll physics twist. The game has a vibe somewhat similar to VR gladiator titles, though it's less brutal and more focused on arcade-style combat. It's not the kind of game you'll pour hundreds of hours into, but it delivers solid short session fun.
You can simulate a variety of different battles, from one-on-one duels to chaotic brawls against massive hordes of enemies. The ragdoll physics make every hit feel different, and watching enemies go flying never really gets old. There's also a progression system that lets you level up your gladiator, which adds some long-term investment to what would otherwise be a pure arcade experience.
Ragdoll physics aren't for everyone. If you prefer tight, responsive controls where every input does exactly what you expect, this game will feel a little loose. On the other hand, if you enjoy unpredictable physics-based combat and the comedy that comes with it, Gladio and Glory is one of the more entertaining free hack and slash games in that specific niche.
The game is worth trying just because it's free and offers something different from most other hack and slash titles. Install it, play a few rounds, and see if the ragdoll style clicks for you.
Undecember
Undecember is a Diablo-style action RPG that leans hard into the hack and slash genre. If you're tired of the big name action RPGs and want something free to sink your teeth into, this is a strong option that often gets overlooked.
The game has no traditional class system. You can freely mix magic and melee, or any combination you like, using whatever skill gems you find out in the world. The skill system is flexible, so you can change up your build whenever you want without committing to a specific class identity. That freedom is one of the bigger appeals for players who like experimenting with loadouts.
There's a character creator, which is decent but not on par with the best action RPGs in the space. The combat is where the game really shines. Fights feel punchy, the abilities have real impact, and the loot drops keep you engaged as you hunt for better gear. The story isn't groundbreaking, but it has some solid moments and gives you enough motivation to push through the main campaign.
Undecember is also an MMO, so you can play with friends if you want to tackle the harder content together. There's a ton of endgame activity waiting after the main story wraps up. The one big caveat is that the cash shop has pay-to-win elements, so don't go in expecting to compete in PVP without spending money. As a PVE experience, though, it's easily one of the best free hack and slash games on Steam.
Hanako: Honor and Blade
Hanako: Honor and Blade is a multiplayer samurai hack and slash where you and up to 24 other players drop into maps to battle across a feudal Japan setting. The standout feature here is the class system and how distinct each class plays.
There are four classes to choose from, including the swordsman, ninja, archer, and spearman. Each has its own unique fighting style and stances, which actually changes how you approach combat in meaningful ways. The swordsman plays completely differently from the spearman, and learning the ins and outs of each class is a big part of the game's replay value.
The combat surprised me. It can feel a little clunky at times, but overall it's tight enough to be genuinely fun. Mowing through enemies while using your class's unique stance work and weapon techniques is incredibly satisfying, and the pace rewards players who put time into mastering their chosen class.
Finding other players can sometimes be a challenge due to the smaller active playerbase, but you can also play with bots to fill out matches. The bots aren't great, but they do the job when real matches are hard to find. Despite that, Hanako has great music, solid gameplay, and a lot of potential. If you like samurai combat and multiplayer hack and slash, this one is a must-try.
Expedition Agartha
Expedition Agartha is easily one of the most impressive free hack and slash games on Steam right now, mostly because of how unexpected the concept is. It's a first-person hack and slash that's also an extraction shooter, which is a combination you don't see often.
When most people hear "extraction shooter," they think of Tarkov or games like it. Expedition Agartha takes that same loop and throws in magic, mystical beasts, and medieval fantasy combat. You fight through dangerous zones, loot whatever you can find, and try to extract before getting killed. Every run has real stakes because losing your gear actually matters.
You can play with friends, which makes the experience even better. Coordinating with a squad as you push deeper into hostile territory adds a layer of strategy that solo play doesn't quite capture. The game looks and feels great, with combat that's weighty and satisfying whether you're swinging a sword or casting a spell.
This title is criminally underrated. Most players haven't heard of it, which is a shame because it's doing something genuinely unique in a saturated genre. If you want a free hack and slash with real depth and replayability, Expedition Agartha deserves a spot on your install list.
Dungeon Mage
Dungeon Mage is a dungeon crawler with some unique twists that set it apart from most other free hack and slash games. The game is community driven, meaning players give feedback and the developers actively implement changes based on what the playerbase wants. That ongoing feedback loop keeps the game evolving in ways most titles don't.
The combat is simple on purpose. You get a sword to handle enemies and a pickaxe to gather materials from the dungeons. There's an attack button and a dodge button, and learning to outmaneuver enemies while managing your stamina is where the challenge comes in. Inventory space is limited, which forces you to prioritize what to keep and what to leave behind.
What's interesting is that Dungeon Mage isn't a roguelike. You don't have to restart when you die. You keep all the materials you've gathered so far, which means death isn't as punishing as it is in similar games. However, entering harder dungeons costs more materials, so surviving longer means gaining access to better loot and deeper content.
The graphics are clean and easy on the eyes, and the gameplay is smooth despite the simple controls. It can be frustrating when you first start playing because the systems take a while to understand, but once everything clicks, Dungeon Mage becomes one of the more rewarding free hack and slash experiences available on Steam.
Asgard's Fall: Origins
Asgard's Fall: Origins is a 2D roguelite where you mow through hordes of enemies, leveling up and upgrading as you progress. The leveling system is really the highlight here, with a massive range of options and upgrades that make each run feel meaningfully different.
The combat is great. There's tons of slashing, obviously, and the game reminds a lot of players of Vampire Survivors in terms of its core loop. The difference is that Asgard's Fall: Origins is free and leans into a Norse mythology aesthetic that gives it its own identity. The music is excellent, the visual style is sharp, and the progression keeps you coming back for just one more run.
Replayability is one of the strongest aspects of the game. Different builds lead to completely different play styles, and unlocking new upgrades in between runs gives you real reasons to keep pushing forward even after you've seen most of the content. That kind of "one more run" loop is hard to nail, and this game gets it right.
You can tell the developers put a lot of love into Asgard's Fall: Origins. It's polished, well-balanced, and genuinely addictive in the way the best roguelite hack and slash games tend to be. It's a strong recommendation to close out this list.
Picking Your First Free Hack and Slash Game
These eight free hack and slash games on Steam all offer something different, so picking where to start depends on what kind of experience you're after. If you want waves of enemies and roguelike replayability, start with Tiny Survivors or Asgard's Fall: Origins. For chaotic multiplayer, King of Crabs and Hanako are great picks. For something more Diablo-inspired, Undecember is the clear choice. For something totally unique, Expedition Agartha is the standout.
The best part is that you can try every single one of these free hack and slash games without spending anything. Install a few, see which ones click with you, and dive deeper into the ones that earn your time. The hack and slash genre is all about personal taste, and experimenting is the best way to find your favorites.
These free hack and slash games prove that you don't need to spend a dime to enjoy some of the most satisfying combat experiences in PC gaming right now. Download a few, pick up a weapon, and start cutting through the chaos.
