Asteroids
Asteroids is a 1979 multidirectional shooter arcade game developed by Atari. The player pilots a triangular ship in open space, rotating, thrusting, and firing to break large asteroids into smaller, faster fragments while dodging the debris and the occasional large or small flying saucer that shoots back. A hyperspace button offers a risky escape that can teleport the ship to a random, possibly fatal, location.
Built on crisp white vector graphics, Asteroids was a massive commercial success and one of Atari's defining hits, so popular that operators reportedly had to enlarge coin boxes to hold the takings. Its momentum-based inertia, wraparound screen, and tense risk-reward pacing made it instantly addictive and hugely influential on the shooter genre.
Asteroids has been ported and reimagined many times over the decades and is easily played today through official arcade compilations and retro collections, its clean vector aesthetic still recognizable and admired.
Play it today
Modern alternatives to Asteroids, with the devices they run on and their price. Ordered editorially by how well each one stands in for the original, with community votes weighted in as they accumulate.
Prices, platform availability and Steam Deck compatibility can change at any time. Always check the store page before buying.
Assault Android Cactus+ Indie
€ 14,99A frenetic indie twin-stick arcade shooter.
Assault Android Cactus+ runs on PC, Mac, Linux, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch. Not available on iPhone, iPad, Android phone, Android tablet. It is Steam Deck Verified.
Ultratron Indie
€ 9,75Neon twin-stick arena blasting with upgrades, in the direct line from Asteroids and Robotron.
Ultratron runs on PC, Mac, Linux, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch. Not available on iPhone, iPad, Android phone, Android tablet. It is Steam Deck Playable.
Geometry Wars 3: Dimensions Evolved
€ 14,99Vector-style arena survival with drones and gravity wells, the definitive modern take on the look.
Geometry Wars 3: Dimensions Evolved runs on PC, Mac, Linux, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch. Not available on iPhone, iPad, Android phone, Android tablet. It is Steam Deck Playable.
Asteroids: Recharged
€ 9,99A slick modern remake with new modes and visuals.
Asteroids: Recharged runs on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch. Not available on Mac, Linux, iPhone, iPad, Android phone, Android tablet. It is Steam Deck Verified.
Atari 50: The Anniversary Celebration
€ 39,99Includes Asteroids plus reimagined versions and many more classics.
Atari 50: The Anniversary Celebration runs on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch. Not available on Mac, Linux, iPhone, iPad, Android phone, Android tablet. It is Steam Deck Playable.
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