Single-player games like Space Waves
Below are 15 single-player Steam games similar to Space Waves, ranked by player overlap. Every pick carries Steam's Single-player category, so multiplayer-only titles or always-online games don't sneak in. imho.run pulls the category data from Steam directly — Single-player here matches what the store labels.
Want the full alternatives list (paid + free + Steam Deck + cheaper picks)? See the parent games like Space Waves page.
Ranked picks
- 1

Astro Fighters
Single-player alternative to Space Waves — playable solo, no multiplayer required. Shares Action with Space Waves.
Astro Fighters is a tough old school vertical scrolling bullet hell shooter designed to test your skills with non-stop arcade style action. Fight against large bosses at the end of every level and compete for the high score across 4 difficulty modes to be the best fighter pilot in the game.
- 2

Eagles of World War 2
Single-player alternative to Space Waves — playable solo, no multiplayer required. Shares Action with Space Waves.
A fantasy based arcade shooter set in World War 2 with frantic bullet hell shooter style gameplay and a bullet time slo motion mechanic. Take on the enemy forces solo or with a friend either in local co-op or online with STEAM's remote play together.
- 3

Neon Invaders
Single-player alternative to Space Waves — playable solo, no multiplayer required. Shares Action and Casual with Space Waves.
Neon Invaders will take you back to your gaming roots with its constant action and relentlessly brutal enemies. Absorb enemy shots of the same colour to trigger a flurry of fire to decimate the alien invaders. Dodge and Match your way to victory through 40 levels and 5 difficulty settings.
- 4

Alien Space Bastards
Single-player alternative to Space Waves — playable solo, no multiplayer required. Shares Action with Space Waves.
Alien Space Bastards is a procedurally generated 3D arcade style shooter. The aliens are attacking in force and you must utilize all the weaponry you have to survive the onslaught and bring piece to the galaxy. Multiple power ups will assist you on your suicide mission, good luck and fight bravely!
- 5

Wings Of WW2
Single-player alternative to Space Waves — playable solo, no multiplayer required. Shares Action with Space Waves.
Take to the skies in this action-packed WWII arcade flight combat game. Engage enemy fighters, complete critical missions, and fight for control of the battlefield.
- 6

HyperShot
Single-player alternative to Space Waves — playable solo, no multiplayer required. Shares Action and Casual with Space Waves.
In this Bullet Hell shooter, the more enemies you shoot, the more enemies spawn! Keep moving so you don't get surrounded, and shoot enough enemies to clear each level.
- 7

.Decluster & .Decluster Zero
Single-player alternative to Space Waves — playable solo, no multiplayer required. Shares Action with Space Waves.
The vertical scrolling shooter game '.Decluster' and its sequel '.Decluster Zero' are now available in one package.
- 8

Dead End City
Single-player alternative to Space Waves — playable solo, no multiplayer required. Shares Action with Space Waves.
A post-apocalyptic arcade shooter. Collect fuel and dodge enemy fire as you fight back against the evil Scorpio gang. Mixes cars, shmups and themes that would have been right at home in 80's anime and arcades..
- 9

Snowman Saves Christmas
Single-player alternative to Space Waves — playable solo, no multiplayer required. Shares Action with Space Waves.
Snowman Saves Christmas is a 1980s Inspired 2D platformer. Featuring 250 Levels of retro inspired platforming fun split across 5 game modes and Multiple PowerUp items.
- 10

Power Ball 2021
Single-player alternative to Space Waves — playable solo, no multiplayer required. Shares Action and Casual with Space Waves.
Power Ball 2021 is here to provide block busting, ball bouncing, gun shooting action for 1 or 2 players. Inspired by great bat and ball games of the past with powerups thrown in to help you defeat the increasingly challenging levels.
- 11

Retro Wars
Single-player alternative to Space Waves — playable solo, no multiplayer required. Shares Action and Casual with Space Waves.
Take on an entire army in this 80s inspired retro top down vertical scrolling shooter. Be a one man war machine or take a friend into battle for some fun 2 player local co-op.
- 12

Astro Fighters 2178
Single-player alternative to Space Waves — playable solo, no multiplayer required. Shares Action with Space Waves.
Battle through 16 action-packed levels, defeat massive alien bosses, unlock powerful ship upgrades, and fight to save humanity in this retro-inspired side-scrolling arcade shooter. Play solo or team up with a friend in local co-op.
- 13

Asteroid Blasters
Single-player alternative to Space Waves — playable solo, no multiplayer required. Shares Action with Space Waves.
Asteroid Blasters is a non-stop action space shooter. Inspired by Asteroids, this game will see you choose between 6 different ships each with their own characteristics and utilize a variety of weapon powerups to eradicate your enemies. Play 2 players to increase your chance of survival.
- 14

Super Hot Potato
Single-player alternative to Space Waves — playable solo, no multiplayer required. Shares Action and Casual with Space Waves.
A self aware Super Hot Potato is on a quest to free his fellow potato kind from their imminent doom. Help Super Hot Potato navigate treacherous screens filled with obstacles, collecting potato's and finally making your way to each screens exit. Retro inspired 80s style grid movement gameplay
- 15

Freddy Frog
Single-player alternative to Space Waves — playable solo, no multiplayer required. Shares Action and Casual with Space Waves.
Leap, climb, and survive in this endless arcade platformer. Collect flies, avoid dangerous wasps, conquer procedurally generated levels, and climb as high as possible while chasing the ultimate high score.