Single-player games like Z-Exemplar
Below are 12 single-player Steam games similar to Z-Exemplar, 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 Z-Exemplar page.
Ranked picks
- 1
1982
Single-player alternative to Z-Exemplar — playable solo, no multiplayer required. Shares Action and Indie with Z-Exemplar.
1982 is a FREE retro inspired blasta-thon that will test your gaming skills to the max.
- 2
Llamasoft: The Jeff Minter Story
Single-player alternative to Z-Exemplar — playable solo, no multiplayer required. Shares Action and Indie with Z-Exemplar.
42 of the weirdest, trippiest, sheepiest games ever created. Enter the mind of Jeff Minter, the legendary creator of Attack of the Mutant Camels, Gridrunner, and Tempest 2000, in this interactive documentary from Digital Eclipse.
- 3
Best Buds vs Bad Guys
Single-player alternative to Z-Exemplar — playable solo, no multiplayer required. Shares Action and Indie with Z-Exemplar.
Best Buds vs Bad Guys is a 2D run ’n’ gun from a game developer Dad and his 11 year old son, with a special message behind it. Travel to 11 different worlds, all presented in classic 16-bit style, with a catchy chip-tune soundtrack and lots of over-the-top weapons!
- 4
Boss 101
Single-player alternative to Z-Exemplar — playable solo, no multiplayer required. Shares Action and Indie with Z-Exemplar.
Create your own bosses to battle in this arcade action and adventure. Yep, there is a story as well as pure action modes for those who want to blast things. Explore worlds while you upgrade your tech and improve your base. Make new friends, adopt pets and even fly a kite.
- 5
Super Galaxy Squadron EX Turbo
Single-player alternative to Z-Exemplar — playable solo, no multiplayer required. Shares Action and Indie with Z-Exemplar.
Super Galaxy Squadron is a fast-paced vertical shooter designed for human beings as well as SHMUP veterans. Featuring multiple game modes, a challenging but merciful difficulty curve, forgiving health system, and SEVENTEEN playable ships.
- 6
Jet Buster
Single-player alternative to Z-Exemplar — playable solo, no multiplayer required. Shares Action and Indie with Z-Exemplar.
Jet Buster is the new 90s anthro shmup, going back to the cuter roots of the genre.
- 7
Shoot 1UP DX
Single-player alternative to Z-Exemplar — playable solo, no multiplayer required. Shares Action and Indie with Z-Exemplar.
Why play shoot 'em ups one ship at a time? Launch them all at once! Unleash an entire armada of ships in Shoot 1UP!
- 8
Gunslugs
Single-player alternative to Z-Exemplar — playable solo, no multiplayer required. Shares Action and Indie with Z-Exemplar.
Lock and load for chaotic, fast-paced action in Gunslugs! Battle the evil Black Duck Army across wild, procedurally generated levels packed with explosions, jetpacks, chicken guns, and rogue-like permadeath. Unlock heroes, conquer bizarre worlds, and fight your way to the gates of Hell!
- 9
R-Type Final 2
Single-player alternative to Z-Exemplar — playable solo, no multiplayer required. Shares Action with Z-Exemplar.
R-Type has returned! The legendary side-scroller is back and better than ever with beautifully rendered 3D graphics, exhilarating shoot-'em-up gameplay, and a multitude of stages, ships, and weapons that will allow you to conduct a symphony of destruction upon your foes.
- 10
Flying Shark
Single-player alternative to Z-Exemplar — playable solo, no multiplayer required. Shares Action with Z-Exemplar.
Experience Toaplan's arcade shooter Flying Shark (AKA Sky Shark) on PC with the latest quality-of-life features. Ride through the skies as they burn in a rain of armor-piercing bullets! You have been chosen for the mission. Because you are the best pilot there is!
- 11
TYPE
Single-player alternative to Z-Exemplar — playable solo, no multiplayer required. Shares Action and Indie with Z-Exemplar.
A fast-paced roguelike typing game with command abilities and high skill ceiling
- 12
Night and the City
Single-player alternative to Z-Exemplar — playable solo, no multiplayer required. Shares Indie with Z-Exemplar.
Become Nick Night, detective for hire, as he embarks on his toughest case yet in this noir, open world RPG.