Believe it or not, there are now plenty of decent PC games you can play without having to hand over a penny. I first discovered free-to-play (F2P) games some 15 years ago, at a time when I had to save every penny to get a new graphics card. At that time, there weren’t a lot of choices, with the few available being closer to cash cows than real games. From that sea of low-quality games, I stumbled upon gems like World of Tanks, which I still enjoy to this date.
Nowadays, competition in the (F2P) segment has become fearsome, forcing developers to think about gameplay and fun as much as monetisation. While some of the commercial aspects have evolved to be more intrusive, games have also grown to offer real experiences rivalling AAA releases that cost good money.
In this piece, we’ll cover the very best of these free games, specifically those available on the Steam store, covering a wide range of genres. Whether you like huge fantasy role-playing games, fast-paced shooting action, life sims, or all of the above, there’s something for you here.
War Thunder
Release date: December 21, 2016 | Developer: Gaijin Entertainment | Platforms: PC, Mac, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series, mobile
War Thunder is a player-vs-player (PVP) vehicle combat game, featuring everything from tanks and planes to battleships and helicopters; even submarines may come at a later date. It’s a prime choice for any armoured warfare fan, providing a variety of experiences within a single match. Unlike World of Tanks or World of Warships, which focus on distinct military branches, War Thunder lets you control a tank, a fighter plane, a bomber, and a helicopter all within the same match, giving you a diverse platter of thrills in a highly immersive environment.
This variety makes each match unique, and when you combine this formula with a continuous influx of new vehicles to control, the game’s replayability is basically indefinite. It also allows for some funny experiments, such as testing to see if a World War II plane stands a chance against a Cold War-era helicopter. Since the game uses realistic damage models, these forced encounters can be quite interesting and rewarding if you manage to survive.
Nowadays, War Thunder has more controllable vehicles than I can count, which is both a gift and a curse. If you don’t shell out for a premium subscription, you will have a hard time unlocking all of them, even if you play eight hours a day for years, especially the high-tier vehicles. That said, most of my time in this game was spent as a free-to-play user, and it was honestly a highly enjoyable experience as I didn’t care about playing high-rank tanks and planes. If you want an armoured warfare game that doesn’t cost you a single penny, War Thunder is unbeatable.
Warframe
Release date: March 25, 2013 | Developer: Digital Extremes | Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series, Switch, Switch 2, mobile
Warframe is a looter-shooter that puts you in control of highly advanced biomechanical suits. Unlike many online action RPGs that lock players into a specific class, Warframe lets you quickly switch between styles by simply sliding into a different suit. On top of this, you get plenty of weapons from which to choose, encouraging experimentation and creativity. Whether you prefer slicing through enemies with swords or blasting them apart using futuristic weapons, there’s a kill style for you here. This game is also ideal for loadout experimentations, offering plenty of lootable items to find so you can create your perfect build.
But that doesn’t mean Warframe is just packed with basic maps and gunfights designed solely to give you loot. The story is surprisingly engaging, especially for a free-to-play game, featuring a variety of open-world zones. This level of variety comes with a drawback, though – a steep learning curve that’s exacerbated by the game’s lack of explanations for many of its systems. Thankfully, Warframe has a healthy and active community that is willing to help via the in-game chat or forums.
Despite being free-to-play, Warframe remains one of the fairest games and one of the most respectful regarding players’ time. Yes, it still has plenty of monetisation methods, but they are mostly cosmetic and hardly intrusive, a balance that even some paid games fail to get right. For example, the game’s premium currency can be earned through player trading, meaning you can access pretty much anything in the game without paying a dime.
Counter-Strike 2
Release date: September 27, 2023 | Developer: Valve | Platforms: PC
Counter-Strike 2 is the latest instalment of Valve’s famous first-person shooter series. Like its predecessors, the objectives are straightforward: a team of terrorists need to plant a bomb or hold hostages, and a team of counter-terrorists must defuse the bomb or save said hostages. There are plenty of other community-made game modes, such as GunGame, where each kill upgrades your armament to a better gun, or Zombies, where survivors need to avoid being transformed by infected enemies.
While all modes require some game knowledge, the stakes are higher in the bomb defusal game. Here, teamwork is paramount, map knowledge is a necessity, and above all, precise aim is not optional. Unlike many modern shooters, which rely on character abilities or weapon upgrade systems, Counter-Strike 2 focuses almost entirely on player skill. Any mistake can leave you watching from the sidelines until the next round begins.
This is one of the reasons why players keep returning again and again, as improving your performance only means you’ve reached a new skill range, which will force you to become even better. In Counter-Strike 2, whenever you start thinking you’ve reached a ceiling, some random player comes to remind you that there are still stronger opponents out there.
The game’s competitive scene also plays a major role in its popularity, showcasing the skill and dedication required to sit among the best. That said, you don’t need to be a top player to enjoy the game; there are plenty of players at various skill levels, so you’ll always find equivalent opponents if you only care about having a fun time. Over the years, many games have tried to replicate this formula, but the Counter-Strike series still does it best.
Apex Legends
Release date: February 4, 2019 | Developer: Respawn Entertainment | Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series, Switch, Switch 2, mobile
Apex Legends takes the battle royale formula and injects it with some of the smoothest gameplay in the genre. Sliding down hills, climbing obstacles, and ziplining across the map allow for rapid repositioning during battles, creating a level of mobility rarely seen in competing titles. Combine this with a varied weapon selection and the relatively long time (with multiple hits) it takes to kill an enemy, and you get a dynamic game where landing the first shot isn’t a guarantee of victory.
The game confronts 20 squads of trios, 30 squads of duos, or 60 lonely players in a fight for survival. Like any battle royale title, you must scavenge for equipment, fight rival teams, and battle your way to be the last man standing.
While this formula will already be familiar to battle royale fans, Apex distinguishes itself through its unique character roster and fast gameplay. Instead of focusing mainly on weapons and upgrades, like Warzone, in this game each character brings its own twist to the fight, offering unique abilities and tactical possibilities. As a result, teamwork is highly important, as well as communication and character synergy.
Marvel Rivals
Release date: December 6, 2024 | Developer: NetEase Games | Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox Series
Marvel Rivals is a team-based hero-shooter featuring some of Marvel’s most iconic heroes and villains. It offers fast-paced battles revolving around these famous characters’ unique abilities, some of which are strong enough to leave a trail of destruction in their wake.
With household names like Iron Man, Hulk, and Doctor Strange, Marvel Rivals’ character roster is definitely one of its strongest points, especially against competing titles like Overwatch. What’s more, each character feels distinct in play, as well as close to its comic book origins. Like Apex Legends, team composition and coordination play a major role in victory, as a mix of different characters’ abilities can create powerful combos.
There is also a player-versus-environment (PVE) mode, where you need to survive hordes of zombies, which, though unusual for this genre, provides any gamers who aren’t PVP-focused with a fun activity to let off some steam.
Another strength is the game’s destructible environments, which add an extra layer of unpredictability to battles, keeping matches dynamic and preventing stalemates. While Marvel Rivals shares some similarities with other hero shooters, its beloved characters give it a unique appeal, especially for Marvel fans. My only criticism is that sometimes the visual effects are so overwhelming it can be hard to see what’s going on.
Path of Exile
Release date: October 23, 2013 | Developer: Grinding Gear Games | Platforms: PC, Mac, PS4, Xbox One
Path of Exile is a fantasy action-RPG (ARPG) built for players who enjoy experimentation and scouring for loot. At first glance, the game looks like your traditional hack-and-slash, but after delving deep into its massive interconnected systems, you discover one of the most complex and customisable RPGs out there. The game offers countless build possibilities thanks to its passive skill tree, skill gem system, and vast collection of unique items.
Gameplay-wise, Path of Exile’s combat revolves around mowing down hordes of enemies, collecting mountains of goodies (more than you can hold), while gradually upgrading your character. The endgame can feel quite rewarding, especially if you enjoy crafting and optimising your loadout.
The game receives content drops regularly, bringing new mechanics and challenges, not to mention loot to chase. Major seasonal leagues release every three-to-four months alongside new gameplay mechanics and an economy reset, while mid-league patches come more often, containing balance tweaks plus quality-of-life improvements. Combined, these updates keep all new and returning players busy while maintaining a fresh experience.
Unsurprisingly, Path of Exile’s depth and constantly evolving systems make it notoriously difficult for newcomers to master. That said, if you want a high-quality action RPG that’s in many ways better than Diablo IV, on top of being free, look no further than Path of Exile.
Crusader Kings II
Release date: February 14, 2012 | Developer: Paradox | Platforms: PC, Mac
Crusader Kings II is a grand strategy game where you manage and expand your feudal domain, all while keeping it from falling apart due to plots. Here, managing your family and vassals is the real challenge, forcing you to remain constantly on your guard. A brother wanting your place on the throne, or a noble with growing ambitions, will quickly make life difficult for you.
To stay in control, you must use every lever at your disposal, from politics, marriage, inheritance, and even betrayal. There is no such thing as being nice in Crusader Kings II – everything is acceptable in the sake of success.
You can also conquer territories, but it’s just part of the big picture. Most of the time, you’ll be plotting ways to cement your power on claimed land while protecting yourself from coups. The key to success is personal relationships; you may conquer half of Europe and lose it just as quickly because you refuse to participate in the political game. The name of the game is to keep your bloodline alive for as long as possible.
The amount of freedom offered by Crusader Kings II is remarkable. Some of the game’s most memorable stories emerge naturally from seemingly random interactions, making new playthroughs just as enjoyable as the first run.
That said, the learning curve can be intimidating at first, especially if this is your first grand strategy rodeo. You may only learn the importance of a mechanic once it’s too late. However, after mastering its systems, you’ll find that few strategy games can match Crusader Kings II’s combination of political drama with the need for long-term planning.
Guild Wars 2
Release date: August 28, 2012 | Developer: ArenaNet | Platforms: PC
Guild Wars 2 is an MMORPG that focuses less on endless grinding and more on letting you explore its living fantasy world at your own pace. Its world offers vast landscapes filled with dynamic events, world bosses, and hidden secrets, encouraging you to wander around and explore instead of following checkpoints. As such, it’s highly recommended not to use any level boosts and instead follow the natural game progression, at least for your first run.
One of Guild Wars 2’s strengths is the way it brings players together. Instead of forcing you to compete for resources and quest objects, this game rewards you for helping each other, whether it’s to defeat a world boss or defend a town against an invading army. As a result, the game feels highly welcoming compared to other MMORPGs, and it’s also fair when it comes to loot and equipment. Once you’ve obtained powerful gear, you won’t be forced to replace it every few months just to remain competitive.
Over the years, Guild Wars 2 has accumulated a huge content roster, including expansions, new regions, raids, and more. Combined with its diverse selection of classes and specialisations, this gives players plenty of freedom to find a playstyle that suits them. If you’re looking for an MMO that values exploration and cooperation, you’ll want to give Guild Wars 2 a free whirl.
Stumble Guys
Release date: September 24, 2020 | Developer: Scopely | Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series, Switch, Switch 2, mobile
Stumble Guys is a light-hearted multiplayer party game where up to 32 players compete in a series of chaotic obstacle courses, where the goal is to be the first to finish or the last standing. Gameplay is simple: you run, jump, and dodge the occasionally moving obstacles that try to throw you outside the playground.
In Stumble Guys, skill is as important as luck. A poorly timed jump, or a bump from another player, can turn your perfect run into a spectacular failure. A part of the charm of this game, though, is that these failures all add to the fun, with you and your fellow players being chucked off the map in hilarious ways. You could be far ahead of everyone else, when a rotating hammer suddenly knocks you back to last position, or someone might just push you off the map for a laugh.
It doesn’t matter if you don’t win; this game is all about stress-free entertainment. Matches are also fast-paced and easy to pick up – no long lobbies or matchmaking, making Stumble Guys an excellent choice for casual players. Stumble Guys doesn’t try to offer a deep competitive experience; its strength lies in creating moments of pure, unexpected fun that can be enjoyed alone or with friends.
That said, I highly recommend playing this one with friends, as you’ll end up creating memorable moments together. I’ve had more fun sabotaging friends than winning matches in Stumble Guys, and I’m not ashamed of it. If you’re looking for a game that prioritises laughter over competition, this one is hard to beat.
If you have access to the Epic Games Store, Fall Guys also offers a similar level of fun and it’s a bit more polished too.
The Sims 4
Release date: September 2, 2014 | Developer: Maxis | Platforms: PC, Mac, PS4, Xbox One
The Sims 4 is a classic life sim that lets you manage every aspect of your virtual people. You can build their home exactly how you imagine it, push them to develop their careers, or encourage them to form new relationships. This game doesn’t force you into a linear progression or story; you’re free to do whatever you want with your Sims, including walling them inside a pool or a burning house.
Some players spend hours designing their Sims’ dream house, carefully decorating each room, while others guide their Sims through fulfilling careers, friendships, and romances. You can also treat the game as a giant sandbox, experimenting with unusual situations to see how your Sims react. For my part, I like designing houses, leaving my Sims mostly free to do as they please.
The only downer about The Sims 4 is its extensive and expensive downloadable content (DLC) list. You’ll need more than $1,000 to grab its 112 DLC packages, and that’s during a discount period. Fortunately, the core gameplay remains enjoyable even without owning every DLC, plus you don’t have to buy all of them, as each one targets different demographics and playstyles.
If you ever wanted to live another life, The Sims 4 gets you as close to that dream as possible. It’s not perfect, but it’s free to give it a sin for yourself, and it remains one of the most popular and flexible life simulators ever made.
