Index of contents (23)
- 0 A.D.
- Albion Online
- Apex Legends
- Asphalt 9
- Battle for Wesnoth
- Brawlhalla
- Call of Duty: Warzone
- Counter-Strike: Global Offensive
- Dota 2
- Dwarf Fortress
- Eve Online
- Fallout Shelter
- Fortnite
- Freeciv
- Genshin Impact
- Gwent
- Hearthstone
- League of Legends
- Path of Exile
- Starcraft II
- Team Fortress 2
- Warframe
- World of Tanks
We’ve compiled a list of the 23 best PC games that you can play for free. This list includes games from all genres, such as FPS shooters, strategy games, role-playing games and driving games. However, we’ve tried to create a unique and concise list, including only the best of the best.
As you can imagine, free games with micropayment systems are dominating the market, as they have a steady revenue stream which allows them to offer high-quality games. But we’ve also included free and open source games for those who prefer to avoid dealing with payments.
It’s a challenge to create a small list when there are so many free games available. If you’re disappointed that your favorite game is not included in the list, feel free to send your suggestions away, so that we can update list in the future.
0 A.D.
One of the open-source games worth mentioning is 0 A.D.. Though it may not have the same advanced graphics as some of the others on the list, it offers the full game for free without any gimmicks. This is a game made with pure love for art. 0 A.D. is a real-time strategy game that serves as an alternative to Age of Empires. If you love strategy games, you might find this one interesting.
In this game, you need to choose an ancient civilization and gather resources and money to grow it. However, you must defend yourself from enemies that keep attacking you. Be careful because if you go too slow, you may end up facing tanks with bows and arrows.
Albion Online
Albion Online is an online, multiplayer medieval fantasy MMORPG. In this game, you’ll explore the vast open-world, gather resources, craft weapons, trade, and conquer territories. The game’s economy system is unique as it’s based on players themselves, who create and sell objects.
You can personalize your character’s style by obtaining and combining weapons and armor pieces. There’s no class system, so you have the freedom to evolve your character as you wish. You’ll explore, conquer territories, build fortresses, and engage in player vs player zones and clan wars.
Apex Legends
Here’s the first Battle Royale game in the list, where a hundred players compete against each other on a map, fighting until only one player remains unbeaten. Apex Legends is one of the most popular games in this category, developed by Respawn Entertainment, also creators of Titanfall. In fact, Apex Legends is set in the same universe as Titanfall.
The game is based on Respawn’s signature style, featuring fast-paced action and high-quality graphics. It includes heroes with unique abilities, allowing players to choose the one that best suits their playstyle. Additionally, the game features a respawn system, which allows players to re-enter the game even after they have been killed.
Asphalt 9
It was initially released as a mobile racing game, similar to Need for Speed, with a free-to-play model and optional in-game purchases. Its impressive graphics made it stand out, leading to its availability across multiple operating systems. Although it may not match up to the quality of paid driving games, it still has decent visuals and is worth trying out.
Battle for Wesnoth
It is what it is with the gaming industry, and often the best free games are those that use micropayments. However, there are also other titles like Battle for Wesnoth, an open-source strategy game that has been popular among GNU/Linux gamers since 2007, although it also has versions available for macOS and Windows.
This is a classic turn-based strategy game set in a fantasy world. If you’re a fan of Advance Wars or Fire Emblem, you will enjoy it. It has basic graphics that can run on any computer. It offers 17 single-player campaigns and numerous maps for its multiplayer mode.
Brawlhalla
Are you looking for a new fighting game that resembles classics like Nintendo’s Super Smash Bros, but without the popular characters? Look no further. This game offers 2D graphics with a fun, cartoonish style and a platform for you to fight against other players.
With around 40 different characters to choose from, you can play online in 1v1 or 2v2 games, as well as four and eight-player free-for-all games. Additionally, there will be various local games and several game modes added to keep the experience fresh and exciting.
Call of Duty: Warzone
The Call of Duty franchise is one of the most popular and beloved in the world of video games, particularly when it comes to first-person shooters. In the past, all of their games were heavily focused on online play, so it’s not surprising that they’ve now released this Battle Royale to draw players into their free-to-play universe.
Call of Duty: Warzone allows for games with up to 150 players, who will try to be the last one standing on the map.
Counter-Strike: Global Offensive
From the late 2000 onwards, Counter-Strike was installed on every Internet café computer. Even more than 20 years later, it’s still a popular first-person shooter game, which is impressive for a title that began as a simple Half-Life mod. There are two versions available: a paid version called Counter-Strike: Source, which costs $9.99, and a free version called Counter-Strike: Global Offensive.
In the free version, players can engage in a free-for-all battle, while players who pay to play are paired with other premium players, leaving those in the free game to play against each other. However, it’s still a great way to gain experience before battling against the more experienced players of one of the games that founded eSports.
Dota 2
Dota 2 is a popular MOBA (Multiplayer Online Battle Arena) game. It’s an online game where two teams face each other on a screen with each team having five players. Players can choose from various characters to form a team and create strategies to defeat the opposing team.
The map is divided into three paths connecting the two bases. The ultimate mission of the game is to destroy the enemy base. You can improve your chosen hero during the game by killing creatures and collecting gold coins.
Dwarf Fortress
This is possibly the most complicated and “hardcore” game of the list. Very few people will actually enjoy playing it. With a very intense learning curve, it’s difficult when you start. It doesn’t help that the graphics use colorful ASCII symbols. It’s simply too much.
This is an open source game that will challenge you by mixing genres like roguelike or city building. Your mission is simple - you must take command of a group of dwarves and progress by building a subway fortress, while managing your resources and facing all kinds of difficulties.
Eve Online
EVE Online is an exceptional sci-fi MMORPG and strategy game. It was released in 2003 and has a subscription-based business model. However, in November 2016, it became free to play, while still offering a subscription option for players who want additional rewards.
In this game, you will pilot various spaceships to traverse a galaxy with over 7,000 star systems, all connected by jump gates. The game gives you the freedom to explore, gather resources, engage with other players, and, ultimately, survive while leveling up and upgrading your equipment.
Fallout Shelter
This game has become more successful than its creators ever imagined. It was initially a free mobile game, but it’s now available on all platforms, from computers to game consoles. The game allows players to manage their own post-apocalyptic bunker, including managing resources and inhabitants.
It’s one of those games that will make you play for hours. While it does include in-game purchases, they do not give players a significant advantage. Instead, they simply provide more gifts in less time, allowing players to progress faster. However, the game can still be enjoyed without spending any money.
Fortnite
Fortnite is one of the most popular Battle Royale games ever. In addition to the classic shooting mechanics, it also allows players to build structures, which can be used to protect themselves during battles.
The game involves 99 players being dropped onto an island, and the ultimate goal is to be the last player standing. ‘Fortnite’ is free to play, but it heavily relies on microtransactions for aesthetic items. The game developers frequently offer new costumes and skins for popular characters each season, which players can purchase using real money.
Freeciv
If you’re a fan of the Civilization game series, you should check out Freeciv, which is an open-source strategy game based on the same concept. Although the graphics may seem a bit dated, it runs smoothly on older computers and offers the same gameplay as Civilization.
The development team is actively working on the game and has released a stable version (Freeciv 2.6.0) with plans for a major update (Freeciv 3.0) in the near future. If you don’t want to spend money on the original Civilization game, Freeciv is a great alternative that you should definitely try.
Genshin Impact
Genshin Impact was one of the most successful games of 2020, and some years on it continues to thrive. It’s a free-to-play RPG with a unique visual style that takes inspiration from The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, but with an anime twist. The game’s graphics and overall quality are so impressive that it’s hard to believe it’s free.
The game features microtransactions that allow players to buy new characters or a battle pass, which provides a steady stream of materials. Whether you prefer to play alone or with others, Genshin Impact is known for its fast-paced combat system and stunning visuals.
Gwent
If you’re a fan of The Witcher games or the Geralt of Rivia books and enjoy strategic combat card games, you may like Gwent. It’s set in the universe of The Witcher 3 and started as a mini-game within the game itself. Now it’s a free game with an optional payment system to buy booster packs for new cards.
Gwent is a classic card game in which you need to build a deck and test your skills against other players. Although you can purchase booster packs to get new cards, it’s not necessary to enjoy the game.
Hearthstone
If you’re looking for another combat and strategy card game, Hearthstone is a popular option and one of the biggest names in this genre. It’s similar to the traditional Magic cards game but in a virtual format. To beat your opponents, you need to manage a deck of thirty cards using one of nine different types (Mage, Shaman, Druid, etc.).
Hearthstone is also free but has a payment system to buy packs of cards to improve your deck. Although you don’t need to spend money, some players choose to pay to get the best possible decks. In any case, you’ll need to know your cards well and design effective strategies to win.
League of Legends
League of Legends is a popular game in the MOBA genre, which combines action with real-time online strategy. In this game, two teams, each consisting of five players, face off against each other. Players can choose from over a hundred different characters, each having their own unique skills.
To win, players must know the details of each character and utilize them accordingly. Since all games take place on a single map, knowing every corner of the map is also vital. Today, LoL is one of the most popular eSports globally. And the best part? It all started as a free game.
Path of Exile
Path of Exile is a free action game similar similar to the classic Diablo. It has an isometric view and shares many aesthetic and interface elements with the mythical saga. Although it has a micropayment system, these payments won’t improve your heroes.
As you progress through the levels, you’ll face dozens of enemy types, and you’ll need to acquire new equipment to improve your character. You can also get runes to modify your spells and make decisions when leveling up through its massive skill tree.
Starcraft II
Starcraft II is a popular real-time strategy game considered one of the best in its genre. The game is now free to play, allowing everyone to enjoy it without having to spend any money.
This is a real-time strategy game, which means that you’ll need to collect resources and advance quickly to stay ahead of enemy attacks. The game uses AI, and you can choose to control fragile terrans, scary zergs, or intelligent protoss.
Team Fortress 2
Team Fortress 2 is a first-person shooter game developed by Valve, the creators of Steam. The game offers various character types, each with different abilities, and you have to choose the one that best suits you. The game also has customization options.
The game started as a mod for Quake, which Valve improved by adding the Half-Life graphics engine. The second part of the game revolutionized it and continues to be one of the most-played games on Steam. The game uses a micropayment system for aesthetic elements, but you can still play it without spending any money.
Warframe
This is an exceptional third-person shooter game that you can play online for free. It was initially released for PC in 2013 and received a great response from gamers. Due to its immense popularity, it was later released for consoles as well. It’s one of the best free games available, offering a vast amount of content and options.
The game features space ninjas that jump, shoot, carry swords, and use magic. You’ll be amazed by the sheer amount of content, and it’s hard to believe that it’s completely free. The game does use a micropayment system to monetize it, but all in-game purchases are for aesthetic purposes and do not offer any real advantages.
World of Tanks
Another massively multiplayer online game that you can play for free is a tank game where players face each other. World of Tanks has a vast collection of hundreds of different tank models from various nations and historical periods. Each tank has unique characteristics, so it’s essential to choose the right one for each battle.
The game offers micropayments, but players can enjoy endless hours of gameplay without spending a single cent. The game also has an active community of gamers that adds to the overall experience.