While buy-to-play titles still represent the majority of games played, free-to-play games are increasingly popular. FPS, RPG, MOBA, MMORPG, or even life simulation — discover the best free-to-play Steam games.
Inspired in particular by Asian models, free-to-play games emphasize a vast universe, varied multiplayer game options, and new content added regularly. In the free-to-play area, Steam is a precursor. It is one of the most popular gaming platforms, and indeed, since its inception, it has offered titles that can be played for free. These can be mini-games developed by independent studios or large popular licenses or having won their letters of nobility over the years.
So if you want to catch up or discover new free gaming experiences, discover some of the most amazing free games on Steam without delay:
CS:GO
Offering significant cash prizes, one of the most active communities on Steam and some of the most followed teams in the world, the title Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, released in 2012, is still the best known of the Counter-Strike license.
Talking about CS:GO is something like “wet in the rain.” The game is one of the most successful first-person shooter games in history. It is one of the biggest names in the world of eSports and a must-have experience for fans of a good virtual shootout. Playing CS:GO is fun, although the downside of the free version is that you can’t play against those who have purchased the game. That does not mean it is a bad option; quite the contrary, in fact!
Developer(s): Valve and Hidden Path Entertainment
Publisher: Valve
Release Date: August 21, 2012
➡️ Check it out on Steam.
Apex Legends
Halfway between battle royale and team-based FPS, Apex Legends offers a multiplayer alternative to Fortnite. Released in February 2019 by EA, the free-to-play game is still popular with fans. Here, the focus is on teamwork, with 3 characters per team having to choose between several Legends with unique skills and abilities.
It’s a fun game with a lot of action, and even though it’s a Battle Royale, it has some differences from other games of the same genre. In Apex, players can be revived if their teammates perform specific actions within a period of time. Choose your character, form your team with your friends, and prepare for a frantic firefight!
Developer: Respawn Entertainment
Publisher: Electronic Arts
Release Date: February 4, 2019
➡️ Check it out on Steam.
PUBG
Launched on Steam’s platform in 2017, PUBG: Battlegrounds only joined the free games group in 2023. With that, more players could access the title and understand why it is one of the biggest names in the Battle Royale genre.
As far as gameplay is concerned, PUBG: Battlegrounds is a true representative of its genre, offering a “last one standing wins” competition. And yes, until that winner is decided, the firefights (on huge maps) are very intense.
Developer: PUBG Studios
Publisher(s): Krafton, Microsoft Studios & Tencent Games
Release Date: December 20, 2017
➡️ Check it out on Steam.
Dota 2
An eternal rival to League of Legends, DOTA 2 remains popular despite being released in 2013 on PC. Inspired by a Warcraft 3 map, the game allows 2 teams of 5 players to compete in an arena to take control of the opposing base.
Always very popular in esports; the title makes new followers every year, even if it appears pretty low in the ranking of the best-selling games on Steam. But that doesn’t detract from its success and popularity among gamers.
Classified as a MOBA, the game gives players a series of different heroes and missions to defend a base and destroy an opposing base. The gameplay is very strategic and intense. It is no coincidence that official competitions can hold the public’s attention and generate strong emotions.
Developer: Valve
Publisher: Valve
Release Date: July 9, 2013
➡️ Check it out on Steam.
Destiny 2: New Light
Destiny 2: New Light is a free-to-play version of the popular online multiplayer game Destiny 2. Introduced in October 2019, New Light allows players to experience a portion of the game’s content without purchasing the full game or any expansions.
In New Light, players can access a selection of missions, strikes, PvP (player versus player) activities, and open-world exploration across several destinations. They can create and customize their own Guardian, a mighty warrior imbued with the Light, and embark on various quests and challenges.
Developer: Bungie
Publisher: Bungie
Release Date: October 1, 2019
➡️ Check it out on Steam.
War Thunder
Released in 2016, War Thunder is a strategic air combat simulation game where players take control of military vehicles. On land, at sea, or in the air, they take part in epic conflicts from the Second World War to the conflicts in Yugoslavia.
Ten nations are playable, and the short battles (between 10 and 30 minutes) continue to conquer players despite the age of this free-to-play.
Developer: Gaijin Entertainment
Publisher: Gaijin Entertainment
Release Date: August 15, 2013
➡️ Check it out on Steam.
Team Fortress 2
As this list focuses only on free games from the Steam store, it is more than obvious that titles from Steam’s developer are among the chosen ones, isn’t it? In this case, I now mention the fun Team Fortress 2 from 2007. It’s the third Valve game on our list. This game is already a classic, but it is still very engaging.
In short, this first-person shooter puts teams of players in challenging arenas and game modes that don’t let the adrenaline drop even for a second. The characters are a touch cartoonish, but they take armed conflict seriously.
Developer: Valve
Publisher: Valve
Release Date: October 10, 2007
➡️ Check it out on Steam.
The Sims 4
Always very popular with the public, the 4th opus of The Sims was, until recently, a paid game, both for the basic title and for the extensions. But EA changed that in October 2022 by making the base version of The Sims 4 free. It did not take months to convince players to fall for this classic life simulation.
Note, however, that extensions and item packs remain chargeable. But the move makes sense for EA and will keep players busy until the expected announcement of the new Sims game.
Developer: Maxis
Publisher: Electronic Arts
Release Date: September 2, 2014
➡️ Check it out on Steam.
Yu-Gi-Oh! Master Duel
Yu-Gi-Oh! Master Duel is a digital collectible card game that was released in 2022. Konami developed it based on the popular Yu-Gi-Oh card trading game. Master Duel offers a digital platform for players to engage in strategic battles using virtual cards featuring iconic monsters, spells, and traps from the Yu-Gi-Oh franchise.
Players can build and customize their decks, utilizing different strategies and combinations to outwit their opponents. With regular updates and expansions, Master Duel continues to attract fans of the Yu-Gi-Oh universe and offers a fresh digital experience for both new and seasoned players.
Developer: Konami
Publisher: Konami
Release Date: January 19, 2022
➡️ Check it out on Steam.
World of Warships
World of Warships is a naval warfare-themed online multiplayer game developed by Wargaming. The game was released in 2015, and players can command historical vessels from many nations and engage in high-sea battles.
World of Warships provides a realistic naval combat experience with detailed ship models, immersive visuals, and tactical gameplay. It continues to receive updates, introducing new ships, maps, and game features. This keeps players engaged and invested in the ongoing naval warfare action.
Developer: Wargaming
Publisher: Wargaming
Release Date: September 17, 2015
➡️ Check it out on Steam.
Stars Wars: The Old Republic
The fact that sometime in 2011, an MMORPG was released, which takes place in the Star Wars universe; you could forget or not know, and this is normal. However, the game reminded everyone of itself with its debut on Steam in the summer of 2020. And, judging by the reviews, everything is fine with it to this day, and the army of fans only continues to grow.
In Star Wars: The Old Republic, you will put on a Jedi robe (or any other role) and embark on a journey across a distant galaxy. As befits the genre, you will be able to go through the story, develop the hero, complete tons of secondary quests and participate in hot PvP battles. And all this with the charm and atmosphere of the Star Wars universe.
Developer: BioWare
Publisher: Electronic Arts
Release Date: December 20, 2011
➡️ Check it out on Steam.
Paladins
Despite being accused of being an Overwatch copycat, Paladins‘ developers have claimed that the game is inspired by the iconic Team Fortress 2, which is also on our list. Comparisons aside, this title deserves to be highlighted for its intense gameplay and peculiar setting.
The game debuted in 2018 and has already managed to build a good fan base. Its mechanics, typical of the best first-person shooters, are fascinating and make the combat great. The game focuses on teamwork, which makes it a great alternative for playing with friends.
Developer: Evil Mojo Games
Publisher: Hi-Rez Studios
Release Date: May 8, 2018
➡️ Check it out on Steam.
War Robots
This is a fantastic team action game about fighting robots. There are 45 mechanized fighters to choose from, which can still be improved in the hangar. By controlling the mech, the gamer will participate in fierce tactical battles, destroying enemy robots and capturing control beacons.
The gameplay of War Robots comes down to combat and leveling. You can also create a clan or join an existing one and, together with other users, participate in group battles. War Robots is a good game that fans of fantasy battles will love.
Developer: Pixonic
Publisher: My.Games
Release Date: April 14, 2014
➡️ Check it out on Steam.
RuneScape
RuneScape is an MMORPG in an open fantasy world that will please gamers with freedom of action. The people of Gielinor live in peace and prosperity while the Elder Gods plan something unimaginable that will shake the world. Wars and terrible cataclysms begin. At this moment, you come to these vast lands to create a new history.
Explore gigantic territories, and descend into the most dangerous dungeons to get valuable artifacts in battles against powerful bosses. Choose your fighting style and attack the enemy from close range or shoot back with bows and magic from afar. Get together in clans and win your place in this free-to-play game.
Developer: Jagex
Publisher: Jagex
Release Date: October 14, 2020
➡️ Check it out on Steam.
ANYU
ANYU is a third-person narrative exploration title set in a frozen wasteland where an ancient civilization has fallen. It is centered on movement puzzles and dealing with environment mechanics. The title was recently made free-to-play on Steam.
In it, we assume the role of Ikku, who must finally reach the top of the mountain to catch a glimpse of the northern lights. During the journey, the protagonist will find some useful friends and the remains of an ancient civilization.
Developer: DigiPen Europe-Bilbao
Publisher: DigiPen Institute of Technology
Release Date: June 16, 2023
➡️ Check it out on Steam.
Warframe
Warframe is a free-to-play game released in 2013. It offers a third-person experience marked by a high level of action. The movement is fast-paced, and the fights are always electrifying.
Warframe is one of the most popular options on Steam, and this popularity is because the game continues to receive many updates. Not long ago, the title entered a new phase and received several new features that made it even more engaging.
Developer: Digital Extremes
Publisher: Digital Extremes
Release Date: March 25, 2013
➡️ Check it out on Steam.
Wrapping Up
The world of free-to-play games on Steam has expanded significantly in recent years. Unlike the old days when you had only a few free-to-play games in one or two genres, now there is a wide variety of genres and gameplay experiences. With the diverse range of free games available on Steam, you can easily find something that suits your preferences and interests. The best part? These games won’t cost you a penny, so explore the diverse virtual worlds at your own leisure!
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