20 Free-To-Play Games Worth Your Time

Just because a game is free to play doesn’t mean it’s limited. Many popular free games now offer complete experiences with lots of content, ways to improve your character, and the ability to play with friends on different devices—all without costing anything to start. Here are twenty widely available free games you can try today. For each one, we’ve included details about the developer, what the game is all about, and how it makes money, so you’ll know what to expect.

‘Fortnite’ (2017)

Fortnite, created and published by Epic Games, is a popular battle royale game where up to 100 players compete. It’s known for its constantly changing island, special limited-time events, and ability to be played on PCs, consoles, and mobile devices (through the cloud). Players can use a single Epic account to play and save progress across all platforms. Beyond the main competitive game, Fortnite also features creative modes like building your own maps and experiences, including projects using Unreal Editor for Fortnite (UEFN). The game is free-to-play, and players can purchase cosmetic items like outfits and emotes through a rotating shop and seasonal battle passes.

‘Genshin Impact’ (2020)

Genshin Impact, created by miHoYo/HoYoverse, is an expansive open-world adventure game. You build a team of characters with different elemental powers and journey through vast areas like Mondstadt, Liyue, and Sumeru. You can play on PC, PlayStation, and mobile devices, and even continue your progress across platforms. New characters and weapons are released regularly, but the game has a system to limit how quickly you can upgrade things. While you can spend money to get ahead, it’s not required to enjoy the main story, events, and playing with friends.

‘Apex Legends’ (2019)

Apex Legends, created by Respawn Entertainment and Electronic Arts, is a team-based battle royale game known for its unique characters with special abilities, quick-paced action, and an innovative ping system that allows for easy communication. Players on PCs and consoles can play together, and the game keeps things fresh with regularly changing maps and temporary game modes. Competitive players can participate in ranked leagues that are divided into seasons, using a skill-based matchmaking system and requiring a small entry fee. The game is funded through cosmetic items like battle passes, special event collections, and bundles available in the in-game store.

‘Call of Duty: Warzone’ (2020)

Call of Duty: Warzone, created by Infinity Ward, Raven Software, and other studios for Activision, is a massive free-to-play game offering both classic battle royale and faster-paced Resurgence modes. Your weapons progress alongside the main Call of Duty games, and the game regularly receives updates to maps and the best weapon setups. You can play with friends on PC and consoles, and your progress carries over between platforms using your Activision account. The game is funded through optional cosmetic items and a seasonal battle pass.

‘League of Legends’ (2009)

League of Legends is a popular team-based strategy game where two teams of five players compete on a map with three lanes and a jungle area. Players choose from a large selection of unique characters, called champions. The game offers different ways to play, including standard matches, ranked competitive games, and fun, rotating event modes. There’s also a practice tool to help players improve. Players can earn champions by playing the game, and customize their experience with cosmetic items purchased with in-game currency or real money. The game is regularly updated with balance changes, new champions, and new items to keep things fresh.

‘Dota 2’ (2013)

As a Dota 2 player, let me tell you, this game is seriously deep! There are over a hundred heroes to master, and building the right items is a huge part of the strategy. A lot of pro players and tournaments use the Captain’s Mode, which is awesome. It’s built on the Source 2 engine, and Valve keeps things interesting with custom lobbies, a practice range to test things out, and even user-created game modes in the Arcade. The best part? All the heroes are free to play right from the start! They make money through things like cosmetic items you can collect, special events, and a subscription service called Dota Plus. Plus, they’re constantly updating the game, tweaking heroes, map features, and even random items you find during the match, so it never gets stale.

‘Valorant’ (2020)

Valorant, created by Riot Games, is a team-based shooter where two teams of five compete using both gun skills and unique character abilities. The game offers various ways to play, including competitive matches, casual games, and quicker options like Swiftplay and Spike Rush, as well as a dedicated practice area. It uses a strong anti-cheat system and a clear ranking system based on RR. Players can unlock characters through gameplay or by purchasing them, and they can customize their experience with optional skins and battle passes.

‘Counter-Strike 2’ (2023)

Counter-Strike 2, the latest installment from Valve, refreshes the original game with improved technology for more precise gameplay, dynamic smokes, and updated maps built on the Source 2 engine. It features familiar modes like Competitive and casual play, alongside a new Premier mode with map selection and banning. Players’ existing items from CS:GO will transfer over, and community-created content will still be available. Valve generates income through the sale of case keys, event passes, and cosmetic items that can be traded on the market.

‘Path of Exile’ (2013)

Path of Exile, created by Grinding Gear Games, is a popular action RPG celebrated for its incredibly complex character customization, regularly updated seasonal challenges, and extensive crafting system. The game offers its entire story and endgame content for free, while also providing optional purchases like extra storage and cosmetic items. A robust trading system, build planning tools, and a helpful community all contribute to a long-lasting gameplay experience.

‘Warframe’ (2013)

Okay, so I’ve been playing ‘Warframe’ for a while now, and it’s a really cool co-op shooter. You play as these powerful characters called Warframes, and each one has totally different abilities. We run missions all over the star chart, and there are even big, open areas to explore. The best part is it’s on PC and consoles, and you can even play with friends no matter what platform they’re on, and save your progress across all of them! The developers are constantly adding new story bits and Warframes through updates. You build stuff by finding blueprints and resources, and it takes a little time in the Foundry, but it’s worth it. You can spend real money, but it’s mostly for cosmetics or things that speed things up – you can earn everything in the game just by playing, which is awesome.

‘Destiny 2’ (2017)

Destiny 2 has a free starting point called ‘New Light’ that lets you experience the main story, jump into core activities, and try out select missions. The game is regularly updated with new seasonal content, including changing rewards and special events like Festival of the Lost. While larger expansions and challenging ‘Raids’ require purchase, you can enjoy the core gameplay – like quick matches in Crucible, Gambit, and Vanguard Ops – without spending any money. Plus, you can play with friends and carry your progress across PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.

‘PUBG: Battlegrounds’ (2017)

PUBG: Battlegrounds, created by PUBG Studios and published by Krafton, offers realistic shooting and bullet physics in large-scale battle royale games. The game is now free to play, with an optional paid subscription called ‘Battlegrounds Plus’ that unlocks additional ranked game features. The game is regularly updated with new maps, weapons, and fun modes like Team Deathmatch. Players can purchase cosmetic items, bundles, and a seasonal pass.

‘Overwatch 2’ (2022)

Overwatch 2 is a team-based action game where two teams of five players compete. Players choose from a variety of unique heroes and can customize their experience with different game modes and limited-time events. New heroes are earned through the game’s progression system, and existing heroes become available to new players by completing simple introductory challenges. Players can also carry their progress across different platforms using their Battle.net account, and their competitive ranking is reset at the start of each new season. The game is funded by the sale of cosmetic items like character skins and emotes, which helps support ongoing development.

‘Halo Infinite’ (2021)

You can download and play the multiplayer portion of ‘Halo Infinite’ for free on both PC and Xbox. It features various playlists like Arena, Big Team Battle, and Ranked, along with special, limited-time event modes. Players can also find user-created maps in matchmaking thanks to the Forge tool. You can unlock items through seasonal battle passes that you keep forever, and purchase cosmetic bundles in the store. The game is regularly updated to improve aiming, movement, and overall gameplay.

‘Rocket League’ (2015)

Rocket League is a unique game where players use rocket-powered cars to play soccer. You can compete in matches with anywhere from one-on-one to four-on-four players, and climb the ranks in competitive modes. It became free to play in 2020 and allows players on different devices to play together by linking an Epic account. Beyond the standard game, there are options for custom training, player-created maps on PC, and special limited-time modes. The game is funded through seasonal passes and a shop for cosmetic items, but all game modes are available for free.

‘Brawlhalla’ (2017)

Brawlhalla, created by Blue Mammoth Games and published by Ubisoft, is a platform fighting game where you can regularly try out different characters for free, and unlock more to play permanently. It offers ranked and casual online matches for one or two players, as well as fun local multiplayer options. You can play with friends across different devices – PC, consoles, and mobile – and use your preferred controller. While the game is free-to-play, you can purchase cosmetic items or instantly unlock characters if you choose.

‘Dauntless’ (2019)

Dauntless is a cooperative action game developed by Phoenix Labs where players team up to hunt massive creatures called Behemoths and use their parts to craft powerful gear. You can play with friends on PC, consoles, and Switch, and even carry your progress between platforms using your Epic Games account. The game focuses on building gear with different elemental powers and unique Behemoth components, enhanced by collectible mod cells. Dauntless is free to play, with optional cosmetic purchases like hunt passes and items from the store.

‘Legends of Runeterra’ (2020)

Legends of Runeterra, created by Riot Games, is a digital card game based in the world of League of Legends. Gameplay revolves around taking turns attacking and defending. Players can earn rewards like wildcards and region bonuses simply by playing the game, minimizing the need to buy things. The game is regularly updated with new champions and abilities, and offers different ways to play through special modes like Labs and Gauntlets. Players can also customize their experience with cosmetic items like boards, guardians, and card designs.

‘Marvel Snap’ (2022)

Marvel Snap is a quick and engaging card game created by Second Dinner and published by Nuverse. It’s played on three lanes, with both players making moves at the same time. A unique ranking system uses ‘cubes’ to track progress. Games are short – just a few minutes long – making it perfect for playing on your phone or computer. New cards are added every month through seasons and special events, and you unlock them by leveling up your collection and using tokens. You can spend money on cosmetic items and season passes, but all the cards needed to play are earned through gameplay over time.

‘Honkai: Star Rail’ (2023)

Honkai: Star Rail, created by miHoYo/HoYoverse, is a role-playing game where you lead a team on an adventure across planets such as Jarilo-VI and Xianzhou Luofu. You can play on PC, PlayStation, and mobile devices, and your progress is saved across all platforms with frequent updates adding new stories, characters, and events. The game offers plenty of ways to customize your team, but advancement is paced through daily and weekly tasks. While you can spend money to get new characters and weapons, the core story and events are free to enjoy.

Share your favorite free-to-play pick—and the mode you spend the most time in—in the comments!

2025-11-25 20:47