The Best Free-to-Play Games on PC Right Now
The best free-to-play games on PC right now, from shooters and hero battles to huge RPGs, plus how to tell a fair free game from a pay-to-win trap.
You don’t need to spend a cent to play some of the best games on PC. The free-to-play scene today includes the biggest competitive shooters in the world, gigantic RPGs and games played by millions every single day. All you need is a decent PC and some patience with the occasional battle pass pop-up.
Of course, “free” doesn’t always mean free. Some games are generous and fair. Others are designed to slowly empty your wallet. We’ve picked the ones that are genuinely fun without spending money, and we’ll tell you where the catches are.
Nyx has sunk well over a thousand hours into Path of Exile, and the only money that ever went in was for a few extra stash tabs, which most long-term players end up buying sooner or later. Every new league still feels like a fresh start, which is a big part of why it keeps pulling people back.
Competitive shooters
Counter-Strike 2
The tactical shooter that’s been at the top of PC gaming for over two decades, now on the Source 2 engine. Two teams, one plants a bomb, the other defends. It’s simple to understand and almost impossible to master, with precise gunplay and a huge esports scene. All the skins are purely cosmetic, so nothing you buy makes you better.
The catch: the learning curve is brutal, and the community can be unforgiving. Play casual and deathmatch modes for a while before jumping into competitive.
Where to get it: Steam
Valorant
Riot’s answer to Counter-Strike, with a twist: every character (called an agent) has special abilities like smoke screens, walls of fire or healing. It’s tactical and precise like CS2 but more colourful and approachable. Cosmetics only, no gameplay advantage for paying.
The catch: it uses Riot’s Vanguard anti-cheat, which runs at the deepest level of your system. Some players don’t like that, and it means Valorant won’t run on Linux or the Steam Deck.
Where to get it: Riot Games
Apex Legends
A fast, squad-based battle royale with heroes, movement that feels incredible (sliding, climbing, ziplining) and excellent gunplay. Teams of three pick legends with different abilities and fight to be the last squad standing.
The catch: a lot of its monetisation is aggressive, with expensive cosmetic events. You never need to buy anything, though.
Where to get it: Steam
Fortnite
Still huge, still evolving. Fortnite is part battle royale, part creative platform, with modes like LEGO Fortnite, Fortnite Festival (a music game) and countless player-made experiences. It’s great for playing with friends of all skill levels, and it runs on almost any PC.
The catch: it’s constantly changing, which can be overwhelming if you take a break. And no, it doesn’t run on the Steam Deck.
Where to get it: Fortnite
Hero shooters and team games
Marvel Rivals
A six-versus-six hero shooter where you play as Spider-Man, Iron Man, Storm, Magneto and dozens more Marvel characters. Since its launch in late 2024 it has become one of the most played games on Steam. Matches are chaotic and fun, the character roster keeps growing, and all heroes are free to play.
The catch: balance can swing wildly between seasons, and solo queue can be frustrating without a team.
Where to get it: Steam
Overwatch 2
The game that popularised the modern hero shooter. Teams of five pick heroes with very different roles (tank, damage, support) and fight over objectives. It has had its ups and downs, but it remains polished and fun, especially with friends.
The catch: the cosmetics and battle pass can get pricey. The good news is that every hero, including new ones, is free for everyone.
Where to get it: Blizzard
RPGs and adventures
Warframe
A sci-fi action game where you play space ninjas in powered suits. It’s been going since 2013 and has grown into a gigantic game with story quests, open worlds and dozens of “frames” to collect, each with unique powers. It’s famous for being one of the fairest free-to-play games around: almost everything can be earned by playing.
The catch: it’s overwhelming at first. There’s so much stuff that new players often feel lost. Stick with the main quests and it all makes sense.
Where to get it: Steam
Path of Exile
A dark action RPG in the style of Diablo, with possibly the deepest character customisation in any game, thanks to a famous skill tree with over a thousand nodes. If you like loot, builds and endless replayability, this is your game. Its sequel, Path of Exile 2, is a separate (paid) game in early access.
The catch: you’ll probably want to buy some extra storage tabs eventually. Many fans consider that the fair “price” of the game.
Where to get it: Steam
Genshin Impact
A gorgeous open-world action RPG with anime-style characters, elemental combat and a huge world to explore. It’s a full-sized adventure you can play for hundreds of hours without paying.
The catch: it’s a “gacha” game, meaning new characters come from randomised pulls, which is basically gambling. Set yourself a firm budget (ideally zero) and stick to it.
Where to get it: HoYoverse
Strategy and sports
Rocket League
Football with rocket-powered cars. It’s absurd, it’s brilliant and it’s one of the most satisfying multiplayer games ever made. Easy to pick up, incredibly deep at high levels.
Where to get it: Rocket League
Dota 2 and League of Legends
The two giants of the MOBA genre, where teams of five battle to destroy each other’s base. They’re among the most popular games in the world, completely free, with no pay-to-win. They’re also notoriously hard to learn and have intense communities. If you have a group of friends who already play, that’s the best way in.
Where to get it: Dota 2, League of Legends
Don’t forget the free games on stores
Besides free-to-play games, stores regularly give away full paid games for free:
- Epic Games Store gives away at least one game every week. Claim them and they’re yours forever.
- Steam runs free weekends where you can try paid games, and often gives away smaller titles during sales.
- Game Pass offers a free trial now and then. See our PS Plus vs Game Pass comparison for details.
How to spot a pay-to-win game
- Can you buy power? If money buys better weapons, stats or characters that win fights, walk away.
- Are there loot boxes or gacha pulls? Random rewards for money are designed to be addictive. Be careful, especially with kids.
- Does the game constantly push offers? Pop-ups after every match are a red flag.
- Is progress painfully slow without paying? A good free game feels fun from the first hour.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best free game on Steam?
Counter-Strike 2 and Marvel Rivals are the most played. For solo players, Warframe and Path of Exile offer hundreds of hours of content.
What free PC games are good for low-end computers?
Counter-Strike 2, Fortnite (on lower settings), Rocket League, Dota 2 and League of Legends all run on modest hardware.
Are free-to-play games really free?
Most of the games on this list can be fully enjoyed without paying. They make money from cosmetics and battle passes, which are optional.
Thinking about upgrading your setup? Our How to Build a Budget Gaming PC guide and The Best Controllers for PC Gaming can help.
