Best Free to Play games on Steam
Unlike generic lists, our strategy game recommendations use a rigorous analysis of Steam user reviews to identify and feature only the best, community-validated free to play games. For those who prefer not to search, lists of the most played, top deals and best free free to play games are available at the bottom of the page.
Filters & Lists
J-Jump Arena
J-Jump Arena is a free-to-play, turn-based elimination party game, challenging you to master jumps and weapon skills. Play solo or in multiplayer with up to 10 players, where moves happen simultaneously! Outsmart opponents in this fast-paced game that’s easy to learn but hard to master.
Daisho: Survival of a Samurai
Daisho: Survival of a Samurai is an Action RPG with casual survival game mechanics and big village-building possibilities. You'll experience a new type of survival game with quests, continuous open world progression, monthly events and your dumb ways to die not harming your fun level.
MARVEL SNAP
MARVEL SNAP is a fast-paced Collectible Card Game that reimagines the genre with innovative mechanics. Winner of multiple awards like 'Best Strategy Game' and 'Breakthrough Game of the Year,' we invite you to join millions of players worldwide – Jump right in!
Project Hardline
Project Hardline is a party first person shooter game where two teams fight to capture an uplink station. This uplink station contains vital intel and must not fall into the wrong hands. With every round a team faces, they will come back with better gear. This game is perfect for a party of friends.
Sword Art Online: Integral Factor
Aim to conquer Aincrad with Kirito and Asuna
Arrow a Row
Arrow a row is a game in which you shoot arrows (of course) in a row! or maybe two rows! (maybe three?) Choose your power-ups and defeat the Boss.
Waven
Forge your own destiny! Choose your character, equip your best spells and sail from island to island in quest of fortune and glory. Level up your hero and your strategy in this free-to-play tactical multiplayer RPG with unique colorful graphics.
Little Man Has a Day
A personal, short and silly handwritten game about a little man feeling a little 'eh'.
HoloCure - Save the Fans!
Play as your favorite Vtubers from Hololive! Fight, explore, and clear your way through armies of fans and save them from their mind-control in this unofficial free fan-game.
EMERGENCY
Save lives – be a hero! Join forces against the chaos in the newest title of the award-winning EMERGENCY series. Take up your shift as incident commander and coordinate with other players to fight fires, arrest gangsters and rescue injured civilians. Your city needs you!
VPet-Simulator
Feeling like the computer desktop is too dull? Need something cute to heal oneself? Come and try this new completely free and open source V-Pet simulator. A cute and adorable pet that supports various feeding interactions to accompany you in game learning is definitely your best choice!
Cervus Blade
Cervus Blade is an enchanting third-person action adventure game that takes players on an epic journey through a deer-worship desert world. Engage in high-octane combat, testing your skills in challenging encounters, unleash the power of the Blade and become a legend in this captivating adventure.
SLUDGE LIFE: The BIG MUD Sessions
Munch down a bite-sized SLUDGE LIFE experience in this free self-contained interlude.
The PenguinGame 2 -Lies of Penguin-
The heroic penguin pulled the legendary club from the rock. pass the ordeal! Revenge on humans! Save Antarctica in crisis! The Penguin Game2 : Lies of Penguin is an action game made with a deep impression of the soul-like genre. Challenge a total of 7 types of boss battles!
Beecarbonize
Do you have what it takes to save the planet? Beecarbonize is an environmental card strategy game with climate change as your opponent.
Unnamed Space Idle
Destroy endless waves of alien ships that have all but wiped out humanity in this long form, unfolding, sci-fi idle game. Customize your ship with different weapons and defenses to defeat specific enemy types and utilize a ton of different systems to increase your overall power.
Eternal Return
Eternal Return is a free-to-play, 2.5D perspective Battle Royale game. Search, Craft, Hunt, and Fight using a variety of characters. Plan your strategy and become the last survivor on this eternal experiment.
Cats Hidden in Paris
Find 100 cats hiding in Paris, France in this cute hand-drawn hidden object game
Ducks Can Drive
Ducks like to race, even in their own cars! Earn money by delivering food to fellow ducks in the city, then use this money to upgrade your vehicle. The better the vehicle, the better chance you have to win the race at the end of the day!
Vacuum Warrior - Idle Game
Vacuum Warrior is a Free to Play incremental idle game. Listen to the crisp crackle of dust and debris entering your vacuum as you vacuum ridiculous amounts of dust. Upgrade your vacuums, idle gains, and robot vacuums, earn achievements, and explore numerous locations in the Vacuum Warrior universe!
SOVL: Fantasy Warfare
SOVL is a ruleset for playing fantasy wargames. It can be played with miniatures on a table or digitally on Steam.Most played free to play games on Steam
Take a look at the top free to play games that are currently attracting the largest player bases on the Steam platform, as of May 01st 2025.
1. Dota 2
Every day, millions of players worldwide enter battle as one of over a hundred Dota heroes. And no matter if it's their 10th hour of play or 1,000th, there's always something new to discover. With regular updates that ensure a constant evolution of gameplay, features, and heroes, Dota 2 has taken on a life of its own. Dota 2 is a free to play, moba and multiplayer game developed and published by Valve. Released on July 09th 2013 has received 2,473,717 reviews of which 2,016,368 were positive and 457,349 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.1 out of 10. The game has hit the top spot as the #1 most played free to play game, thanks to its 321,724 peak concurrent players over the last day.
8.1
2,016,368
457,349
321,724
players
2. Bongo Cat
Bongo cat needs your help. Bongo cat needz more hatz!!! Every time you press a key, Bongo cat will punch your taskbar. Type, click, play, work to collect more points. Which hats will you find? Bongo Cat is a casual, cats and clicker game developed by Marcel Zurawka and published by Irox Games. Released on March 05th 2025 has received 14,374 reviews of which 14,074 were positive and 300 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.5 out of 10. While seeing 135,778 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #2 among free to play games based on player count.
9.5
14,074
300
135,778
players
3. Marvel Rivals
Marvel Rivals is a Super Hero Team-Based PVP Shooter! Assemble an all-star Marvel squad, devise countless strategies by combining powers to form unique Team-Up skills and fight in destructible, ever-changing battlefields across the continually evolving Marvel universe! Marvel Rivals is a free to play, multiplayer and hero shooter game developed and published by NetEase Games. Released on December 05th 2024 has received 270,085 reviews of which 217,320 were positive and 52,765 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.0 out of 10. While seeing 131,785 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among free to play games based on player count.
8.0
217,320
52,765
131,785
players
4. Banana
Banana is a clicker Game, in which you click a Banana! In Banana you click the Banana to gain even more Bananas! Every 3 hours, you get dropped a banana. Each banana is also made by the community in discord. Come hang out with us and let's grow into something awesome ! Banana is a free to play, clicker and singleplayer game developed by Sky, AestheticSpartan and O'Brian and published by Sky. Released on April 23rd 2024 has received 88,393 reviews of which 72,949 were positive and 15,444 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. With 101,445 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played free to play games.
8.2
72,949
15,444
101,445
players
5. Apex Legends™
Apex Legends is the award-winning, free-to-play Hero Shooter from Respawn Entertainment. Master an ever-growing roster of legendary characters with powerful abilities, and experience strategic squad play and innovative gameplay in the next evolution of Hero Shooter and Battle Royale. Apex Legends™ is a free to play, battle royale and multiplayer game developed by Respawn and published by Electronic Arts. Released on November 04th 2020 has received 988,584 reviews of which 663,861 were positive and 324,723 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.7 out of 10. With 92,511 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played free to play games.
6.7
663,861
324,723
92,511
players
6. War Thunder
War Thunder is the most comprehensive free-to-play, cross-platform, MMO military game dedicated to aviation, armoured vehicles, and naval craft, from the early 20th century to the most advanced modern combat units. Join now and take part in major battles on land, in the air, and at sea. War Thunder is a free to play, simulation and vehicular combat game developed by Gaijin Entertainment and published by Gaijin Network Ltd. Released on August 15th 2013 has received 745,524 reviews of which 475,378 were positive and 270,146 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.4 out of 10. With 44,822 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played free to play games.
6.4
475,378
270,146
44,822
players
7. Delta Force
Delta Force is back! The iconic series returns as the definitive free-to-play modern team-based tactical shooter and featuring three distinct gameplay modes: large-scale PvP warfare, intense extraction shooter action, and a remake of the legendary Black Hawk Down campaign. Delta Force is a free to play, fps and multiplayer game developed by Team Jade and published by TiMi Studio Group. Released on December 04th 2024 has received 103,330 reviews of which 66,752 were positive and 36,578 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.4 out of 10. With 37,658 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played free to play games.
6.4
66,752
36,578
37,658
players
8. Lost Ark
Embark on an odyssey for the Lost Ark in a vast, vibrant world: explore new lands, seek out lost treasures, and test yourself in thrilling action combat in this action-packed free-to-play RPG. Lost Ark is a mmorpg, free to play and action rpg game developed by Smilegate RPG and published by Amazon Games. Released on February 11th 2022 has received 201,847 reviews of which 143,496 were positive and 58,351 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.1 out of 10. With 35,849 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played free to play games.
7.1
143,496
58,351
35,849
players
9. Warframe
Awaken as an unstoppable warrior and battle alongside your friends in this story-driven free-to-play online action game Warframe is a free to play, action rpg and looter shooter game developed and published by Digital Extremes. Released on March 25th 2013 has received 622,221 reviews of which 542,080 were positive and 80,141 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. With 35,245 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played free to play games.
8.7
542,080
80,141
35,245
players
10. VRChat
Join our growing community as you explore, play, and help craft the future of social VR. Create worlds and custom avatars. Welcome to VRChat. VRChat is a vr, free to play and multiplayer game developed and published by VRChat Inc.. Released on February 01st 2017 has received 238,077 reviews of which 179,963 were positive and 58,114 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.5 out of 10. With 33,779 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played free to play games.
7.5
179,963
58,114
33,779
players
Best deals on free to play games on Steam
Discover fantastic savings with the best discounts on a variety of free to play games available on Steam right now, updated on May 01st 2025. Looking for even more deals? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of discounted free to play games.
1. Minds of Nations
Grand Strategy Game. How does reincarnation affect the evolution of a state ? Control the material well-being of your country with a backbone of spiritual growth. Religion. Economy. Diplomacy. War. Souls. Karma. Ideology. Tech. Stories. Single-Player. MMO. Minds of Nations is a strategy, simulation and massively multiplayer game developed by Omnem, CyberSports, Soul Playing Games and Ohm and published by CyberSports and Soul Playing Games. Released on April 11th 2023 has received 552 reviews of which 378 were positive and 174 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.6 out of 10. Featuring a massive 70% discount, this game currently holds the #1 spot in the best deals for free to play category.
6.6
378
174
-70%
19.50€
5.85€
Free free to play games on Steam
Check out this fantastic list of free-to-play free to play games you can enjoy on Steam right now, updated on May 01st 2025. Looking for even more free titles? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of free to play free to play games.
1. Dota 2
Every day, millions of players worldwide enter battle as one of over a hundred Dota heroes. And no matter if it's their 10th hour of play or 1,000th, there's always something new to discover. With regular updates that ensure a constant evolution of gameplay, features, and heroes, Dota 2 has taken on a life of its own. Dota 2 is a free to play, moba and multiplayer game developed and published by Valve. Released on July 09th 2013 has received 2,473,717 reviews of which 2,016,368 were positive and 457,349 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.1 out of 10. With 321,724 active players enjoying it for free, this strategy game has reached the #1 spot among the top free free to play games on Steam.
8.1
2,016,368
457,349
321,724
players
2. Bongo Cat
Bongo cat needs your help. Bongo cat needz more hatz!!! Every time you press a key, Bongo cat will punch your taskbar. Type, click, play, work to collect more points. Which hats will you find? Bongo Cat is a casual, cats and clicker game developed by Marcel Zurawka and published by Irox Games. Released on March 05th 2025 has received 14,374 reviews of which 14,074 were positive and 300 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.5 out of 10. Thanks to its free to play tag and a daily player base of 135,778, this free to play game has secured the #2 spot in the ranking of free free to play games on Steam.
9.5
14,074
300
135,778
players
3. Marvel Rivals
Marvel Rivals is a Super Hero Team-Based PVP Shooter! Assemble an all-star Marvel squad, devise countless strategies by combining powers to form unique Team-Up skills and fight in destructible, ever-changing battlefields across the continually evolving Marvel universe! Marvel Rivals is a free to play, multiplayer and hero shooter game developed and published by NetEase Games. Released on December 05th 2024 has received 270,085 reviews of which 217,320 were positive and 52,765 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.0 out of 10. Thanks to its free to play tag and a daily player base of 131,785, this free to play game has secured the #3 spot in the ranking of free free to play games on Steam.
8.0
217,320
52,765
131,785
players
4. Banana
Banana is a clicker Game, in which you click a Banana! In Banana you click the Banana to gain even more Bananas! Every 3 hours, you get dropped a banana. Each banana is also made by the community in discord. Come hang out with us and let's grow into something awesome ! Banana is a free to play, clicker and singleplayer game developed by Sky, AestheticSpartan and O'Brian and published by Sky. Released on April 23rd 2024 has received 88,393 reviews of which 72,949 were positive and 15,444 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 101,445 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #4 position in the best free free to play games on Steam.
8.2
72,949
15,444
101,445
players
5. Apex Legends™
Apex Legends is the award-winning, free-to-play Hero Shooter from Respawn Entertainment. Master an ever-growing roster of legendary characters with powerful abilities, and experience strategic squad play and innovative gameplay in the next evolution of Hero Shooter and Battle Royale. Apex Legends™ is a free to play, battle royale and multiplayer game developed by Respawn and published by Electronic Arts. Released on November 04th 2020 has received 988,584 reviews of which 663,861 were positive and 324,723 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.7 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 92,511 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #5 position in the best free free to play games on Steam.
6.7
663,861
324,723
92,511
players
6. War Thunder
War Thunder is the most comprehensive free-to-play, cross-platform, MMO military game dedicated to aviation, armoured vehicles, and naval craft, from the early 20th century to the most advanced modern combat units. Join now and take part in major battles on land, in the air, and at sea. War Thunder is a free to play, simulation and vehicular combat game developed by Gaijin Entertainment and published by Gaijin Network Ltd. Released on August 15th 2013 has received 745,524 reviews of which 475,378 were positive and 270,146 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.4 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 44,822 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #6 position in the best free free to play games on Steam.
6.4
475,378
270,146
44,822
players
7. Delta Force
Delta Force is back! The iconic series returns as the definitive free-to-play modern team-based tactical shooter and featuring three distinct gameplay modes: large-scale PvP warfare, intense extraction shooter action, and a remake of the legendary Black Hawk Down campaign. Delta Force is a free to play, fps and multiplayer game developed by Team Jade and published by TiMi Studio Group. Released on December 04th 2024 has received 103,330 reviews of which 66,752 were positive and 36,578 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.4 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 37,658 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #7 position in the best free free to play games on Steam.
6.4
66,752
36,578
37,658
players
8. Lost Ark
Embark on an odyssey for the Lost Ark in a vast, vibrant world: explore new lands, seek out lost treasures, and test yourself in thrilling action combat in this action-packed free-to-play RPG. Lost Ark is a mmorpg, free to play and action rpg game developed by Smilegate RPG and published by Amazon Games. Released on February 11th 2022 has received 201,847 reviews of which 143,496 were positive and 58,351 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.1 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 35,849 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #8 position in the best free free to play games on Steam.
7.1
143,496
58,351
35,849
players
9. Warframe
Awaken as an unstoppable warrior and battle alongside your friends in this story-driven free-to-play online action game Warframe is a free to play, action rpg and looter shooter game developed and published by Digital Extremes. Released on March 25th 2013 has received 622,221 reviews of which 542,080 were positive and 80,141 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 35,245 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #9 position in the best free free to play games on Steam.
8.7
542,080
80,141
35,245
players
10. VRChat
Join our growing community as you explore, play, and help craft the future of social VR. Create worlds and custom avatars. Welcome to VRChat. VRChat is a vr, free to play and multiplayer game developed and published by VRChat Inc.. Released on February 01st 2017 has received 238,077 reviews of which 179,963 were positive and 58,114 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.5 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 33,779 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #10 position in the best free free to play games on Steam.
7.5
179,963
58,114
33,779
players