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

Cell to Singularity - Evolution Never Ends

The epic story of evolution, technology, humanity, and dinosaurs is yours to tap.

Price Free to play
Rating 8.8
Release 03 Nov 2021

Idle Big Devil

Idle Big Devil is a free idle RPG game with 3D graphics. If you are interested in strategy or idle games, you might want to take a look!

Price Free to play
Rating 7.9
Release 03 Nov 2021

Flesh Water

This is your last day as a worker for a pet feeding service, and depending on how the day goes, your life. Prepare the final meal for a client's odd pet that lives in an abandoned pool all while trying to make it out safely and avoid mistakes.

Price Free to play
Rating 7.8
Release 03 Nov 2021

Get Stuffed!

Get Stuffed! is an Asymmetrical Multiplayer Social Horror game. Up to 16 players try to kill, deceive or escape as one of three role categories (Killer, Antagonist, or Victim). Each role has a unique way of winning.

Price Free to play
Rating 8.3
Release 29 Oct 2021

Crab Game

Crab Game is a First-Person Multiplayer game where you play through several different minigames based on children's games, until only one player stands victorious.

Price Free to play
Rating 9.0
Release 29 Oct 2021

Honkai Impact 3rd

Honkai Impact 3rd - Ultimate anime action made real! HD cel-shading, infinite combos, explosive feedback... Experience next-gen real-time action! An original tale told across media, immersive stage events, star-studded voice cast... Become part of the legend!

Price Free to play
Rating 7.2
Release 21 Oct 2021

Idle Pins

Idle Pins is an Incremental game made by an Incremental addict for Incremental lovers. Over 250 Pins to collect and merge. Hundreds of upgrades, features and QoL. Enjoy one of the most rewarding 'grind' experience, now on Steam!

Price Free to play
Rating 6.1
Release 16 Oct 2021

The Darkest Tales — Into the Nightmare

When a nightmare creeps into reality, the only ones that can help are those whose magical powers we’ve believed in since childhood. A brave teddy bear and his fairy sidekick head to the darker side of “happily ever after” to rescue his owner, Alicia.

Price Free to play
Rating 8.2
Release 14 Oct 2021

Bubble People

Bubble People is a point-and-click game, click on things with your mouse and have some fun!

Price Free to play
Rating 9.0
Release 12 Oct 2021

Poppy Playtime

You must stay alive in this horror/puzzle adventure. Try to survive the vengeful toys waiting for you in the abandoned toy factory. Use your GrabPack to hack electrical circuits or nab anything from afar. Explore the mysterious facility... and don't get caught.

Price Free to play
Rating 8.4
Release 12 Oct 2021

Stumble Guys

Ready for the chaos? Stumble Guys is a 32-player, fast-paced multiplayer party royale where players dash, jump, and fall across hilarious obstacle courses in a fun race to be the last one standing.

Price Free to play
Rating 8.4
Release 07 Oct 2021

Goose Goose Duck

Goose Goose Duck is a game of social deduction for up to 16 players. Players are separated into different groups that are each assigned a different objective. Complete your team’s objective to win!

Price Free to play
Rating 8.5
Release 03 Oct 2021

The Market of Light

A short game and tech demo created with Unreal Engine 5. The player is a small firefly that collects orbs of light scattered around the market. Experience a meticulously rendered world from a micro view point!

Price Free to play
Rating 7.7
Release 28 Sep 2021

XERA: Survival

Action-focused, open world survival shooter, PvPvE against fellow mercenaries and lethal XOIDS. Raid for resources alone or with team-mates, build and defend your base, stash your gear and survive against the odds. You are the hunters. You are the hunted. And the robots never sleep…

Price Free to play
Rating 6.6
Release 26 Sep 2021

Super Auto Pets

Build the strongest team of pets and tussle with your friends!

Price Free to play
Rating 8.9
Release 24 Sep 2021

If On A Winter's Night, Four Travelers

If On A Winter's Night, Four Travelers is a narrative-driven point-and-click adventure with horror elements that explores the stories of four characters in a masked ball taking place aboard a train in the late 1920s.

Price Free to play
Rating 9.2
Release 21 Sep 2021

Find Love or Die Trying

Welcome to the only killer dating show where ending up single means ending up dead! Date or die, it's up to your choices!

Price 4.99€
Rating 9.4
Release 16 Sep 2021

Swing Dunk

Swing Dunk delivers a stunning combination of fast-paced basketball and a stylish hoverboarding experience. With intuitive physics and a high level of freedom in controls, create your own unique basketball moves. Train your skills and SWING your way to victory!

Price Free to play
Rating 7.2
Release 15 Sep 2021

Loading Story

A short story about loading, I guess. Play as Memu@ as she explores the cyberpunk(ish) little town and interacts with its inhabitants.

Price Free to play
Rating 8.7
Release 10 Sep 2021

Escape From School

Confused, you wake up sucked into an empty classroom. You have to try to escape from school by solving puzzles and discovering secrets.

Price Free to play
Rating 6.1
Release 07 Sep 2021

The Durka: You will (not) die

"The Durka: You will (not) die" is a visual novel in the genre of fur, the plot of which unfolds on the territory of the Russian Federation, in an alternate reality.

Price 3.99€
Rating 8.3
Release 06 Sep 2021

死寂(Deathly Stillness)

This is a boring zombie game with no plot, not an officially released game, please don't have high expectations.

Price Free to play
Rating 9.3
Release 04 Sep 2021

Swallow the Sea

You are a lowly egg cell on a journey through a swollen sea of strange and humanoid fish. Prey on smaller life and growing larger and stronger to perhaps someday be born.

Price Free to play
Rating 9.3
Release 03 Sep 2021

Rec Room

Rec Room is the best place to build and play games together. Party up with friends from all around the world to chat, hang out, explore MILLIONS of player-created rooms, or build something new and amazing to share with us all.

Price Free to play
Rating 8.8
Release 02 Sep 2021

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 02nd 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 88,753 reviews of which 73,189 were positive and 15,564 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.1 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.
8.1
73,189
15,564

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 02nd 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 02nd 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 88,753 reviews of which 73,189 were positive and 15,564 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.1 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.
8.1
73,189
15,564

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