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 and best free free to play games are available at the bottom of the page.

Filters & Lists

The Lar

Become an experiment and flee with friends from this chaotic and amazing place. And as the exploration deepens, the truth gradually emerges...

Price Free to play
Rating 9.0
Release 10 Jun 2019

Quake II RTX

Quake II RTX is a cutting-edge, ray-traced reimagining of id software’s old school classic, by NVIDIA’s Lightspeed Studios. Global lighting effects, including realistic reflections, refraction, shadows, ambient occlusion and global illumination are a result of the path-traced simulation of light.

Price Free to play
Rating 8.4
Release 06 Jun 2019

Lords Mobile

Clash with global players in this epic real-time strategy game!

Price Free to play
Rating 6.6
Release 02 Jun 2019

Answer Knot

A short narrative and exploration game about Zach, June, and a strange phenomenon. You're Zach and, stuck in your home, you will do everything to keep hearing June's voice messages. What is happening out there?

Price Free to play
Rating 8.4
Release 31 May 2019

missed messages.

‘goth gf’s iPhone’ airdrops you - accept or decline? A love/horror story about life, death, & memes.

Price Free to play
Rating 9.4
Release 30 May 2019

Conqueror's Blade

Master the art of siege tactics in Conqueror's Blade, a tactical action MMO brought to you by Booming Tech. Create your hero, command medieval units, and ride out for epic online battles in a vast new world. Play for free today!

Price Free to play
Rating 7.4
Release 30 May 2019

World of Myths

Take control of the battle, crush the opponent’s temples and rise to victory in a card game where the usual tactics don't work. Pledge loyalty to your favorite Mythology. Bring back the glory of the ancient Gods or become a God yourself.

Price Free to play
Rating 7.8
Release 30 May 2019

Minion Masters

An addictive fast-paced hybrid of Card games & Tower-Defense. Play 1v1 - or bring a friend for 2v2 - and engage in epic online multiplayer battles full of innovative strategy and awesome plays! Collect 200+ cards with unique mechanics, all free!

Price Free to play
Rating 8.8
Release 24 May 2019

Splitgate

Splitgate is a free-to-play, fast-paced multiplayer shooter that features player-controlled portals. This sci-fi shooter takes the FPS genre to a new dimension with its portal mechanics, delivering high-flying, multi-dimensional combat.

Price Free to play
Rating 9.0
Release 24 May 2019

Plasticity

Plasticity is a hauntingly beautiful puzzle-platformer where you explore a plastic-ridden world. Traverse flooded cities and ravaged lands as you make choices that profoundly change both gameplay and your future.

Price Free to play
Rating 7.6
Release 24 May 2019

BLOCKADE

BLOCKADE Classic! First Person Shooter in an editable procedural cubic world. A large arsenal of weapons, 4 teams at the same time and up to 32 players on one map. A large number of game modes!

Price Free to play
Rating 7.3
Release 21 May 2019

Racing Classics: Drag Race Simulator

Looking for a game where you can drive legendary classic rides? Get the most out of each car in the iconic style of the '70s and '80s and test their original performance in classic head-to-head drag races!

Price Free to play
Rating 7.1
Release 20 May 2019

Neon Boost

Neon Boost is a frenetic First Person Platformer based on mechanics like Rocket-Jump or Wall-Run. Run across 3 different worlds to get the best times!

Price Free to play
Rating 8.6
Release 20 May 2019

Eden Rising

Brace yourself for a brand new action-packed Open World. Explore a huge world to gather materials for gear and defenses. Use everything at your disposal to defend your bases and defeat hordes of hostile monsters. Play solo or up to 8-player online!

Price Free to play
Rating 6.3
Release 17 May 2019

Pew Dew Redemption

Dive into the role of Pew and fulfill your destiny as the last independent content creator. Face and Destroy the company and all of its subjects to bring peace and freedom back to the internet.

Price Free to play
Rating 8.0
Release 17 May 2019

The Defender: Farm and Castle

You are an archer tasked with defending a castle from invading monsters. Inside the castle, you can manage resources and harvest crops, gather experience points to level up, and learn new skills and abilities to face stronger enemies.

Price Free to play
Rating 8.5
Release 16 May 2019

HOME

HOME is a feel-good walking simulator experience in which you create your own poem and music. Embark on a poetic and musical heartwarming journey about what home means to you.

Price Free to play
Rating 8.7
Release 11 May 2019

BirdGut

BirdGut is a hand-drawn 2d puzzle-platformer from the perspective of an outcast bee who gets eaten by a bird, and discovers that the bird's internal organs are not organs at all, but facilities in which the consumed insects are brainwashed and enslaved. Experience this bizarre one-man project for yourself.

Price Free to play
Rating 9.2
Release 09 May 2019

Ultra Fight Da ! Kyanta 2

Ultra Fight Kyanta 2 is a fighting game with a frantic pace and easy to learn controls. You can perform special attacks using single button presses! Fight in 2D battles across various modes using teams of hand-drawn characters.

Price Free to play
Rating 9.1
Release 08 May 2019

PLANES ATTACK

Your homeland sky is under attack. Will you defend it?

Price Free to play
Rating 7.3
Release 06 May 2019

Never Split the Party

Never Split the Party is an ultra social rogue-like! You're one of four adventurers joining together to explore a procedurally generated dungeon, amass powerful upgrades, and cooperate with your fellow adventures to conquer and crush the evil dungeon champions!

Price Free to play
Rating 7.4
Release 03 May 2019

Neon Beats

Beat your best scores in Neon Beats, a 2D platformer game with rhythm based levels!

Price Free to play
Rating 9.2
Release 03 May 2019

KurtzPel

"KurtzPel is an anime-styled, action battle game from a third-person perspective. Players can battle it out in both PvP and PvE mission-based battle modes with massive boss monsters. Players utilize Karmas (the method used to indicate weapon and class types) when charging into battle. Each character gets to use two types of Karmas.

Price Free to play
Rating 6.0
Release 30 Apr 2019

Himno

Himno is a peaceful, 2D platformer game with an infinite number of beautiful procedurally generated maps. Take a breath, and relax.

Price Free to play
Rating 8.8
Release 26 Apr 2019

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 08th 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 275,471 peak concurrent players over the last day.
8.1
2,016,368
457,349

275,471
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 cats, casual and clicker game developed by Marcel Zurawka and published by Irox Games. Released on March 05th 2025 has received 17,262 reviews of which 16,921 were positive and 341 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.6 out of 10. While seeing 124,025 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #2 among free to play games based on player count.
9.6
16,921
341

124,025
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 274,048 reviews of which 220,298 were positive and 53,750 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.0 out of 10. While seeing 121,162 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
220,298
53,750

121,162
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 98,242 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

98,242
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 989,584 reviews of which 664,448 were positive and 325,136 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.7 out of 10. With 82,721 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played free to play games.
6.7
664,448
325,136

82,721
players

6. Destiny 2

Destiny 2 is an action MMO with a single evolving world that you and your friends can join anytime, anywhere, absolutely free. Destiny 2 is a free to play, open world and looter shooter game developed and published by Bungie. Released on October 01st 2019 has received 623,520 reviews of which 496,736 were positive and 126,784 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.9 out of 10. With 47,974 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played free to play games.
7.9
496,736
126,784

47,974
players

7. 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 748,348 reviews of which 477,680 were positive and 270,668 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.4 out of 10. With 36,595 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played free to play games.
6.4
477,680
270,668

36,595
players

8. Team Fortress 2

Nine distinct classes provide a broad range of tactical abilities and personalities. Constantly updated with new game modes, maps, equipment and, most importantly, hats! Team Fortress 2 is a free to play, hero shooter and multiplayer game developed and published by Valve. Released on October 10th 2007 has received 1,154,586 reviews of which 1,036,178 were positive and 118,408 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. With 33,908 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played free to play games.
8.9
1,036,178
118,408

33,908
players

9. 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 31,273 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played free to play games.
6.4
66,752
36,578

31,273
players

10. 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 622,939 reviews of which 542,752 were positive and 80,187 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. With 30,972 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played free to play games.
8.7
542,752
80,187

30,972
players

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 08th 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 275,471 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

275,471
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 cats, casual and clicker game developed by Marcel Zurawka and published by Irox Games. Released on March 05th 2025 has received 17,262 reviews of which 16,921 were positive and 341 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.6 out of 10. Thanks to its free to play tag and a daily player base of 124,025, this free to play game has secured the #2 spot in the ranking of free free to play games on Steam.
9.6
16,921
341

124,025
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 274,048 reviews of which 220,298 were positive and 53,750 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 121,162, this free to play game has secured the #3 spot in the ranking of free free to play games on Steam.
8.0
220,298
53,750

121,162
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 98,242 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

98,242
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 989,584 reviews of which 664,448 were positive and 325,136 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.7 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 82,721 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
664,448
325,136

82,721
players

6. Destiny 2

Destiny 2 is an action MMO with a single evolving world that you and your friends can join anytime, anywhere, absolutely free. Destiny 2 is a free to play, open world and looter shooter game developed and published by Bungie. Released on October 01st 2019 has received 623,520 reviews of which 496,736 were positive and 126,784 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.9 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 47,974 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #6 position in the best free free to play games on Steam.
7.9
496,736
126,784

47,974
players

7. 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 748,348 reviews of which 477,680 were positive and 270,668 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.4 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 36,595 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
477,680
270,668

36,595
players

8. Team Fortress 2

Nine distinct classes provide a broad range of tactical abilities and personalities. Constantly updated with new game modes, maps, equipment and, most importantly, hats! Team Fortress 2 is a free to play, hero shooter and multiplayer game developed and published by Valve. Released on October 10th 2007 has received 1,154,586 reviews of which 1,036,178 were positive and 118,408 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 33,908 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #8 position in the best free free to play games on Steam.
8.9
1,036,178
118,408

33,908
players

9. 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 31,273 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #9 position in the best free free to play games on Steam.
6.4
66,752
36,578

31,273
players

10. 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 622,939 reviews of which 542,752 were positive and 80,187 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 30,972 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #10 position in the best free free to play games on Steam.
8.7
542,752
80,187

30,972
players