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

Touhou Big Big Battle

just a touhou rts game

Price Free to play
Rating 7.8
Release 10 Sep 2018

Wizard101

Unleash your inner magic and prepare to unravel the mysteries surrounding a death professor gone rogue. Darkness threatens to engulf the Spiral as you master powerful spells, explore over 22 whimsical worlds, and team-up with friends in this nostalgic wizard turn-based deckbuilding MMORPG.

Price Free to play
Rating 8.0
Release 06 Sep 2018

Pro Office Calculator

A completely normal office calculator.

Price Free to play
Rating 8.5
Release 05 Sep 2018

one night, hot springs

Haru is invited by her old friend Manami to spend a night at the hot springs. All Haru wants to do is enjoy the hot springs like everyone else, but she doesn't want to cause any trouble...

Price Free to play
Rating 9.1
Release 30 Aug 2018

Runes of Magic

Start your heroic saga today in a world full of magic and excitement: Choose your race, build a home and discover the fantastic world of Taborea in the classic free-to-play MMO!

Price Free to play
Rating 6.6
Release 29 Aug 2018

Lake of Voices

A free horror Visual Novel about an ill-fated journey across Sinnlos, a lake where gruesome monsters lurk just beneath the surface. With times being so dire you'll need to decide what, and who, is going to be sacrificed. Anyone can be saved, but not everyone can be.

Price Free to play
Rating 8.9
Release 28 Aug 2018

Meridian 59

Meridian 59 was the first 3D massively multiplayer game, released in 1996. It's back, and it's free to play!

Price Free to play
Rating 7.9
Release 28 Aug 2018

Greetings

Explore what is around every corner in hopes for answers to where you're going and why.

Price Free to play
Rating 8.0
Release 24 Aug 2018

Cadria Item Shop

Cadria Item Shop is a casual simulation game with RPG elements. Craft legendary items, hire heroes, and expand your shop to rebuild the town. Join a mighty guild, fight together in faction wars and send your heroes to explore the mystic lands of Cadria! All of this and much more awaits you!

Price Free to play
Rating 7.0
Release 23 Aug 2018

Unearned Bounty

Unearned Bounty is an action-packed Free-For-All multiplayer game where you battle to become the most infamous pirate!

Price Free to play
Rating 6.5
Release 22 Aug 2018

Mini Battlegrounds

Mini Battlegrounds is a multiplayer last-man-standing battle royale full of adrenaline-packed combat! With simple controls, this game is easy to pick up for new players, while maintaining a high skill cap to entertain the seasoned veterans of the genre.

Price Free to play
Rating 6.3
Release 20 Aug 2018

Coloring Pixels

A relaxing coloring by numbers game. Enjoy completing a variety of images with differing themes, complexity, and sizes.

Price Free to play
Rating 9.3
Release 17 Aug 2018

Your Dry Delight

Set in 1920s Prohibition-era America, this romantic comedy follows Detective Richter and his adventures as he attempts to unravel Cleveland's liquor industry.

Price Free to play
Rating 8.9
Release 17 Aug 2018

Scorch

It's been 30 years since a terrible arson attack erased an entire family. Until today the culprit has been on the loose. You are sent to investigate a similar incident in this narrative exploration game.

Price Free to play
Rating 7.7
Release 15 Aug 2018

TREE

TREE tells a story of a relationship between a boy and his tree. What starts off as a simple connection, over time it grows into something deeper.

Price Free to play
Rating 8.9
Release 13 Aug 2018

pla_toon

pla_toon is an action-packed, first-and-third-person, multiplayer, light-hearted, cartoon-style shooter where you as play a soldier. Join the multiplayer battle and be the first to a para-crate drop to equip your player with powerful weapons! Or get on an ostrich and ride off into the sunset...

Price Free to play
Rating 8.4
Release 13 Aug 2018

Return.

Take the lost soul to its home.

Price 0.99€
Rating 8.5
Release 03 Aug 2018

MilMo

Create a hero and join your friends in an amazing world of action and adventure!

Price Free to play
Rating 7.5
Release 02 Aug 2018

东方试闻广纪 ~ Perfect Memento of Touhou Question

You will face Hundreds of Touhou rumours of it's origin setting, Some of them are right, Others are totally lies. Do your best to judge them as Right or Wrong.

Price Free to play
Rating 8.9
Release 02 Aug 2018

Space Between Worlds

Did you ever pay attention to the importance of space? Space Between Worlds is a short puzzle game that expresses the concept of proximity and lets the player interpret the context and arc of the story.

Price Free to play
Rating 8.8
Release 30 Jul 2018

Hotel Remorse

Wander long creepy corridors in search for answers in this short and jumpscare filled game.

Price Free to play
Rating 7.3
Release 27 Jul 2018

FROSTBITE: Deadly Climate

Survive the arctic research base simply known as Base 75, or die from the freezing cold or by the horrors that lurk within the halls?

Price Free to play
Rating 8.1
Release 22 Jul 2018

Lynne

Lynne is a short story about the scariest thing in the world: being a teenager.

Price Free to play
Rating 7.6
Release 13 Jul 2018

CopperCube 6 Game Engine

CopperCube is a full-featured 3D game engine. No programming needed! Create 3D games and apps quickly. Includes terrain editor, low poly modelling tools, 3D models, precreated game AI, effects and more.

Price Free to play
Rating 7.5
Release 13 Jul 2018

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 03rd 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 344,656 peak concurrent players over the last day.
8.1
2,016,368
457,349

344,656
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 141,101 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

141,101
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 137,725 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

137,725
players

4. 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 94,021 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played free to play games.
6.7
663,861
324,723

94,021
players

5. 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 76,325 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played free to play games.
8.1
73,189
15,564

76,325
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 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 45,538 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played free to play games.
6.4
477,680
270,668

45,538
players

7. 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 1,153,316 reviews of which 1,034,614 were positive and 118,702 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. With 42,537 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played free to play games.
8.9
1,034,614
118,702

42,537
players

8. 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 39,445 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played free to play games.
7.5
179,963
58,114

39,445
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 39,376 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

39,376
players

10. 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 38,126 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played free to play games.
6.4
66,752
36,578

38,126
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 03rd 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 03rd 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 344,656 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

344,656
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 141,101, 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

141,101
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 137,725, 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

137,725
players

4. 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 94,021 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #4 position in the best free free to play games on Steam.
6.7
663,861
324,723

94,021
players

5. 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 76,325 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #5 position in the best free free to play games on Steam.
8.1
73,189
15,564

76,325
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 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 45,538 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
477,680
270,668

45,538
players

7. 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 1,153,316 reviews of which 1,034,614 were positive and 118,702 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 42,537 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #7 position in the best free free to play games on Steam.
8.9
1,034,614
118,702

42,537
players

8. 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 39,445 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #8 position in the best free free to play games on Steam.
7.5
179,963
58,114

39,445
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 39,376 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

39,376
players

10. 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 38,126 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #10 position in the best free free to play games on Steam.
6.4
66,752
36,578

38,126
players