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

Frightened Beetles

Something terrible happened in the forest! Someone frightened all Bugs! What happened? You are the only one who can find it out!

Price Free to play
Rating 8.5
Release 11 May 2018

Paladins®

Paladins is the ultimate fantasy team-based shooter experience, with over 50 customizable Champions fighting in 5v5 action across a diverse Realm of modes and maps!

Price Free to play
Rating 8.4
Release 08 May 2018

【SCP】器関ノ彷徨 -The will of a single Tale-【DEMOver.】

-"Do you believe the actuality now?" When the SCP Foundation moves, you will be a witness of {Project MA-13}.

Price Free to play
Rating 8.3
Release 04 May 2018

Mini-Dead

144 FPS boss battle action with a devilishly creative game mechanic.

Price Free to play
Rating 8.9
Release 04 May 2018

Battle for Wesnoth

The Battle for Wesnoth is an open source, turn-based strategy game with a high fantasy theme. Explore the four corners of Irdya in seventeen solo campaigns and dozens of multiplayer maps, taking part in countless adventures as you go.

Price Free to play
Rating 9.1
Release 01 May 2018

Rogue Agent

Rogue Agent is a turn-based strategy game, fast-paced, that pits the player against the computer on a secret service thriller around the world.

Price Free to play
Rating 7.8
Release 29 Apr 2018

Zero-K

With 100+ truly unique units, Zero-K is an RTS of freedom and creativity, tempered by a decade of refinement. Sculpt land into a castle and throw invaders off it with a Jugglenaut. Explore a massive campaign, solo or co-op. Hop online for epic 32 player battles or fast paced 1v1, on 100s of maps.

Price Free to play
Rating 9.0
Release 27 Apr 2018

Holyday City: Reloaded

Build, manage & grow your city in Holyday City: Reloaded! An idle clicker game where you're the business tycoon, expanding your metropolis. Master resource & time management to upgrade businesses and thrive. Experience the ultimate town builder adventure with Holyday City.

Price Free to play
Rating 7.8
Release 23 Apr 2018

Onmyoji

Onmyoji is a turn-based fantasy strategy game with PVP or PVE battles, where you can strengthen your beloved shikigami to build your dream tactical team and defeat various demons to become the ultimate onmyoji. Cross-platform play available for both Steam and English mobile versions.

Price Free to play
Rating 7.9
Release 18 Apr 2018

Trailer Park Boys: Greasy Money

Trailer Park Boys: Greasy Money is an idle clicker game where you run Sunnyvale Trailer Park. Upgrade your businesses and hire characters to run them while you’re gone. Complete challenges to unlock trunks and bust them open for collectible cards, liquor, hash and cash.

Price Free to play
Rating 7.6
Release 18 Apr 2018

Marie's Room

Marie's Room is a short story exploration game about an unconventional friendship between two classmates. You play as Kelsey, remembering Marie's room as it was twenty years ago. But something’s off. What happened to Marie?

Price Free to play
Rating 9.1
Release 13 Apr 2018

Idle Adventure

Idle Adventure is a text-based, multi-player online RPG game. Even without astonishing graphics or special effects, it can offer you countless hours of enjoyment.

Price Free to play
Rating 6.3
Release 13 Apr 2018

Death Toll

Death Toll is a multiplayer, open world first person survival shooter with a unique game mode that focuses on team play. Players are dropped into the world with nothing but their cunning, their will to survive, and the game's single goal: Escape the Island.

Price Free to play
Rating 6.8
Release 11 Apr 2018

PWND

Get closer to victory with every “PWN” dance completed over downed opponents in this arena shooter. PWND is a no-holds-barred sport that rewards taunting, “Death is temporary, humiliation is forever!”

Price Free to play
Rating 6.9
Release 06 Apr 2018

Will To Live Online

Will To Live is a MMORPG-shooter whose action takes place in a severe post-apocalyptic world. Explore the world, engage in fights with mutants and other survivors, join the clans in the struggle for existence and prove your right to Live.

Price Free to play
Rating 6.9
Release 05 Apr 2018

Poker Legends: Texas Hold'em Poker Tournaments

Poker Legends is a free-to-play multiplayer Texas Hold’em game where you bluff, bet, and strategize against real players. Compete in tournaments, complete challenges, unlock rewards, climb global leaderboards, and prove you’re the ultimate poker champion.

Price Free to play
Rating 7.3
Release 04 Apr 2018

How To Cope With Boredom and Loneliness

Harold Fletcher has been grounded to his bedroom for over 30 years. Join award-winning journalist Nigel Wimble as he discovers how one man has coped with the boredom and loneliness in this one of a kind, FREE, documentary film simulator!

Price Free to play
Rating 8.6
Release 02 Apr 2018

Her Lie I Tried To Believe

Her Lie I Tried To Believe is a short kinetic novel about the persisting hatred of a boy throughout his life, the destructive relationship that was born from it, and the consequences he had to face as a direct result.

Price Free to play
Rating 7.7
Release 02 Apr 2018

AirMech

AirMech® Strike is a fast paced Action-RTS game that can be played solo, coop, or competitively online. Earn Kudos and Experience in battle and unlock a wide collection of AirMechs and Units while you practice the perfect strategy to emerge victorious!

Price Free to play
Rating 8.2
Release 30 Mar 2018

The Flood

The Flood is a peaceful 5 minute narrative experience in which you pilot a little boat down a river. It's a gentle reminder that sometimes we should stop worrying about our destination and just enjoy the journey.

Price Free to play
Rating 8.0
Release 30 Mar 2018

Empires Apart

An exciting free-to-play Real Time Strategy game set in medieval times. Uniquely designed factions, customization options, singleplayer and multiplayer gameplay. Gather resources, raise an army and lead your civilization to victory in a classic RTS, brought to the modern age.

Price Free to play
Rating 6.7
Release 29 Mar 2018

BattleRush

Free-to-play multiplayer action game in the entourage of the Second World War with total destructibility of the environment. Enjoy full freedom, build a defense, create your army, crush the enemy.

Price Free to play
Rating 6.7
Release 27 Mar 2018

Traum

Traum is a short, story-driven adventure about a man with a dream. Can even the best of plans be shattered by unexpected news?

Price Free to play
Rating 8.5
Release 19 Mar 2018

SUPREMACY: WORLD WAR 3

This Long Term Strategy Game lets you take control of the armed forces of your nation. Become responsible for its military expansion, technological research and economic development. Form alliances and wage total war for global dominance on the battlefields of World War 3.

Price Free to play
Rating 7.5
Release 15 Mar 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 332,430 peak concurrent players over the last day.
8.1
2,016,368
457,349

332,430
players

2. 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 128,643 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #2 among free to play games based on player count.
8.0
220,298
53,750

128,643
players

3. 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 105,670 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among free to play games based on player count.
9.5
14,074
300

105,670
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 82,058 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

82,058
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 54,510 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

54,510
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 43,050 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

43,050
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 42,741 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

42,741
players

8. 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 36,862 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played free to play games.
6.4
66,752
36,578

36,862
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 35,675 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

35,675
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 28,988 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

28,988
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 332,430 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

332,430
players

2. 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 128,643, this free to play game has secured the #2 spot in the ranking of free free to play games on Steam.
8.0
220,298
53,750

128,643
players

3. 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 105,670, this free to play game has secured the #3 spot in the ranking of free free to play games on Steam.
9.5
14,074
300

105,670
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 82,058 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

82,058
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 54,510 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

54,510
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 43,050 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

43,050
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 42,741 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

42,741
players

8. 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 36,862 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #8 position in the best free free to play games on Steam.
6.4
66,752
36,578

36,862
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 35,675 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

35,675
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 28,988 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

28,988
players