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

Real Pool 3D - Poolians

Real Pool 3D (Poolians) is one of the best online pool games. Play against the computer or real players all over the world! It supports 8 different types of pool games and team play mode.

Price Free to play
Rating 7.6
Release 04 Jan 2018

SCP: Secret Laboratory

Deep within a secure underground facility, a sudden containment breach allows many of the secured anomalies to escape from their chambers. Assist the Foundation in re-securing the facility, help the Insurgency in their goal to capture it, or wreak havoc as an SCP in a frantic bid to escape.

Price Free to play
Rating 9.0
Release 29 Dec 2017

Six Days of Snow

In a small inn located in the snowy Japanese mountains, an unlikely relationship blossoms between a once-popular poet and the daughter of the inn's proprietress.

Price Free to play
Rating 7.3
Release 29 Dec 2017

Techwars: Global Conflict

TechWars: Global Conflict is the world’s first isometric PVP mecha-action with direct control. Only the strongest player will be able to win in this war of titanic mechs. Use all the features of world’s realistic technology Techwars. Victory in every battle will bring you closer to creating your own death machine.

Price Free to play
Rating 6.5
Release 21 Dec 2017

Dragon's Sin

A medieval-style fantasy action game themed around dragons. You will know a story about a handsome mercenary, Greer, who is a child of the Dragon Lord. Use his ability to kill many Dark-Dragons.

Price Free to play
Rating 6.4
Release 21 Dec 2017

Long Live Santa!

Santa is dead. Now the remaining bearded men of the Norwegian wilderness must fight to the death. Will you be the next Santa, or die in the snow? Punch, slice, outwit your way to a fulfilling new seasonal job in this online PvP third-person fighter!

Price Free to play
Rating 8.4
Release 19 Dec 2017

PickCrafter

Conquer PickCrafter, the hit indie idle game! Break blocks, forge equipment, and collect powerful Pickaxes. Prestige to legendary tiers with the new Ascension Skill Tree. Discover biomes and battle epic bosses. Make meaningful choices and invent complex builds in this addictive endless adventure!

Price Free to play
Rating 8.4
Release 14 Dec 2017

Bit Heroes Quest

Collect and craft thousands of pieces of loot to increase your power. Build your team by capturing monsters and bosses to fight at your side in old school, turn-based combat. Prove you’re the mightiest hero in the land by competing in the PvP arena, Raids, and weekly events for awesome prizes!

Price Free to play
Rating 7.8
Release 13 Dec 2017

March of Empires

Claim your title as Shogun, Highland King, Northern Tsar or Desert Sultan and join this genre-redefining strategy game where you will wage constant war for real territorial conquest! Fortify your castle, fuel a massive army, and enter the ultimate fight for realm domination!

Price Free to play
Rating 6.3
Release 11 Dec 2017

Umineko: Golden Fantasia

The tag-team fighting game based on the original "Umineko When They Cry" series, finally released on Steam, in English and with improved rollback netplay!

Price 22.99€
Rating 8.5
Release 08 Dec 2017

Project Rhombus

Project Rhombus is a rhythm-based casual action game that combines exciting electronic music with stylish flat design. Hold on as long as possible, blocking the oncoming arrows moving to the beat.

Price 0.99€
Rating 8.8
Release 07 Dec 2017

Star Wars: Droid Repair Bay

In Star Wars: Droid Repair Bay by ILMxLAB, Poe Dameron's sidekick needs your help. Repair BB-8 and his astromech droid friends, each with their own unique personalities, so they can roll back into the fight against the First Order.

Price Free to play
Rating 8.4
Release 06 Dec 2017

Battle Snails

Create a snail and join the battle. Take control of the backyard with Battle Snails! Climb walls, hang upside down and move anywhere. Team up with your friends for a tank game unlike any other!

Price Free to play
Rating 8.2
Release 05 Dec 2017

Chicken Farm 2K17

Chicken Farm is a management game with clicker aspects, where you buy chickens, catch the eggs, work at the market, sell your chickens and ultimately profit.

Price Free to play
Rating 7.3
Release 05 Dec 2017

Freddy Fazbear's Pizzeria Simulator

Start your own Freddy Fazbear's Pizzeria with Freddy Fazbear Pizzeria Simulator!

Price Free to play
Rating 9.2
Release 04 Dec 2017

Echoed World

Experience the epic journey of Algiz, the architect of life, as he seeks to retrieve his stolen power. But not only has his power been stolen. The whole world he designed is on a brink of destruction.

Price Free to play
Rating 7.2
Release 04 Dec 2017

My Free Zoo

A small zoo needs your help! As the new manager, it's your job to boost business. Design the zoo of your dreams. From wolves and polar bears all the way to prehistoric beasts – the further you progress in the game, the more exotic the animals you'll be able to keep in your zoo. Play now and save the zoo!

Price Free to play
Rating 6.1
Release 28 Nov 2017

Desert Bus VR

Desert Bus is back and better than ever! The 1998 Penn and Teller cult hit mini-game is coming to virtual reality, so you can fully immerse yourself in the thrilling eight-hour trip from Arizona to Nevada. It’s almost like you’re driving the “wheel” thing!

Price Free to play
Rating 8.4
Release 27 Nov 2017

Eternal Hour: Golden Hour

Play through a timeless adventure as Yasu or Rin Fujimoto and discover the origins of Eternal Hour! Eternal Hour: Golden Hour is a fun, emotional, and story-driven Visual Novel that takes place before the events of Eternal Hour.

Price Free to play
Rating 8.5
Release 27 Nov 2017

The Mammoth: A Cave Painting

Tell the 5 million year story of the mammoth in 5 minutes.

Price Free to play
Rating 8.7
Release 22 Nov 2017

Shark Simulator

Shark Simulator is a WTF physics sandbox. Play as Ed the shark, and give those tourists a vacation they will remember!

Price Free to play
Rating 8.3
Release 22 Nov 2017

Armored Warfare

Wage war against players around the world with an unstoppable arsenal of powerful armored combat vehicles. Use 300+ vehicles to engage in furious PvP tank combat, complete co-op missions, and crush your enemies on breathtaking maps, from scorching deserts to neon-drenched urban jungles.

Price Free to play
Rating 6.4
Release 17 Nov 2017

Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Links

Take on Duelists around the world with "Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Links"! Step into a world that crosses dimensions and connects all Duelists. In Duel World, any location transforms into a Duel Field where heated Duels unfold!

Price Free to play
Rating 8.2
Release 16 Nov 2017

CS2D

CS2D is a free fast-paced top-down multiplayer shooter. Featuring many different game modes, a built-in map editor and much more.

Price Free to play
Rating 8.8
Release 15 Nov 2017

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 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 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 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
475,378
270,146

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 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 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 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 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
475,378
270,146

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