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
ChuSingura46+1 S
ChuSingura46+1S is an award-winning Japanese visual novel set in an alternate Edo Japan where all the Samurai are inexplicably female. You can get to know the “intimate” side of the characters from the classic Japanese tale of the 47 Ronin, all without any of the dangly or rough bits of the original!
Transmissions: Element 120
TE120 is a short single player experience set in the Half-Life Universe featuring a gravity defying weapon that allows you to jump buildings and sustain large falls. The story takes place at a mysterious date & location. Where are you? Why have you been sent?
Radiator 2: Anniversary Edition
A free collection of three short experimental games (Hurt Me Plenty, Succulent, and Stick Shift) about male sexuality, punishing, eating, and driving.
Zaccaria Pinball
Play free and try tables in trial mode with Zaccaria Pinball, featuring 140+ tables, including 40+ officially licensed from Zaccaria was founded by three brothers: Marino, Franco, & Natale. Zaccaria was the world’s 3rd largest pinball manufacturer, next to Bally & Williams. Relive the golden age.
Clickteam Fusion 2.5 Free Edition
Game and software creation has never been easier or quicker than with Clickteam Fusion 2.5! Discover the tool used by so many multimedia professionals, game creators, and creative people from all walks of life.
Clover Tale
A mysterious black mist has fallen on the Nifflings' Valley. Everyone is agitated, but no one understands what's happening. Help the Nifflings save their home in this exciting Match-3 game!
SWARMRIDERS
SWARMRIDERS is a FREE "endless runner"+"twin stick shooter" ARCADE mashup. A "machine gun swarm surfing minigame" made as a bonus content for the UBERMOSH community.
Elisa: The Innkeeper - Prequel
This short Visual novel can be considered as a little introductory episode of the game Elisa the innkeeper. Enjoy our Art and Soundtrack as you begin to shape Elisa's destiny for the better or the worse!
Emporea: Realms of War and Magic
Emporea is an oldschool fantasy strategy game, where cooperation with other players is necessary to achieve victory. Only the best alliance can win! Multiple realms available, with new ones starting every two weeks.
Insanity Clicker
Been looking for the thrill? Then you've come to the right place! Insanity Clicker is a time-killer game full of horror and fear that will make you tremble in a couple of minutes!
Allods Online
Allods Online is a massively multiplayer online role-playing game, set in the fantasy space opera universe of Sarnaut. It is the fourth opus of the Rage of Mages series which started in the mid-90s, conquering the minds of millions of gamers around the world.
The NADI Project
The NADI Project it is a free-to-play, first person graphic adventure, in which you will face various obstacles to escape from your destiny.
Descent: Road to Legend
Road to Legend is a companion app for the Descent: Journeys in the Dark 2nd edition board game. When you play with Road to Legend, the app assumes the role of the overlord player, controlling monsters and inviting you to explore the dungeon in entirely new and unexpected ways.
NEKOPALIVE
The catgirls of La Soleil takes to the stage and steps into the spotlight with their very own live concert. Dancing, singing, MIX'ing and purring, this is the NEKOPARA event that comes right home to you, and you got the best seat in the house! No idol can compare to a catgirl, nyaaa~
The Way of Life Free Edition
The Way of Life makes the player relive the same life's experiences from the point of view of three characters of different ages: an adult, an old man and a child.
Idling to Rule the Gods
Idling to Rule the Gods is a free to play Idle-Game with a lot of content and some Minigames. Depending on your play-style, you can play it fast or slow. Either way it can be fun for hundreds of hours!
Simutrans
Simutrans is a freeware and open-source transportation simulator. Your goal is to establish a successful transport company. Transport passengers, mail and goods by rail, road, ship, and even air. Interconnect districts, cities, public buildings, industries and tourist attractions.
One Troll Army
Play as a giant troll in One Troll Army - a defense game about building forts, upgrading your troll, and fighting off waves of enemies. Play Against The Twitch Chat!
Khimera: Destroy All Monster Girls
Play as Chelshia the chimera in this platforming beat-em-up adventure into the wonderful world of monster girls!
Istrolid
In Istrolid you design your own unique spaceships from a large number of parts to fit your strategy and play style. With no set units or factions you are free to create a fleet where each ship has its own balanced strengths and weaknesses, from basic fighters and bombers to hulking battleships and speedy destroyers.
Fantasy Tales Online
Fantasy Tales Online is a retro MMORPG where you must form parties, collect gear, fight through dungeons and defeat bosses. Featuring puzzles, a rich item system and complex encounters. This isn’t your run-of-the-mill grindfest MMO title!
Glitchspace
Glitchspace is about reprogramming the game to solve puzzles. Trapped in an abstract cyberspace world, your way forward uses visual programming to edit environmental geometry, whilst unlocking key programming concepts along the way.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 01st 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 88,393 reviews of which 72,949 were positive and 15,444 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 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.
8.2
72,949
15,444
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 01st 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 01st 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 88,393 reviews of which 72,949 were positive and 15,444 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 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.
8.2
72,949
15,444
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