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
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.
Worm.is: The Game
Smash worms or slither trying! Warning: Incredibly addicting Multiplayer Game!
Bigscreen Beta
Bigscreen lets you use your PC desktop in VR. Watch movies with friends in a virtual movie theater. Play your favorite PC video games on a huge screen. Hangout in social VR chat rooms. Participate in weekly 3D Movie Nights, VR LAN parties, live rocket launch events, and more!
Worlds Adrift Island Creator
Worlds Adrift is a Community-Crafted MMO: each and every island has been crafted by our playerbase. With the free Island Creator tool, this is your chance to create your own adventure for the community to experience. A crumbling ruin, or a teeming jungle, help expand the edges of Foundation ever further!
PICO PARK:Classic Edition
PICO PARK:Classic Edition is a cooperative local multiplay action puzzle game for 2-10 players.
One Thousand Lies
One day, Ciarán starts receiving enigmatic emails from a mysterious sender, turning his everyday life into a mess of a romantic comedy with psychological themes mixed in. What lies beyond the mystery he's been presented with? In the words of Harry H.: "If you want to know the truth, go find it".
Crown and Council
Crown and Council is a casual strategy game with short game sessions.
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 June 17th 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 2,498,969 reviews of which 2,037,143 were positive and 461,826 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 318,989 peak concurrent players over the last day.
8.1
2,037,143
461,826
318,989
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, free to play and casual game developed by Marcel Zurawka and published by Irox Games. Released on March 05th 2025 has received 23,425 reviews of which 22,904 were positive and 521 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.6 out of 10. While seeing 144,832 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
22,904
521
144,832
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 287,569 reviews of which 228,817 were positive and 58,752 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.9 out of 10. While seeing 89,839 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among free to play games based on player count.
7.9
228,817
58,752
89,839
players
4. Path of Exile
You are an Exile, struggling to survive on the dark continent of Wraeclast, as you fight to earn power that will allow you to exact your revenge against those who wronged you. Path of Exile is an online Action RPG set in a dark fantasy world. The game is completely free and will never be pay-to-win. Path of Exile is a free to play, dark fantasy and action rpg game developed and published by Grinding Gear Games. Released on October 23rd 2013 has received 235,091 reviews of which 209,822 were positive and 25,269 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. With 89,430 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played free to play games.
8.8
209,822
25,269
89,430
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 89,834 reviews of which 73,975 were positive and 15,859 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.1 out of 10. With 84,611 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played free to play games.
8.1
73,975
15,859
84,611
players
6. 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 994,979 reviews of which 668,053 were positive and 326,926 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.7 out of 10. With 50,089 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played free to play games.
6.7
668,053
326,926
50,089
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 1,161,472 reviews of which 1,044,264 were positive and 117,208 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. With 46,105 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played free to play games.
8.9
1,044,264
117,208
46,105
players
8. 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 757,086 reviews of which 484,469 were positive and 272,617 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.4 out of 10. With 37,645 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played free to play games.
6.4
484,469
272,617
37,645
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 626,503 reviews of which 545,393 were positive and 81,110 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. With 33,938 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played free to play games.
8.6
545,393
81,110
33,938
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 240,355 reviews of which 181,623 were positive and 58,732 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.5 out of 10. With 33,158 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played free to play games.
7.5
181,623
58,732
33,158
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 June 17th 2025. Looking for even more deals? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of discounted free to play games.
1. BattleCore Arena
BattleCore Arena is a free-to-play, peer-to-peer platform shooter where gravity mastery is the key to victory. Compete in quick PvP battles, using weapons and abilities to eject your opponents out of the arena. BattleCore Arena is a free to play, shooter and competitive game developed by Ubisoft Bordeaux and published by Ubisoft. Released on February 04th 2025 has received 381 reviews of which 241 were positive and 140 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.1 out of 10.
6.1
241
140
2. Yume Nikki
This is a game in which you traverse the extremely dark world inside a dream. Yume Nikki is a indie, free to play and rpgmaker game developed by kikiyama and published by PLAYISM. Released on January 09th 2018 has received 8,629 reviews of which 8,120 were positive and 509 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10.
9.1
8,120
509
3. 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 114,627 reviews of which 72,717 were positive and 41,910 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.3 out of 10.
6.3
72,717
41,910
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 June 17th 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 2,498,969 reviews of which 2,037,143 were positive and 461,826 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.1 out of 10. With 318,989 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
2,037,143
461,826
318,989
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, free to play and casual game developed by Marcel Zurawka and published by Irox Games. Released on March 05th 2025 has received 23,425 reviews of which 22,904 were positive and 521 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 144,832, this free to play game has secured the #2 spot in the ranking of free free to play games on Steam.
9.6
22,904
521
144,832
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 287,569 reviews of which 228,817 were positive and 58,752 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.9 out of 10. Thanks to its free to play tag and a daily player base of 89,839, this free to play game has secured the #3 spot in the ranking of free free to play games on Steam.
7.9
228,817
58,752
89,839
players
4. Path of Exile
You are an Exile, struggling to survive on the dark continent of Wraeclast, as you fight to earn power that will allow you to exact your revenge against those who wronged you. Path of Exile is an online Action RPG set in a dark fantasy world. The game is completely free and will never be pay-to-win. Path of Exile is a free to play, dark fantasy and action rpg game developed and published by Grinding Gear Games. Released on October 23rd 2013 has received 235,091 reviews of which 209,822 were positive and 25,269 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 89,430 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #4 position in the best free free to play games on Steam.
8.8
209,822
25,269
89,430
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 89,834 reviews of which 73,975 were positive and 15,859 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.1 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 84,611 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
73,975
15,859
84,611
players
6. 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 994,979 reviews of which 668,053 were positive and 326,926 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.7 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 50,089 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #6 position in the best free free to play games on Steam.
6.7
668,053
326,926
50,089
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 1,161,472 reviews of which 1,044,264 were positive and 117,208 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 46,105 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
1,044,264
117,208
46,105
players
8. 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 757,086 reviews of which 484,469 were positive and 272,617 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.4 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 37,645 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
484,469
272,617
37,645
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 626,503 reviews of which 545,393 were positive and 81,110 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 33,938 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #9 position in the best free free to play games on Steam.
8.6
545,393
81,110
33,938
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 240,355 reviews of which 181,623 were positive and 58,732 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.5 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 33,158 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
181,623
58,732
33,158
players