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
Gnomes Garden
Dry summer withered the king’s beloved garden and the surrounding gardens of the kingdom alike. The ruler has fallen ill and the kingdom is in danger. Help the princess save the gardens and make the king better again.
MechWarrior Online™ Legends
MechWarrior Online™ Legends is a tactical, 'Mech-based online shooter set in the vast BattleTech Universe. Assume the role of an elite MechWarrior, piloting powerful BattleMechs, fighting for supremacy over the Inner Sphere.
Apotheon Arena
Apotheon Arena is the free online-multiplayer complement to the mythic Greek action RPG, Apotheon. Pit your skills with spear and shield against other players in brutal bronze-age combat. Battle across the statuesque arenas of Olympus, depicted with beautiful black-figure pottery artwork.
Pool Nation FX Lite
Pool Nation FX, is a seriously fun Pool & Snooker Sim! A visually stunning billiards simulation with the critically acclaimed POOL NATION physics engine. Play 8 Ball, 9 Ball, Snooker, Killer & more, unlimited Career modes with customised difficulty levels, Trickshots, Local and Online Multiplayer, spectate live matches and feel...
Dr. Langeskov, The Tiger, and The Terribly Cursed Emerald: A Whirlwind Heist
A 15 minute heist game by Crows Crows Crows & Directed by William Pugh (The Stanley Parable). Slip into the soft-soled shoes of the mastermind responsible for the greatest heist- oh god I can’t do this any more, i’m joining the strike. good luck writing the steam description. -tina
AX:EL - Air XenoDawn
Combining the very best of sci-fi and aerial dogfighting gameplay, AX:EL delivers a totally new gaming experience. Create your very own shape-shifting vehicle and dominate both the sky and the ocean.
Immortal Empire
Immortal Empire is a multiplayer tactics role playing game. Control a party of up to 5 immortals as you travel through a unique fantasy world, using spells and strategy to defeat your enemies. Play co-op, versus, or solo through a compelling campaign storyline with fully voiced characters.
Carpe Diem
Seize the day
Emily is Away
Emily is Away is an interactive story. Create a screenname and choose your path through the branching narrative.
ePic Character Generator
Create realistic or hand-drawn character images you can use as assets for your games, illustrations for your stories, or avatars for your role-playing sessions. Export your images as PNG files with or without a background, or as a layered PSD image for further customization.
Pink Heaven
A certain office lady is back!!
Endless Sky
Endless Sky is a 2D space trading and combat game inspired by the classic Escape Velocity series. Work your way up from a relatively wimpy shuttle, cargo ship, or fighter, to a highly upgraded and customized flagship or to a massive fleet of warships or freighters.
Alpha Polaris : A Horror Adventure Game
Alpha Polaris is an oldschool adventure game focusing on slow-burning character driven horror and environmental themes. It draws inspiration from such sources as Inuit legends and Cthulhu mythos.
Kingdom: Classic
Kingdom is a 2D sidescrolling strategy/resource management hybrid with a minimalist feel wrapped in a beautiful, modern pixel art aesthetic.
Crusaders of the Lost Idols
Crusaders of the Lost Idols is an idle game of heroic awesomeness! Create a band of fighters to fight monsters, earn gold and create strategies for the perfect formations over multiple campaigns! Upgrade your heroes, collect unique gear, and unlock new Crusaders in regular new events.
The Secret of Tremendous Corporation
Explore the deepest SECRETs™ of the Tremendous Corporation®. Find out what happened to indie devs and save the gaming industry!
ShareX
ShareX is a free and open source program that can capture or record selected area from the screen with a single keypress, automatically save them to your hard disk/clipboard, and instantly upload them to an image/file hosting service and then can copy the URL to your clipboard.
Who Is Mike - A Visual Novel
You wake up with an aching head and the world out of focus. In front of you is a man accusing you of being “fake”. He looks exactly like you, down to the last scar and pimple, has the same memories, the same voice and the same personality. But who is lying and who is telling the truth? Who is fake and who is real?
Journey To The Center Of The Earth
You love riddles and to combine logically? You love Jump 'n' Runs? You don't want to fight but you still want a challenge? Then you will love this Journey to the Center of the Earth! Control three adventurers with unique powers at the same time, or guide them individually in this narrative 2D puzzle platformer...
Lost Lands: A Hidden Object Adventure
Persecuted by ill fate, the elven nation land on a lost island. They'll need sharp blades as well as sharp minds to survive. An exciting hidden-object adventure game which tells the story of an ancient elven tribe forced to survive on a long-lost island.
Missing Translation
Lost in a weird city in the middle of the desert and surrounded by strange creatures that keep staring at you. This is a game about exploring the unknown and solving puzzles... lots of them! Don't be fooled by the looks, this isn't a point & click adventure.
SC2VN - The eSports Visual Novel
SC2VN is a visual novel about the South Korean StarCraft 2 scene. You play as Mach, a foreign semi-pro trying to make it in eSports who soon learns that success in StarCraft takes more than in-game strategy.
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 16th 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 336,977 peak concurrent players over the last day.
8.1
2,037,143
461,826
336,977
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 144,381 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
144,381
players
3. 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. While seeing 102,264 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among free to play games based on player count.
8.8
209,822
25,269
102,264
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 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 101,090 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played free to play games.
8.1
73,975
15,859
101,090
players
5. 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. With 95,616 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played free to play games.
7.9
228,817
58,752
95,616
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 54,423 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
54,423
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 46,791 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
46,791
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 40,017 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
40,017
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 36,379 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
36,379
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 33,705 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
33,705
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 16th 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 16th 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 336,977 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
336,977
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 144,381, 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
144,381
players
3. 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. Thanks to its free to play tag and a daily player base of 102,264, this free to play game has secured the #3 spot in the ranking of free free to play games on Steam.
8.8
209,822
25,269
102,264
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 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 101,090 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
73,975
15,859
101,090
players
5. 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. Attracting a solid base of 95,616 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #5 position in the best free free to play games on Steam.
7.9
228,817
58,752
95,616
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 54,423 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
54,423
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 46,791 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
46,791
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 40,017 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
40,017
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 36,379 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
36,379
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 33,705 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
33,705
players