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
Shadow Warrior Classic (1997)
Strap on your combat sandals...Lo Wang is coming to the Land of the Rising Sun to turn out the lights. Experience total blood immersion. If you can't touch, kill or drive something...then blow it away! Whether you're wielding shurikens, an Uzi, or a freshly plundered Guardian head...you've got your work cut out for you.
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 30th 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 345,169 peak concurrent players over the last day.
8.1
2,037,143
461,826
345,169
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 clicker game developed by Marcel Zurawka and published by Irox Games. Released on March 05th 2025 has received 25,814 reviews of which 25,220 were positive and 594 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.6 out of 10. While seeing 138,712 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
25,220
594
138,712
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 75,144 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
75,144
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 71,159 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
71,159
players
5. 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 54,110 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played free to play games.
8.6
545,393
81,110
54,110
players
6. 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 90,009 reviews of which 74,090 were positive and 15,919 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.1 out of 10. With 51,877 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played free to play games.
8.1
74,090
15,919
51,877
players
7. 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 51,351 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played free to play games.
6.7
668,053
326,926
51,351
players
8. 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 46,886 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played free to play games.
8.9
1,044,264
117,208
46,886
players
9. 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 46,258 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played free to play games.
6.4
484,469
272,617
46,258
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 34,311 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
34,311
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 30th 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 242 were positive and 139 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.1 out of 10.
6.1
242
139
2. 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 555 reviews of which 378 were positive and 177 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.5 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 60% discount, this game is now the #2 best deal in free to play games.
6.5
378
177
-60%
19.50€
7.80€
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 116,754 reviews of which 73,799 were positive and 42,955 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.3 out of 10.
6.3
73,799
42,955
4. 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
5. 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. Project Rhombus is a free to play, indie and rhythm game developed by SEROSOO and published by PsychoFlux Entertainment. Released on December 07th 2017 has received 1,397 reviews of which 1,291 were positive and 106 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. Currently offered at a 25% discount, this title has earned the #5 position in the best deals for free to play games.
8.8
1,291
106
-25%
0.99€
0.74€
6. Return.
Take the lost soul to its home. Return. is a free to play, indie and casual game developed by and published by PsychoFlux Entertainment. Released on August 03rd 2018 has received 957 reviews of which 867 were positive and 90 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. Currently offered at a 25% discount, this title has earned the #6 position in the best deals for free to play games.
8.6
867
90
-25%
0.99€
0.74€
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 30th 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 345,169 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
345,169
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 clicker game developed by Marcel Zurawka and published by Irox Games. Released on March 05th 2025 has received 25,814 reviews of which 25,220 were positive and 594 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 138,712, this free to play game has secured the #2 spot in the ranking of free free to play games on Steam.
9.6
25,220
594
138,712
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 75,144, 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
75,144
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 71,159 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
71,159
players
5. 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 54,110 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #5 position in the best free free to play games on Steam.
8.6
545,393
81,110
54,110
players
6. 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 90,009 reviews of which 74,090 were positive and 15,919 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.1 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 51,877 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #6 position in the best free free to play games on Steam.
8.1
74,090
15,919
51,877
players
7. 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 51,351 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #7 position in the best free free to play games on Steam.
6.7
668,053
326,926
51,351
players
8. 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 46,886 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #8 position in the best free free to play games on Steam.
8.9
1,044,264
117,208
46,886
players
9. 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 46,258 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #9 position in the best free free to play games on Steam.
6.4
484,469
272,617
46,258
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 34,311 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
34,311
players