It’s often said that the best things in life cost nothing, but how true is that when it comes to video games? Gamers looking for high-end PC games have increasingly embraced the idea that quality gaming doesn’t always require an upfront investment. A significant number of the most popular multiplayer PC games are free to play and even support cross-platform play, designed to appeal to a wider audience. You may not have to part with your money to enjoy these games, but your time remains a valuable resource. Let us make your search easier by highlighting the best free games available on PC. (Source).
A few years ago, it was almost impossible to find a good game for free. These were usually limited by paywalls that would block your progress. However, this landscape has evolved quite well with the expansion of online gaming. Nowadays, it is quite possible to find games that are available in free mode with no mandatory in-built purchases and have fun with them. In this list, we will present you some interesting options to have fun without spending any money in 2024.
Platform: Windows (PC) / Genre: RPG / Developer: Tripod Studios
Lost Ark is a top-down MMORPG that blends elements from games like Diablo III and World of Warcraft. It features familiar MMO features like dungeon raids, leveling up, and an extensive quest journal, while also offering fast-paced combat where you can quickly take down hordes of enemies. While the campaign is long, fans of both ARPGs and MMOs will find themselves immersed in hundreds of hours of fun, especially Lost Ark’s end-game content.
Platform: PC (Microsoft Windows), PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PS5, Xbox Series X|S / Genre: RPG/Shooter / Developer: Digital Extremes
If you’re looking for a deep and complex RPG, Warframe deserves a spot on your hard drive. This third-person action game moves you through levels at lightning speeds, where you’ll be slashing, shooting, and bullet-dodging fluidly. With a wide variety of weapons and Warframes to choose from, each equipped with different abilities that can dramatically change how you approach combat, the game offers endless possibilities. Warframe also features a complex Mod system that lets you tweak your speed, damage output, and other core stats. While it’s completely free to experiment with these systems, you may want to invest some money to expand your inventory, as things can quickly become overwhelming.
Platform: Linux, PC (Microsoft Windows) / Genre: Shooter / Developer: Valve
Counter-Strike: Global Offensive has always been a popular game, but its popularity skyrocketed after the introduction of a free-to-play model and its evolution into Counter-Strike 2. Since the transition, CS 2 has consistently been one of the most-played games on Steam. The legendary shooter pits two teams in a tense standoff, with one side attempting to plant a bomb while the other tries to defuse it, all in carefully crafted strategic FPS matches. The lack of respawns adds to the intensity, as falling in combat means you’ll be left spectating until the next round. The game isn’t easy—it comes with a steep learning curve—but the thrill of overcoming its challenges is worth every effort.
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Platforms: Linux, PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Mac / Genre: Shooter / Developer: Valve Corporation
Beneath Team Fortress 2’s friendly and colorful exterior lies a surprisingly strategic shooter. In this game, you and your team are assigned to various objectives, whether it’s capturing enemy intel or controlling key points on the map. Before you dive into battle, you’ll choose from a roster of nine unique characters, each bringing their own unique abilities to the table. Some wield powerful weapons that can deal massive damage, while others can merge with the enemy to launch stealthy attacks. Success comes down to mastering your chosen class and working closely with your teammates to defeat your opponents.
Platform: Linux, PC (Microsoft Windows), Mac, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S / Genre: Sports, Indie / Developer: Psyonix
Rocket League is a unique blend of racing and soccer, offering a unique gaming experience. After customizing your car, you’ll head to the soccer field where the goal is to score a giant ball into the opposing team’s net. Adding to the chaos, your car is equipped with rockets, allowing you to launch into the air for gravity-defying maneuvers. It’s a crazy concept, but the result is an incredibly fun and addictive game. With its transition to a free-to-play model, there’s no stopping you from diving into the action and enjoying it.
Platforms: PC (Microsoft Windows), Android, iOS, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5 / Genre: RPG / Developer: HoYoverse
Initially dismissed as a mere Breath of the Wild imitation, Genshin Impact has since established itself as a standout title in its own right. The game offers a vast open world to explore, an innovative combat system that utilizes a dynamic party mechanic, and an epic narrative that deepens with each update. While the entire experience is free, those who are deeply invested may find themselves tempted to spend real money on the gacha system to acquire rare and powerful gear.
Platforms: PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, Xbox One / Genre: RPG, Indie, Hack 'n' Slash / Developer: Grinding Gear Games
Path of Exile developer Grinding Gear Games has taken a transparent approach to microtransactions since its 2013 launch: players can purchase in-game items, but none of them offer competitive advantages, which is a reassuring stance for free-to-play players wary of pay-to-win tactics. The game itself is an isometric action-RPG set in a bleak, dark fantasy world. While the core gameplay involves plenty of hacking and slashing, Path of Exile also offers considerable depth. The character customization options are nearly limitless, providing a compelling reason to dive into the game’s otherwise repetitive ARPG grind.
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As you can see, there are dozens of free games to enjoy no matter what your gaming platform is. There are great options for a wide variety of tastes. There are other popular options like Fortnite, Apex Legends, and Overwatch 2. However, they are so popular that it almost makes no sense to include them on this list. We hope you have some fun with the list above.