Free-to-play games are (for obvious reasons) some of the most popular games on the planet. Whether you’re looking for a fast-paced FPS or nuanced RPG, there’s bound to be a free game on the market that catches your eye. This is especially true on PC, with thousands of free games available to everyone. If you’re having trouble narrowing down your options, here are some of the best free PC games to play in 2022.
Further reading
Lost Ark
M
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows)
Genre
Role-playing (RPG), Hack and slash/Beat 'em up, Adventure
Developer
Tripod Studio
Publisher
Smilegate RPG, Amazon Game Studios, GameOn, My.com
Release
December 04, 2018
Lost Ark is an MMORPG played from a top-down perspective. It’s a bit like a mash-up of Diablo III and World of Warcraft, with plenty of MMO tropes (such as teaming up for dungeons, grinding out levels, and a never-ending quest log) meshed with fast-paced combat that sees you slaying hordes of enemies in the blink of an eye. Its campaign is a bit long, but fans of ARPGs and MMOs alike will find hundreds of hours of fun with Lost Ark’s endgame.
Read our full Lost Ark review
Warframe
M
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S
Genre
Shooter, Role-playing (RPG), Adventure
Developer
Digital Extremes
Publisher
Digital Extremes
Release
March 25, 2013
If you’re looking for a highly nuanced RPG, consider giving Warframe a home on your hard drive. This third-person action game has you slicing, shooting, and bullet-jumping your way through levels at a breakneck pace. A massive arsenal of weapons and Warframes are at your disposal, each with their own unique skills that drastically alter your playstyle. There’s also an elaborate Mod system that lets you upgrade and enhance your speed, damage dealt, and other key attributes. Tinkering with all these systems is entirely free, but you’ll probably want to spend a bit of cash to upgrade your inventory space — as things can get out of hand quickly.
Counter-Strike: Global Offensive
M
Platforms
Linux, PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Mac
Genre
Shooter, Tactical
Developer
Hidden Path Entertainment, Valve Corporation
Publisher
Valve Corporation
Release
August 21, 2012
Counter-Strike: Global Offensive was always a popular game, but things exploded after announcing its updated free-to-play monetization model. Since then, CS:GO has almost always held a spot as one of the most-played Steam games. The iconic shooter pits two teams against each other (one trying to plant a bomb, the other trying to defuse it) in strategic FPS matches. There are no respawns, and when you die, you’ll be left to spectate until the next round. It’s not easy — and there’s a steep learning curve — but taking on the challenge is more than worth the effort.
Team Fortress 2
M
Platforms
Linux, PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Mac
Genre
Shooter
Developer
Valve Corporation
Publisher
Electronic Arts, Valve Corporation
Release
October 09, 2007
Hiding underneath Team Fortress 2’s approachable graphics is a remarkably tactical shooter. You and your team will be tasked with one of several missions (such as stealing enemy intelligence or securing points on a map) before getting to select from a roster of nine distinct characters. Some bring incredibly heavy firepower to the battlefield, while others can disguise themselves to sneak behind enemy lines. Mastering your favorite class is the key to success, and you’ll need to coordinate carefully with your team to outwit the competition.
Rocket League
E
Platforms
Linux, PC (Microsoft Windows), Mac, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S
Genre
Sport, Indie
Developer
Psyonix
Publisher
Psyonix
Release
July 07, 2015
Rocket League is a weird amalgam of racing and soccer. After tricking out your car, you’ll head to the soccer pitch as you attempt to ram a giant ball into the other team’s goal. To make things even weirder, your car is equipped with rockets that can propel it into the air. It’s a ridiculous premise, but the final product is unlike anything else on the market. And now that it’s free to play, there’s nothing stopping you from joining in on the fun.
Halo Infinite
T
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S
Genre
Shooter
Developer
343 Industries
Publisher
Xbox Game Studios
Release
November 15, 2021
Although its campaign is locked behind a paywall, Halo Infinite’s multiplayer is entirely free. The latest installment in the franchise isn’t a radical departure from past outings, with online matches consisting of well-designed maps, a varied arsenal of weapons, and plenty of ways to customize your character. A sizable Battle Pass always has a reason for you to play one more match, and a bevy of game mode makes it easy play Infinite late into the night.
Read our full Halo Infinite review
Destiny 2
T
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Google Stadia
Genre
Shooter, Role-playing (RPG), Adventure
Developer
Bungie
Publisher
Activision
Release
September 06, 2017
Destiny 2 continues to thrive, thanks to its incredibly polished gameplay and constant drip of new content. Whether you’re running around completing missions solo, diving into cooperative Raids, or taking part in its popular competitive PvP mode, Destiny 2 is an absolute thrill. Gunplay is smooth and responsive, each location is brought to life with stunning graphics, and there’s always a new piece of gear around the next corner. Much of the game is best experienced with a small fireteam, although players today have much more solo content available to them than at launch.
Read our full Destiny 2 review
Genshin Impact
T
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), Android, iOS, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5
Genre
Role-playing (RPG)
Developer
HoYoverse
Publisher
Cognosphere, HoYoverse
Release
September 28, 2020
Originally billed as a Breath of the Wild knockoff, Genshin Impact went on to prove that it’s much more than a simple cash grab. The game offers a sprawling open world to explore, an innovative combat system that makes use of a unique party system, and an epic storyline that only grows stronger with each update. The game is entirely free to play, but dedicated players might want to drop real cash on its gacha system in the hopes of pulling some rare gear.
Overwatch 2
T
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S
Genre
Shooter
Developer
Blizzard Entertainment
Publisher
Blizzard Entertainment
Release
October 04, 2022
Overwatch 2 isn’t just a sequel to Overwatch — it’s a complete replacement. The original Overwatch is now defunct, and fans seeking some team-based shooting will instead have to opt for Overwatch 2. Thankfully, the spirit of the game is still largely intact. You’ll pick from a roster of unique characters before heading into 5v5 matches, with each character bringing exclusive abilities to the battlefield. And unlike its predecessor, Overwatch 2 is free (although a premium Battle Pass is available).
Fortnite
T
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), Mac, Android, iOS, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S
Genre
Shooter, Role-playing (RPG), Strategy
Developer
Epic Games
Publisher
Epic Games
Release
July 25, 2017
Fortnite is arguably one of the most iconic games of the past decade. This colorful battle royale is constantly changing, giving its gigantic fanbase a reason to return every single week. Whether you’re interested in its standard 100-player mode, cooperative Save the World mode, or any of its seasonal game modes, Fortnite offers a polished multiplayer experience unlike any other. It’s also not afraid to shy away from a collaboration — with LeBron James, John Cena, Spider-Man, and more available as playable characters.
Read our full Fortnite review
Dauntless
T
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S
Genre
Role-playing (RPG), Adventure
Developer
Phoenix Labs
Publisher
Phoenix Labs, Epic Games
Release
September 26, 2019
Dauntless is basically free-to-play Monster Hunter, just much more approachable. The reasons die-hard fans love Monster Hunter are the same reasons why newcomers often turn away from the series. Monster Hunter is slow, progression is complex, and failure is ingrained in the game. Enter Dauntless. Not only is Dauntless free, it’s much easier than Monster Hunter World to pick up and play. Combat is more reminiscent of a hack-and-slash, and although genre staples like stamina management and the lack of animation cancel are present, they’re much more forgiving in Dauntless.
Apex Legends
T
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S
Genre
Shooter
Developer
Respawn Entertainment
Publisher
Electronic Arts
Release
February 04, 2019
Apex Legends is Fortnite‘s meaner-looking older brother (complete with a dirty beanie). Faster and more rugged with a greater focus on gunplay, Apex Legends is a fast-paced battle royale game with a lot of depth. It has only been around for a little over a year, but despite that, Apex Legends is still putting up record-breaking player numbers. Since it’s still in its fifth season — which added quests to the game, among other things — now is a perfect time to jump into Apex Legends. It’s one of the best battle royale games around, after all.
Path of Exile
M
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, Xbox One
Genre
Role-playing (RPG), Hack and slash/Beat 'em up, Adventure, Indie
Developer
Grinding Gear Games
Publisher
Grinding Gear Games
Release
October 23, 2013
Since its release in 2013, Path of Exile developer Grinding Gear Games has maintained a clear stance on microtransactions — you can buy items in-game, but they won’t give you an edge in any way (a hopeful mark on the cynical hearts of free-to-play enthusiasts). As for the game itself, Path of Exile is an isometric action RPG set in a dark fantasy world. Hacking and slashing are a big part of the game, but Path of Exile has a lot of depth, too. Character customization is basically endless, offering a strong driving force behind the often monotonous nature of ARPGs.
Brawlhalla
E10
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), Mac, Android, iOS, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
Genre
Fighting, Platform, Indie, Arcade
Developer
Blue Mammoth Games
Publisher
Blue Mammoth Games
Release
April 30, 2014
Brawlhalla is an arena-based fighting game for up to eight players that takes a lot of notes from a certain mascot-ridden Nintendo franchise. Gameplay-wise, Brawlhalla doesn’t do anything new. You’ll use your tiny character to beat up the other tiny characters and hope they fly off the map. It’s Brawlhalla‘s unique monetization model that sets it apart. There are cosmetic microtransactions, but they take a backseat to the characters. There are more than 50 playable characters in the game, and each week, eight of those characters are cycled through the free roster. You can buy all of the characters for $20 — pocket change compared to Smash Bros. — but Brawlhalla‘s cycling model allows you to try all of the characters before spending any money. If you have no particular affiliation, you can easily just use the free roster. None of the characters have any distinct advantages.
Guild Wars 2
T
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), Mac
Genre
Role-playing (RPG)
Developer
ArenaNet
Publisher
NCsoft
Release
August 18, 2012
Guild Wars 2 has kept a steady pace over the last eight years, which is a feat for any free MMORPG. Upon its release in 2012, Guild Wars 2 distinguished itself by lacking a subscription fee (par for the course for MMOs at the time). With games like Elder Scrolls Online following suit, developer ArenaNet dropped the price tag, offering the base Guild Wars 2 experience for free. And there’s a lot to experience. Vanilla Guild Wars 2 offers around 70 hours of gameplay, with each expansion offering an additional 80 or so hours.
EVE Online
T
Platforms
Linux, PC (Microsoft Windows), Mac
Genre
Role-playing (RPG), Simulator, Strategy
Developer
CCP Games
Publisher
CCP Games
Release
May 06, 2003
Eve Online earns the “massive” bit of massively multiplayer. It’s a community-driven space exploration game with unmatched scale. Judging the actual size of space in Eve Online is tough — one player spent a decade exploring and still couldn’t discover everything. More space doesn’t just offer more content, but more experiences. Eve Online is a game about exploration until the moment you stumble upon other ships. With its scale, it’s easy to forget that you’re in space with other players, making teaming up with or against them all the more satisfying.
Neverwinter
T
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, Xbox One
Genre
Role-playing (RPG), Adventure
Developer
Cryptic Studios
Publisher
Perfect World Entertainment
Release
June 20, 2013
Neverwinter is an action RPG set in the world of Dungeons & Dragons. On its own, Neverwinter is a decent time, offering old-fashioned action RPG gameplay for the low cost of free. If you’re a D&D fan, though, it’s a must-play. Set in the wildly popular Forgotten Realms campaign setting, Neverwinter harkens back to Baldur’s Gate and, of course, Neverwinter Nights, all while maintaining consistency with D&D lore. Even if you’re not a D&D fan, Neverwinter might turn you into one.
Dota 2
Platforms
Linux, PC (Microsoft Windows), Mac
Genre
Strategy, MOBA
Developer
Valve Corporation
Publisher
Valve Corporation
Release
July 09, 2013
Dota 2 is one of the most-played games on Steam. Between it and League of Legends, there are few differences from a gameplay perspective. They’re both MOBAs, they’re highly competitive, and the player bases are absolutely massive. The kicker is that Dota 2 offers all of its 100+heroes for free, whereas League charges for them. Dota 2 also heads multiple high-profile competitive events, the most prominent of which is The International.
Call of Duty: Warzone
M
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, Xbox One
Genre
Shooter
Developer
Infinity Ward
Publisher
Activision
Release
March 10, 2020
Call of Duty has an interesting history with the battle royale genre. Attempting to use the Blackout mode to sell Call of Duty: Black Ops 4, Activision quickly learned that it couldn’t compete with rivaling free PC shooters. That’s where Warzone comes in. It’s an expansion for 2019’s Modern Warfare, but you don’t need the base game to get in on the battle royale action. Outside of the looting and shooting, Warzone is unique with its Gulag mechanic, which adds some much-needed refinement to the battle royale format.
Read our full Call of Duty: Warzone review
Paladins
T
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), Mac, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
Genre
Shooter, Strategy
Developer
Hi-Rez Studios, Evil Mojo Games
Publisher
Hi-Rez Studios
Release
May 02, 2017
Hi-Rez Studios specializes in free, online, hero-based games, one of which is Paladins (Smite and Realm Royale are worth a shot, too). Despite Hi-Rez claiming otherwise, Paladins is an awful lot like Overwatch, but that’s not a bad thing. It’s a hero-based shooter, but Paladins changes the formula a bit by throwing magic into the mix. There’s also a deckbuilding mechanic in the game, where you can customize your character with collectible cards. Ultimately, Paladins plays like Overwatch, but with the deckbuilding aspect and some special abilities, it puts greater focus on customization and player expression.
PlanetSide 2
T
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4
Genre
Shooter, Role-playing (RPG), Tactical
Developer
Rogue Planet Games
Publisher
Daybreak Game Company
Release
November 20, 2012
Although it went through various rounds of beta testing for more than a year, the much-anticipated MMOFPS Planetside 2 was officially released in late 2012, instantly setting the standard for free-to-play MMOs in the process. The scale of this game is breathtakingly large, the graphics are stunning, and the gameplay is sheer insanity. Players choose to play as one of three rival factions constantly vying for control over the map and can pick between a number of different classes before entering the battlefield. Whether you’re infantry, artillery, or air support, it’s pretty much guaranteed to be chaotic.
Star Wars: The Old Republic
T
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows)
Genre
Role-playing (RPG)
Developer
BioWare Austin
Publisher
Electronic Arts, LucasArts
Release
December 20, 2011
Star Wars: The Old Republic offers a look at a former version of Bioware, before the whole Anthem debacle. It’s dated in a number of ways, from the lackluster visuals to a subscription-based monetization model, but it has that thing that Bioware does so well. The world feels alive, and even more impressively, distinctly unique from the movies and any other Star Wars game. The base version of the game is free, but you’ll need a subscription to get the full experience. You can play as long as you want as a free user, though the title comes with a long list of restrictions.
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