Top 100 Free PC Games
The absolute best free PC games
When looking for free PC games to play, you might encounter top 25 lists a lot, featuring really old games, that are not even played actively any longer. Fret not dear fellow gamer, we have compiled a fresh, extensive list of the top 100 best free pc games to download and play right now, just for you. All of these games are still active and while obviously some of them are better than others, all of them are fun. After all, finding free games in the pc realm is not hard, finding the good ones is. And we did. All 100 of them.
TL:DR – These Are Our Top 100 Free PC Games
1. Dota 2 | 2. Warframe | 3. Path of Exile | 4. Team Fortress 2 | 6. Apex Legends | 6. Destiny 2 | 7. Paladins | 8. Smite | 9. War Thunder | 10. World of Tanks | 11. Warface | 12. Genshin Impact | 13. Fortnite | 14. Crossout | 15. Brawlhalla | 16. Neverwinter | 17. Rocket League | 18. Realm Royale | 19. Fallout Shelter | 20. CRSED: F.O.A.D. | 21. Planetside 2 | 22. Heroes & Generals | 23. Star Wars: The Old Republic | 24. World of Warships | 25. League of Legends | 26. Guild Wars 2 | 27. Tower of Fantasy | 28. Overwatch 2 | 29. Dirty Bomb | 30. Summoners War: Chronicles | 31. DC Universe Online | 32. TERA | 33. PUBG: Battlegrounds | 34. Ironsight | 35. Star Conflict | 36. Black Squad | 37. Cry of Fear | 38. MechWarrior Online | 39. Vindictus | 40. Skyforge | 41. Albion Online | 42. Ring of Elysium | 43. Goose Goose Duck | 44. The Elder Scrolls Legends | 45. Doki Doki Literature Club! | 46. Marvel Snap | 47. Heroes of the Storm | 48. Star Trek Online | 49. Splitgate | 50. Drakensang Online | 51. Realm of the Mad God Exalt | 52. Gwent | 53. Conquerer’s Blade | 54. Blade & Soul | 55. APB Reloaded | 56. Lord of the Rings Online | 57. EVE Online | 58. Bit Heroes | 59. IdleOn | 60. Z1 Battle Royale | 61. VR Chat | 62. Trackmania | 63. Crossfire | 64. Battlerite | 65. Eternal Card Game | 66. Boring Man – Online Tactical Stickman Combat | 67. RuneScape | 68. Duelyst 2 | 69. Iron Snout | 70. Project Xandata | 71. AdventureQuest 3D | 72. Spacelords | 73. Quake Champions | 74. Lost Ark | 75. Darwin Project | 76. Dead Frontier 2 | 77. Pinball FX3 | 78. FreeStyle 2: Street Basketball | 79. The Sims 4 | 80. Dead Maze | 81. Battlerite Royale | 82. Revelation Online | 83. Closers | 84. Last Cloudia | 85. Trove | 86. Champions Online | 87. Counter-Strike Nexon: Zombies | 88. Call of Duty Warzone 2 | 89. Digimon Masters Online | 90. SoulWorker | 91. Counter-Strike: Global Offensive | 92. World of Warplanes | 93. Heroes in the Sky | 94. Dragon Nest | 95. Rift | 96. Multiversus | 97. Valorant | 98. Hearthstone | 99. Robocraft | 100. Dauntless | Show more
1. Dota 2
The Battle for Glory Begins
Image credit: Valve Corporation
Search on Amazon*It all began with a simple mod for Warcraft III and now, years later, Dota 2 is one of the best free PC games all on its own. No top free PC games list is complete without it and yes, while it might have been predictable, we feel no shame choosing Dota 2 as our best free PC game 2023. Dota 2 simply has so much going for it. Great graphics, loads and loads of content, a non-demanding engine, making it easy to run on older hardware and oh my, the strategic gameplay, teamwork and the skillful execution of it all is even more enthralling than it was, back when Dota 2 released. Dota 2 is not for the faint hearted though, sporting an immensely steep learning curve and a very impatient community. The microtransactions don’t affect actual gameplay and are purely cosmetic. Dota 2 has a thriving community, plenty of ranked events and a large e-sports scene, Valve is actively updating and rebalancing the game, to keep things fresh and players hooked. Oh my, does it work. If you really just play one single free-to-play game, it should be Dota 2, just be ready to invest a lot of time, to actually „get gud“.
2. Warframe
Grindframe: The Game You Can’t Quit
Image credit: Digital ExtremesChoosing free PC games for download and playing online must not be hard, you can just skip everything else and go with Warframe, which will happily consume all your spare time, if you let it. Players control ancient warriors, called Tenno, wielding powerful warframes into battle. These warframes can be equipped and customized with plenty of weapons and cosmetic items. Warframe focuses on co-op gameplay for players to explore it’s vast universe together. The story and lore are deep and complex, keeping players interested in the game, the combat is fast-paced and impactful, all well supported by the stunning visuals, that still hold up. Progress can be accelerated, if things get too grindy, with microtransactions. These are not necessary to enjoy the full game though. Warframe follows a community-focused approach, having the devs interact with their players regularly, considering their feedback when making new updates. Warframe is fast to pickup, easy to get into, but hard to put down, just like it should be.
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3. Path of Exile
Click and Slash Your Way to Victory!
Image credit: Kakao Games, Grinding Gear GamesAction RPG free PC games often suffer from a lack of visual fidelity or content to explore. Path of Exile is different, as it is stock full of content and opportunities to skill your character just the way you want, while looking nice. Path of Exile features a vast skill tree and crafting system and good graphics, springing from a performant engine. Path of Exile can be enjoyed by hardcore and casual players alike, which is one of the many reasons it was still amongst the best free PC games in 2022, nine years after it’s launch. Imagine the natural progression of what Diablo II had to offer and you get an idea of what it is all about. Convenience features and cosmetic items can be bought via microtransactions, but the core game is absolutely free and can be enjoyed without spending a single dollar. PoE features a strong community with regular leagues, ladder rankings and a thriving competitive scene. If you can climb the steep learning curve, there is much to be enjoyed in Path of Exile.
4. Team Fortress 2
Join the Ultimate Battle of Quirky Heroes
Image credit: Valve CorporationOne of the most popular, free PC games to download is Valve’s Team Fortress 2. Featuring nine unique character classes, each with their own abilities and set of skills, many fun game modes and ultra-stylized cartoony graphics, Team Fortress 2 keeps wowing players with fun gameplay and humorous characters. Team Fortress 2 simply is one of the most fun free PC games. Build traps and automated guns as the engineer, become invisible as the spy or land the perfect headshot as the sniper. The possibilities are near endless. Team Fortress 2 depends heavily on all players playing to the best of their role. Since it is based on an old Half Life engine, Team Fortress 2 is not very demanding and runs on almost anything. Small perks and cosmetic items can be bought for real money. If you have a Steam Account, there is no excuse for not having played this fun, tactical FPS for at least an afternoon.
5. Apex Legends
Where Skill and Luck Collide
Image credit: Electronic Arts, Respawn EntertainmentEA took the battle royale formula from PUBG and Fortnite and improved upon what made those games great. Apex Legends is set in the Titanfall universe and is full of action-packed gameplay and a diverse roster of interesting characters, each with their own distinct playstyle and abilities. A standout feature of Apex Legends is it’s focus on teamplay and strategy. Players need to work together as a team, if they want to survive and emerge victorious. They can use the environment and their abilities to do so, all while gawking at the stunning visuals, featuring a vibrant color palette and intricately detailed character models. For Apex Legends to stay free-to-play, the game offers microtransactions and battle passes for cosmetic items and addons, but they are not necessary to enjoy the full game. Since it’s release Apex Legends is still going strong and only growing in popularity, making now the ideal point in time to jump right into the fray.
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6. Destiny 2
Space Wizards, Aliens, and Guns. What More Could You Want?
Image credit: BungieIf you want to download one of the best free PC games, you need to give Destiny 2 a try. Building upon the wild success of the first game, Destiny 2 features even more of everything that was great. More loot, more tight controls, better graphics and effects, deep lore and a wide range of customization options and engaging, fast-paced PvP modes. Destiny 2 has an extensive free-trial players can use to immediately hop into the action and enjoy the best of what Destiny 2 has to offer. For further progression, players will need to dive into their wallets though. Destiny receives regular updates, bug fixes and has a thriving, mostly welcoming, community. It’s an easy recommendation for fans of tight FPS in a massive sci-fi setting, sporting all the creature-comforts and highly optimized gameplay, we all fell in love with back in Bungie’s Halo days. Craving that perfect rumble on your trigger-finger, go get it in Destiny 2.
7. Paladins
Why Pick One Playstyle When You Can Have Them All
Image credit: Hi-Rez Studios, Evil MojoPaladins is a teamplay-focused MOBA FPS with a unique twist, it’s perspective. Players can choose from a variety of customizable champions and compete in intense, objective-based game modes. Different cards and talents of the deep progression system allow players to tailor their Paladin to their exact playstyle and preference. The graphics of Paladins are impressive, stylized and colorful, making it a visual joy. Microtransactions are used to buy cosmetic items and speed up progression. This sometimes throws gameplay balance out of whack, leading to frustration and peer-pressure to also spend money. Players need to work together, strategize wisely and communicate, to dominate the enemy team, which can lead to great or really frustrating matches, depending mostly on team-cohesion. A well accustomed team will always beat a team of randoms, regardless of purchased items, though. If you are up for experiencing a MOBA in first person perspective, Paladins is here for you to try.
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8. Smite
The Ultimate Game of Godly Sibling Rivalry
Image credit: Hi-Rez StudiosSmite is all about throwing a bunch of gods into an arena and letting them battle it out. Available pantheons to choose one of the many gods from are Norse, Greek, Egyptian and Chinese. Smite mixes things up a bit in the MOBA-space, with it’s third-person perspective and skill-based combat mechanics. A variety of game modes are available for players and gods to enjoy, such as arena, joust, siege, assault, conquest and more. Smite offers a great level of customization, like skins, voice packs and other cosmetic items using in-game coins or real money. Spending real money on Smite can speed up progress, but is not necessary. Smite has a large, dedicated playerbase and a thriving e-sports scene, with regular tournaments and the ability for skilled players to win actual cash prizes. If Dota 2, League of Legends and Heroes of the Storm are all not your cup of tea, Smite just might be.
9. War Thunder
Not Just a Game, but a Historic Reenactment of Explosions and Destruction
Image credit: Gaijin EntertainmentImagine World of Tanks, but with more than just tanks. War Thunder allows players to choose from hundreds of vehicles from World War II and the Cold War era, to battle it out in air, on land and sea. The maps are all inspired by historic locations and events, offering a special authentic charme. The combat is a more realistic, simulated affair, than most would expect from free PC games available online. The physics-based gameplay is especially impressive, with a damage-system that affects vehicle performance in a somewhat realistic way, creating many tense moments during action-packed situations. War Thunder has a dedicated playerbase and thriving community. It sports microtransactions for premium vehicles and account upgrades. War Thunder’s graphics are stunning and don’t fail to impress a decade after it’s initial release. Updates and content packs are aplenty and War Thunder ist still going strong. Fans of online warfare need to enlist right now and join the frenzy in this great cross-platform free-to-play gem.
10. World of Tanks
Tanks for the Memories!
Image credit: Wargaming.netOn free PC games download lists, World of Tanks will usually rank really high and it’s a surprise to absolutely no one. World of Tanks is massive in scale and well loved. World of Tanks features a plethora of tanks from different countries and time periods, battling it out on huge, strategic maps. Players can upgrade and customize their tanks performance and appearance, to duke it out in a variety of game modes, including clan wars, random battles and special events. The game is easy to pick up, but difficult to master. The graphics persuade with intricate details, true to the tank’s real counterparts and the weapon effects are really nice too. World of Tanks is a grindfest though, requiring players to spend a lot of time playing, to get enough experience to advance their progress. Or they can shell out money for microtransactions, to speed things up and buy cosmetic items. Still, World of Tanks is one hell of a game with loads of content, absolutely F2P – go download it now!
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11. Warface
The Only Game Where You Can Simultaneously Hate and Love Your Teammates
Image credit: My.Games, Allods Team, CrytekFree PC games MMO FPS titles need to have one thing above all to succeed: a strong playerbase. Luckily Warface has been around for a while and is a time-proven online experience. Featuring plenty of game modes, including co-op missions, battle royale and team deathmatch, Warface provides intense FPS action in a visually stunning package, with a highly scalable graphics-engine, making Warface compatible to a wide array of hardware configurations. Unfortunately, the microtransactions are pushed heavily and can provide an unfair advantage to paying customers. Still, players can enjoy it without spending a dime. Warface is focused on teamplay and strategy, often leading to either really great or just plain frustrating matches, depending on the team-spirit and communication. Best advice is to hop in as a group of friends, sticking together to dominate the other team. Warface features some great, memorable maps, with plenty of opportunity for intense gameplay and is absolutely worth checking out.
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12. Genshin Impact
Breath of the Waifu: Collect Anime Characters and Save the World!
Image credit: HoYoverseLooking to download Action RPG free PC games, you might have stumbled across Genshin Impact and all of it’s media buzz. Genshin Impact often is compared to Zelda Breath of the Wild on the Nintendo Switch, for a similar art-style setting. It features a vast, open world for players to explore and plenty of abilities and elemental powers, that can be combined in combat. Genshin Impact’s graphics are heavily anime-inspired, very colorful and simply stunning. While players can enjoy progressing through the game for free, microtransactions are available and pushed aggressively, to speed up their progress or buy cosmetic items. The excellent storyline will leave a lasting impression and is far better, than one would expect from a free-to-play title. Genshin Impact features three regions, each with their own storyline, quests and plenty of stuff to do. We highly recommend you grab three of your friends and romp through this wonderful adventure in 4-player co-op mode.
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13. Fortnite
Every Parent’s Favorite Game
Image credit: Epic GamesOne of the fastest growing, fun free PC games of all time, taking over children’s media-time by storm and leaving parents worried about their kid’s eyes turning to rectangles in 16:9 format. Everyone plays Fortnite, everyone knows Fortnite. it’s the most popular battle royale game across many different platforms and enchants players with it’s vibrant graphics, quirky character designs, tight controls, diverse game modes and plenty of content to enjoy. Fortnite perfected the monetized battle royal formula, actually first brought to popularity by PUBG. Fortnite is played in tournaments for cash prizes and it gets frequent updates. Microtransactions are a significant part of Fortnite’s financial success and offer the players the ability to purchase skins, emotes, ridiculous costumes, funny dances and content packs, to express their personal style. A season pass is also available. Fortnite’s engine continues to be optimized and runs well on a wide variety of PC hardware. If you think you have what it takes, to square off against 99 angry 12-year-olds with godlike reflexes in an ever-shrinking arena, Fortnite awaits!
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14. Crossout
Mad Max Meets LEGO
Image credit: Gaijin Entertainment, Targem GamesLooking to download free PC games, players could choose worse than Gaijin Entertainment’s Crossout. It perfectly combines frantic vehicular combat with straight MMORPG elements. The post-apocalyptic game’s visuals look like they have been pulled straight from a Mad Max movie, the customization options are aplenty and the combat feels weighty and impactful. Crossout is F2P, but features a variety of microtransactions for players to speed up their progress or purchase premium items, often unbalancing things a bit. Leveling up and improving your personal ride with upgrade parts makes Crossout a true MMORPG experience, amongst many free PC games focusing on vehicular combat alone. Winning matches feels satisfying and the community is relatively active, making it easy to get into a match and play in no time. Players are active in forums and social media, sharing their creations, while the developers still add content to the game. Easy recommendation!
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15. Brawlhalla
Smash, Brawl, and Win in This Epic Platform Fighter
Image credit: Ubisoft, Blue Mammoth GamesImagine Super Smash Bros in a cartoony, hand-drawn graphics style and you get a good idea what Brawlhalla is about. Still, the game manages to carve out it’s own personality quite well with it’s wide variety of quirky characters, all with their own moveset and abiltiies, the fast-paced, fun combat and the stylish presentation. The controls are simple enough to pick up and play easily, but it will take a while to master the combat in Brawlhalla. Players can compete in casual and competitive play and will easily find someone to match up and play with, as Brawlhalla has a huge, global, very active playerbase. Microtransactions are used to buy cosmetic items and additional characters, but are completely optional. Thanks to the simple, yet vibrant graphics, the game will run well on almost any machine, allowing plenty of people access to Brawlhalla’s lighthearted and fun atmosphere.
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16. Neverwinter
When in Doubt, Always Blame the Healer
Image credit: Perfect World Entertainment, Cryptic StudiosComfortably drawn from the Dungeons & Dragons rulebook, Neverwinter has plenty to offer for hardcore RPG fans. Players can explore a huge persistent world, full of epic stories and fantastic creatures. While embarking on quests, fighting monsters, finding loot and interacting with other players in real-time, players can shape their very own character with many customization options and skills to choose from. The graphics might look a bit dated today, but this also means that Neverwinter will run well on weaker hardware and once you are immersed in it’s world, graphics don’t really matter anymore. The game is free to play, but players can buy Zen for real money and spend it on mounts, companions and other items. Sometimes the monetization might just be a tad bit too aggressive. Overall Neverwinter is a fun evergreen of a free-to-play RPG you shouldn’t miss.
17. Rocket League
It’s Literal Soccer With Cars
Image credit: Psyonix, Panic ButtonLooking for free PC games to download, many stop their search once they found Rocket League, simply because it’s such a fun concept and even more fun to actually play. Combining tiny race cars with soccer was a stroke of genius, that drew in hundreds of thousands of players who compete in ranked matches. This made Rocket League to an instant hit in the e-sports community. The controls are intuitive and tight, the matches fast paced and Rocket League will run decently well, even on weak hardware. Besides the occasional server issue it’s main drawback is a relatively high skill ceiling and a hot tempered community. Microtransaction buy skins and other cosmetic items, as well as new cars. The graphics are bright, eye-catching and detailed, making for an immersive visual experience. Once you get the hang of the physics engine, Rocket League can comfortably eat up all your spare time and you will love it.
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18. Realm Royale
Royal Rumble: Medieval Edition
Image credit: Hi-Rez StudiosSomeone thought, that combining the well loved battle royale game mode with a lush fantasy world in the aesthetics of World of WarCraft might be a good idea, and he was right. Realm Royale is cartoony, flashy, vibrant and a whole lot of fun. Players can choose one out of four classes, all of them distinct and unique in their abilities and weapons loadout. During the match, players need to scavenge for weapons and armor on an ever-shrinking battlefield, and face off with the opposition. Unique features of Realm Royale are the summonable mounts, to traverse the game world quicker and the ability to craft and enchant weapons. Microtransactions are used for cosmetic items, such as skins and emotes, otherwise Realm Royale is free to play. The player base has taken a hit recently, so it takes a while until you can find a match. Overall Realm Royale is great fun and carves out it’s own little niche in a crowded battle royale market.
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19. Fallout Shelter
SimCity Meets the Apocalypse
Image credit: BethesdaGood free PC games are simple and addictive. Fallout Shelter is both, as it makes the players the master over their own vault, completely responsible to micro-manage every aspect of it, from the layout and building of new rooms, to catering to their vault-dwellers needs. With plenty of challenges and fun interactions between the vault-dwellers, Fallout Shelter uses simple 2D graphics in a retro-futuristic style, fitting the Fallout universe, to draw you in and steal hours upon hours of your time. The microtransactions let you buy in-game-currency, which can also be earned just by playing the game, it just takes longer. To keep your vault running smoothly, you will often have to complete the same tasks over and over. If this doesn’t bother you, Fallout Shelter is a little gem worth checking out, not only for Fallout fans.
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20. CRSED: F.O.A.D.
Who Needs Guns When You Have a Frying Pan?
Image credit: Gaijin Entertainment, Darkflow SoftwareImagine a deadly cook-off with players going at each other’s throats with kitchen utensils and appliances as weapons. CRSED: F.O.A.D. truly offers a quirky and unique take on the battle royale genre, featuring intense action and equally intense humor. Costumes and weapon skins are amongst the customizable items in CRSED: F.O.A.D., that can be acquired by means of microtransactions. They do not offer any advantages, so everything stays balanced and fair. There is an unlockable, paid-for premium version, allowing access to additional features and game modes too. Players seem to enjoy the silliness of CRSED: F.O.A.D. as it is still going strong and has a large playerbase, making it easy for newcomers to get into the action, without much of a wait. If you already show signs of Fortnite- and PUBG-fatigue, CRSED: F.O.A.D. might just be what the doctor ordered.
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21. Planetside 2
See Just How Many Times You Can Die in a Minute
Image credit: Sony Online Entertainment, Daybreak Game CompanyThree factions fight for control of territory on a large continent in Planetside 2, clashing in intense battles. The unique feature of Planetside 2 is just the sheer epic scale of the conflict, with thousands of players clashing over control of whole continents, with hundreds of players engaged in direct conflict at any given time. Planetside 2 is set in a near-future setting and gives the three factions different tech, weapons, distinct classes and abilities players can emjoy. Players can pay to speed up their progress and unlock cosmetic items and weapons to suit their individual playstyle. Microtransactions will affect gameplay, but overall the game is quite balanced. An absolute hit with the fanbase, Planetside 2 is still actively played and developed for. Finding matches is easy and quick. Due to it’s age, the passable graphics will not break too much of a sweat on semi-modern PCs.
22. Heroes & Generals
War Has Never Been So Fun
Image credit: Square Enix, Reto-MotoPerfectly blending action and strategy elements, Heroes & Generals is a free-to-play first-person shooter set in fictional World War II-era Europe. Players can choose to either play the Axis or the Allies. There are two distinct roles to be filled by the players, either the role of soldier, fighting on the battlefield, or the role of the commander, directing the action from behind the scenes (and probably in a safe bunker). Especially the commander role is interesting, as the player needs to make tactical decisions, that can easily affect the outcome of a whole battle. While not groundbreaking, Heroes & Generals’ graphics are decent. To speed up progression and unlock cosmetic items, players can use microtransactions. Unfortunately, the community for Heroes & Generals is not as large as for other, comparable games, so matchmaking can take a while. If you have a knack for historic shooters, tactical decisions and team-based gameplay, Heroes & Generals might be just the game for you.
23. Star Wars: The Old Republic
Sith Happens: Star Wars MMO Edition
Image credit: Electronic Arts, BioWareThis especially immersive MMORPG amongst free PC games has a reputation for its grandiose storytelling and is loved by fans and non-fans of the source material alike. In Star Wars: The Old Republic players get to choose, if they are fighting on the dark or light side. The base game is free, additional content and features can be unlocked via microtransactions. The graphics still hold up well and bring the impressive universe of Star Wars to life in great detail, while being easy on PC hardware. While questing and combat can get repetitive after a while, which is on-par with most other MMORPGs, the developers still dish out updates and new content, trying to keep everything fresh and to excite new and old players into staying. Star Wars: The Old Republic successfully kept relevant all those years and should be played at least once in life by absolutely everyone.
24. World of Warships
Battleships, Ahoy!
Image credit: Wargaming.netOne of the best, massive, online, free PC games of recent years is World of Warships. Players command their own, highly detailed, beautifully rendered warships and engage in massive sea battles, featuring historic vessels from around the world. Players can participate in co-op battles, large scenarios, random battles and seasonal events to earn rewards. Ships can be customized with various upgrades and cosmetic items through microtransactions, which are also used to buy premium ships. They are not mandatory though, players can play the whole game without spending a single dollar. The community can be toxic at times, as players have little patience for noobs and their stupid mistakes. The real star of the show are the water physics, giving the whole experience that little extra realism. If you can stomach being yelled at during your first matches and don’t get seasick, World of Warships is an impressive title, worth hundreds of hours of fun and joy.
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25. League of Legends
Where Teamwork and Toxicity Collide
Image credit: Riot Games, IGDBOne of the best free PC games for over a decade is still Riot Games’ League of Legends. The cartoonish, stylized graphics make League of Legends non-demanding on PC hardware, allowing for a vast pool of players from all over the world to enjoy League of Legends. It’s one of the GOATs and still going strong, with 5v5 matches, that can last anywhere form 20 to 60 minutes each. The gameplay is fast-paced and strategic in equal measures. Microtransactions can be used to purchase skins, heroes and in-game items, but are not needed to progress through the game. Of the countless free PC games online, League of Legends is one of the easiest recommendations, if you can deal with it’s large, but often toxic, community, that is not very welcoming of newbies. Still, there’s countless hours of addictive fun to be had with League of Legends and it’s ever-growing roster of interesting, diverse heroes.
26. Guild Wars 2
Who Needs a Social Life When You Can Have a Guild?
Image credit: NCSoft, ArenaNetAmongst free PC games MMORPG have a special place in the player’s hearts and it’s easy to see why. For no investment of money players get the chance to immerse themselves in a vast world full of content for hours on end. Guild Wars 2 is a grand example of this, as it has plenty of impressive content and quality-of-life updates to show for the time since it’s release, thanks to great support by developer ArenaNet. Players can enjoy a unique, tailor-made storyline, engaging quests, plenty of lore and dynamic events. Guild Wars 2 features a wide array of character development and customization, an extensive crafting system, world versus world battles and PvP. The base version of Guild Wars 2 is free to play, paying a subscription enables additional content for the players. The highly detailed character models and lush landscapes never fail to impress. With a big playerbase and plenty of content, this grand MMORPG is still going strong and worth checking out.
27. Tower of Fantasy
A New Challenger for Genshin Impact?
Image credit: Level Infinite, Hotta StudioTower of Fantasy is a chinese-made, open-world RPG full of magic and mystery, set in a vast fantasy world. Players get to experience and explore a large, lush world with distinct landscapes. On their journeys they will battle a variety of enemies and collect resources to enhance their equipment and abilities. The real-time combat in Tower of Fantasy is fast-paced and engaging. Customization is a focus of Tower of Fantasy, allowing players to tailor their character to their exact preferences. The visuals are stunning, smoothly animated and are often compared to Genshin Impact, stylewise. While engaging and fun, Tower of Fantasy is a bit of a grindfest and combat can feel repetitive. Tower of Fantasy is just about gaining traction, so the playerbase is growing. Microtransactions are heavily featured and are used to not only buy cosmetic items, but also to speed up progress. If you enjoy Genshin Impact, this deserves a look.
28. Overwatch 2
The Game Where Everyone Still Plays the Same Three Heroes
Image credit: Activision Blizzard, IGDBdisabled_by_defaultOverwatch 2 builds on the successful formula of the first game, improving the stylized graphics and stocking up on new maps and game modes. Overwatch 2 adds a new mode called push and expands the PvE content with new story missions, delving deep into the lore of the Overwatch universe. Graphics and audio are top-notch, as you would expect. Overwatch 2 also goes deep in customizable hero appearances and hero talents, making some of them feel OP. Just like in the first game, teamplay and communication are key. While many feel that Overwatch 2 was not necessary, that Blizzard should have just kept expanding the first game, at the end it doesn’t really matter, as long as Overwatch 2 is just as fun as the first game, which it easily is. There is a battle-pass system available, for extended content and cosmetic items. Otherwise the gameplay is mostly fair and balanced and a blast for all fans of team-based shooters.
29. Dirty Bomb
Explosive Action, Dirty Tactics, and Radioactive Fun!
Image credit: Nexon, Splash DamageSporting class-based teamplay, Dirty Bomb is set in post-apocalyptic London, where players need to complete various missions, like retrieving data, escorting vehicles or destroying targets, while the other team tries to stop them. Dirty Bomb features an extensive roster of mercenary characters, each with their own skills and abilities, offering an unique approach to FPS gameplay. In-game currency ito unlock new characters, perks and weapons can be earned and bought. While a bit dated, the graphics of Dirty Bomb still look solid, the environments are detailed and the game strikes a great balance between realism and stylization. Due to it’s age, Dirty Bomb will run well, even on weaker machines. Still active players bemoan the lack of content and updates in recent years and thus the playerbase is shrinking. Dirty Bomb is still available for free on steam though and a decent enough experience to give it a try.
30. Summoners War: Chronicles
It’s Like Pokemon Meets World of Warcraft, but With More Drama
Image credit: Com2uSSummoners War: Chronicles lets players choose from multiple classes, creating their highly customizable character, to explore a vast and rich world. Players can collect and use monsters in battles, team up with others to explore the world, fight in challenging dungeons or complete quests. The in-game currency can be earned through various activities and used to purchase new items or summon new monsters. The microtransactions are totally optional though, they are not needed to progress through the game and have some free fun. The graphics look amazing, like an animated movie, also helping the game to run well on most machines. Summoners War: Chronicles features large scale PvP battles. The game released at the back end of 2022, after an extensive early access phase, creating an ever-growing playerbase as a result. For anyone who has the slightest interest in Pokemon and/or highly stylized cartoon graphics, Summoners War: Chronicles is a must-play.
31. DC Universe Online
Where Else Can You Fight Alongside Batman and Befriend Harley Quinn?
Image credit: Sony Online Entertainment, Warner Bros.Players can create their own hero, or villain, in DC Universe Online and even switch between hero and villain on the fly, interacting with well known and beloved comic book characters from DC, like Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman. A wide variety of quests, missions and raids are ready for players to experience. The game is focused on combat and character progression and offers different game modes like PvP, arena battles and huge open-world events. DC Universe Online also features an engaging story, that is fun to experience. The graphics are your simple MMORPG affair, but the characters look good and distinct and the game runs well on older hardware. Thanks to DC comics’ popularity, the game still has a respectable playerbase. Paying up gives players access to exclusive content. DC Universe Online is an easy recommendation for all super hero fans.
32. TERA
Unleash Your Inner Beast, Looking Good Doing So
Image credit: En Masse Entertainment, Bluehole StudioPlayers who enjoy MMORPGs but have run out of fresh games to play, should give TERA a try. The game’s standout features are the stunning graphics, with loads of detail and great customization on the characters, and the fast-paced action-combat system. Players can choose from several classes and unusual races to join up and experience tough dungeons and fight through epic boss battles. TERA has been a proven success over the years and was constantly updated and supported by the developer, ensuring a playerbase, that is still going strong to this day. In-game perks, boosters and cosmetic items can be bought with real money, but players can have perfectly fine fun without spending anything. TERA has a very distinct visual and gameplay style coupled with a nice sense of humor, that makes it a great candidate to be that „other MMORPG“ you try.
33. PUBG: Battlegrounds
100 Players, 1 Chicken Dinner
Image credit: Krafton, Bluehole Studio, PUBG StudiosBefore everyone talked about Fortnite, it was PUBG that started the battle royale craze. 100 players parachute onto an island and from then on it’s last man standing. Players utilize whatever weapons, ammo and equipment they can find, to dominate their adversaries, in an ever-shrinking play zone. Battles in PUBG: Battlegrounds are intense and nerve-wrecking, requiring the players to think tactical and act with cheetah-like reflexes to prevail. Weapon skins and clothes can be bought via microtransactions, but don’t affect gameplay. PUBG is like the granddaddy of Fortnite, where the big kids go to play. With intricate gameplay mechanics and a high skill ceiling, it is tough for newer players to get the hang of it, as they learn the tactics best suited for survival by trial and error, dying many times. If you like your battle royal authentic and unforgiving, this is your playground!
34. Ironsight
Load Up, Aim Down Sights, and Take On Your Enemies
Image credit: Aeria GamesPrivate military corporations are the dominant force in this near-future conflict between two rival factions, the North Atlantic Forces (NAF) and the Energy Development Enterprise Networks (EDEN). Each faction has their unique weapons, equipment and abilities. Featuring a good selection of classic game modes, like domination, search and destroy and deathmatch, the gameplay is fast paced and the graphics are impressive. Players enjoy deep customization of their weapons and characters. With microtransactions players can gain access to even more skins and upgrades, but also to new items and characters. While this brings a bit of inbalance into the mix, Ironsight can still be enjoyed without spending a dime on purchases. The game is rather well optimized and has a decent playerbase, making for quick matchmaking. Free to play FPS games are aplenty, but Ironsight is definitely one of the better ones out there.
35. Star Conflict
It’s Like Star Wars, but With More Explosions and Even Less Plot!
Image credit: Gaijin EntertainmentFor a decade-old game Star Conflict looks great and has the advantage of running well on weaker, modern hardware. Star Conflict features everything you’d expect, from exploration, lots of customization and different classes, to extensive battles against other players and computer controlled enemies. After players have embarked on solo missions to hone their skills enough and got all the valuable resources they needed to deck out their ship, it’s off to joining a corporation to engage in even larger scale space battles. The space environments look stunning and the ships are all highly detailed, while running smooth on average PCs. The controls are easy for a game of it’s kind and the space-combat is fast paced and fun. Microtransactions are optional and don’t interfere with gameplay. Star Conflict could use a tutorial mode, but besides that it’s a great game, absolutely worth checking out.
36. Black Squad
Aim for the Head, Not for the Wallet!
Image credit: VALOFEPlayers work together in teams to take out their opposition in Black Squad. The game features a variety of game modes one would expect, like deathmatch, demolition and the popular battle royale mode. Players can customize their weapons, equipment and choose between different characters, to compete in ranked, heated matches. The maps and environments are well crafted, the graphics look good and the action is immersive and fast-paced, even on slightly underpowered hardware. Black Squad does feature microtransactions as a means of monetization, which are mostly used for cosmetic items. But some booster packs might give players an edge over other, non-paying plebs, which they will complain about in in-game chat constantly. Black Squad also suffers from a bit of lag or a connection hiccup here and there, which can be quite frustrating. Overall it still is a very decent, easy-to-pickup online FPS, worth checking out for fans of the genre.
37. Cry of Fear
If Silent Hill and Resident Evil Had an Ugly Baby, It Would Be Cry of Fear
Image credit: Team PsykskallarIn this absolutely free to play survival horror game Simon needs to face his severe anxiety and depression, while being out in the streets of Stockholm in Sweden. The horror depicted in Cry of Fear has some definitive lovecraftian vibes. Cry of Fear started it’s life as a Half Life 1 mod and to put it bluntly, it shows. Still, it’s a fantastic game, with many thrills and scares, great storytelling at absolutely no cost. Simon needs to uncover the secrets behind what is happening all around the city and with his own mental state, utilizing a unique atmosphere, that lets you forget the clunky graphics rather quickly. The gameplay features melee combat and puzzle-solving elements, to keep things fresh and the players on their toes. Look past the dated graphics and you will find an engrossing, thrilling, pulse-raising horror experience, for absolutely zero dollars.
38. MechWarrior Online
Mechs, Guns, and Mayhem, Oh My!
Image credit: Piranha Games Inc.When mentioning the best free PC games, one rather not forget MechWarrior Online. Set in the beloved BattleTech universe and distant future, players pilot giant BattleMechs against each other in an online arena. Using different tactics and strategies to win, players engage in an array of game modes, like team deathmatch, capture the flag and assault. The graphics in this one are excellent, really honoring the source material. As a free-to-play online game, MechWarrior Online features microtransactions. These can be used to buy mech packs and cosmetics. The gameplay can be lumbering, slow and methodical, which may not be of the casual gamer’s taste, but will be the best thing ever for any serious mech fan. The learning curve is rather steep, MechWarrior doesn’t hold back in complexity and customization options, just as BattleTech fans would expect. If you are into mechs, this is a dream come true, if not, you still should give it a try.
39. Vindictus
Hack, Slash, Loot, Repeat!
Image credit: NEXONWhen Vindictus came out back in 2010, it stunned players with amazing graphics, visceral violence, deep customization options and fast-paced combat. The asian-esque aesthetics go really well with it’s gritty, dark fantasy world and the gameplay is as immersive as it gets. Even by today’s standards, Vindictus still looks great and is still considered rather violent. One standout feature is a very robust character creation system, allowing players to completely make their character their own. As a free-to-play title, Vindictus sports microtransactions, mainly for cosmetic items and boosters. Advancing can be quite grindy though, requiring a lot of time to be invested, to get the best gear. Besides exploring the vast game world with it’s many quests, players can also compete against each other in PvP battles. Content updates have become quite slow in recent years, but the player base is still big enough, to have a great time with this one.
40. Skyforge
Become a God and Kick Some Butt!
Image credit: Music Guru LLC, Allods TeamIn Skyforge players assume the role of immortals, who fight to save their planet. These immortals can switch their classes on the fly, thanks to a unique gameplay system. This allows for loads of flexibility during combat and near endless customization. The action is fast-paced, the story interesting and immersive and the graphics are detailed and colorful, offering a standout experience, ready to take away hours from your life. Skyforge is free to play, with optional microtransactions to speed up progress or purchase cosmetic items. Skyforge features PvP and PvE modes, where up to 10 players can group up and go adventure together. If you are into sci-fi and fantasy MMORPGs and not afraid of a little bit of good old repetitive grinding, Skyforge is definitely worth a try. The playerbase has been dwindling since it’s launch, but bringing Skyforge to consoles has rekindled interest in the game a bit.
41. Albion Online
Craft, Trade, Conquer, Repeat – Like It’s Ultima Online!
Image credit: Sandbox Interactive GmbHAlbion Online features a vast online world with thousands of players and a „raise it, by doing it“-skill-system. That’s right, there are no classes and levels, rather a bunch of skills and by raising them the player defines what character they are playing. It’s a fun and engaging way to shape a character in this dynamic world. Albion Online features a deep crafting system and the whole economy is player-driven. Players can embark on epic quests, or just become the best blacksmith in whole Albion. The game features an extensive PvP system with full-loot PvP zone and large guild battles. Don’t let the very simplistic graphics fool you, zoomed out in it’s top-down view you won’t even notice, but Albion Online will run great, with plenty of players on the screen at once, even on older hardware. It is free-to-play, but offering a premium subscription for extended content and faster progression. You absolutely need to check this one out.
42. Ring of Elysium
Snow Way Out: Battle for Survival in the Icy Tundra!
Image credit: TCH Scarlet Limited, Aurora StudioBattle Royale games always feature some kind of mechanic or gimmick, that makes the available area shrink, forcing players into confrontations with each other. In Ring of Elysium it is a hefty snow storm. The change of locale to a wintery resort is a nice breather of fresh air (pun intended) for the genre, as it adds new gameplay elements, like environmental hazards, dynamic weather, snowboards and hang gliders for the players to navigate the terrain. Characters can be heavily customized with weapons, skins and cosmetic items. The ultimate goal is to reach the escape helicopter and make it out alive. The game features microtransactions, which are mostly limited to cosmetic items and do not offer any unfair advantage. Ring of Elysium has a large-enough player base to get into matches rather quickly, looks good graphic-wise and provides a fresh spin on the BR genre, so giving it a chance is highly recommended.
43. Goose Goose Duck
Among Us, But With Ducks!
Image credit: Gaggle Studios, Inc.If you love Among Us, but you also love goofy, waddling ducks, this is the game for you. You and your fellow gamers assume the role of silly looking birds, working together and trying to repair their spaceship, but wait, there is an imposter amongst the geese. There is a lot of suspense to be enjoyed in Goose Goose Duck, but even more fun to be had, accomplishing silly goals like herding the geese, feeding the ducks or swiping up feathers. The whimsical gameplay is perfectly accompanied by a very fitting visual style and sound effects. Cosmetic items, like hats and costumes, can be bought via microtransactions, are completely optional and do not affect gameplay. Goose Goose Duck is a lighthearted, funny spin on the Social Deduction genre that was popularized by Among Us, perfect for playing with friends and family. Just make sure to keep it all funny and friendly, as Goose Goose Duck is sure to ruffle some feathers!
44. The Elder Scrolls: Legends
If Hearthstone Had a Baby With Skyrim…
Image credit: Bethesda Softworks, Sparkypants Studios, LLCFor everyone who loves to get immersed in the Elder Scroll’s world and lore, this game just offers another fun way to do so. The Elder Scrolls: Legends includes various modes, like a campaign, casual play and of course competitive, ranked play for players to enjoy and build their perfect decks. Thanks to high quality artwork and the rich lore provided by the Elder Scrolls universe, this is an engaging and fun play for fans of the subject matter and casual players alike. Microtransactions are used to buy card packs and cosmetic items. All of which can also be earned by regular gameplay and completing daily quests. The Elder Scrolls: Legends features cross-play between the available platforms. Unfortunately, the game’s active development has been halted in 2019, but it still offers a rich and fun experience for free with plenty of players still active.
45. Doki Doki Literature Club!
Poetry, Cute Girls, and Psychological Horror – What’s Not To Love?
Image credit: Team SalvatoFree PC games in horror genre are not something you see all too often, especially not good ones. Doki Doki Literature Club is a true surprise, especially since it is simply free to play. Period. There is a deluxe version of the game though, that costs money, but the free-to-play Doki Doki Literature Club! is perfectly fine. It is a visual novel which goes deep into horror and romance territory at the same time. The storytelling is expertly pulled off and the visuals are of high quality, lending a lot of personality to all the characters the player encounters during this singleplayer romp. Something sinister is going on behind the scenes and it is equally shocking and entertaining, unraveling what exactly it is. The haunting soundtrack adds perfectly to the dense atmosphere. Doki Doki Literature Club! has garnered a dedicated following since it’s release and it is easy to see why. There is no reason not to try this, except you are easily upset.
46. Marvel Snap
Avengers: Snap Happens!
Image credit: Nuverse, Second Dinner Studios, Inc.Marvel Snap throws you in the action right away, featuring unique and challenging puzzle and card collecting gameplay. In various modes, including arcade, classic, challenge and time trial, player scan face off against each other in exciting battles, featuring the beloved Marvel characters. Marvel Snap is free to play, but features microtransactions to buy ingame-currency and unlock additional character packs. Still, the game can be enjoyed by all players, without spending real life money on anything. While easy to pickup, Marvel Snap is hard to master and provides quite a bit of strategy fun, if you are willing to invest the time. The graphics are bright and easy on even low-spec hardware. For marvel fans, it’s a just recommendation, everyone else might find more engaging card-battlers elsewhere. Marvel Snap is a relatively small download, so why not give it a whirl?
47. Heroes of the Storm
Blizzard’s All-Star MOBA!
Image credit: Blizzard Entertainment, IGDBOf the many free PC games for download, not many have the degree of polish this Blizzard MOBA has. Bringing together plenty of characters from all across their games, Heroes of the Storm oozes that „Blizzard-charme“ the company was loved for, before the „Don’t you have phones?“ thing when unveiling Diablo Immortal. Even with it’s development having been slowed down and the playerbase slowly dwindling, Heroes of the Storm is still great fun today. It’s bright, it’s colorful and the controls are tight. There is plenty to unlock with a loot-box system and players can also spend real life money for unlocks, skins and collectibles, but it is absolutely not necessary to do so. In the swamp of MOBAs available on PC, Heroes of the Storm definitely is one of the better ones and a great, easier alternative to genre evergreens League of Legends and Dota 2. If you are a MOBA and Blizzard fan, you will absolutely love this.
48. Star Trek Online
Boldly Go Where Many Have Gone Before!
Image credit: Gearbox Publishing, Cryptic StudiosIf you enjoy free PC games in the RPG genre, but you also got a soft spot for everything Star Trek and plenty of time to kill, this MMORPG by Perfect World Entertainment is just right for you. Players can create their own captain and go explore the galaxy. Along the journey they will encounter iconic locations and well known species from across the Star Trek canon. Customizing their ship and crew, engaging in diplomacy, fighting space battles and absolving ground missions are just the main chunk of activities available to players. The content of Star Trek Online is huge, spanning the whole series’ and movies’ universe with plenty of fan service and easter eggs. The graphics are fine and will look good even on weaker hardware. The game is fully free-to-play, offering microtransactions for cosmetic items and small perks. Highly recommended, play long and prosper!
49. Splitgate
Is it Halo? Is it Portal? It’s… Splitgate!
Image credit: 1047 GamesNow this is something special and unique, putting a constant smile on our faces. Imagine fast-paced arena shooters like the classic Quake 3 Arena, lovingly blended with portal-based gameplay and modern, polished graphics. That’s Splitgate in a nutshell. Players can use their weapons and their portal gun to create confusion and outsmart their opponents. It’s the perfect, creative, fun storm and a match made in gaming heaven. While the clean, futuristic graphics look great, they are highly optimized and Splitgate will run fine, even on lower spec machines. The game has a great, active community and receives regular updates. Splitgate offers microtransactions, that can be used to buy in-game cosmetics, they are purely optional though, the game is kept balanced and fair. Fans of fast-paced, arena-style shooters with a fresh twist really need to check this one out. We suspect, that Splitgate will only grow in popularity and go even stronger in the coming years.
50. Drakensang Online
Slay Dragons and Level Up, All While Wearing a Pointy Hat!
Image credit: Bigpoint GmbHOriginating as a browser-based game, Drakensang Online is surprisingly deep, complex and visually pretty too. It features a lot of stuff an MMORPG fan would come to expect, but also has some serious surprises up it’s sleeves. For example, the dynamic, fast-paced, real-time combat, requiring skill and strategy and not only stats and unlocked abilities. Drakensang’s storyline is especially well made and engaging, accompanying the players through the quests and missions. Another plus is Drakensang Online’s strong social component, allowing the creation of large guilds, with players from all over the world joining. The featured microtransactions are completely optional and not required for progress. Overall Drakensang Online is a classic MMORPG with a few modern twists, an active community and strong support from it’s developer. For fantasy fans and anyone who wants to try something way too good for a browser-game, look no further.
51. Realm of the Mad God Exalt
Die, Retry, and Die Again!
Image credit: Deca Games, Wild Shadow StudiosOkay, this looks old. It is old. But oh my, is it fun. Run, gun, fight and die a permanent death. Realm of the Mad God Exalt sports very crude pixel graphics, but boasts it’s own kind of charme. Imagine something like Gauntlet, but with the speed cranked up to 11 and the graphics down to 3. Players enjoy 18 unique character classes, tons of loot, nasty boss battles and a cooperative gameplay experience, that will forge friendships in 8-bit pixel fire. The game is monetized through in-game purchases that players can use to boost their experience and customize their character, but it won’t throw off game balance. The horrendously simple graphics come with a huge advantage too, as this frantic Bullet Hell MMORPG romp will run on almost any potato machine. Progress can sometimes be slow, but once you got hooked, you will happily grind away. If you enjoy very simple 8-bit graphics and nail-biting action, you should definitely check this one out.
52. Gwent
The Card Game That Was So Good It Got Its Own Game
Image credit: CD PROJEKT REDGwent was the card game players could play within the game The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. People obviously loved it, so CD Project Red created a standalone version of it. Gwent is a very strategic game, requiring careful planning and tactical thinking. As something unique for a DCCG, players can choose to only play one card per turn and the placement of the cards is also of high importance. It’s little things like these that keep the experience fresh. For fans of The Witcher, Gwent is another option to bring the game world to life, as it features stunning graphics, especially for a DCCG, and an immersive soundtrack. While it is possible to purchase card packs with real money, players can build a strong card deck without spending any too. Gwent only increases in popularity, still receiving regular updates and expansions. Easily recommended.
53. Conquerer’s Blade
Slay and Conquer Your Way to the Top
Image credit: My.Games, Booming TechInspired by real-world events and history, Conquerer’s Blade sees the players duke it out in massive siege battles. To come out victorious, players need to coordinate with their team to attack or defend castles, tactically deploy siege weapons and engage in real-time-combat in teams of up to 15 players. Conquerer’s Blade offers a vast array of PvP and PvE modes and the fluid, impressive graphics perfectly depict the sheer chaos and awe of large scale medieval battles. The game sees heavy support in the form of new content and gameplay mechanics and still has a very active community and large playerbase. Monetization is done through in-app purchases like cosmetic items and mounts and boosts. These items don’t unbalance things to a point where the game feels unfair or is not enjoyable anymore though. Overall, Conquerer’s Blade is a must-play for fans of tactical gameplay and medieval warfare. It’s free to play, so why miss
54. Blade & Soul
It’s Like Cosplay, but With More Kicks and Swords
Image credit: NCSoft, IGDBBlade & Soul is all about martial arts and customizing the looks of your character. There is a good variety of classes and races available to choose from to go and fight against the corrupt empire. There are plenty of quests and missions to do, but the real star of the show is the combat. Blade & Soul features a dynamic, fast-paced combat system ,requiring a lot of strategy and skill. Aerial maneuvers, a range of combo- and special attacks, are all here to be enjoyed, like an elegant, expressive dance. The asian-aesthetic graphics still look great, with stunning landscapes and intricate character designs. Players can enjoy Blade & Soul without spending a dime, but microtransactions are available for cosmetic and convenience items. While a bit grindy, Blade & Soul still has an active community and regularly receives content updates and bug fixes. Definitely worth checking out.
55. APB Reloaded
Cops vs. Robbers: Reloaded!
Image credit: Little Orbit, Reloaded ProductionsIn the fictional city of San Paro, the crime rate has skyrocketed. Players need to join one of two factions, either the enforcers or the criminals. There is a wide range of missions available to enjoy, from bank robberies and car chases to shootouts and full blown heists. Yes, that does tingle our GTA-senses and yes, that is a good thing. The characters can be customized heavily and besides the missions, there are also classic game modes like CTF and DM. The graphics are a bit on the dated side, but the cartoony style helps to keep them somewhat fresh. Overall, everything has a gritty, urban feel. Microtransactions allow the players to buy in-game items, most of them cosmetic. The playerbase is still quite large and active, but the game can be a bit grindy, demanding a heavy time investment to get the best gear.
56. Lord of the Rings Online
One Game to Rule Them All
Image credit: Standing Stone Games, LLCLOTRO takes place in the beloved universe created by J.R.R. Tolkien. Players can explore Middle-earth as their own, unique character and embark on an exciting journey, meeting the iconic characters from the books, such as Frodo, Legolas, Gandalf and more. The vast open world features a variety of landscapes, from the Shire to Mordor. The game has a rich storyline, that will please fans of the books and movies alike. For an older game, the updates and the community are still going strong and LOTRO fans seem to be an especially welcoming bunch. While the graphics are looking a bit dated, they are still beautiful. Microtransactions can be used to buy mounts, cosmetics and XP boosts, the main game is free-to-play, but certain areas need to be unlocked with real money. Still worth a look, not only for fans of the source material.
57. EVE Online
In Space, No One Can Hear You Scheme
Image credit: CCPEVE Online is one of the longest running and still active MMO games out there, thanks to heavy support, a strong community and countless updates since it’s release over 20 years ago. This gigantic space sandbox game is best known for extensive and exciting PvE and PvP content, a player-driven economy and a large and loyal fanbase. The graphics can look dated at times, but this doesn’t matter too much, once you have been witness to one of the large scale space battles. Mine, explore, fight – there’s enough content for everyone to enjoy. EVE Online uses a hybrid approach to monetization. The base game is free to play, but there is also a subscription model to gain access to even more content. EVE Online can be daunting for newbies, as it is complex, rich in lore and the UI can be a bit overwhelming. Still, if you put in the effort, it can be a really rewarding experience. EVE Online is old, but gold.
58. Bit Heroes
Rock it, like it’s 1989!
Image credit: Kongregate, JuppiomenzImagine if you could go on epic adventures back on the old Nintendo Entertainment system. That’s exactly what Bit Heroes looks, sounds and feels like. Players start off as a character with somewhat limited abilities, to unlock new skills and equipment, they need to progress further into the game. There is plenty of monsters to be slain, quests to be solved and loot to be found. The game has a friendly, active community and there is always someone to team up with for the game’s large and thrilling boss battles, or to romp through a dungeon or two. While players can play through the whole game without spending a single dollar, there are microtransactions present to purchase in-game items. If you have a soft spot for nostalgic 8-bit style pixelart and can forgive the occasional bug here and there, Bit Heroes is a charming, fun experience that is best enjoyed with 3 of your best mates.
59. IdleOn
Doing Absolutely Nothing Can Be So Much Fun!
Image credit: Lavaflame2IdleOn is a charming pixel art affair, that can feel productive and fun, while doing absolutely nothing. Players can create their own unique hero and then embark on a fun journey to collect loot, battle monsters and level up. Further players can create their own items and gear through a solid crafting system, join guilds and participate in events and trade items. So basically everything you’d expect from an online MMO. The retro-inspired graphics are accompanied by a fitting soundscape and the game is monetized through in-app purchases, that are not pay2win though, keeping everything in a somewhat fair balance. Being an idler, IdleOn lets players set certain actions that the character will then go and do while they are not actively playing the game. Don’t tell anyone, but this makes for a great game to play on your job… If you’re open for a quirky, fun experience that hits a little bit different, give IdleOn a try.
60. Z1 Battle Royale
„Buuuugs!“
Image credit: Daybreak Game CompanyFormerly known as „H1Z1“ back in 2015, Z1 Battle Royale has seen a fair share of updates and quality-of-life improvements, squashing many of the plentiful bugs it had a bad reputation for. But that is all in the past now. Z1 Battle Royale puts 150 people at odds with zombie hordes and one another. Survival is the name of the game in solo, duo and team play modes. A standout feature is the auto royale mode, where players can duke it out in vehicles. The gameplay is fast-paced, a large variety of weapons can be found and items can be crafted. The engine runs well, even on older machines and the graphics look perfectly fine. Thanks to a large playerbase and regular updates, there’s plenty to play and do in Z1 Battle Royale. Microtransactions can be used to buy cosmetic items and loot crates, or a starter pack with a few boosts in it. If you like battle royale with zombies, you will like Z1.
61. VR Chat
Where You Can Talk to a Pikachu and a Slice of Pizza at the Same Time
Image credit: VRChat Inc.VR Chat is a virtual reality game that allows players from all over the world to enter into a virtual space and interact with each other. A VR headset is technically not strictly required but is the whole point of the experience, without one you are simply missing out. Freedom of creativity is the name of the game as the users generate most of the content themselves, starting with their avatars, ranging to rooms and whole worlds, all of which can be shared with other players. In VR Chat players can not only chat with each other, but also explore the 3D generated creations of each other, attend virtual events and play various mini-games. The graphics passable, but nothing really special to write home about. But the experience as a whole feels a bit like early IRC chat rooms perfectly mixed with Second Life. If you own a VR Headset, this is definitely worth checking out. For now VR Chat is fully free-to-play, with monetization being announced at a later date.
62. Trackmania
Race Your Way to the Top, One Track at a Time!
Image credit: Ubisoft, NadeoThe free PC games racing segment is dominated by Rocket League, but Trackmania has a large following and plenty to do and it is easy to see why it is so much fun. Trackmania is all about getting the fastest laps on user-created tracks, that can be shared within the community. Players can choose from a variety of cars, all with their own driving characteristics and from then on, it’s all about precise control and twitch reflexes. Trackmania features a vibrant, welcoming community, rarely seen when playing racing free PC games. The base game is free to play, but there is a subscription-model, that unlocks additional content, like more cars and track-building tools. If you are into fast paced arcade racing games with good graphics and a gigantic track builder sandbox mode slapped on top of it all, Trackmania is for you. Sim-racing enthusiasts don’t need to bother.
63. Crossfire
Get Ready To Cross the Fire and Come Out on Top!
Image credit: Wicked Interactive, SmilegateDespite being an older game, Crossfire is still huge in Asia. Imagine Counter-Strike with over-the-top cosmetic items and a crazy, skilled playerbase. Quick reflexes and precision aiming are a must to master the responsive controls and come out the victor in the 8v8 matches. The two teams in the game, Black List and Global Risk, battle it out in various game modes, like team search and destroy, team deathmatch and more. Unfortunately, as it often is with free-to-play games from the asian market, microtransactions are pushed quite a bit and shelling out real money will provide a significant advantage over others. Still, Crossfire can be enjoyed without spending any money, despite it’s dated graphics. Thanks to a large player base, there is always someone online to get into a match with. Crossfire is great for honing your snap-shot-skills before going back to CS:GO.
64. Battlerite
Arena Battles That Will Leave You Breathless!
Image credit: Stunlock StudiosIf you got bored by Heroes of the Storm, ragequit Dota 2 and got banned from League of Legends for foul language, you will eventually end up in Battlerite. Everything is fast paced, but more civilized in Battlerite, than in the aforementioned titles, and that is a good thing. Battlerite is all about dodging enemy attacks and working well with teammates. The battles are snappy and there is a large variety of champions to choose from. They all play very differently, depending on their unique abilities. Graphics-wise it is what one would expect, while lacking the polish of Dota 2, it’s still really nice to look at and it runs well on most older machines. Microtransactions are present, but only used for cosmetic items. They do not provide any in-game advantage. For fans of fast skill-based, intense multiplayer battles, there is much to enjoy in Battlerite.
65. Eternal Card Game
The Other HearthStone
Image credit: Dire WolfHearthStone has proven, that there is high demand for addictive, well made, digital collectible card games, especially, if they are free to play. Enter Eternal Card Game. In this awesome DCCG by Dire Wolf Digital players can enjoy deep and strategic gameplay, stunning graphics with beautiful card art and special effects. While microtransactions are present and allow players to buy card packs with real money, it is not necessary to spend any money to enjoy the game. Eternal Card Game is easy to pick up and learn, but hard to master, offering something for players of every skill level, from beginner to pro. Eternal Card Game not only features highly competitive online play, but also a sturdy single player campaign, just perfect to get the hang of things. If you enjoy card collecting, experimenting to find the perfect deck, this is for you. Eternal Card Game is a highly recommended play.
66. Boring Man – Online Tactical Stickman Combat
It May Sound Boring, but Stickmen Have Never Been So Deadly!
Image credit: Spasman GamesOkay, for this one, it’s exactly what it says on the tin. It’s stickmen fighting it out. Players can customize their stickman with skins, weapons and armor and then join the frantic, 2D fun. There is really nothing much to the graphics, it is, what you would expect, but it runs on absolutely anything and it is completely free. No micro-transaction, just fast-paced, addictive, simple gameplay. When fun is king and your friends can’t stop laughing, you know you have found a gem of a free-to-play 2D game. Boring Man features multiple, fun game modes, including king of the hill, capture the flag and of course the classic deathmatch. Boring Man can be picked up and played by anyone, just don’t expect to be woo’d by the graphics. It’s stickmen, loads of weapons, crazy fun and plenty of stickman-violence, completely free of charge. What’s not to love?
67. RuneScape
This is Where Your Granddaddy Went Questing Back in ye Olden Days
Image credit: JagexThis game has been around for over two decades. Yes, you read that right. It’s old, but gold, as they say. RuneScape offers non-linear gameplay, allowing players to carve out their own path and create their own personal story within the game world. It is a bit like Ultima Online, another game no one remembers. Luckily RuneScape has been improved and updated extensively over the years, to keep it fresh and relevant for returning and new players alike. The game can be played in a free-to-play version, but all the best features are hidden behind a paywall for „members“. Regardless of the version you play, prepare to invest huge chunks of time into it to make any significant progress. This is all part of an antiquated gameplay loop that still has it’s own fascination. If it’s all gameplay over graphics for you, this might be right up your sleeve. Just don’t expect too many quality-of-life features we’ve got used to in the decades since RuneScape’s original release.
68. Duelyst 2
Draw Your Cards, Make Your Move, and Duel to the Death – Pixel Style!
Image credit: Dream Sloth GamesNow this is something fresh. As we are writing this, Duelyst is fully free to play and open source. It’s a tactical board game where you collect cards, cast spells, summon creatures and utilize your hero’s abilities to defeat every opponent. The game is rendered in a beautiful, stunning, pixel artstyle. This will eat a good chunk of your time, when you are starting out, as it has a rather steep learning curve and matchmaking can be slow, due to a small playerbase. Regardless, Duelyst is a grand game, that will run on almost anything. The monetization is as fair as possible, only focusing on cosmetic items like card backs, all cards and gameplay content can be obtained through regular play – awesome. So if you’re sick already of Hearthstone, but still addicted to digital, collectible card games, this is worth a long look, especially if you enjoy wonderful pixel art. As of December 17. 2022, Duelyst has evolved into Duelyst 2.
69. Iron Snout
Pepper Pig This is Not!
Image credit: SnoutUpOkay, imagine Pepper Pig going the Happy Tree Friends route. If you can’t remember Happy Tree Friends, you are probably GenZ and should definitely google it. When you are back, we are happy to tell you, that Iron Snout is a fun, crazy and humorous romp in the fighting game genre. In simple kid’s-television-show-graphics the player (yes, there is no multiplayer, but players can chase and compare high scores) fights against never ending hordes of wolves, using a variety of ever increasingly violent weapons. The game is short, but addictive and loads of fun. There is not much monetization-wise, besides the occasional hat or costume to buy, just for the LULz. Since this is really good fun, costs nothing and runs on a potato, you have no excuse for not taking a look. Yes, it’s short, repetitive and kind of dumb, but hey, we’ve all spent our time worse, haven’t we?
Search on Amazon*, Steam, Playstation Store, Apple App Store, Google Play, itch.io, Website
70. Project Xandata
Blast Your Way Through the Competition in This Stylized Shooter!
Image credit: Secret 6Free online games in PC gaming are often trashy shooters, so is Project Xandata, but it’s of a certain quality and charme, that is hard to ignore. In a dystopian future (of course, where else?) players are facing off in 4v4 matches, using a variety of weapons and high-tech gadgets. Project Xandata focuses on tactical gameplay and the right strategy. Blunt violence won’t get you far. A unique feature of this free-to-play online shooter is the modular armor system, which allows for plenty of smart customization. Players can progress through gameplay, but can also pay for boosters and cosmetic items. The graphics impress, Projext Xandata features a cyberpunk-inspired world with beautiful lighting and weapon effects. We can’t shake the feeling though, that it looks a bit like a chibi version of Overwatch. Which isn’t a bad thing, check it out, it’s really fun and one of the smarter free to play FPS titles out there.
71. AdventureQuest 3D
The Ultimate Quest, the Ultimate Adventure Awaits – And It’s in 3D!
Image credit: Artix EntertainmentAdventureQuest 3D may not offer too many new things for the MMORPG genre, but it is fun and free to play. The standout feature is crossplay. That means that players can meet in game, regardless of their device they are playing on. We suspect that gives PC players an advantage over players on their smartphone, but oh my. The graphics are serviceable, colorful and remind us a bit of early World of WarCraft. It has all the quests, dungeons and mechanics you would expect from a classic MMORPG. Since AdventureQuest 3D is a free-to-play MMORPG, there are also microtransactions. But they are not too invasive and mostly cosmetic. However, there is a downside to all of it and that is the repetitive gameplay loop, even for MMORPG standards. If you can stomach lots of padding and fetch-questing, you can still have a lot of fun with AdventureQuest 3D, without straining your PC hardware too much.
72. Spacelords
Changing the Name of Your Game Makes It Instantly Better!
Image credit: MercurySteamSpacelords is is a co-op game at heart and features a very interesting game mode, in which players can assume the roles of the 4 raiders or the role of the 1 antagonist per match. Spacelords features a rich story campaign, that can be enjoyed either solo, or with friends. The graphics are impressive, featuring very detailed character models and a deep customization system, offering the players many abilities and equipment to choose from. Spacelords features microtransactions for cosmetic items only, making them fully optional. It will take some time for new players to get the hang of things in Spacelords, as it is a very complex game, that requires some patience to be fully enjoyed. Unfortunately, modern players’ attention spans are short and so Spacelords’ player base has taken a significant hit since it’s release. Otherwise Spacelords is a fine free-to-play PC game, that is best enjoyed with your real life friends.
73. Quake Champions
Ready, Aim, Frag – If You Are Around 40, You Will Feel Right at Home!
Image credit: Bethesda Softworks, id SoftwareFree games in PC genres like FPS are a plenty, but nothing says „frag“ like Quake. Quake Champions is Bethesda’s free-to-play take on one of the first person shooter genres grand daddies, Quake 3 Arena. In similar fashion, players can enjoy frantic gameplay, rocket jumps, safe jumps and lots of adrenaline rushing through their bodies. Different champions offer a vastly different playstyle, keeping things fresh and interesting. The graphics are typical Quake stuff, with high quality textures and lots of polygons – still it runs very smoothly, even on dated hardware, making for very fast matches, requiring lots of attention and quick reflexes. Microtransactions are present, but purely cosmetic – they do not offer any gameplay advantage, making Quake Champions a fair, but tough, skill-based, highly competitive affair, with plenty of players online at almost any given time. If you’re nostalgic for the good old FPS days, or just want to enjoy a proven formula for the first time, you can’t go wrong with this one.
74. Lost Ark
Imagine Diablo, but On Mysterious, Asian Steroids!
Image credit: Amazon Games, Smilegate RPGPraised for it’s graphics and intuitive combat system, that allows for long chains of combo-attacks, Korean Action MMORPG Lost Ark finally shows up in best free-to-play PC games charts. Up to 4 players can join up and adventure together, exploring the vast and beautiful environments. Players can choose from 14 different classes, each with their different weapons and playstyles. Large-scale PVP battles and raid bosses, involving the coordinated teamwork of up to 30 players are also a huge part of the fun. Players who enjoy games like Diablo and World of WarCraft will feel right at home here. Lost Ark is all fresh and exciting, only the heavily featured microtransactions dull the overall impression a bit, which has led to a dwindling playerbase recently. That really is a shame, because all in all Lost Ark is really well executed and leaves a lasting, mostly positive impression.
75. Darwin Project
Freezing Cold Killed The Game-Show Star!
Image credit: Scavengers StudioLookin for a fun, modern, free PC game survival experience? You found it. Darwin Project takes the well loved battle royale formula, combines it with modern graphics and a game show setting that delivers a hilarious and tense experience like no other. Think Hunger Games meets Fortnite. Besides scavenging for resources and offing other participants, players must also stay warm and avoid deadly wildlife. The standout feature though is the show director feature. One players takes on the role of a game master and can influence the arena, buff players or just be a plain pain in the rear. This is a welcome extra layer of strategy and randomness. The artstyle is heavily stylized, very recognizable and a joy to watch in motion. The game is fully free-to-play and features microstransactions, which are only used for cosmetic items, like weapon skins. If you’ve got enough of Fortnite already, this should be your next stop, but prepare for long matchmaking times due to a low player count.
76. Dead Frontier 2
Zombies, Guns, and Survival – What More Could You Want?
Image credit: Creaky Corpse LtdIn the free PC games survival genre, there is a lot of fun to be had. Dead Frontier 2, while treading familiar grounds with its post-apocalyptic world that is infested with zombies and having to scavenge for resources and build bases, while fighting off the undead hordes, still feels somewhat fresh. Dead Frontier 2 offers plenty of pulse-raising, immersive moments, great lighting effects, creating a constant sense of danger and scarcity. Featuring a deep loot/crafting system, players can create and customize their gear to their hearts content. Segments of the gameplay loop can get repetitive, but fans of the genre find plenty of joy here. Just try to dodge the aggressive microtransactions. These might be the reason for the somewhat small player base. Finding other gamers to play with can often be a bigger chore than grinding for better gear in the game itself.
77. Pinball FX3
When You Want To Break Things but You’re Also a Classy Person
Image credit: Zen StudiosPinball FX3 is not only for grandpas *cough*. With that out of the way, let’s enjoy what’s on offer. Pinball FX3 is stock full of content, providing a single free-to-play pinball table, and a good one too. There is plenty of fun to be had with this one table, before players can purchase individual tables and packs through microtransactions. If you hope there is a Pinball FX3 table for your favorite movie or game, chances are, there is. The selection is really vast and a joy for every steel-ball enthusiast. The graphics are crisp and detailed, the tables are well animated, taking you right back a couple of decades with all the right sounds and buzzes too. This is a highly replayable format, offering hours of great fun for oldschool pinball enthusiasts and GenZ casual gamers alike. If you finally decide to spend real money, it feels like money well spent.
78. FreeStyle 2: Street Basketball
Take Your Skills to the Streets and Become the Ultimate Baller!
Image credit: JOYCITYFreeStyle 2: Street Basketball offers fast-paced, arcade-style gameplay and is focused on teamwork and strategy, making it a great fit for fans of the sport. Players can level up their skills and abilities over time, creating even more engaging matches with wildly exaggerated special moves on full display. While it is still possible to enjoy FreeStyle 2: Street Basketball as a fine free sports PC game with it’s variety of game modes, challenges and tournaments, there are microtransactions mudding the waters. By buying in-game currency for special items, players can get an advantage over their broke peers. The graphics of FreeStyle 2: Street Basketball are cartoony, cel-shaded and the special moves are flashy and fun to watch. Overall, players that enjoy fast-paced basketball games and can keep their wallets shut, can still find plenty of joy in this one. At least it’s not too taxing on the hardware, but it’s also not NBA Jam.
79. The Sims 4
Simulated Life, Without the Commitment or Consequences!
Image credit: Electronic Arts, MaxisA while back, The Sims 4 went free-to-play, as soon as the Sims 5 was announced. At least the base game. So, that is good news for everyone, that wants to drown virtual people in their pool or lock them into a burning house. We don’t blame you though, let’s just hope they never actually developed consciousness. Players have a whole open-world environment, to build and customize homes and micro-manage every aspect of their Sims’ relationships like a true helicopter-gamer. There are multiple expansions and content packs for The Sims 4, which, of course, are not free at all. But to get your feet wet and ponder the possibilities of us real people being managed in the same way by some unseen, omnipotent force, this is good enough. The Sims 4 offers plenty of fun and naturally is easier on the hardware than it’s successor The Sims 5, making it a good choice to get acquainted with this beloved franchise.
80. Dead Maze
Zombies, Puzzles, and Survival – Oh My!
Image credit: Atelier 801Dead Maze has you explore a vast 2D area, scavenging for supplies and building a shelter to survive the harsh realities of this post-apocalyptic zombie-ridden world. Dead Maze can be enjoyed alone, but obviously your chances of survival are higher if you band up with 3 friends. The economy in Dead Maze is player-driven, featuring a deep crafting system and immersive storytelling. Dead Maze does a great job never allowing you to feel safe. The graphics look like a flash game and might not be to everyone’s taste, but it’s easy on your hardware, so that’s a plus. The microtransactions are purely cosmetic and don’t offer any significant gameplay advantage. While repetitive and not the greatest in terms of variety, for fans of the genre, Dead Maze is definitely worth a look and a great romp with friends, on a rainy sunday afternoon.
81. Battlerite Royale
The (Other) Ultimate Battle Royale Experience!
Image credit: Stunlock StudiosCombining a unique top-down perspective with an impressive, vibrant, colorful art-style, that looks an awful lot like a modern take on World of WarCraft, players face off against each other, using a wide range of champions, employing a wide range of abilities and skills in fierce battles, in an ever shrinking Battle Royale arena, until only one player is left standing. The dynamic combat mechanics are easy to learn, allowing for a quick entry, but hard to master, providing an exciting endgame. Battlerite Royale emphasizes positioning and strategic gameplay, making it a rewarding and thrilling experience for anyone enjoying tactical games. Cosmetic microtransactions are available, otherwise the game is fully free to play. Queue times can be long during off-peak hours, but this one is a fun distraction and a great fresh take on the Battle Royale genre, any fan of the genre definitely should check out. And yes, it is related to the game Battlerite (which is a MOBA).
82. Revelation Online
Get Ready To Reveal Your True Power in This Massive Online Adventure!
Image credit: My.Games, NetEase GamesA deep and rewarding crating system, amazing, dynamic combat and plenty of skills and combos to use, if this sounds like fun, you can bet it is. Revelation Online is set in ancient China and features impressively detailed, stylized graphics with wide and open landscapes, that are worthy a screenshot or two. In the game’s vast world, there are plenty of quests and secrets to discover and thanks to the combat system, players can even take it to the skies and engage in exciting aerial combat. The microtransactions are not just used for cosmetics, mounts and such, but can also afford you a significant advantage over other players. The many systems and mechanics may overwhelm new players at first, so patience is a virtue, but for MMORPG fans burning to explore a new world, Revelation Online is a good choice and alternative to well-known western games in the genre.
83. Closers
Time To Close the Gap and Smack Some Faces
Image credit: Naddic GamesSet in a post-apocalyptic world, highly skilled warriors known as Closers are tasked with facing off against otherworldy invaders. This is all done in 2D side-scrolling fashion in colorful, vibrant Anime-style graphics. The game features a diverse cast of playable characters, each with their unique powers and abilities. The story delves deep into the world’s lore. The combat system is action-packed, fast paced and flashy, allowing the players to dish out devastating combos in perfect beat’em up style. Closers does look the part to make any serious Anime fan drool with joy, but suffers from the occasional slowdown, even on powerful machines. This action-packed free-to-play title uses microtransactions for cosmetic items and gameplay boosters. Overall, Closers doesn’t push the players all too hard to shell out some money and is worth a look, especially if you dig the Anime aesthetics and still got some thick skin on your thumb from all those Killer Instinct combos back in the day.
84. Last Cloudia
Summon, Slash and Save the Kingdom!
Image credit: AIDIS Inc.Last Cloudia is a straight mobile phone port to PC and it shows. The actual action is taking place in a shrunk-down-to-smartphone-proportions viewport and might turn many off immediately. But of course there is also some merit to all of it. This free-to-play Action RPG has plenty of content, pixel perfect artwork and flash effects going for it. Also there is loads of even more, additional content, available through in-app-purchases, as you’d expect. Once you got used to the visual presentation and hooked on the gameplay, you can make use of the idle-functionality of this F2P mobile phone port. Gear up your team within the deep character building system and send them out to gather resources and power ups. If you are keen on text-heavy, well crafted fantasy stories with flashy combat and if you can cope with the obvious mobile phone origins of Last Cloudia, the game never really manages to shake off at all, there is some free fun to be had with this fantasy Action RPG romp.
85. Trove
Dig Up Treasures, Build a World, and Get Lost in the Voxel Fun!
Image credit: gamigo US Inc.Imagine Minecraft and then infuse it with lots of quirkiness, an extra dose of flashy effects and humor. Then you got Trove. Just like in Minecraft, players can build anything they want and then go explore different biomes together. Graphic-wise it’s all about cartoonish, whimsical voxels, making it easy to fall in love with. The community is strong, players can join clubs, organize player-run events and compete in challenges. The lighthearted atmosphere contributes to appealing to a wide audience and the low system requirements make it an easy pick for older hardware. Trove is easy to enjoy, since it is fully free to play. However, Trove contains microtransactions that can be used to buy cosmetic items, costumes and mounts. Trove offers a lot of creative freedom, but the combat mechanics can feel a bit clunky and shallow. Players looking for a familiar yet fresh voxel experience, will feel right at home with Trove.
86. Champions Online
Create Your Own Superhero and Save the Day!
Image credit: Gearbox Publishing, Cryptic StudiosChampions Online is all about player customization. You can create your own unique superhero character, all complete with a wide range of powers and abilities to choose from and a fitting, individual costume. Then players are off to explore the vast open world with many explorable cities and underground dungeons. Champions Online is a free to play PC game, so it features microtransactions, naturally. These are used to buy additional costumes, powers and other items, which can lead to a certain unfair advantage for paying players. Being an old game, the graphics are not especially impressive, but they are colorful, cel-shaded and try to mimic a comic-book look. The lack of content updates have led to a relatively small player base, which makes it difficult to group up and do certain activities at times. Nonetheless, if you are into super heroes and want to explore a large open world, Champions Online is easy on your hardware and a relatively quick install to check it out.
87. Counter-Strike Nexon: Zombies
Kill Zombies, Take Names, and Survive the Apocalypse!
Image credit: NEXON, Valve CorporationLooking for a survival horror free PC game that’s based on a solid foundation? Look no further than CS Nexon: Zombies. Perfectly combining the classic, well-loved gameplay of Counterstrike with the survival horror genre, players can either be on the human team, trying to complete various objectives and survive, or join the zombie horde, trying to infect all humans. It all feels a bit like Left for Dead on steroids and that’s a good thing. The graphics are as you’d expect, quite serviceable, but nothing to write home about, but the gameplay is, where it is at with this one. Everything works just fine and scoring for your team feels satisfying, even on low spec machines. There is plenty of gear and weapons to choose from and many interesting game modes, but also microtransactions. In this free-to-play title the microtransactions are mostly cosmetic, but boosters can also provide an unfair advantage.
88. Call of Duty Warzone 2
Get Ready To Get Addicted in the Ultimate Warzone!
Image credit: Activision Blizzard, Infinity WardLarge open maps, top-notch graphics and a bunch of screaming, foul-mouthed 12-year olds owning you left and right, using a variety of weapons, vehicles and equipment in customizable loadouts – what’s not to love? Yes, it is still Call of Duty Warzone, but oh my was it ever so polished? Battle Royale modes are all the rage since PUBG and Fortnite, so it’s a natural progression for this behemoth of a FPS. The gameplay is as fast paced as ever and it seems like it has the potential to draw from the same player base like Fortnite (hence the 12-year olds mentioned above). Being an Activision game, the monetization in the game is quite harsh, pushing you to invest in cosmetic items and boosters, to not feel left out. Call of Duty Warzone 2 has the potential to be the best free-to-play FPS in a long while, seeing oldschoolers and GenZ clash hard on the battlefield.
89. Digimon Masters Online
Train, Evolve, and Become the Ultimate Digimon Master!
Image credit: MOVE ON USA CO., Move Games Co., Ltd.If you are looking for Pokemon free PC games, Digimon Masters Online is close. The game allows the players to create their own tamer to explore the digital world. Digimon can be captured, trained and evolved, just like you would do with Pokemon. Thanks to the Digivolution system, players can raise the stats of their Digimon until they can evolve them into completely different, more powerful forms. There is plenty to do in this MMORPG, as there are over 100 different species, all with their own unique abilities, to collect. Amongst MMORPG free PC games Digimon Masters Online offers a fresh and different take on the concept, providing a rich storyline during which players will interact with NPCs and face off against other tamers in epic boss battles. The graphical style is colorful, simple and vibrant, presenting a cartoonish look, that will immediately click with fans of the series. Microtransactions are included, offering players the ability to purchase premium items, that enhance the gameplay experience.
90. SoulWorker
Unleash Your Inner Soul and Fight Against Evil!
Image credit: Lion Games Co., Ltd.A captivating storyline and fast paced combo-based combat are the hallmarks of anime-style action MMORPG Soulworker by Lion Games. The visuals are simply stunning, the animations fluid, you will love it all, if you enjoy Anime and Manga. SoulWorker sees the players band together, to fight off the great evil forces, that threaten to destroy this post-apocalyptic world once more. SoulWorker features optional microtransactions, which unlock cosmetics and convenience items. A unique feature of the free-to-play MMORPG is „Stamina“, which limits the available time the game can be played per day. This is great for newcomers and younger players with no access to a payment method. With premium currency, that can be bought for real money, this feature can be removed. The only real downside to SoulWorker is that it can become grindy and repetitive really quickly, but your hero will look great whizzing through the same dungeons over and over. Highly recommended for Anime fans.
91. Counter-Strike: Global Offensive
Planting and Defusing Bombs, All While Landing Frame-Perfect Snap-Headshots!
Image credit: Valve Corporation, Hidden Path EntertainmentIf you enjoy hardcore, fast paced free pc games multiplayer FPS action, there is no way around CS:GO. This evergreen by Valve features intense and skill-based gameplay and is the de-facto-title for many hardcore e-sports enthusiasts. Got a new highly configurable gaming mouse? You need to try it out in CS:GO. The keys to success in this classic are perfect teamplay, communication, precision aiming, quick reflexes and strategic thinking. The competitive scene is very active all around the world. Newcomers might be overwhelmed by the steep learning curve at first, but the rewards for „getting gud“ are all the greater. Microtansactions are part of the game, but are only used for cosmetic items like stickers and weapon skins, they do not affect gameplay. The graphics are relatively simple and based on the Half Life engine, but that also means, that CS:GO runs well on low-spec PCs, making it very accessible. If you want to be a part of the PC-gaming master race, you need to master CS:GO first, it’s an unwritten law.
92. World of Warplanes
Take to the Skies and Become the Ultimate Pilot!
Image credit: Wargaming.netIf you are into Warplanes and free pc games multiplayer action, World of Warplanes might just be for you. Players can choose from a wide variety of warplanes from the 1930s to the 1950s and engage in large, aerial battles with other players from all around the world. The gameplay is mostly realistic, leaning on the sim side of things, allowing pilots to perform a whole lot of maneuvers, including immelmann turns, loops and barrel rolls. Even though the game is a decade old now, it had several updates and the graphics still look impressive. The planes are highly detailed and the environments are also visually pleasing to the eye. With credits and experience points earned in battle, planes can be bought and upgraded. The microtransactions are mostly used for cosmetics, but also unlock some premium planes. If you are into historic fighter planes and large aerial battles, World of Warplanes might just be the game for you.
93. Heroes in the Sky
Sky’s the Limit in This Action-Packed Aerial Combat Game!
Image credit: GameUS Inc.Join one of three main factions during World War II and get immersed in massive aerial battles. The game play falls somewhere between sim and arcade-style, making it easy to pick up but hard to master. The graphics look dated and are relatively simple but lend themselves well to the massive, action-packed battles Heroes in the Sky is known for. Players can found and join guilds, team up with their friends and take on the many challenges Heroes in the Sky has to offer. The microtransactions that are present in the game are mostly of cosmetic nature and don’t affect gameplay. Even though the game is older, there are still plenty of players playing it, creating an active community. The biggest downside is the limited amount of missions and maps to play, which can get repetitive after a while. If you are on low spec hardware and still want some massively multiplayer free-to-play action, this one is worth a look.
94. Dragon Nest
Get Ready To Nestle Into an Adventure Like No Other!
Image credit: Eyedentity Games Inc.In the wonderful, vast fantasy world of Althea, players can select one of four main classes and enjoy a wide array of quests, dungeons and challenges together. The combat system is fast paced and action oriented. Thanks to a unique anime-inspired style, the visuals are impressive and aged well since the original release of Dragon Nest in 2010. Besides the extensive story campaign, players can also participate in exciting PvP battles and tackle dungeons either solo or in a group. The microtransactions in the game do not affect gameplay, as they are mostly cosmetic. Even though Dragon Nest is already an old game, there is still an active, friendly and helpful community, that’s fun being a part of. If you don’t need high end graphics and are ok with a cute anime style and rather low polygon counts by today’s standards, it’s definitely worth a try.
95. Rift
Create Your Own Path, Choose Your Own Destiny, and Conquer the Rifts!
Image credit: gamigo US Inc.Rift features a vast fantasy world, full of different races and classes, like you would expect from any halfway decent massively multiplayer online role-playing game. The game released a while back and went free-to-play after their player based dwindled on a monthly subscription model. The classes are really something special in this one, featuring interesting concepts like the Chloromancer, channeling the forces of nature. The name-giving Rifts are also a nice concept, taking the form of dynamic public events of varying difficulty, when the Rifts open and evil forces pour into the world, players need to unite and fend off the invaders. The game features an engaging storyline and immersive gameplay, pleasing old-school fans of the genre. The game is visually still beautiful and the microtransactions seem to be fair, mainly focusing on cosmetic items, mounts and some experience boosts. Between World of WarCraft and Elderscrolls Online, Rift is a nice change of pace worth checking out.
96. MultiVersus
Imagine Warner Bros doing Super Smash Bros!
Image credit: Warner Bros. Games, Player First GamesImagine Arya Stark kicking the snot out of Bugs Bunny. You can’t? Well this is the best reason to give the 2022 released title MultiVersus a try. Simply imagine a crazy take on Super Smash Bros, but with characters from Warner’s vast universe of TV- and movie characters. Characters possess perks, that make things interesting and worthwhile exploring. Especially since the game is truly free-to-play, with no hidden hooks and traps. It’s available on PC and a vast array of consoles, so there is really no excuse to not give it a try. The graphics are heavily stylized and look quite cartoony, but time has shown, that these kind of graphics age especially well. MultiVersus’ character roster is ever expanding and even though the individual characters don’t feel as distinct as in Super Smash Bros, with a price of exactly zero dollars to play, it’s really hard to argue with what is on offer, right?
97. Valorant
Get Ready To Bring Your A-Game and Outplay Your Opponents!
Image credit: Riot GamesOf all the free pc games online, Valorant has made quite a splash in recent years, especially in the asian e-sports scene. The game is now gaining traction fast in the west too. It’s a free-to-play first-person shooter that perfectly combines tactical combat with hero-based gameplay. Similar to Overwatch, players compete in 5v5 matches, but the focus on teamwork and tactical play is really strong, making it the perfect experience, if you have a well oiled team. If you are playing with randoms though, this gets frustrating really quickly. Monetization is fair, cosmetic items can be earned or bought and everything that affects gameplay, can only be earned by playing the game. The graphics are modern, crisp and will age well, the environments are sight to behold too. The biggest downside about Valorant is a steep learning curve associated with lots of frustration coming from the often unbalanced matchmaking and the heavy emphasis on coordinated teamplay.
98. Hearthstone
Collect Cards, Cast Spells, and Enjoy the Fantasy World of Blizzard!
Image credit: Blizzard Entertainment, IGDBBlizzard’s WarCraft Universe is vast, so it’s a perfect fit for a collectible-card game. Hearthstone is free-to-play online and revolves around building the perfect decks of cards for any given situation. Players can face off against each other, go on daily quests, play campaigns against the computer and try their best to collect the most powerful cards. Where Hearthstone truly shines is it’s accessibility and low system requirements. Ingame-currency and cards can be earned by gameplay, but a lootbox-system is randomizing rewards. Card packs can be bought with real money, this is optional, but will afford you an advantage over players that don’t invest any money. The graphics and animations are timeless, hand drawn, intricate and charming. The game is a vast (but fun) timesink. With it’s ever changing meta, it might make the players feel it’s hard to keep up. Once you got hooked onto Hearthstone, you really need to slow down on those card packs! While still being played a lot, Hearthstone’s player base has taken a huge hit in recent years.
99. Robocraft
Build, Customize, and Battle With Your Very Own Robot
Image credit: FreejamSomewhere between robot-building-sim and shooter lives Robocraft. A free-to-play multiplayer game featuring ground-based robots, aerial drones and plenty of frantic game modes. The intricate building mechanics will instantly activate all your Lego-instincts from your childhood and is by far the most impressive feature of the game. Players will face off with truly unique and personalized robots, trying different strategies to create the ultimate robot-eating killing machine. By buying premium currency, players can speed up their progress and acquire cosmetic items. The graphics feel a bit dated nowadays, but are perfectly serviceable. Unfortunately, Robocraft doesn’t have a very large playerbase, this creates a situation where matchmaking can take quite a while. If it was for a bigger playerbase, Robocraft definitely would score higher on our top 100 best free pc games list, as it is a fun concept with plenty of action, once you actually manage to get into a few matches.
100. Dauntless
Looks Kinda Like Monster Hunter, Plays Like It Too
Image credit: Epic Games, Phoenix LabsIn a vast world, you team up with other players and go monster hunting. The giant beasts to take down are called Behemoths. Sounds familiar? Sure, because Dauntless draws heavy inspiration from the Monster Hunter series of games. In our book, that’s a good thing. The Action is fast-paced and the game is easy to pick up. It’s F2P and features a fair monetization system. Cosmetic items can be earned or bought, but all game-changing items and weapons, can only be earned by playing the game fair and square. The art style is pleasing to the eye and makes the game world really pop. The matchmaking can take a while though and like all games of this ilk, gameplay can get a bit grindy. Overall, Dauntless is a fun alternative for Monster Hunter veterans and newcomers to the genre alike, with plenty of servers available the fun usually is lag-free and fluid, regardless of where you live.
Honorable Mentions
These didn’t quite make the cut, but are still worth checking out.
Halo Infinite Multiplayer
Developed by 343 Industries, Halo Infinite had a rough launch with underwhelming graphics after a long development cycle. To make things good with the gaming community, we can now play the multiplayer portion of Halo Infinite for free. Adding the campaign, making the game whole, will cost you 60 dollars. Halo Infinite is available on Steam and in the Microsoft Store.
Yu-Gi-Oh! Master Duel
Based on the popular anime and accompanying card game, Yu-Gi-Oh! Master Duel has a lot going for it since it’s release in 2022. It’s just, that there are so many other DCCG out there, that will appeal to a wider audience. Nonetheless if you enjoyed Hearthstone but want to try something fresh, Yu-Gi-Oh! Master Duel is your game.
Search on Amazon*, Steam, Playstation Store, Nintendo Store, Apple App Store, Google Play, Website
The Cycle: Frontier
The Cycle is a PvPvE extraction shooter, an interesting concept, that sees players perform missions, while wild beasts and other players try to stop them. The graphics are really nice and the idea behind it all is something fresh in a crowded space, but newbies hardly have a chance against veteran players, sporting the best (purchasable) gear.
Shadowverse CCG: Academy of Ages
Yet another anime-style, digital collectible card game to enjoy. Shadowverse has a huge playerbase, especially in Asia, approaching 20 million. Players can choose from 8 champions and play with over 1.500 cards. The learning curve is steep though and new players might be overwhelmed.
War Robots
A poor man’s MechWarrior at first glance, War Robots has a lot going for it on it’s own. Large scale clan battles in 6v6 PvP matches, plenty of customization and weapons are it’s strong points, unfortunately it’s heavily emphasized to spend money on the microtransations, making this a pay to win title.
Frequently Asked Questions About Free PC Games
Where to download the best free PC games?
Steam and Epic Game Store are two great sources for plenty of really good free PC games to download. If you are into Blizzard games, like Overwatch and Heroes of the Storm, you need to get the Battle.net client.
What are the best free online games for PC?
According to our extensive research and personal opinions, the top 3 best free pc games are Dota 2, Warframe and Path of Exile. Opinions may vary though and there are plenty of other, great, free pc games to enjoy.
Do you need to install the best online PC games, that are free to play?
Most of them, yes. Some are playable in your browser, like Drakensang for example.
Are free PC games any good?
Yes, just because a game is free to play, doesn’t mean that they are not good. There are plenty of great free-to-play PC games. Some pressure you into spending real money to speed things up or get a new shiny item though.
Are there free PC games with hidden objects?
There certainly are, but if they were any good, we’d have them listed in our top 100 best free PC games list. Regardless of quality, free hidden object games can mostly be found on mobile devices. A hidden objects free-to-play PC title would be Unsolved Case: Murderous Script, or Paranormal Files: Silent Willow, both by BigFishGames.
What makes free-to-play online PC games good?
Criteria like gameplay and graphics apply to free-to-play online PC games as well, but there is more. Typically free-to-play PC titles, that are played online, depend on two huge factors: monetization and player base. Monetization needs to be fair, best only focused on cosmetic items and people actually need to play the game, so that matches are found easily. Free-to-play online PC games often tanked quickly, simply because monetization was perceived as unfair or pushy, leading to little interest and a non-existent player base, once the first marketing-hype blew over.
How We Choose And Rank
We ranked the best free PC games according to our research and personal opinion. We investigated popular PC gaming review sites, ranking sites, subreddits, steam reviews and more. Aggressive microtransactions that get in your way were a major factor for dropping a game’s score. After we compiled everything in a neat, ranked list, we add additional scores according to our personal tastes to the mix, making sure no old classics, that are still relevant today, are left out but we also have the latest, up-and-coming F2P games in our list. Then we stirred it all through and came up with the ranking you see in this article.