Best Free to Play games on Steam
Unlike generic lists, our strategy game recommendations use a rigorous analysis of Steam user reviews to identify and feature only the best, community-validated free to play games. For those who prefer not to search, lists of the most played and best free free to play games are available at the bottom of the page.
Filters & Lists
The Elder Scrolls: Arena
THE LEGEND BEGINS
Cyphers Game
It is the end of 1920. The Polish-Bolshevik war has been going on for almost two years. The battle for Korosteń – a key railway junction and technical supply base – is underway. Break Bolshevik cyphers, ensure radio communication, and neutralise the fearsome armoured trains.
Tag: The Power of Paint
The world is your canvas in this innovative first-person puzzle platformer. Tag walls and other surfaces with different colors of spray paint to reveal new ways to navigate each level, including bouncing off, sliding across, and sticking to the surfaces you paint.
FUCK PUTIN
In February 2022, Russia invaded Ukraine. This event shocked the whole world. Unjustified aggression must be condemned, and the president of Russia, Vladimir Putin - punished.
The one who pulls out the sword will be crowned king
Are you The Rightful King™ or just a filthy peasant? The sword is waiting for you to lift it, but it gets longer and heavier each time some else succeeds...
Just Act Natural
Just Act Natural is a hand-crafted online party game where players must hide among NPC characters to avoid detection from the seeker. Compete against your friends in a variety of game modes over a course of different rounds to be crowned the winner!
*NEW* SCUFFED BHOP SIMULATION 2026 GOTY EDITION
The long-awaited sequel to the hit game *NEW* SCUFFED EPIC BHOP SIMULATOR 2023 (POG CHAMP) is here! All new SinglePlayer maps with popular maps returning from the first game! Play online multiplayer cross platform with all new modes and experiences!
OBS Studio
Free and open-source software for video recording and live streaming
Tap Ninja - Idle game
Defeat enemies, earn gold, upgrade your village, become a Ninja Master!
BrainBread 2
Grab a weapon, demolish your enemies, level up, become more powerful, let the gore flow, let the limbs fly. BrainBread 2 introduces a zombie fps mixed with RPG / Arcade elements, the game is very action-packed and generally fast-paced.
Paint Warfare
A fast-paced online arena FPS with jetpacks, hang gliders, fast respawns, 6-minute rounds and instant matches
Citywars Tower Defense
Citywars TD is a cute multiplayer third person Survival Tower Defense. Build towers, gather resources, craft tools, upgrade weapons, level up buildings, expand your city with your friends and work under pressure before the next incoming wave of monsters.
Shadow Burglar
Play as Jean, a thief with the mystical power of morphing with the shadows. Creating yourself an improbable path in the dark and carefully dealing with guards in the light, you will try to steal back your deceased brother’s paintings. Do you have what it takes to avenge his legacy?
Aperture Desk Job
Introducing Aperture Desk Job — a free playable short made for the Steam Deck, set in the universe of the modestly popular Portal games.
Three Finger Battle Arena
Three Finger Battle Arena is a game where you can punch your friends into orbit, then swing away like nothing ever happened!
FPS Game: Dev Test
A Simple, Fun, Multiplayer FPS game, strictly built and packaged for development testing and networking development.
Graphwar
Graphwar is an artillery game in which you must hit your enemies using mathematical functions. The trajectory of your shot is determined by the function you wrote, and your goal is to avoid the obstacles and your teammates and hit your enemies. The game takes place in a Cartesian Plane.
AfterHours
Experience psychological horror in a large abandoned hospital. Hide, explore and survive from a mysterious creature living in the ruins of this hospital.
Towards Future
Waking up in the darkness, unable to see the sunrise, he remembered the little master carefully carried him home. The base has already fallen into ruin and there are no signs of any living people here. Where did the little master go? Is there any hope left under the doomsday?
Legend of the Outlaw Mage
Become the Outlaw Mage, wreaking havoc as you pursue the one who wronged you, casting and blasting your way in this Cowboy-Fantasy-themed 3rd-Person Action RPG.
Hacker Simulator: Free Trial
Become a hacker and build your online reputation to the top by discovering a simplified and enjoyable version of real-life hacking methods. Complete contracts, buy new programs, upgrade your computer, crack wifi networks and infiltrate peoples or companies online systems.
Most played free to play games on Steam
Take a look at the top free to play games that are currently attracting the largest player bases on the Steam platform, as of April 20th 2025.
1. Dota 2
Every day, millions of players worldwide enter battle as one of over a hundred Dota heroes. And no matter if it's their 10th hour of play or 1,000th, there's always something new to discover. With regular updates that ensure a constant evolution of gameplay, features, and heroes, Dota 2 has taken on a life of its own. Dota 2 is a free to play, moba and multiplayer game developed and published by Valve. Released on July 09th 2013 has received 2,466,311 reviews of which 2,010,666 were positive and 455,645 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.1 out of 10. The game has hit the top spot as the #1 most played free to play game, thanks to its 424,747 peak concurrent players over the last day.
8.1
2,010,666
455,645
424,747
players
2. Marvel Rivals
Marvel Rivals is a Super Hero Team-Based PVP Shooter! Assemble an all-star Marvel squad, devise countless strategies by combining powers to form unique Team-Up skills and fight in destructible, ever-changing battlefields across the continually evolving Marvel universe! Marvel Rivals is a free to play, multiplayer and hero shooter game developed and published by NetEase Games. Released on December 05th 2024 has received 264,904 reviews of which 213,442 were positive and 51,462 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.0 out of 10. While seeing 184,867 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #2 among free to play games based on player count.
8.0
213,442
51,462
184,867
players
3. Apex Legends™
Apex Legends is the award-winning, free-to-play Hero Shooter from Respawn Entertainment. Master an ever-growing roster of legendary characters with powerful abilities, and experience strategic squad play and innovative gameplay in the next evolution of Hero Shooter and Battle Royale. Apex Legends™ is a free to play, battle royale and multiplayer game developed by Respawn and published by Electronic Arts. Released on November 04th 2020 has received 987,640 reviews of which 663,258 were positive and 324,382 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.7 out of 10. While seeing 132,343 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among free to play games based on player count.
6.7
663,258
324,382
132,343
players
4. Bongo Cat
Bongo cat needs your help. Bongo cat needz more hatz!!! Every time you press a key, Bongo cat will punch your taskbar. Type, click, play, work to collect more points. Which hats will you find? Bongo Cat is a casual, cats and clicker game developed by Marcel Zurawka and published by Irox Games. Released on March 05th 2025 has received 6,924 reviews of which 6,686 were positive and 238 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. With 108,231 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played free to play games.
9.3
6,686
238
108,231
players
5. Banana
Banana is a clicker Game, in which you click a Banana! In Banana you click the Banana to gain even more Bananas! Every 3 hours, you get dropped a banana. Each banana is also made by the community in discord. Come hang out with us and let's grow into something awesome ! Banana is a free to play, clicker and singleplayer game developed by Sky, AestheticSpartan and O'Brian and published by Sky. Released on April 23rd 2024 has received 88,204 reviews of which 72,799 were positive and 15,405 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. With 107,276 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played free to play games.
8.2
72,799
15,405
107,276
players
6. War Thunder
War Thunder is the most comprehensive free-to-play, cross-platform, MMO military game dedicated to aviation, armoured vehicles, and naval craft, from the early 20th century to the most advanced modern combat units. Join now and take part in major battles on land, in the air, and at sea. War Thunder is a free to play, simulation and vehicular combat game developed by Gaijin Entertainment and published by Gaijin Network Ltd. Released on August 15th 2013 has received 743,117 reviews of which 473,366 were positive and 269,751 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.4 out of 10. With 63,314 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played free to play games.
6.4
473,366
269,751
63,314
players
7. Team Fortress 2
Nine distinct classes provide a broad range of tactical abilities and personalities. Constantly updated with new game modes, maps, equipment and, most importantly, hats! Team Fortress 2 is a free to play, hero shooter and multiplayer game developed and published by Valve. Released on October 10th 2007 has received 1,152,027 reviews of which 1,032,952 were positive and 119,075 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. With 47,712 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played free to play games.
8.9
1,032,952
119,075
47,712
players
8. Warframe
Awaken as an unstoppable warrior and battle alongside your friends in this story-driven free-to-play online action game Warframe is a free to play, action rpg and looter shooter game developed and published by Digital Extremes. Released on March 25th 2013 has received 621,274 reviews of which 541,215 were positive and 80,059 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. With 43,982 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played free to play games.
8.6
541,215
80,059
43,982
players
9. VRChat
Join our growing community as you explore, play, and help craft the future of social VR. Create worlds and custom avatars. Welcome to VRChat. VRChat is a vr, free to play and multiplayer game developed and published by VRChat Inc.. Released on February 01st 2017 has received 237,151 reviews of which 179,218 were positive and 57,933 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.5 out of 10. With 36,772 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played free to play games.
7.5
179,218
57,933
36,772
players
10. The Sims™ 4
Play with life and discover the possibilities. Unleash your imagination and create a world of Sims that’s wholly unique. Explore and customize every detail from Sims to homes–and much more. The Sims™ 4 is a life sim, character customization and free to play game developed by Maxis and published by Electronic Arts. Released on June 18th 2020 has received 167,109 reviews of which 145,918 were positive and 21,191 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. With 33,330 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played free to play games.
8.6
145,918
21,191
33,330
players
Free free to play games on Steam
Check out this fantastic list of free-to-play free to play games you can enjoy on Steam right now, updated on April 20th 2025. Looking for even more free titles? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of free to play free to play games.
1. Dota 2
Every day, millions of players worldwide enter battle as one of over a hundred Dota heroes. And no matter if it's their 10th hour of play or 1,000th, there's always something new to discover. With regular updates that ensure a constant evolution of gameplay, features, and heroes, Dota 2 has taken on a life of its own. Dota 2 is a free to play, moba and multiplayer game developed and published by Valve. Released on July 09th 2013 has received 2,466,311 reviews of which 2,010,666 were positive and 455,645 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.1 out of 10. With 424,747 active players enjoying it for free, this strategy game has reached the #1 spot among the top free free to play games on Steam.
8.1
2,010,666
455,645
424,747
players
2. Marvel Rivals
Marvel Rivals is a Super Hero Team-Based PVP Shooter! Assemble an all-star Marvel squad, devise countless strategies by combining powers to form unique Team-Up skills and fight in destructible, ever-changing battlefields across the continually evolving Marvel universe! Marvel Rivals is a free to play, multiplayer and hero shooter game developed and published by NetEase Games. Released on December 05th 2024 has received 264,904 reviews of which 213,442 were positive and 51,462 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.0 out of 10. Thanks to its free to play tag and a daily player base of 184,867, this free to play game has secured the #2 spot in the ranking of free free to play games on Steam.
8.0
213,442
51,462
184,867
players
3. Apex Legends™
Apex Legends is the award-winning, free-to-play Hero Shooter from Respawn Entertainment. Master an ever-growing roster of legendary characters with powerful abilities, and experience strategic squad play and innovative gameplay in the next evolution of Hero Shooter and Battle Royale. Apex Legends™ is a free to play, battle royale and multiplayer game developed by Respawn and published by Electronic Arts. Released on November 04th 2020 has received 987,640 reviews of which 663,258 were positive and 324,382 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.7 out of 10. Thanks to its free to play tag and a daily player base of 132,343, this free to play game has secured the #3 spot in the ranking of free free to play games on Steam.
6.7
663,258
324,382
132,343
players
4. Bongo Cat
Bongo cat needs your help. Bongo cat needz more hatz!!! Every time you press a key, Bongo cat will punch your taskbar. Type, click, play, work to collect more points. Which hats will you find? Bongo Cat is a casual, cats and clicker game developed by Marcel Zurawka and published by Irox Games. Released on March 05th 2025 has received 6,924 reviews of which 6,686 were positive and 238 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 108,231 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #4 position in the best free free to play games on Steam.
9.3
6,686
238
108,231
players
5. Banana
Banana is a clicker Game, in which you click a Banana! In Banana you click the Banana to gain even more Bananas! Every 3 hours, you get dropped a banana. Each banana is also made by the community in discord. Come hang out with us and let's grow into something awesome ! Banana is a free to play, clicker and singleplayer game developed by Sky, AestheticSpartan and O'Brian and published by Sky. Released on April 23rd 2024 has received 88,204 reviews of which 72,799 were positive and 15,405 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 107,276 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #5 position in the best free free to play games on Steam.
8.2
72,799
15,405
107,276
players
6. War Thunder
War Thunder is the most comprehensive free-to-play, cross-platform, MMO military game dedicated to aviation, armoured vehicles, and naval craft, from the early 20th century to the most advanced modern combat units. Join now and take part in major battles on land, in the air, and at sea. War Thunder is a free to play, simulation and vehicular combat game developed by Gaijin Entertainment and published by Gaijin Network Ltd. Released on August 15th 2013 has received 743,117 reviews of which 473,366 were positive and 269,751 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.4 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 63,314 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #6 position in the best free free to play games on Steam.
6.4
473,366
269,751
63,314
players
7. Team Fortress 2
Nine distinct classes provide a broad range of tactical abilities and personalities. Constantly updated with new game modes, maps, equipment and, most importantly, hats! Team Fortress 2 is a free to play, hero shooter and multiplayer game developed and published by Valve. Released on October 10th 2007 has received 1,152,027 reviews of which 1,032,952 were positive and 119,075 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 47,712 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #7 position in the best free free to play games on Steam.
8.9
1,032,952
119,075
47,712
players
8. Warframe
Awaken as an unstoppable warrior and battle alongside your friends in this story-driven free-to-play online action game Warframe is a free to play, action rpg and looter shooter game developed and published by Digital Extremes. Released on March 25th 2013 has received 621,274 reviews of which 541,215 were positive and 80,059 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 43,982 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #8 position in the best free free to play games on Steam.
8.6
541,215
80,059
43,982
players
9. VRChat
Join our growing community as you explore, play, and help craft the future of social VR. Create worlds and custom avatars. Welcome to VRChat. VRChat is a vr, free to play and multiplayer game developed and published by VRChat Inc.. Released on February 01st 2017 has received 237,151 reviews of which 179,218 were positive and 57,933 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.5 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 36,772 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #9 position in the best free free to play games on Steam.
7.5
179,218
57,933
36,772
players
10. The Sims™ 4
Play with life and discover the possibilities. Unleash your imagination and create a world of Sims that’s wholly unique. Explore and customize every detail from Sims to homes–and much more. The Sims™ 4 is a life sim, character customization and free to play game developed by Maxis and published by Electronic Arts. Released on June 18th 2020 has received 167,109 reviews of which 145,918 were positive and 21,191 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 33,330 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #10 position in the best free free to play games on Steam.
8.6
145,918
21,191
33,330
players