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
Sucker for Love: Prelude
Preform a series of scary rituals to win over an eldritch cutie and win a smooch!
GunboundM
GunboundM is the latest version of the world famous turn-shooter, Gunbound. Gamers from all over the world on Steam and mobile platforms can compete or collaborate together. Enjoy over 40 tanks and over 100 avatars with unique weapons and skills.
Cave Story's Secret Santa
After Balrog recovers the Christmas presents that were stolen by Chaba, the cowardly Mimiga named Santa must sneak into every house and return the missing packages. Be the Mimiga Who Saves Christmas!
The Savior From Above
A sidescrolling 3D adventure shortgame that combines multiple genres and features various action and puzzle sequences. Its artistic approach is supported by powerful visuals, intense atmosphere and a unique game narrative on the boundaries of science-fiction and fantasy.
Knell of St. Godhrkar
In this game, you can watch as 7 protagonists come to a crossroad, facing their own destiny. You will witness their own choices and the blood-splattering consequence they have on one another. There is no way out except to plunge them into the abyss...
Century: Age of Ashes
Century: Age of Ashes is a free-to-play multiplayer dragon shooter. Master a growing roster of classes and dragons, compete in intense arena battles and rule the skies in fast-paced aerial combats.
Jigsaw Puzzle Dreams
Beautiful Multiplayer Jigsaw Puzzle game where you can design the room you play in!
Bloons TD Battles 2
From the creators of Bloons TD6... Bloons TD Battles 2 is a brand new installment of the top-rated head-to-head tower defense game. Gather your Hero, choose your team of powerful Monkey Towers, and prepare to battle one on one against other players and relentless waves of Bloons!
Global City
Become the mayor and build the city of your dreams! In this game, anything is possible. Whatever you can imagine in a city-building and development simulator, you can do. Start from the very beginning and unlock new possibilities for developing your city in Global City!
Snake Force
Snake Force is an alternative top-down shooting game inspired by the classic game Snake. In this game, you’ll rescue your bros and fight along side with them. You and your bros will stand in a line, and shoot at the same point. Keep the shape of your squad, because bullets hurt whatever they hit.
Animaze by FaceRig
Livestream, chat, or create videos as world-class 2D and 3D avatars. Use one of the over 60 avatars provided or import your own 2D, 3D, VRM, or Ready Player Me model. Animaze is powering PuffPuff, one of the top real-time mocap virtual beings on TikTok with 4.7 million followers.
Halo Infinite
From one of gaming's most iconic sagas, Halo is bigger than ever. Featuring an expansive open-world campaign and a dynamic free to play multiplayer experience.
Pro Soccer Online
Pro Soccer Online is a 1st/3rd person, highly skill based, online multiplayer soccer game. It offers a sports game experience unlike any other with smooth, physics based, input driven gameplay that is competitive and rewarding with no pay to win mechanics.
100 hidden frogs
The frogs hid. Can you find them?
NOeSIS02_羽化
A spirit trapped in the mirror, a girl restrained by her elder sister, a younger sister suffering from serious illness.The second wave of NOeSIS and a story of troubled girls and boys.
TramSim Munich - The Tram Simulator
Discover with TramSim Munich a new city with numerous landmarks as well as the low-floor tram model R2.2.b! Transport your passengers on three detailed tram lines in full length through the centre of the Bavarian capital.
Cover Fire: Offline Shooting Game
Best Offline Shooter and Sniper Game. Warning it's addictive
Cell to Singularity - Evolution Never Ends
The epic story of evolution, technology, humanity, and dinosaurs is yours to tap.
Idle Big Devil
Idle Big Devil is a free idle RPG game with 3D graphics. If you are interested in strategy or idle games, you might want to take a look!
Flesh Water
This is your last day as a worker for a pet feeding service, and depending on how the day goes, your life. Prepare the final meal for a client's odd pet that lives in an abandoned pool all while trying to make it out safely and avoid mistakes.
Get Stuffed!
Get Stuffed! is an Asymmetrical Multiplayer Social Horror game. Up to 16 players try to kill, deceive or escape as one of three role categories (Killer, Antagonist, or Victim). Each role has a unique way of winning.
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 19th 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 379,977 peak concurrent players over the last day.
8.1
2,010,666
455,645
379,977
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. 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. While seeing 108,231 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among free to play games based on player count.
9.3
6,686
238
108,231
players
4. 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 #4 spot among the most played free to play games.
8.2
72,799
15,405
107,276
players
5. 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. With 91,790 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played free to play games.
6.7
663,258
324,382
91,790
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 46,620 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
46,620
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 1,151,067 reviews of which 1,031,715 were positive and 119,352 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. With 45,884 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played free to play games.
8.9
1,031,715
119,352
45,884
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 45,100 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
45,100
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 39,870 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
39,870
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 32,520 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
32,520
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 19th 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 379,977 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
379,977
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. 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. Thanks to its free to play tag and a daily player base of 108,231, this free to play game has secured the #3 spot in the ranking of free free to play games on Steam.
9.3
6,686
238
108,231
players
4. 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 #4 position in the best free free to play games on Steam.
8.2
72,799
15,405
107,276
players
5. 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. Attracting a solid base of 91,790 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #5 position in the best free free to play games on Steam.
6.7
663,258
324,382
91,790
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 46,620 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
46,620
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 1,151,067 reviews of which 1,031,715 were positive and 119,352 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 45,884 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
1,031,715
119,352
45,884
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 45,100 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
45,100
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 39,870 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
39,870
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 32,520 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
32,520
players