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

MakerKing

Become a King (or Queen) at making levels! Join a community designed around level creation and online play. The level editor is simple to use and lets you create anything, even living creatures!

Price Free to play
Rating 7.6
Release 18 Aug 2021

UpGun

Face your friends in UpGun! Use each round to accumulate skills and overtake your opponents in this crazy deathmatch!

Price Free to play
Rating 8.1
Release 13 Aug 2021

NARAKA: BLADEPOINT

Dive into the legends of the Far East in NARAKA: BLADEPOINT; team up with friends in fast-paced melee fights for a Battle Royale experience unlike any other. Find your playstyle with a varied cast of heroes with unique skills. More than 20 million players have already joined the fray, play free now!

Price Free to play
Rating 7.0
Release 11 Aug 2021

Star Chef 2: Cooking Game

Kitchen Simulation | Learn Cuisines | Cook Delicious Food | Become A Chef

Price Free to play
Rating 6.6
Release 09 Aug 2021

凯尔文 - Kelvin And The Chateau

My home was destroyed by a fire, and only my mother and I survived. Why me? After leaving his control-freak mother, Kelvin made a few friends and seemed to have a new answer to this question. However, his friends sometimes hide something from him.

Price Free to play
Rating 8.3
Release 05 Aug 2021

BEACHED

A free-to-play, low-poly, open-world survival shooter where you’ll battle other players, explore massive monuments, and fight to stay alive. Build and fortify your base to defend against enemy raids, gather resources, and conquer a harsh, competitive world. Survival means doing whatever it takes.

Price Free to play
Rating 6.4
Release 04 Aug 2021

Creatures of Aether

Creatures of Aether is a free-to-play card battler set in the Rivals of Aether universe. Play PvP ladder matches or PvE dungeons as you construct a deck with powerful elemental abilities.

Price Free to play
Rating 6.9
Release 02 Aug 2021

Coloring Game 4

The fourth game of the Coloring Game franchise (coloring by numbers). The game’s fans are going to enjoy the improved functionality and a multitude of new images.

Price Free to play
Rating 8.9
Release 30 Jul 2021

Alpaca Stacka

A 3D adventure platformer where you play as a kind alpaca dedicated to helping their animal friends.

Price Free to play
Rating 9.4
Release 29 Jul 2021

GrandChase

Grand Chase is a free side-scrolling online action RPG with anime inspired graphics. Enjoy exciting adventures in dungeons and PvP with unique characters.

Price Free to play
Rating 6.3
Release 27 Jul 2021

Grey Instinct

In this cyberpunk 2D point-and-click adventure game, play as Grey, an amateur detective. Unravel the mystery by searching for clues, solving puzzles, talking to the mask-wearing residents of New Corium, and, if you have time, maybe go on a date!

Price Free to play
Rating 8.9
Release 21 Jul 2021

Rogue Company

Join 20+ million players in Rogue Company, the ultimate third-person tactical action shooter! Become an agent of Rogue Company and wield powerful weapons, high-tech gadgets, and game-changing abilities. Accept the mission and jump into a variety of 4v4 and 6v6 game modes. Play FREE today!

Price Free to play
Rating 7.3
Release 20 Jul 2021

NEKOPARA - Catboys Paradise

When your grandfather passes away and you inherit his café, it's a tall task for anyone. But with the help of 4 talented catboys, Cafe Kin'uan is ready for business in NEKOPARA - Catboys Paradise!

Price Free to play
Rating 8.6
Release 15 Jul 2021

Project H

Project H is a horror escape room game. Solve various puzzles while being haunted by a spirit that would prefer you not to leave.

Price Free to play
Rating 8.2
Release 15 Jul 2021

Idle Atomic

Idle Atomic is an Incremental Idle RPG in a post-apocalyptic world. Level up skills, refine your salvaged materials and hunt mutant creatures to survive!

Price Free to play
Rating 6.0
Release 15 Jul 2021

Plokoth

Plokoth is an atmospheric 2D platforming game set in a mysterious jungle.

Price Free to play
Rating 6.5
Release 09 Jul 2021

Runo

A walking simulator about dear memories, overcoming obstacles, and finding your path. Experience a story inspired by finno-karelian folklore.

Price Free to play
Rating 8.6
Release 05 Jul 2021

Fears to Fathom - Home Alone

Fears to Fathom is an episodic psychological horror game where each episode unveils a short story narrated by the ones who survived.

Price Free to play
Rating 8.7
Release 02 Jul 2021

Infinity Kingdom

Conquer the city, discover the Infinity! Infinity Kingdom is a cartoon-style mmo strategy game. As a resourceful lord, you must defend the land of Norheim against the evil gnomes while protecting yourself from other invading players!

Price Free to play
Rating 6.5
Release 01 Jul 2021

Til Nord

Discover a sublime open world on your snowmobile! Drive among the frozen environment of Snøfall øyer to discover beautiful vistas, time trials and quests that permanently change the open world in Til Nord; a free snowmobile driving game for PC.

Price Free to play
Rating 8.0
Release 29 Jun 2021

Octarina

Use the sticky abilities of an octopus to jump, climb and cause mayhem in the sushi factory. Discover your way to regain freedom!

Price Free to play
Rating 7.8
Release 24 Jun 2021

Tanks: The Crusades

A top-down shooter with tanks that have various assorted abilities, with support for multiplayer and a level editor.

Price Free to play
Rating 8.8
Release 24 Jun 2021

Redmatch 2

A free fast-paced online multiplayer FPS with grapple hooks where you upgrade your stats with kills!

Price Free to play
Rating 9.1
Release 24 Jun 2021

Run Prop, Run! - Puropu Pursuit

Run Prop, Run! is a 12-player prop hunt hide & seek game with platforming, skills, and crazy game rules! Join the hunters army to seek props, or disguise as random objects to deceive the others!

Price Free to play
Rating 7.4
Release 23 Jun 2021

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