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
Drug Dealer Simulator: Free Sample
Drug Dealer Simulator: Free Sample is an introduction to the dark alleys of the ghetto, where you can start to expand your own crime empire! Get in touch with your contact and take your first steps in drug dealing business! 8 levels of dope business deals and constant adrenaline!
VALKYRIE CONNECT
Enjoy deep character growth and co-op boss battles in this JRPG.
Talvisota - Winter War
Talvisota for Rising Storm 2 brings players from the steaming jungles of Vietnam to the frozen forests of Finland, during the Soviet-Finnish Winter War of the late 1930s.
Idle Champions of the Forgotten Realms
Idle Champions of the Forgotten Realms is a Dungeons & Dragons strategy management game uniting Champions from throughout the D&D multiverse into a grand adventure.
Rakion Chaos Force
A Free to Play Online Action RPG. Rakion focuses on intense battles with RPG style characters and settings to provide an engaging fighting experience. Build your character, improve your combat skills, summon creatures as allies and work out clever strategies to win the battle alone or as a team.
100 Doors Game - Escape from School
A girl named Mia is locked inside a school. Help her escape by solving puzzles and riddles, as well as finding hidden objects along the way that open the doors of every single room she finds herself trapped in.
Without a Voice
In the depths of a forest, an exiled princess whiles her time in solitude. One day, a mysterious, beautiful maiden appears, throwing her world out of its alignment. A dark fantasy visual novel following the intertwining paths of these two women. In seven days, the wheel of fate will splinter...
NOeSIS01_诉说谎言记忆物语
From behind the incidents, there hide the secret of the past.
There Is No Game: Jam Edition 2015
A little game that’s not a game, winner of an old game jam that nobody’s ever heard of. So DON'T INSTALL IT!
Super Bernie World
Join Bernie's movement and transform the United States in this free retro 2D platformer.
Space Bear
Space Bear is a multi-choice text adventure typing game! Sort of. I mean, there isn't many actual choices, and the typing is more "mashing"...
Walking Simulator
The year is 2020, world war III destroyed the civilized world. You are the last post carrier, tasked to get parcels from point A to B in the most barren and desolate places on earth.
Isle of Ewe
Embark on an adventure and command your flock to bring your fluffy friends back home. The mysterious disappearance of Ramsey sparks your journey as you must collect, throw and bounce from sheep to sheep to bring him back home safely.
SimAirport
Build & Manage Your Airport. An International Hub or a Regional Masterpiece -- it's up to you. Buy more land to scale out, or escalators to scale up with MULTIPLE FLOORS. You're in full control in this modern business management tycoon!
Museum of Other Realities
An immersive multiplayer art showcase in virtual reality, the Museum of Other Realities is a space to connect, share, and experience a growing collection of mind-bending VR art with others.
Rhome
Rhome is a first-person dark atmospheric exploration game made by students at SMU Guildhall. Players navigate an increasingly chaotic and psychologically unnerving environment to reveal the fate of Hailey Rhome. Proceeds from your purchase on Steam go to support student development.
Hellpoint: The Thespian Feast
This is a standalone story in Hellpoint universe, a dark and challenging action RPG set in the world where the line between science and occultism is blurred. The Thespian Feast tells the story of an investigator arriving at Irid Novo station 50 years after the Hellpoint events.
Warzone 2100
In the late 21st century, the world's civilizations are wiped out by a series of nuclear strikes, seemingly caused by a massive malfunction of the new NASDA (North American Strategic Defense Agency) strategic defense system.
Pro 11 - Football Manager Game
Become the best football manager. Join Pro 11 and claim the championship!
Metaphobia
Metaphobia is an investigative mystery game in the style of classic 1990’s point-and-click adventures. Take control of Richard Elmstat in his journey to solve his father's murder.
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 16th 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 254,125 peak concurrent players over the last day.
8.1
2,010,666
455,645
254,125
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 187,937 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
187,937
players
3. 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. While seeing 83,665 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among free to play games based on player count.
8.2
72,799
15,405
83,665
players
4. 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 56,623 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played free to play games.
6.7
663,258
324,382
56,623
players
5. 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 39,373 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played free to play games.
8.9
1,031,715
119,352
39,373
players
6. 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 620,575 reviews of which 540,595 were positive and 79,980 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. With 38,204 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played free to play games.
8.6
540,595
79,980
38,204
players
7. 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 36,477 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played free to play games.
6.4
473,366
269,751
36,477
players
8. 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 28,347 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played free to play games.
8.6
145,918
21,191
28,347
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 24,653 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
24,653
players
10. Destiny 2
Destiny 2 is an action MMO with a single evolving world that you and your friends can join anytime, anywhere, absolutely free. Destiny 2 is a free to play, open world and multiplayer game developed and published by Bungie. Released on October 01st 2019 has received 622,838 reviews of which 496,312 were positive and 126,526 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.9 out of 10. With 24,646 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played free to play games.
7.9
496,312
126,526
24,646
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 16th 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 254,125 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
254,125
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 187,937, 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
187,937
players
3. 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. Thanks to its free to play tag and a daily player base of 83,665, this free to play game has secured the #3 spot in the ranking of free free to play games on Steam.
8.2
72,799
15,405
83,665
players
4. 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 56,623 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #4 position in the best free free to play games on Steam.
6.7
663,258
324,382
56,623
players
5. 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 39,373 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #5 position in the best free free to play games on Steam.
8.9
1,031,715
119,352
39,373
players
6. 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 620,575 reviews of which 540,595 were positive and 79,980 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 38,204 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #6 position in the best free free to play games on Steam.
8.6
540,595
79,980
38,204
players
7. 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 36,477 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #7 position in the best free free to play games on Steam.
6.4
473,366
269,751
36,477
players
8. 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 28,347 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
145,918
21,191
28,347
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 24,653 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
24,653
players
10. Destiny 2
Destiny 2 is an action MMO with a single evolving world that you and your friends can join anytime, anywhere, absolutely free. Destiny 2 is a free to play, open world and multiplayer game developed and published by Bungie. Released on October 01st 2019 has received 622,838 reviews of which 496,312 were positive and 126,526 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.9 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 24,646 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #10 position in the best free free to play games on Steam.
7.9
496,312
126,526
24,646
players