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
Something for Someone Else
Something for Someone Else is a short atypical experience, a brief journey into the mind of a distressed game developer that feels haunted by a game he made. All in the form of a poorly hand drawn narrative platformer accompanied by the beautiful musics of Celluloid Jam.
Rise of Legions
Rise of Legions has shut down. It was a strategy and deck building game with dynamic, tactical gameplay.
TrenchesWIP
Multiplayer combined-arms first-person shooter set in an alternate history. Build and upgrade bases, harvest resources, construct defenses, purchase weapons and vehicles to overcome the enemy!
Coloring Game: Little City
A theme-based sequel of the popular Coloring Game (coloring by numbers).
Electronic Super Joy 2
Electronic Super Joy 2 is a brutally hard platformer, set in a world of brain-smashing electronic music. Run, jump, smash, & slice your way through 55+ weird & different levels, with giant monsters, swarming missiles & secret areas.
Nice Jumper
Ready to test your reaction?
Under What?
“Under what?” is a short but very capacious story-tale about an old fisherman who suddenly faced the surface of the water. In this story there will be no dragons, the battle of good and evil, and other boring nonsense. But there will be some bad jokes and extraordinary characters.
UNDEFEATED
Become an invincible hero with unlimited super powers on UNDEFEATED!
异化之恶〇Abnormal Treatment
Strange events occur at a sanatorium for those with unusual abilities. Follow clues, solve puzzles, and uncover the truth. What will be released when all secrets are revealed? Goodness? Or… pure ”EVIL”?
The Designer's Curse
Chapter 2 is OUT NOW! The first chapter of an unforgettable survival horror experience. Solve puzzles and work your way through this terrifying place. You may be more familiar with it than you initially think.
月圆之夜 (Night of Full Moon)
"Night of the Full Moon" is a stand-alone roguelike card game. Take adventure into Black Forest. Random event, random plot leads to different endings.
Fantasy Strike
A fighting game designed from the ground up to be so easy to control that even non-fighting game players can play it, yet deep enough to play in tournaments. Vibrant graphics and excellent online play.
The Backrooms Game FREE Edition
Nothing but the stink of old, moist carpets, the madness of mono-yellow, and the blinding light of fluorescent bulbs at maximum hum-buzz. Over 600 million sq. miles of randomly segmented rooms. God save you if you hear something wandering nearby, because it sure as hell has heard you.
The Orville - Interactive Fan Experience
Step aboard the USS Orville (ECV-197), the Planetary Union's finest mid-level exploratory class cruiser. With every room on every deck recreated with painstaking accuracy, you are free to explore the ship at your leisure and engage in all manner of shenanigans!
Touhou Fantasia / 东方梦想曲
This is a fan-made Touhou shmup with one single stage, similar to the extra stage of official Touhou games. This game has an auto dodging system, which gives you a choice to ignore all the danmaku and only focus on the story.
局外人 L'Etranger
A unique visual novel about the high school experiences in alternate-history East Asia.
Supremacy 1914: World War 1
Take over the control of one of the mighty nations during the times of World War 1 in the biggest WW1 strategy game of all time. Conquer provinces, forge alliances and build up your economy in real-time on persistent maps. Build experimental weapons of World War 1 and become the one true superpower!
Dead Frontier 2
Survival horror MMO. As one of the few survivors of the outbreak, you must scratch a living out of the decaying ruins of society. Scavenge for supplies, improve your skills, and trade with other players. All the while, keeping your eyes peeled for the infected lurking around every corner.
RED HOT VENGEANCE
He had one rule: No killing women or children. When a hitman is double-crossed by his employer, he brings forth a night of carnage and bloodshed.
Atma
Atma is a pixel art adventure game : Embody Shaya, Guardian of the living and the spirit world. Atma, your lover, calls you from the afterlife: he needs help. What if you could bring him back to you? However, this would mean disrupting the balance between the two worlds... What choice will you make?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 178,591 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
178,591
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 107,276 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
107,276
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 104,193 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
104,193
players
5. 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 #5 spot among the most played free to play games.
6.4
473,366
269,751
46,620
players
6. 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 #6 spot among the most played free to play games.
8.9
1,031,715
119,352
45,884
players
7. 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 45,100 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played free to play games.
8.6
540,595
79,980
45,100
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 35,457 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
35,457
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 33,633 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
33,633
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 25,922 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
25,922
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 178,591, 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
178,591
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 107,276, 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
107,276
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 104,193 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
104,193
players
5. 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 #5 position in the best free free to play games on Steam.
6.4
473,366
269,751
46,620
players
6. 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 #6 position in the best free free to play games on Steam.
8.9
1,031,715
119,352
45,884
players
7. 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 45,100 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #7 position in the best free free to play games on Steam.
8.6
540,595
79,980
45,100
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 35,457 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
35,457
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 33,633 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
33,633
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 25,922 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
25,922
players