14 Best Free Games on Steam

As one of the most popular platforms for gaming on PC, Steam has a solid collection of games you can download and play for free (with optional in-game purchases) — some of the most popular games, like Dota 2 and Destiny 2, are completely free to play. 

Going through Steam’s library of unique gaming experiences can feel like a daunting task. But fear not — this curated list of the best free games on Steam is here to introduce you to the top games you can download and play in 2025.

The Best Free Games on Steam

The best free-to-play games on Steam span various genres and themes, so you can pick experiences that cater to your interests. Here’s a quick look at some of the popular games in this category.

Games	Best for	Metacritic Rating
War Thunder	Fans of military simulations who prefer to play in historically accurate contexts	81/100
Dota 2	Competitive gamers looking for a MOBA with a steep learning curve	90/100
Destiny 2	FPS enthusiasts looking to dive into a game with rich storytelling and fluid combat	83/100
Brawlhalla	Fans of platformers and fighting games looking for some fast-paced action	70/100
Warframe	Gamers looking for a fast-paced ARPG set within a sci-fi backdrop	69/100
Naraka: Bladepoint	Fans of battle royale titles looking for a fast-paced experience featuring melee combat	71/100
Path of Exile	ARPG fans looking for a challenging gameplay loop with a dedicated community	86/100
EVE Online	Fans of space exploration and strategic gameplay with complex player interactions	69/100
Lost Ark	Fans of ARPGs looking for visually rich combat, co-op experiences, and immersive narratives	81/100
Final Fantasy XIV	Fans of epic storytelling looking for a vibrant co-op experience	92/100
Team Fortress 2	Players looking for a classic team-based FPS game with multiple in-game classes and strategies	92/100
Guild Wars 2	Players looking for an MMORPG with comprehensive character creation and fantasy themes	90/100
The Finals	Those looking for a newer FPS title that blends traditional gameplay with strategy and quick thinking	80/100
Apex Legends	Hero shooter fans looking for their favorite action on a larger scale with more opponents	89/100

1. War Thunder

• Genre: Military simulation, vehicular combat
• Release date: August 15, 2013
• Platforms: Windows, Mac, PlayStation, Xbox
• Crossplay: Yes 
• Gameplay features: Large-scale online battles, a mix of land/air/naval combat, customizable vehicles
• Developer: Gaijin Entertainment
• Rating: 81/100 on Metacritic 
• Best for: Fans of military simulations who prefer to play in historically accurate contexts

War Thunder is an online multiplayer title that offers an immersive experience across air, land, and naval battles. As one of the most popular World War 2 (WW2) games, it offers a unique gameplay experience thanks to customizable vehicles featuring tanks, aircraft, and naval fleets. 

Its undying appeal as a great pick for military enthusiasts makes it a terrific experience for those looking to take control of a fighter jet, command a battleship, or lead a tank charge across large-scale warfare themes.

2. Dota 2

• Genre: Multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA)
• Release date: July 9, 2013
• Platforms: Windows, Mac
• Crossplay: Yes
• Gameplay features: 5v5 gameplay, 120+ playable heroes, eSports appeal, strategic gameplay loop
• Developer: Valve Corporation
• Rating: 90/100 on Metacritic
• Best for: Competitive gamers looking for a MOBA with a steep learning curve

So, you’ve decided to take on a challenging MOBA to play online against some of the best players in the world? Well, Dota 2 offers an extremely competitive gameplay loop with a massive player base. It features over 120 unique heroes, each with distinct abilities and playstyles to master. 

Every match in Dota 2 feels like a different experience due to its highly versatile gameplay mechanics. The game’s community-driven content updates keep the experience fresh, offering years’ worth of memories to build with friends and foes.

3. Destiny 2

• Genre: First-person shooter (FPS), looter shooter
• Release date: September 6, 2017
• Platforms: Windows, PlayStation, Xbox 
• Crossplay: Yes
• Gameplay features: Player-versus-player (PvP) and player-versus-environment (PvE) modes, expansive story campaigns, dungeons and raids, character customization
• Developer: Bungie 
• Rating: 83/100 on Metacritic
• Best for: FPS enthusiasts looking to dive into a game with rich storytelling and fluid combat

To many, Destiny 2 may feel like a hobby in itself. With a plethora of content to dive into, it’s one of the best free Steam games to play with friends (or solo). As you take on the role of a Guardian, you’re tasked with defending humanity against all sorts of evil across different planets. 

As one of the best shooter games available right now, Destiny 2 focuses on combat that evolves based on your playstyle. From dungeons to raids, you’ll be shooting, meleeing, blocking, and traversing across unique storylines and missions.

4. Brawlhalla

• Genre: Platform, fighter 
• Release date: October 17, 2017
• Platforms: Windows, PlayStation, Xbox, iOS, Android, Nintendo Switch
• Crossplay: Yes
• Gameplay features: Ranked and casual modes, diverse roster, eSports appeal
• Developer: Blue Mammoth Games
• Rating: 70/100 on Metacritic
• Best for: Fans of platformers and fighting games looking for some fast-paced action

Running on a game engine that supports multiple characters fighting one another on the same screen, Brawlhalla delivers fast-paced action with simple-to-understand yet hard-to-master mechanics. Its complexity is well-suited for casuals and professionals alike.

With cross-platform support and a mighty roster of characters to play, Brawlhalla shows off a thriving player base with an active eSports element. If you’re looking to hone your platformer and fighting skills in a single game, Brawlhalla is one of the best free multiplayer games on Steam right now.

5. Warframe

• Genre: Action role-playing game (ARPG) 
• Release date: March 25, 2013
• Platforms: Windows, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch 
• Crossplay: Yes
• Gameplay features: Fast-paced combat, co-op gameplay, character customization, deep lore, frequent content updates 
• Developer: Digital Extremes
• Rating: 69/100 on Metacritic 
• Best for: Gamers looking for a fast-paced ARPG set within a sci-fi backdrop

Warframe blends fast-paced combat with an aesthetic that resembles sci-fi themes mixed with ninja-esque movements. As an ancient warrior called Tenno, you’ll be equipped with powerful Warframes (suits of armor) that make for unique playstyles across different encounters.

As one of the best free PC games to play right now, the number of content updates Warframe receives regularly is nothing short of impressive. It’s filled with a variety of gameplay types — everything from PvE scenarios to co-op challenges set within a deep, ever-evolving universe.

6. Naraka: Bladepoint

• Genre: Battle royale 
• Release date: August 12, 2021
• Platforms: Windows, PlayStation, Xbox
• Crossplay: Yes
• Gameplay features: Melee-focused combat, several weapons to choose from, unique character abilities
• Developer: 24 Entertainment 
• Rating: 71/100 on Metacritic
• Best for: Fans of battle royale titles looking for a fast-paced experience featuring melee combat

If you’re looking for a battle royale game to play online that specializes in melee combat, Naraka: Bladepoint is the answer! It redefines the genre by focusing on unique character traits (abilities) and dynamic movement. Add to this a variety of customizable weapons, and you have a personalized battle royale experience.

The game is set in a jaw-dropping, dynamic universe where players need to think on their feet. As you understand and master its ninja-inspired combat, you’ll soon form a unique playstyle that makes every playthrough feel like a fresh experience. 

7. Path of Exile

• Genre: ARPG
• Release date: October 23, 2013
• Platforms: Windows, Mac, PlayStation, Xbox
• Crossplay: No
• Gameplay features: Skill customization, complex progression system, challenging endgame, frequent expansions
• Developer: Grinding Gear Games
• Rating: 86/100 on Metacritic
• Best for: ARPG fans looking for a challenging gameplay loop with a dedicated community

As a critically acclaimed ARPG, Path of Exile is known for its in-depth skill customization and complex progression system. You can craft your characters in a way that feels unique to you, allowing for infinite gameplay possibilities.

Path of Exile’s vast world is filled with diverse enemies, immersive quests, and a challenging endgame path that’s designed to test your limits. This one’s easily worth pouring hours into, as the mechanics and storylines feel like they’re ever-evolving.

8. EVE Online

• Genre: Massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG)
• Release date: May 6, 2003
• Platforms: Windows, Mac 
• Crossplay: Yes
• Gameplay features: Open-world exploration, player-driven economy, large space battles, strategic gameplay
• Developer: CCP Games
• Rating: 69/100 on Metacritic
• Best for: Fans of space exploration and strategic gameplay with complex player interactions

While EVE Online is one of the most complex MMORPGs out there, it can be a relaxing game for many. It offers an unmatched open-world experience where players build and shape the universe through their interactions. 

The game lets you join alliances, participate in epic space battles, and build empires, thanks to the game’s building mechanics. Plus, its economy is player-driven and ever-evolving, which adds a layer of depth to the game’s quality of life and overall player experience.

9. Lost Ark

• Genre: MMORPG
• Release date: December 4, 2019
• Platforms: Windows
• Gameplay features: Expansive exploration, stylish combat, diverse class-based characters, PvP and PvE modes, frequent content updates
• Developer: Smilegate RPG
• Rating: 81/100 on Metacritic
• Best for: Fans of ARPGs looking for visually rich combat, co-op experiences, and immersive narratives

Lost Ark’s combat stands as a visually compelling gameplay system weaved together by immersive stories and PvE and PvP challenges. Thanks to its expansive world-building, it’s one of those fun free games on Steam that you can pick and lose hours in.

The game offers a variety of classes to choose from, each highlighting distinct abilities that inspire co-op play, especially when you’re exploring dungeons or doing raids. This has made Lost Ark’s community a growing and active one, a key feature to look for when picking the right free MMORPG for you.

10. Final Fantasy XIV

• Genre: MMORPG
• Release date: August 27, 2013
• Platforms: Windows, Mac, PlayStation
• Crossplay: Yes
• Gameplay features: Expansive narrative, diverse character classes, immersive world, large and thriving community
• Developer: Square Enix
• Rating: 86/100 on Metacritic 
• Best for: Fans of epic storytelling looking for a vibrant co-op experience

Final Fantasy XIV is one of the few easily recommended MMORPGs, even if you’re looking for a single-player game. Although the game’s richly woven storyline and ever-evolving world is home to thousands of players, it can be enjoyed for free — until you feel like paying for the full content. 

Diverse character classes and visually stunning environments add to the game’s powerful in-game activities like dungeons, raids, and events that foster a welcoming community, even if you’re a newcomer to the world of Final Fantasy.

11. Team Fortress 2

• Genre: First-person shooter
• Release date: October 10, 2007
• Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux, Xbox, PlayStation
• Crossplay: No
• Gameplay features: Nine character classes, tactical gameplay, strategic team composition, in-game achievements, and personal statistics 
• Developer: Valve
• Rating: 92/100 on Metacritic 
• Best for: Players looking for a classic team-based FPS game with multiple in-game classes and strategies

Team Fortress 2 became free to play in June 2011, and it’s one of the best games on Steam you can enjoy today without an upfront investment. 

This strategy-intensive game requires careful planning and thinking even before the match begins. With nine different character classes, your team composition matters as you dive into an action-packed game revolving around combat-based objectives.

12. Guild Wars 2

• Genre: MMORPG
• Release date: August 28, 2012
• Platforms: Windows
• Crossplay: Yes
• Gameplay features: Crossplay between the Steam and original clients, persistent world, fantasy elements, character customization with different races and classes
• Developer: ArenaNet
• Rating: 90/100 on Metacritic 
• Best for: Players looking for a MMORPG with comprehensive character creation and fantasy themes

When you’re looking at the best free games on Steam, you’re likely to see a variety of MMORPGs. However, Guild Wars 2 stands apart from other titles in the genre for many reasons, including its comprehensive character creation and unique fantasy worldbuilding.

When first making your character, you can choose between five different races before moving on to picking a class, known as professions. Guild Wars 2 also includes a skill-based combat system, with you needing to carefully select the right skills for your character from a massive pool.

13. The Finals

• Genre: First-person shooter
• Release date: December 7, 2023
• Platforms: Windows, Xbox, PlayStation
• Crossplay: Yes
• Gameplay features: Different game modes, various team sizes, three player classes, player-modifiable terrain, strategic team compositions
• Developer: Embark Studios
• Rating: 80/100 on Metacritic 
• Best for: Those looking for a newer FPS title that blends traditional gameplay with strategy and quick thinking

The Finals offers a unique twist to your classic FPS games. In this game, you can see behind the scenes of a popular fictional VR game in the future. Choose your character class from three different options, each with its own pros and cons, and then step into the static and tactical gameplay that is The Finals.

Aside from its interesting premise of controlling a fictional VR character, The Finals goes a step further through its player-modifiable terrain and other obstacles that may arise. This requires you to think carefully about your decisions, not just before the match as you design your team, but during as well, as new challenges appear.

14. Apex Legends

• Genre: Battle royale, hero shooter
• Release date: February 4, 2019
• Platforms: Windows, Switch, PlayStation, Xbox
• Crossplay: Yes
• Gameplay features: Duo or trio queue, 60-player battle royales, 3v3 team deathmatches, purchasable cosmetics and loot boxes, over 20 playable characters
• Developer: Respawn Entertainment
• Rating: 89/100 on Metacritic 
• Best for: Hero shooter fans looking for their favorite action on a larger scale with more opponents

Apex Legends combines the hero shooter elements with even more action in its intense Battle Royale and Arena game modes. In Battle Royal, compete against other teams of either duos or trios in a 60-player battle. Or, if you’re looking for more traditional hero shooter gameplay, you can take part in Arena’s 3v3 team deathmatches.

Although this game is entirely free-to-play, it does have microtransactions. This means that you can buy skins and loot cases with real money, but these aren’t required to enjoy the game.

How To Choose the Best Free Steam Games

By giving you access to a treasure trove of free-to-play games, Steam ensures you have awesome experiences across different game genres. Here are some tips to keep in mind when deciding which game suits you the best. 

• Browse the free-to-play section: Steam’s dedicated free-to-play section is a great starting point for finding a game to dive into. 
• Check reviews and ratings: Visit a game’s store page and check the reviews. This way, you’ll gain deeper insight into a game’s performance, community engagement, and gameplay. 
• Look for Steam Workshop support: This bonus feature adds a lot of value to free games by letting you create, share, and download mods or any kind of custom content for the game. 
• Consider games with Steam achievements: Free Steam games typically come with a collection of achievements you can unlock as you play the game. This adds a lot of incentive to your playthrough.

Unlock More Free Gaming Adventures

As you explore Steam’s massive library of games, you’ll come across an endless series of genres that will hook you in no time. From exploring uncharted territories in space to solving mind-numbing puzzles, there’s a lot to uncover. 

Some of the best free-to-play games are best experienced with a group of friends. After all, certain dungeons, raids, and other in-game experiences are designed for group play. Seasonal updates keep many titles in this vast collection of RPG games fresh and exciting, regardless of when you decide to jump in.

Best Free Games on Steam FAQ

How Do I Find the Best Free Games on Steam?

To find free Steam games to download, simply browse the free-to-play section/tab on Steam’s website or launcher on your preferred platform.

Can I Play Steam Games on Multiple Devices?

Yes, you can download and play these games on any device that supports the game and Steam’s support. Many gamers prefer Windows or Steam Deck for this.

How Do Steam Achievements Work in Free Games?

You can unlock achievements when you complete certain tasks or challenges in a game. They function the same way as in any paid game.

What Are the Top Free Games on Steam With Active Communities?

Team Fortress 2 and Dota 2 are some of the most popular free games on Steam. Since these titles sport an active community of players, you have access to more out-of-game content, like guides and more players for matchmaking.

Which Free Steam Games Offer the Most Content for New Players?

If you’re looking to get the most gameplay and extra features without spending money, one of the top free games Reddit recommends is Warframe. This title offers hundreds of hours of gameplay, with only meta items like skins and skips behind a paywall.