10 Best Free Games on Steam [2025]

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

1. War Thunder

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

10. Final Fantasy XIV

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.

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 this vast collection of games fresh and exciting, regardless of when you decide to jump in.

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.