11 Best Free PC Games You Need To Play in 2024

If there's one thing gamers love more than anything, it's a freebie. Fortunately, the PC gaming community, with its penchant for indie releases and open-source content, is an absolute gold mine for excellent free-to-play (F2P) content.

But what are the best free PC games for 2024? When there are so many great contenders from the freebie sector, it can be hard to narrow it down to a definitive list. Regardless, we've decided to give it a go anyway.

Your taste in games and what you’re searching for right now will dictate the title you choose from this list. Whatever your choice, rest assured that these games stray from pay-to-win elements and have dedicated communities as well as regular updates.

Without further ado, here are the unmissable free PC games in 2024 you need to be playing.

1. Fortnite

• Genre: Battle royale, third-person shooter
• Release date: July 25, 2017
• Platforms: PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, iOS, Android
• Rating: 78/100 on Metacritic
• Gameplay features: Battle royale mode, creative mode, Save the World co-op mode, building mechanics
• Developer: Epic Games
• Payment model: Free to play with in-game purchases (cosmetics, battle passes)
• Best for: Players who enjoy fast-paced battle royale action and creative building mechanics

Fortnite is perhaps the most popular battle royale game on the planet. In Fortnite, you’re dropped onto an island along with 99 other players, where you’ll scavenge for weapons, resources, and gear while battling to be the last one standing. What sets Fortnite apart from competitors is its building system, allowing you to construct structures on the fly for defense.

The game is refreshed with regular content updates, including new weapons, skins, and gameplay features. Fortnite’s PvE mode, Save the World, introduces gameplay features rivaling even the best action adventure games around. Major seasonal events also introduce significant map changes and story developments. These events often collaborate with popular franchises from movies, TV, and other games, keeping the experience fresh and engaging. 

2. Counter-Strike 2

• Genre: Tactical shooter
• Release date: September 27, 2023
• Platforms: PC
• Rating: 82/100 on Metacritic
• Gameplay features: Tactical first-person shooter (FPS), team-based gameplay, various game modes, updated graphics and mechanics
• Developer: Valve Corporation
• Payment model: Free to play with in-game purchases (skins, cases)
• Best for: Fans of competitive first-person shooters who enjoy tactical gameplay and team strategy

If you’ve been PC gaming for any length of time, then you’ve undoubtedly heard of the Counter-Strike series. With competitive gameplay, solid mechanics, and a relentlessly dedicated fanbase, Counter-Strike 2 is one of the top online games you can choose.

Counter-Strike 2 gives you the option between Hostage Rescue, Bomb Defusal, Deathmatch, or a battle royale-inspired Danger Zone mode. There are other similar options with smaller player counts, and all modes can be played either in competitive or casual lobbies.

You can expect a challenging experience, owing to the dedicated player base that have already mastered the complex mechanics present. If you’re up for the challenge, Counter-Strike 2 has a very healthy eSports scene, so you have the potential to work your way up to pro level.

3. Warframe

• Genre: Massively multiplayer online (MMO), third-person shooter
• Release date: March 25, 2013
• Platforms: PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, iOS
• Rating: 64/100 on Metacritic
• Gameplay features: Online multiplayer shooter, open-world exploration, PvE and PvP modes, extensive story campaigns and expansions
• Developer: Digital Extremes
• Payment model: Free to play with expansions and in-game purchases (cosmetics, seasonal passes)
• Best for: Players who enjoy a mix of FPS mechanics with RPG elements and cooperative gameplay

Warframe is a perfect hybrid of video game genres, mixing third-person shooter with dungeons and MMO elements as you explore the galaxy fighting the Corpus, Grineer, Infested, and everything in between!

You’ll have four abilities to choose from depending on the frame you pick. These Warframes offer different roles on the battlefield, but pretty much all can be used solo if you prefer to play alone. There are plenty of planets, game modes, and areas to explore, with a massive number of new items and characters to unlock. While in-game currency is available, you can play the game entirely free of charge, earning Platinum or buying it for real-world cash to unlock items quicker.

Despite being an indie title, Warframe has amassed a huge following, with an intricate story that's regularly expanded upon through free updates. Many missions have cutscenes added that can be compared to scenes you’d see from AAA studios.

Warframe demands a lot of time but is a fun smorgasbord of the most popular video game genres with a dedicated, friendly community. Many compare this title to Destiny 2, its main competitor, so if you have experience playing that franchise, then you’ll be right at home here.

4. Apex Legends

• Genre: Battle-royale, first-person shooter
• Release date: February 4, 2019
• Platforms: PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch
• Rating: 89/100 on Metacritic
• Gameplay features: Battle Royale with unique character abilities, team-based gameplay, fast-paced action, regular content updates
• Developer: Respawn Entertainment
• Payment model: Free-to-play with in-game purchases (cosmetics, battle passes)
• Best for: Fans of dynamic battle royale games with distinct character abilities and team strategy

Apex Legends has successfully carved a name for itself as one of the most popular battle royales and best action games. It’s a fast-paced, team-based experience with unique character abilities and a gorgeous art style.

Apex Legends blends the best of other battle royales in terms of gameplay, art direction, and mechanics. If you like the sound of ability-based characters and a higher time-to-kill than other titles, Apex Legends is for you.

With a dedicated fanbase and development team, the game receives regular updates with new characters and maps to choose from. This not only keeps the game fresh, but adds new dynamics to the existing roster of characters. This makes the battleground a dynamic, ever-evolving experience that keeps you coming back.

5. Genshin Impact

• Genre: Adventure game, action role-playing
• Release date: September 28, 2020
• Platforms: PC, PlayStation, iOS, Android
• Rating: 81/100 on Metacritic
• Gameplay features: Open-world action RPG, gacha-based character acquisition, real-time combat, extensive exploration and questing
• Developer: miHoYo
• Payment model: Free to play with in-game purchases (characters, weapons, and items through gacha system)
• Best for: Players who enjoy open-world exploration and anime-style action RPGs with a gacha system

Genshin Impact boasts stunning visuals, an expansive open world, and engaging action RPG/gacha mechanics. One of the best free-to-play PC games, you’ll enjoy a ton of free content before you even have to consider any of the in-game purchases available as you explore Tevyat and fight the Fatui and Abyss Order.

In Genshin Impact, you’ll use Primogems to create “Wishes,” the backbone of the game’s gacha mechanic. Through Wishes, you’ll unlock new characters and weapons that make you stronger and more versatile in combat. Since there are many different enemy types, this power increase is more important the further you progress.

Both the setting and storyline of Genshin Impact are compelling, with lore and memorable characters in abundance. The gorgeous art style makes every lush forest, towering mountain, and ancient ruin you visit feel special. With regular updates, Genshin Impact continues to evolve, offering countless hours of entertainment for both casual and dedicated players.

6. Path of Exile

• Genre: MMO, hack and slash
• Release date: October 23, 2013
• Platforms: PC, PlayStation, Xbox
• Rating: 86/100 on Metacritic
• Gameplay features: Action RPG with a dark fantasy setting, extensive skill tree customization, deep crafting systems, and a rich loot system
• Developer: Grinding Gear Games
• Payment model: Free to play with in-game purchases (cosmetics, additional storage, and convenience items)
• Best for: Fans of complex, deep action RPGs who enjoy intricate character builds and a dark, immersive game world

Path of Exile is probably the best RPG out there and definitely a must-play for anyone who is a fan of medieval games. A feature that makes Path of Exile one of the best free PC games in 2024 is that it offers an extraordinary breadth and depth for an F2P game.

It’s set in the sinister and sprawling open-world universe of Wraeclast, a place full of magic, intrigue, war, and statecraft. The main goal of the game is to build your supernatural skillsets and fighting acumen to take on a range of sinister enemies.

This is a game with a massive cult following — one that has grown as the game has added a huge number of free updates and expansions, the most recent of which came out in July 2024, Settlers of Kalgurr.

If you're a fan of the award-winning Diablo series, you'll definitely love this gripping, imaginative, and surprisingly special role-playing game.

7. EVE Online

• Genre: MMO role-playing
• Release date: May 6, 2003
• Platforms: PC
• Rating: 88/100 on Metacritic
• Gameplay features: Massively multiplayer online space simulation, player-driven economy, large-scale space battles, exploration, and trade
• Developer: CCP Games
• Payment model: Free to play with optional subscription for additional benefits and in-game purchases (cosmetics, convenience items)
• Best for: Players interested in deep space exploration and complex, player-driven economies and politics

EVE Online is more than a game. It’s a living, breathing universe where your actions affect the entire galaxy — a space-based MMO renowned for its complex player-driven economy, vast sandbox environment, and playstyle freedom. Whether you're a feared pirate, wealthy trader, powerful industrialist, or player-alliance member, EVE gives you the tools to carve your own story.

The game’s universe, New Eden, is filled with thousands of star systems to explore. Each system offers different resources, challenges, and opportunities. The real allure of EVE Online, however, lies in the social and political interactions. Players form corporations and alliances, engage in massive space battles, and influence the game’s economy and territorial control in ways that have real consequences.

As one of the best Windows games, you can expect a steep learning curve and complex mechanics. The helpful community and countless resources will help you get up to speed. With regular expansions, EVE Online remains a unique and compelling spacefaring experience.

8. War Thunder

• Genre: Simulation, shooter
• Release date: November 1, 2012
• Platforms: PC, PlayStation, Xbox
• Rating: 76/100 on Metacritic
• Gameplay features: Aircraft, tanks, and naval vessels, realistic vehicle damage models, extensive vehicle customization
• Developer: Gaijin Entertainment
• Payment model: Free to play with in-game purchases (vehicles, upgrades, premium account benefits)
• Best for: Military enthusiasts who enjoy realistic combat simulations across various vehicle types

War Thunder is a must-play if you fancy a massive selection of realistic battles. Whether you're dogfighting in fighter planes, commanding a tank, or launching torpedoes from a naval destroyer, you’ll experience thrilling large-scale warfare. 

In War Thunder, you choose from various modes like Arcade, Realistic, Simulator, Naval, Ground, or Air. All modes offer an authentic military experience. With an ever-growing roster of vehicles from different eras and nations, War Thunder appeals to both casual players and military history enthusiasts.

While the learning curve can be steep, it’s satisfying once you learn. Whether you prefer solo play or teaming up with friends, War Thunder’s deep mechanics and expansive content will keep you engaged. It’s also worth noting that it was developed in the Dagor Engine, which was specially designed to handle high-scale military conflicts. This difference compared to other popular video game engines means the gameplay is truly distinctive from other entries on this list, providing a completely fresh experience.

9. League of Legends

• Genre: Multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA), action role-playing
• Release date: October 27, 2009
• Platforms: PC
• Rating: 78/100 on Metacritic
• Gameplay features: Team-based strategy, extensive roster of champions, frequent updates, seasonal events
• Developer: Riot Games
• Payment model: Free to play with in-game purchases (champions, skins, and other cosmetics)
• Best for: Fans of competitive, team-based strategy games with a strong eSports scene

League of Legends is a mainstay of the MOBA genre, and arguably still one of the most popular MMO games online despite its long history. Its huge player base, roster of champions, evolving meta, and successful eSports scene make it one of the best free PC games to play in 2024.

In League of Legends, you’ll pick between different roles (Top, Mid, ADC, Support, or Jungle) and champions before heading into a match. Once you’re in, you’ll face off against an opposing player in your lane as waves of “minions” on both teams help you fight to destroy the other team’s turret. Whoever destroys all the turrets and eventually the Super Nexus wins the game. You’ll have varying abilities and damage types as well as items to build depending on the champion you chose and which role you’re playing. 

League is a very comprehensive experience that requires a bit of time to get used to; don’t feel discouraged if you don’t do well at first. In fact, you might consider disabling your game chat so you can’t be subjected to the “flaming” others in the community are known for. Don’t worry — everything your team needs to communicate with you can be done through pings. You’ll likely have a better experience for it.

10. Legends of Runeterra

• Genre: MOBA, digital collectible cards, action role-playing
• Release date: April 30, 2020
• Platforms: PC, iOS, Android
• Rating: 87/100 on Metacritic
• Gameplay features: Collectible card game set in the League of Legends universe, strategic deck-building, and tactical gameplay
• Developer: Riot Games
• Payment model: Free to play with in-game purchases (card packs, cosmetic items)
• Best for: Players who enjoy strategic card games with a connection to the League of Legends universe

If you’re into card strategy games like Yu-Gi-Oh! and Magic the Gathering, Legends of Runeterra is a perfect choice, especially if you already know League of Legends. Legends of Runeterra features one-on-one matches where you and your opponent race to destroy the other’s Nexus using a deck of 40 cards of varying functions. It’s one of the best online trading card games, so you’re in for a treat if you’ve never played before.

Playing into the mechanics and backdrop of League of Legends, your deck will feature cards either from one region of the universe (for example Demacia, the home of the champion Garen) or a mixture. There’s a mana system where you’ll gain crystals which you use to take your turn. There are also PvE, PvP, and story-based modes for you to choose from, providing hours of fun in a universe that already has over a decade of lore developed.

Legends of Runeterra is frequently updated with new cards, keeping the meta fresh. The game has been praised for its fair free-to-play model — no pay-to-win concerns here! If you like the idea of building the best deck and challenging players all around the world, this game is a great choice.

11. The Elder Scrolls II: Daggerfall

• Genre: Action role-playing
• Release date: August 31, 1996
• Platforms: PC
• Rating: 7.5/10 on IMDB
• Gameplay features: Open-world RPG, massive game world with procedural generation, rich questing system, and extensive character customization
• Developer: Bethesda Game Studios
• Payment model: Free to play
• Best for: RPG enthusiasts who appreciate classic open-world exploration and deep lore

Some of the best free PC games of 2024 are those that have been out for a long time in a different format. This is certainly the case with The Elder Scrolls II: Daggerfall. This is the second game in the critically acclaimed Elder Scrolls series, released in 1994 to little fanfare.

Plans to remaster and reupload it as a free game were in the works for many years, with Bethesda keeping it in developer hell for way too long.

However, it was finally released in its glory, albeit with shiny new graphics and gameplay, as a gift to the many fans of this iconic series. In Daggerfall, you can experience the best of Elder Scrolls, without paying a single penny.

Explore the stunning and magical open world of Tamriel, navigating tribal intrigue, royal plots, exhilarating rescue quests, and terrifying monsters in full ES glory.

If you're looking for maximum bang for your buck (or lack of bucks), then this is the free PC game you should be playing.

The Best Free Games at a Glance

Short on time but want to find the best free PC game to jump into next? Take a look at our table below.

Find Your Favorite Free PC Game 

These are the absolute best free PC games of 2024. None of them should cost you even one penny. If you found this guide useful, there is plenty more where that came from.
We love to provide our community of gamers with expert insights on the best games of the moment, including hidden gems that are flying under the radar. Make sure to consult our extensive game guides to learn more!

Free Games FAQ

Can I Play PC Games for Free?

While not all PC games are free, there are more free-to-play games available on PC than you’d find on consoles. We’ve compiled the best ones available into the list above.

What Is the Best Free Game on the PC?

The best free games on PC depend upon the type of genre you’re going for — for example, strategy, shooter, or city-building. The list above narrows the games down to 11, but you’ll have to consider your personal taste to find the best one. 

What Is the Best Free Game To Download?

The best free game to download depends on your personal taste, computer specs, and what you’re searching to play currently. Our list of 11 games above is a great place to start.

Are Free PC Games Safe To Download and Play?

If you’re downloading a free PC game from a trusted store such as Steam or Epic Games, then it’s a near-certainty that it’s safe to download and play. 

Do Free PC Games Have In-Game Purchases or Ads?

Since free PC games don’t charge anything for you to jump in, they frequently work off of an in-game purchase or ads model to make their revenue. While it’s reasonable that these games need to have some type of revenue generation model, the best free games ensure that the microtransactions and ads don’t infringe upon your free experience.

Can I Play Free PC Games Offline?

Some free PC games can be played offline, it just depends which one you play. The Elder Scrolls II: Daggerfall can be played offline, while others, such as League of Legends, require an internet connection, as it’s a multiplayer game.