It's common knowledge in this era that there are a ton of amazing F2P game titles to choose from, but this does come with a price - it makes it a real challenge to choose just a few favorite ones. Worry not, though, that's where we come in (and no, we're not just talking about our own games).
Below, you'll catch the lowdown on what we see as the best F2P games in 2023, as we have slimmed the list down to the top 15 F2P titles around.
What Are the Best F2P Games in 2023?
After this marvelous introduction into the world of F2Ps and settling their popularity and importance in the gaming world, it's time to list our top 15, as promised. Keep in mind, though, that some of these have already been released, while some are coming later this year.
1. Black Desert: Traveler Edition
- Platforms: PS4, PS5
The hugely popular Korean MMORPG has been announced as another free game for PlayStation Plus subscribers. This version is available on both PS4 and PS5 consoles, with its original price at about $29.90. Our friends over at IGN mentioned that back in 2017 they gave this game a score of 7/10, which might be a good sign if you're still on the fence whether or not to give this game a shot.
2. Marvel Snap
- Platforms: PC, Mobile, macOS
Now, we know what you're thinking, but this game is genuinely unique. Yes, the consensus is that it is a very frustrating and slow game, which might be surprising considering the fact that it's a card collectible. But the overall gameplay, the Marvel experience and the feeling that you're taking an active part in the MCU is totally worth it - just ask IGN who gave this game the impressive score of 8. And, credit where credit's due, the developers of the game (Second Dinner) are doing an amazing job at updating the game and releasing patches, constantly improving the game. So in between very rocky MCU projects (highs such as Loki and lows such as, well, Secret Invasion…) this game is a sure win for Marvel fans and card collectors alike.
3. Scholar’s Mate – First Move
- Platforms: PC
This game might be another pick that is not necessarily one you'd expect on such a list - but we believe it's one that deserves to be the first in line, for all the right reasons. Scholar’s Mate – First Move is a free game developed by JanduSoft, an indie game developer. The game is a mind boggling, thrilling experience where you wake up disoriented, in a psychiatric hospital. Your aim, playing as Judith, is to find a way out. If you're into free horror games, this is definitely one for you!
We should also give credit to Indie Game Bundles who point out that this is a prologue to the upcoming, full versioned game.
4. MultiVersus
- Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
For players who like the idea of pitting a wide range of characters against one another, MultiVersus is one of the absolute best F2P games. The title from Player First Games is currently in open beta, with a full release expected in early 2024. It’s a fighting game that features lots of famous characters such as Batman, Bugs Bunny, Arya Stark, and even Shaggy!
5. Overwatch 2
- Platforms: Nintendo Switch, PS4, PS5, PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
Overwatch is one of the landmark games of the last decade, and it played a massive part in helping the eSports industry to become the booming giant it is today. Blizzard Entertainment has now followed that up with Overwatch 2. The new title is already one of the best F2P games on the market. It’s like its predecessor with a few key improvements, such as enhanced graphics, thankfully.
6. Summoners War: Chronicles
- Platforms: PC, Mobile
Summoners War: Chronicles looks set to be one of the best games available on PC in 2023. The action RPG was released at the end of 2022 and has already garnered an enormous following. It’s a follow-up to Summoners War: Sky Arena, and explores the conflicts that ended up leading to the creation of that world. If you’re looking for free to play PC games - then definitely give this one a try.
7. KartRider: Drift
- Platforms: PS4, Xbox One, PC
There aren’t that many F2P racing games to choose from, so KartRider: Drift has the potential to be the best F2P games on the market in its genre. It’s a cross-platform title, meaning you can play against friends who use different devices. The game was just released in March 2023 and has already attracted a lot of interest.
8. Block N Load 2
- Platforms: PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PC
Block N Load 2 is the long-awaited sequel to its highly acclaimed predecessor. Players participate in a tactical battle in which everything they build or destroy has an impact on the outcome of the game. This title is set for release later in 2023 and is likely to generate a lot of hype, so keep an eye open for that one!
9. UFL
- Platforms: PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
UFL is another brand-new F2P game, and it’s a soccer title that could even rival the likes of FIFA. There haven’t been many successful simulators of the sport other than FIFA and Pro Evolution Soccer over the years, and this one is threatening to upset the apple cart. It will be very interesting to see if it can achieve doing just that.
10. Honkai: Star Rail
- Platforms: PC, Mobile, PS4, PS5
Honkai: Star Rail is a new fantasy RPG from Epic Games set in the HoYoverse, where players will be tasked with exploring the galaxy and discovering its infinite wonders. It’s a unique concept in the realm of F2P games, so it could potentially be a refreshing change from some of the overly used genres.
11. Operation: Harsh Doorstop
- Platforms: PC, Mobile
For players searching for a new shooter sandbox, Operation: Harsh Doorstop could be an exciting choice. The game from Drakeling Labs was released in February 2023 and has garnered mainly positive reviews, and has even been compared to mod-friendly games like Ravenfield.
12. Star Wars: Hunters
- Platforms: Nintendo Switch, Mobile
The Star Wars universe is constantly expanding, and gamers have a multitude of options (and opinions...). The pick of the F2P games in George Lucas’s world has to be Star Wars: Hunters, which is available on Switch and mobile devices. The game is set after the fall of the Galactic Empire, and will involve players competing together in team-based multiplayer battles. Sounds pretty exciting, if you ask us.
13. Fall Guys
- Platforms: PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PC, Nintendo Switch
Fall Guys was released in 2020, but believe it or not, it only became a free to play game recently. This is an excellent party game in which players have to compete over a range of challenges to be the last avatar standing. It’s a great game for either playing alone or with friends and is available on almost every platform. It can be frustrating at times, but winning an event will fill you with some major satisfaction.
14. Phantasy Star Online 2
- Platforms: PC, Xbox One, PS4
Japan is responsible for some of the finest F2P games on the planet, and Phantasy Star Online 2 is the latest immersive RPG from the country. The new title comes with a range of new systems, such as Dash and Glide, and it also offers cooperative play!
15. Genshin Impact
- Platforms: PC, Mobile, PS4, PS5
No list in 2023 could be complete without mentioning Genshin Impact, and here it is, closing ours as well. The game has been out on various platforms since 2020, but the popular action role-playing game is also coming to Switch soon. The title is famous for its anime-style open-world setting, and the battle system that uses magic and character switching. It’s one of the top F2P games on the market, with its regular updates being one of the main reasons for that.
16. Cats Hidden in Paris
Credit's go to where credit's due - our colleagues over at gamerant actually introduced us to this unique, and very different type of game.
Cats Hidden in Paris is a beautifully simple, hand-drawn game where the goal is exactly as it seems - you need to find cats hiding in plain site. It might sound easy but it does require some 20/20 vision and focusing on your part. Making the game all the more unique, and a level or two above similar puzzles you might find in your local papers, are the super cute meowing sounds and easy-listening soundtrack!
This game is a definite recommendation for anyone who loves some laid back fun, and for its definitive uniqueness it deserves our number one of the top spots on our list as a genuinely different type of f2p game.
What Are F2P Games Though?
F2P stands for free-to-play. It’s a sprawling game category across all platforms of the gaming industry, and players are faced with a lot of choice. You don’t need to pay anything to start enjoying the best F2Ps, but you may have to download them to your device. Some free to play games have payment options as well, which allow you to buy certain upgrades, but aren't always necessary.
There are so many F2P games nowadays that some say they could take over the entire game industry. One day, in fact, free to play games could be ubiquitous, with video game companies making their money from other marketing methods.
