Some of the most played games on PC cost nothing to download. Free-to-play does not mean low quality: several of the biggest competitive games in the world use this model. What it does mean is that the game makes money in other ways, and it helps to know how before you start.
Competitive shooters
- Counter-Strike 2: the reference tactical shooter, with a huge competitive scene. Free to play, with a paid Prime upgrade that improves matchmaking.
- Valorant: Riot’s tactical shooter with character abilities. Precise and demanding.
- Apex Legends: a fast battle royale with distinct characters and excellent movement.
- Fortnite: battle royale, building and a constant stream of events and modes created by players.
- Marvel Rivals: a team-based hero shooter set in the Marvel universe.
MOBAs and strategy
League of Legends and Dota 2 are the two giants of the genre. Both are deep, competitive and very demanding to learn. Dota 2 gives every hero for free; in League, champions are unlocked over time. Expect a long learning curve in either.
Role-playing and looter games
- Path of Exile: a dark action RPG with one of the deepest character-building systems in the genre. Its paid items are almost all cosmetic or storage.
- Warframe: fast cooperative action with a huge amount of content; nearly everything can be earned through play.
- Genshin Impact and Honkai: Star Rail: open-world and turn-based RPGs with “gacha” systems for characters.
- Destiny 2: the base game is free, but most of its story is in paid expansions.
Other genres
Rocket League (car football), War Thunder and World of Tanks (vehicle combat), and Team Fortress 2 still have large audiences. Card games like Hearthstone and Marvel Snap work well in short sessions. Even simple browser puzzles such as Little Alchemy 2 keep a large audience.
How these games make money
Most free games sell one or more of the following:
- Cosmetics such as skins and emotes. They do not affect gameplay and are the fairest model.
- Battle passes: a seasonal track of rewards unlocked by playing.
- Convenience: boosters, extra storage or faster progress.
- Randomised rewards (loot boxes and gacha systems), where you pay for a chance at an item.
Random rewards are the model to be most careful with. Several countries regulate them, and it is easy to spend more than you planned.
Playing free without overspending
Set a monthly limit before you start, and treat any purchase as you would buying a game. Platform tools such as Steam’s purchase history help you see what you have spent over time. For children, the parental controls on Steam, Epic and Windows can require approval for purchases. And if a game constantly pressures you to pay to progress, there are plenty of free alternatives that do not.
