25+ Best Free Games in 2024: Play Without Spending $$

Why Trust Techopedia

We’re rounding up the best free games in 2024, with a wide range of titles for you to pick from. These games are the proof in the pudding that you don’t need to shell out to have a fantastic gaming experience.

Whether you’re looking for a fast-paced competitive title to play with friends or a more casual time, we’ve been sure to consider all types of games. You’ll also find that our list of the top 25 free games can be found across a range of platforms, so whether you’re sporting a Nintendo Switch or have a full gaming rig, there’s something for everyone.

Key Takeaways

  • 2024 offers up some of the best free-to-play games, with titles from a wide range of genres, including MOBAs, First Person Shooters, and Battle Royales available to suit all preferences.
  • Some of the best games include Destiny 2, Overwatch 2, and The Sims 4, all of which provide stunning visuals and gameplay.
  • Those who are looking for a competitive experience can check out Valorant, Counter-Strike 2, or Mech Arena.
  • For those who want a more chilled-out gaming experience, strategy titles like Teamfight Tactics, and Hearthstone are also some of the best free games.
  • Titles like Runescape, Dota 2, and League of Legends have continued to be among the best free games around, even decades after their release.

25+ Best Free Games to Play in 2024

25. Destiny 2

Series veteran Cayde-6 features heavily in Destiny 2
Series veteran Cayde-6 features heavily in Destiny 2. Source: Bungie
  • Highlights: Online, MMO, first-person shooter
  • Publisher: Bungie
  • Developer: Bungie
  • Availability: PS5, PS4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PC

Destiny 2 is one of the best free games on Steam right now, with a juicy story that flows well whether you decide to jump in alone or with friends. The character customization is genuinely unmatched and could take up hours of your time before you even consider getting in, slaying aliens, and traveling the universe.

24. Overwatch 2

There are dozens of unique characters to take for a spin in hero shooter Overwatch 2
There are dozens of unique characters to take for a spin in hero shooter Overwatch 2. Source: Blizzard
  • Highlights: Online, multiplayer, first-person shooter
  • Publisher: Blizzard
  • Developer: Blizzard
  • Availability:  PS5, PS4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PC

If you’re looking for a competitive title amongst our best free games list, then you’re in luck. Overwatch 2 is an aggressive first-person character shooter with an ever-growing roster of heroes and a seemingly infinite combination of team compositions; this is a fantastic option that never gets old.

23. The Sims 4

The Sims 4 offers unrivaled replay value with its endless well of content
The Sims 4 offers unrivaled replay value with its endless well of content. Source: EA
  • Highlights: Life simulation, casual, single-player
  • Publisher: EA
  • Developer: EA
  • Availability
  • :  PS5, PS4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PC, Mac

When you just want to wind down, The Sims 4 is the best free game to play after a long day. Allowing you to vicariously live through your own Sim, just build a load of houses or even commit heinous acts you wouldn’t ever commit in real life. While a PC game at the core, it can be considered one of the best free PS5 games and holds its own on Xbox platforms thanks to intelligent controls befitting a controller.

22. Legends of Runeterra

Fans of competitive and high-octane card games shouldn't miss out her
Fans of competitive and high-octane card games shouldn’t miss out here. Source: Riot Games
  • Highlights: Multiplayer, online, battle arena, card game
  • Publisher: Riot Games
  • Developer: Riot Games
  • Availability: PC, iOS, Android

Legends of Runeterra is one of the many card games that has made it onto our best free PC games list. For those who prefer strategy games and still want an element of competitiveness, then this title immerses you in the world of Runeterra, hosting brilliant animations and countless options for deck-building.

Advertisements

21. Brawlhalla

Don't be fooled by its art style, Brawlhala can get heated
Don’t be fooled by its art style, Brawlhala can get heated. Source: Ubisoft
  • Highlights: Multiplayer, online, fighting game
  • Publisher: Ubisoft, Blue Mammoth Games
  • Developer: Blue Mammoth Games
  • Availability: PS5, PS4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PC, Mac

Fighting games have taken the world by storm, and Brawlhalla is a perfect free option for those who don’t want to fork out on AAA titles. Jump in alone or with up to three other friends and battle it out in this Super-Smash Bros-style game. It’s one of the best games for free as it has regularly updated with dozens of “Legends” to choose from meaning you’re unlikely to get bored of your character’s play style any time soon.

20. Fortnite

There's carnage and chaos around every corner in Fortnite
There’s carnage and chaos around every corner in Fortnite. Source: Epic Games
  • Highlights: Multiplayer, online, third-person shooter, battle royale
  • Publisher: Epic Games
  • Developer: Epic Games, People Can Fly
  • Availability: PS5, PS4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PC, Mac

Battle Arena games have risen in popularity, and Fortnite has easily taken center stage in the genre as one of the best free-to-play games. Not only are there enough pop culture skins in the game to satisfy everyone, but the ever-changing map and rotation of weapons always keep the title feeling fresh. It’s available on practically every platform as well, supporting crossplay with all systems.

It’s one of the most popular free games for a reason, as there’s so much more to do than the standard battle royale mode. Take out the building element altogether with Zero Build, or go around the backrooms in a spooky IKEA-inspired showroom. There’s even a fully-fledged guitar rhythm game inside and a LEGO crafting and surviving mode to enjoy as well. It’s essentially one hundred games in one, acting as a portal to a wealth of experiences.

19. Valorant

Valorant blends together strategic shooting with iconic characters
Valorant blends together strategic shooting with iconic characters. Source: Riot Games
  • Highlights: Multiplayer, first-person shooter
  • Publisher: Riot Games
  • Developer: Riot Games
  • Availability: PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC

With a wide range of character shooters on the market, Valorant is one of the best free games right now to pick up. The first-person shooter is made by Riot Games and presents some amazing utility to take advantage of based on which agent you select, ensuring every game feels unique.

18. Multiversus

I bet you never expected to see Shaggy take on Superman, did you?
I bet you never expected to see Shaggy take on Superman, did you? Source: Warner Bros.
  • Highlights: Multiplayer, fighting game
  • Publisher: Warner Bros. Games
  • Developer: Player First Games
  • Availability: PS5, PS4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PC

Despite Multiversus not being as popular as it was at launch, the competitive fighting game allows you to play solo or pair up with a buddy and play as your favorite Warner Brothers character. Each character has a unique skill set and combos to learn, meaning you can spend countless hours in this title. It’s one of the best free-to-play games for fighting fans, excelling on the latest console generation.

17. Rocket League

Rocket League takes football to its next logical extreme by adding cars into the mix
Rocket League takes football to its next logical extreme by adding cars into the mix. Source: Psyonix
  • Highlights: Multiplayer, online, vehicular-sports game
  • Publisher: Psyonix
  • Developer: Psyonix
  • Availability: PS5, PS4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PC, Nintendo Switch, iOS, Android

If you’ve ever wanted to play football as a car, then in comes Rocket League. Sure, it might sound like a strange concept, but Rocket League can provide you with both a relaxing casual gaming experience as well as an intensely competitive one, so no matter what mood you’re in, you can always boot it up. It also receives a wealth of content updates, making it one of the best free games after all these years.

16. Apex Legends

Apex Legends rose from the ashes of the Titanfall franchise and is arguably even better
Apex Legends rose from the ashes of the Titanfall franchise and is arguably even better. Source: EA
  • Highlights: Multiplayer, first-person shooter, battle royale
  • Publisher: EA
  • Developer: Respawn Entertainment, Panic Button Games
  • Availability: PS5, PS4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PC, Nintendo Switch, iOS, Android

Another amazing Battle Royale title joins our list of best free games in the form of Apex Legends. Select your hero, each with their own skill set, and take on a number of other players either as a team with friends or face the challenge solo.

15. League of Legends

The long-running MOBA is showing no signs of running out of steam
The long-running MOBA is showing no signs of running out of steam. Source: Riot Games
  • Highlights: Multiplayer, online, battle arena
  • Publisher: Riot Games
  • Developer: Riot Games
  • Availability: PC, Mac

League of Legends is a pretty gritty top-down MOBA title with over a hundred different champions to play, each with their own set of abilities. For those who are looking for a game you can play with friends competitively and easily lose track of time whilst in the thick of it then League of Legends is one of the best free PC games to pick up.

14. Genshin Impact

Genshin Impact is a top-tier gacha game that offers hundreds of hours of playtime
Genshin Impact is a top-tier gacha game that offers hundreds of hours of playtime. Source: miHoYo
  • Highlights: Adventure, action, RPG, open-world
  • Publisher: miHoYo
  • Developer: miHoYo, Shanghai Miha Touring Film Technology
  • Availability: PS5, PS4, PC, Android, iOS

For anime lovers, Genshin Impact will no doubt be one of the best free mobile games to pick up. It’s also available on PC and PlayStation consoles as well if you want a big-screen fix. This beautiful open-world action title allows you to explore the lands of Teyvat while recruiting a team of fighters along the way to battle monsters and tackle other obstacles the different areas have to offer.

13. Call of Duty: Warzone

Warzone translates the Call of Duty formula to the battle royale genre to great success
Warzone translates the Call of Duty formula to the battle royale genre to great success. Source: Activision
  • Highlights: Multiplayer, first-person shooter, battle royale
  • Publisher: Activision
  • Developer: Activision
  • Availability: PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC

Activision has taken arguably its most popular title and turned it into one of the best games that don’t cost money in the form of Call of Duty: Warzone. If you’re a fan of the gunplay and mechanics of the beloved Call of Duty franchise, then Warzone combines all of that into a fast-paced Battle Royale.

12. Counter-Strike 2

Counter-Strike 2 replaces CS:GO and vastly upgrades the experience
Counter-Strike 2 replaces CS:GO and vastly upgrades the experience. Source: Valve
  • Highlights: Tactical, first-person shooter
  • Publisher: Valve
  • Developer: Valve
  • Availability: PC

After the long-lasting success of Counter-Strike: Global Offense, Valve has hit the ground running with its successor, Counter-Strike 2, one of the best free games on Steam. This competitive first-person shooter requires you to play tactically to protect zones and plant bombs as a team.

11. Hearthstone

Competitive card games don't get fiercer than Hearthstone
Competitive card games don’t get fiercer than Hearthstone. Source: Blizzard
  • Highlights: Multiplayer, online, battle arena, card game
  • Publisher: Blizzard
  • Developer: Blizzard
  • Availability: PC, Mac, iOS, Android

Competitive games come in many forms, and Hearthstone is proof of that. This constantly evolving card game is the best free game for those who prefer making strategic movements rather than relying on gunplay and reaction times but still want the satisfaction of beating an opponent. It ranks among the best fun free games to play for its charm, heart, and depth in a competitive market.

10. Runescape

Runescape has had an enduring legacy of over 20 years for good reason
Runescape has had an enduring legacy of over 20 years for good reason. Source: Jagex
  • Highlights: Fantasy, MMO, RPG
  • Publisher: Jagex
  • Developer: Jagex
  • Availability: PC, Mac

You can’t mention good free games without bringing up Runescape. It’s a legend of the gaming industry with a legacy stretching all the way back to 2001. The massively multiplayer online roleplaying game allows you to explore a vast fantasy world while completing missions and quests, all while becoming a part of the ever-growing community. You can either play the aptly named Old School Runescape or try out the newer Runescape 3 a modern version that has received regular updates for over a decade.

9. Mech Arena

Giant robots of all shapes and sizes battle it out in Mech Arena
Giant robots of all shapes and sizes battle it out in Mech Arena. Source: Plarium
  • Highlights: Multiplayer, shooter, battle arena
  • Publisher: Plarium
  • Developer: Plarium
  • Availability: PC, Mac, iOS, Android

Mech Arena is a multiplayer shooter where, as the name suggests, you get to pick out your own Mech, customize it with different buffs, and then jump in and battle it out against other players. With options between a 5v5 control point mode, as well as different deathmatch options there are a range of ways to prevent this title from going stale. It’s a great free game that offers up a stellar time, whether on console or mobile.

8. Forge of Empires

Build your empire from the ground up in this classic isometric building sim
Build your empire from the ground up in this classic isometric building sim. Source: InnoGames
  • Highlights: Resource management, strategy, multiplayer
  • Publisher: InnoGames
  • Developer: InnoGames
  • Availability: PC, iOS, Android

If you enjoy city building or resource management titles, then Forge of Empires is one of the best free PC games to pick up. This top-down strategy game allows you to slowly create an empire and watch it evolve through different time periods, as well as make the tough choice between working with or battling other players.

7. Magic the Gathering: Arena

There's no need to splash the cash opening packs in Magic the Gathering: Arena
There’s no need to splash the cash opening packs in Magic the Gathering: Arena. Source: Wizards of the Coast
  • Highlights:  Multiplayer, online, battle arena, card game
  • Publisher: Wizards of the Coast
  • Developer: Wizards of the Coast
  • Availability: PC, Mac, Android, iOS

Fans of the popular card game Magic the Gathering’s commander edition will find that Magic the Gathering: Arena scratches exactly the same itch without having to physically pull all of your cards out. The slow-paced card game stands out as one of the best free mobile games due to its versatility, with it being available on PC as well as mobile if you prefer to play on the go or on the toilet, no judgment.

6. EVE Online

EVE Online features a depth to the space sim experience you won't find anywhere else
EVE Online features a depth to the space sim experience you won’t find anywhere else. Source: CCP Games
  • Highlights: MMO, online, role-playing game
  • Publisher: CCP Games
  • Developer: CCP Games
  • Availability: PC, Mac

No other title beats out EVE Online in the best free PC games category when it comes to community. The space-based MMO allows you to recruit a crew and build a ship and features giant online battles organized by the players themselves, which can often see thousands of players taking part at once.

5. Dauntless

There are all kinds of beasts and monsters to fight against in Dauntless
There are all kinds of beasts and monsters to fight against in Dauntless. Source: Epic Games
  • Highlights: Action, role-playing, MMO game
  • Publisher: Epic Games, Phoenix Labs, ISOL GAMES
  • Developer: Phoenix Labs, Iron Galaxy
  • Availability: PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC, Android

Sometimes, the best part of gaming can be working with your friends; on the contrary, it can also be one of the most frustrating things on earth. Dauntless ranks as a cool free game to test your friendship. It allows you to jump into the three-player co-op and work together to chain attacks and spells to defeat enemies and explore the world.

4. Paladins

Paladins is much more than just a game vying for Overwatch 2's crown
Paladins is much more than just a game vying for Overwatch 2’s crown. Source: Hi Rez Studios
  • Highlights: Online, multiplayer, first-person shooter
  • Publisher: Hi Rez Studios
  • Developer: Hi Rez Studios, Evil Mojo Games
  • Availability: PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC, Mac

Similar in fashion to Overwatch 2, Paladins is a colorful and full-of-life character shooter. Whether you want to play competitively or casually, solo or with friends, Paladins makes you protect control points and run around on horses – what more could you ask for?

3. Dota 2

Dota 2 has only gotten better with age and stands tall as one of the best MOBAs
Dota 2 has only gotten better with age and stands tall as one of the best MOBAs. Source: Steam
  • Highlights: Multiplayer, online, battle arena
  • Publisher: Valve
  • Developer: Valve
  • Availability: PC, Mac

Despite being over a decade old, Dota 2 has held its ground in our best free games round-up, with over 100 heroes to choose from, no two games are the same. The MOBA title plays similarly to League of Legends but definitely embraces more of a fantasy element.

2. Teamfight Tactics

Auto battlers don't get better than Teamfight Tactics
Auto battlers don’t get better than Teamfight Tactics. Source: Riot Games
  • Highlights: Auto battler, battle arena, strategy game
  • Publisher: Riot Games
  • Developer: Riot Games
  • Availability: PC, Mac, iOS, Android

Teamfight Tactics is an auto battler like no other. Despite being a spin-off of League of Legends, you don’t need to have played it to enjoy or understand Teamfight Tactics at all. With a roster that changes every few months, play solo or with a friend in Double Up mode to put together a team composition and destroy your enemies.

1. Fall Guys

Fall Guys sees you and dozens of others take on tricky obstacles to win the crown
Fall Guys sees you and dozens of others take on tricky obstacles to win the crown. Source: Epic Games
  • Highlights: MMO, party, platformer
  • Publisher: Epic Games, Devolver Digital
  • Developer: Mediatonic
  • Availability: PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC

If you’re looking for a chill party game that somehow doubles up as one of the most frustrating titles of all time, then Fall Guys is the one for you. You compete against a hundred other players to take on different parkour challenges each round, with the slowest of the groups eliminated each time. It’s one of the best free games on Switch as well as other consoles, thanks to its pick-up and play nature.

More Free Online Games You Can Play in 2024

Path of Exile
Action RPG in the vein of the Diablo series
Lord of the Rings Online
Long-running RPG set in the Tolkien universe
Smite
Perennially popular third-person MOBA with cool characters
Planetside 2
Massively multiplayer sci-fi shooter with huge servers
Marvel Snap
Card game featuring characters from the MCU for mobile and PC
The Finals
Destruction-focused team-based shooter where cash is king
XDefiant
Ubisoft’s new take on the Call of Duty formula
Once Human
Nail-biting third-person survival game with friends
Player Unknown: Battlegrounds
Battle royale that started the trend in gaming
Team Fortress 2
Valve’s premier shooter still going strong after 17 years

The Bottom Line

There are a ton of free games to play, whether you’re gaming on a PC, mobile device, or console. Major developers have started to offer premium experiences with the live service business model, meaning you can play without putting any money down unless you’re incentivized by the cosmetic options.

FAQs

What are the best free VR games to play?

How to get free Steam games?

What games can I play for free?

What games are free on PS5?

What is the top 1 free game?

What is the best free game on PC?

Which is the No 1 game in the world?

What is the best website for free games?

Advertisements

Related Reading

Related Terms

Advertisements
Jasmine Mannan
Gaming Writer
Jasmine Mannan
Gaming Writer

Jasmine Mannan is an avid lover of all of the games everyone else dares to call terrible, sinking thousands of hours (and dollars) into League of Legends and Overwatch 2. She enjoys multiplayer games that allow her to relax after her days of writing at Mirror Gaming and formerly GamesRadar.