Games are the perfect solution if you are bored and wish to do something that entertains you without costing any money. The most entertaining source that not just entertains but also lets you control the characters unlike sitting and watching television is through gaming. While a lot of sites have pricing plans for gaming, Steam is a platform that lets you play games without any expenditure.
The Valve-owned Steam is the go-to source of desktop games. Its constant influx and encyclopedic library of new titles make it an amazing store for entertainment-hungry users who are in search of video game diversions.
Over the past few years, Steam games have become the norm. We have made a list to enable you to take a quick look at some of the most-played games and see that a very large proportion of the most famous and interesting games in the world are free-to-play.
To save your bank account from meeting your addicting gaming habit, we have discussed below a bounty of free games on Steam. All these games are available to download for free, so you can start playing them right now without any second thought.
List of Best Free Games on Steam in 2025
| Game Title | Key Features | Developer | Genre | Starting Price | Release Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| War Thunder | Military vehicles, air/land/naval combat, historical accuracy | Gaijin Entertainment | Action/Simulation | Free | 2012 |
| World of Warships | Naval warfare, PvP battles, historical ships | Wargaming.net | Strategy/Action | Free | 2015 |
| Crossout | Vehicle building, PvP combat, dystopian setting | Targem Games | MMO/Action | Free | 2017 |
| Wizard101 | Magic-based RPG, turn-based combat, kid-friendly | KingsIsle Entertainment | MMO/RPG | Free | 2008 |
| Dota Underlords | Auto battler, strategy-based, Dota characters | Valve Corporation | Strategy | Free | 2020 |
| Counter-Strike: Global Offensive | Tactical shooter, multiplayer, esports support | Valve Corporation | FPS | Free | 2012 |
| Conqueror’s Blade | Siege battles, medieval setting, tactical warfare | Booming Tech | MMO/Strategy | Free | 2019 |
| Brawlhalla | Platform fighter, cross-platform multiplayer | Blue Mammoth Games | Fighting | Free | 2017 |
| Apex Legends | Battle royale, squad-based combat, hero shooter | Respawn Entertainment | FPS | Free | 2019 |
| Destiny 2 | Sci-fi FPS, co-op & PvP modes, expansive lore | Bungie | FPS/MMO | Free | 2017 |
War Thunder
Developed by Gaijin Entertainment and first released in 2012, War Thunder is a comprehensive MMO combat game dedicated to military vehicles. Players can pilot aircraft, command ground forces, and captain naval vessels from the early 20th century to the modern era.
The game is praised for its commitment to realism, detailed vehicle models, and massive-scale combined arms battles. It features cross-platform play, allowing PC, Xbox, and PlayStation users to compete on the same battlefield. The realistic physics and damage models create an immersive and challenging combat experience for military history enthusiasts and action gamers alike.
Features:
- Over 2,000 highly detailed aircraft, ground vehicles, and warships.
- Cross-platform gameplay between PC and consoles.
- Regular content updates introducing new nations, vehicles, and maps.
- Multiple game modes, from arcade battles to realistic simulations.
Starting Price: Free to Play
World of Warships
From the creators of World of Tanks, Wargaming, comes the naval combat counterpart, World of Warships. Launched in 2015, this game lets you command a vast fleet of historical warships in tactical 12v12 battles. Players can choose from four different ship classes—destroyers, cruisers, battleships, and aircraft carriers—each with unique strengths and weaknesses.
Success depends on strategic positioning, precise aiming, and effective teamwork. The game features meticulously recreated vessels from the major naval powers of the 20th century, offering a visually stunning and strategic gameplay experience on the high seas.
Features:
- Over 400 historically accurate ships from more than ten nations.
- Four distinct ship classes offering diverse playstyles.
- Strategic, team-based naval combat.
- Frequent updates, collaborations, and in-game events.
Starting Price: Free to Play
Crossout
Developed by Targem Games and launched in 2017, Crossout is a post-apocalyptic MMO action game that focuses on vehicle customization and combat. Players build their own unique armored machines from a wide array of interchangeable parts and then test their creations in intense online battles. The game’s core appeal lies in its “Build, Ride, Destroy” mantra.
There are no pre-set classes; your vehicle’s performance and role are entirely determined by the parts you choose. It also features a player-driven marketplace where you can trade parts and resources, adding a layer of economic strategy.
Features:
- Complete creative freedom to build unique battle machines.
- Advanced damage model where destroying specific parts affects vehicle performance.
- Player-driven economy and crafting system.
- Multiple PvP and PvE game modes.
Starting Price: Free to Play
Wizard101
Wizard101 is a massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) created by KingsIsle Entertainment. First released in 2008, it has maintained a dedicated community thanks to its unique charm. Players take on the role of a student at the Ravenwood School of Magical Arts. The game’s standout feature is its turn-based combat system, which uses a collectible card game mechanic.
This makes combat more strategic and less reliant on quick reflexes, appealing to a broad audience. Its whimsical world, engaging story, and family-friendly environment make it a great entry point into the MMORPG genre.
Features:
- Unique tactical card-based combat system.
- Vast and colorful world with numerous realms to explore.
- Engaging storyline and quests.
- Options for pet raising, gardening, and house decorating.
Starting Price: Free to Play (with optional membership for full access)
Dota Underlords
Originally developed by Valve as an official version of the popular Dota Auto Chess mod, Dota Underlords was released in 2020. It’s a strategic auto-battler game where you build a crew of heroes, place them on a grid-based board, and watch them fight automatically against seven opponents.
The strategy lies in choosing the best hero combinations to create powerful alliances and upgrading your units. The game includes a casual single-player mode, ranked matchmaking, and a Duos mode where you can team up with a friend. It offers a deep and rewarding experience for players who enjoy strategy and theory-crafting.
Features:
- Strategic depth with a focus on hero synergies and positioning.
- Ranked matchmaking and a seasonal rotation of content.
- Single-player campaign and puzzle modes.
- Cross-play between PC and mobile devices.
Starting Price: Free to Play
Counter-Strike: Global Offensive
A true icon in the world of competitive first-person shooters, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive was developed by Valve and Hidden Path Entertainment. Although it was launched in 2012 as a paid title, it transitioned to a free-to-play model in 2018, massively expanding its player base.
CS:GO pits two teams—Terrorists and Counter-Terrorists—against each other in objective-based game modes. It is renowned for its steep learning curve, high skill ceiling, and emphasis on teamwork, strategy, and precise gunplay. It remains one of the most popular games on Steam and has a massive, well-established esports scene.
Features:
- Legendary team-based tactical FPS gameplay.
- High-stakes competitive mode with a robust ranking system.
- A thriving in-game economy for weapon skins.
- One of the largest and most-watched esports circuits in the world.
Starting Price: Free to Play
Conqueror’s Blade
Conqueror’s Blade, released in 2019 by Booming Games, is a tactical action MMO that places you in the role of a medieval warlord. The game blends third-person combat with real-time strategy elements. You directly control your character in battle while also commanding entire units of soldiers, from archers to cavalry.
The main draw is its large-scale siege warfare, where teams of players fight for control of castles and territory in a persistent open world. You must manage resources, craft weapons, and form alliances with other players to expand your empire.
Features:
- Hybrid gameplay combining action combat and real-time strategy.
- Epic 15v15 siege battles where players command AI units.
- A persistent open world with territory control mechanics.
- Deep customization for both your warlord and your units.
Starting Price: Free to Play
Brawlhalla
Developed by Blue Mammoth Games, Brawlhalla is a free-to-play 2D platform fighter that launched in 2017. It draws inspiration from games like Super Smash Bros. but carves its own identity with a unique weapon-spawning system and a diverse roster of “Legends.”
The goal is to knock your opponents off the stage. The game is easy to pick up but difficult to master, featuring a wide array of game modes, including ranked ladders, casual free-for-alls, and unique weekly brawls. With full cross-play across all major platforms, you can easily play with friends regardless of their device.
Features:
- Fast-paced and accessible 2D platform fighting.
- A large and constantly growing roster of unique characters.
- Full cross-play support for PC, consoles, and mobile.
- Multiple game modes for both casual and competitive players.
Starting Price: Free to Play
Apex Legends
Launched as a surprise release in 2019 by Respawn Entertainment, Apex Legends quickly became a dominant force in the battle royale genre. Set in the Titanfall universe, the game emphasizes squad-based play, with teams of three (or two) selecting from a roster of “Legends,” each with unique abilities.
Its key innovations include the smart ping system for non-verbal communication and the ability to respawn fallen teammates, both of which have since been adopted by other games. The fast-paced movement, polished gunplay, and character-driven strategy make it a standout free-to-play experience.
Features:
- Character-based battle royale with unique tactical abilities.
- Innovative features like the ping communication system and respawn beacons.
- Fluid movement mechanics and satisfying gunplay.
- Regular seasonal updates with new Legends, maps, and content.
Starting Price: Free to Play
Destiny 2
Initially released as a paid game in 2017, Destiny 2 from Bungie adopted a free-to-play model called “New Light” in 2019. It is a massive online first-person shooter with strong MMO and RPG elements. As a Guardian, a protector of humanity’s last safe city, you wield powerful abilities and collect a vast arsenal of futuristic weapons and armor.
The game offers a rich sci-fi universe, a compelling overarching story, and a wide variety of activities. You can engage in cooperative strikes, challenging six-player raids, or competitive PvP in the Crucible.
Features:
- A blend of satisfying looter-shooter mechanics and MMO elements.
- A deep sci-fi universe with an evolving narrative.
- A wide variety of PvE and PvP activities.
- Excellent gunplay and unique character class abilities.
Starting Price: Free to Play (with optional expansions for more content)
FAQs
Are free-to-play games on Steam genuinely free?
Yes, the base games listed are completely free to download and play. They are typically supported by optional in-game purchases like cosmetics, battle passes, or convenience items, but you can enjoy the core gameplay without spending money.
What does “free-to-play” mean?
Free-to-play (F2P) means there is no initial purchase price for the game. You can install and play it for free, but there may be optional microtransactions for cosmetic items or content shortcuts.
Do I need a powerful PC to run these free games?
It varies. Games like Brawlhalla and Dota Underlords have low system requirements, while graphically intensive games like Destiny 2 and Apex Legends demand more powerful hardware. Always check the game’s store page for specific system requirements.
Can I play with friends on different consoles?
Many free-to-play titles like Apex Legends, War Thunder, and Brawlhalla support cross-platform play, allowing you to team up with friends on PC, Xbox, and PlayStation.
Which free Steam game has the most players?
Counter-Strike: Global Offensive consistently holds one of the top spots for concurrent players on Steam, often reaching over a million players daily.
Are there any single-player free games on Steam?
While most popular free games are multiplayer-focused, some, like Dota Underlords, have single-player modes. Additionally, Steam often features free story-driven games or demos.
How do free games make money?
Free games generate revenue through in-game purchases (microtransactions). This commonly includes cosmetic items (skins, outfits), battle passes that offer seasonal rewards, and sometimes convenience items or access to new characters.
Is it worth getting into these games years after their release?
Absolutely. All the games on this list have active development teams that regularly release updates, balance changes, and new content. This ensures the games remain fresh and welcoming to new players.
Conclusion
Games have been as a source of entertainment from way back, although, the modes of gaming seem to change with time. With the change in mode, the price of playing has also shoot up.
To make these available to you for free, Steam has bundled up all the games for you to choose and play. Many of the games available on Steam are very good and are equally as much great to play as their full price.
We have discussed above some of the best games available on Steam that will cost you nothing. We even consider a few of them as the best games on PC. And since all of them come at everyone’s favorite price, it means you can play more games than ever before!
