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No paywall here! Download and play these free Steam games today
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There are a lot of games to play on Steam, including a number that are free-to-play, but which are the best? To find out, just keep reading! We've gathered a list of 40 of the best free games on Steam, separated by main genre. We're sure that you'll find a new game to play and love in this list!
Best Free Steam Games
- Casual: Bongo Cat, Sky: Children of the Light, My Singing Monsters, Infinity Nikki
- Action: Counter-Strike 2, DOTA 2, Apex Legends, Marvel Rivals
- Adventure: STALCRAFT: X, Fallout Shelter, Star Wars: The Old Republic, RuneScape
- Strategy: Magic: The Gathering Arena, Age of Empires III: Definitive Edition, Marvel Snap, Crusader Kings II
- RPG: Warframe, Wuthering Waves, Lost Ark, Guild Wars 2
- Simulation: War Thunder, VRChat, The Sims 4, OpenTTD
- Sports: Fishing Planet, 3on3 FreeStyle: Rebound, Soccer Manager 2025, Slapshot: Rebound
- Racing: Umamusume: Pretty Derby, Stumble Guys, Asphalt Legends, RaceRoom Racing Experience
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Section 1 of 8:
Best Casual Games
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1Bongo Cat Bongo Cat is a cute clicker game that puts a little cat on your taskbar. Every time you press a key on your keyboard or click your mouse, you'll get a point. Every 30 minutes, you can turn in 1,000 points to get a random new item to dress up your cat with. The game even recently got a multiplayer update, so you can see your friends' bongo cats as well. [1] X Research source
- Developer/Publisher: Mercel Zurawka, Julius Krüger/Irox Games
- Genre: Clicker, productivity
- Platforms: Windows
- Features: Single player, online co-op, achievements
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2Sky: Children of the Light Sky: Children of the Light is an MMORPG that is technically still in Early Access, but has a lot of dedicated fans who enjoy the game. Just like any MMORPG, there are quests, games to play, and a deep story to absorb. Just like many free-to-play games, however, there is a cash shop where you can buy cosmetics and other items. [2] X Research source
- Developer/Publisher: thatgamecompany
- Genre: Cozy , MMORPG
- Platforms: Windows
- Features: Massively multiplayer online, online co-op, cross-platform multiplayer, HDR available
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3My Singing Monsters My Singing Monsters is a fun take on a creature collector game where all of the monsters sing. As you get more monsters, the song on your island will change and grow. While this game is easy to pick up, it has some surprisingly deep mechanics that will keep you entertained for hours. [3] X Research source
- Developer/Publisher: Big Blue Bubble
- Genre: Creature collector, casual
- Platforms: Windows
- Features: Single player, online co-op
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4Infinity Nikki Infinity Nikki is the latest title in the Nikki series, and it's the most ambitious one to date. It's an open-world RPG with dress-up elements that's hard to put down once you get started. While the game is fully free to play, there is a gacha to get new items, plus a cash shop. [4] X Research source
- Developer/Publisher: Infold Games
- Genre: Dress up, open world RPG
- Platforms: Windows
- Features: Single-player, cross-platform multiplayer, achievements
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Section 2 of 8:
Best Action Games
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1Counter-Strike 2 Counter-Strike 2 has been one of the most popular free first-person shooters for over 10 years, and the game has over 7.7 million positive reviews on Steam. While the game is completely free to play, there is a paid "Prime Status" upgrade that allows you to match with other Prime Status players, plus gives you some extra items. [5] X Research source
- Developer/Publisher: Valve
- Genre: First-person shooter, competitive
- Platforms: Windows, SteamOS (Linux)
- Features: Cross-platform multiplayer, Steam workshop, remote play on phone/tablet/TV
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2DOTA 2 DOTA 2 boasts that it's the most-played game on Steam with millions of players, and considering how many positive reviews the game's gotten in over 10 years, that's not surprising. All of the heroes are free in DOTA 2, which sets it apart from some other free-to-play games. While you can purchase cosmetics, there's no way to "pay to win." [6] X Research source
- Developer/Publisher: Valve
- Genre: MOBA, strategy
- Platforms: Windows
- Features: Steam workshop, accessibility features
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3Apex Legends Apex Legends combines "Hero Shooter" and "Battle Royale" into one incredibly fun game. New heroes are released periodically, and all of the heroes can be obtained for free. You can, however, spend money to unlock them faster, as well as to get cosmetic items. [7] X Research source
- Developer/Publisher: Respawn/Electronic Arts
- Genre: First-person shooter, Battle Royale
- Platforms: Windows
- Features: Online PvP, online co-op, achievements
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4Marvel Rivals Marvel Rivals is a team-based hero shooter with a twist—all of the characters are superheroes from the Marvel universe. All of the heroes are also free, with none of them being locked behind a paywall. There is a cash shop for cosmetics, but a lot of cosmetics can also be obtained for free. [8] X Research source
- Developer/Publisher: NetEase Games
- Genre: Hero shooter, competitive
- Platforms: Windows
- Features: Online PvP, online co-op, cross-platform multiplayer, achievements
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Section 3 of 8:
Best Adventure Games
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1STALCRAFT: X In STALCRAFT: X , you can explore the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone to find resources and artefacts. You'll be playing alongside other players that can be friends or foes, as well as NPCs and mutants. While the game is free to play, there is the ability to speed up progression by paying money. You can also purchase cosmetics from the cash shop. [9] X Research source
- Developer/Publisher: EXBO
- Genre: MMORPG, first-person shooter
- Platforms: Windows
- Features: Massively multiplayer online, online PvP, online co-op
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2Fallout Shelter Fallout Shelter is a survival base-building game set in the Fallout universe. Explore the wasteland to find loot, defend your vault from monsters, and build a thriving vault community. There are microtransactions, but the items are optional and the game is completely free-to-play. [10] X Research source
- Developer/Publisher: Bethesda Game Studios/Bethesda Softworks
- Genre: Survival, base-building
- Platforms: Windows
- Features: Single player, achievements
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3Star Wars: The Old Republic Star Wars: The Old Republic is a classic and iconic game that has been around for years, and you can play it for free on Steam! You can play as a Jedi, Sith, bounty hunter, and more. While the game is free, there are optional purchases available for premium currency, as well as a monthly subscription fee that gives you access to SWTOR's expansions, a higher level cap, and more. [11] X Research source
- Developer/Publisher: Broadsword/Electronic Arts
- Genre: MMORPG, open world
- Platforms: Windows
- Features: Massively multiplayer online, achievements
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4RuneScape Speaking of classic MMORPGs, RuneScape is one of the most iconic MMOs around. This is the 2020 version of the game, which has updated graphics and a more intensive combat system (though the Old School RuneScape from your childhood is free on Steam, too). RuneScape is completely free, but has a paid membership that gives you some perks (like extra skills and quests). [12] X Research source
- Developer/Publisher: Jagex Ltd
- Genre: MMORPG, open world
- Platforms: Windows, macOS
- Features: Massively multiplayer online, cross-platform multiplayer, achievements, accessibility features
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Section 4 of 8:
Best Strategy Games
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1Magic: The Gathering Arena Magic: The Gathering Arena brings the fun of the MTG tabletop card game to your computer. Build decks with your favorite cards, then battle other players from around the world. While this game does have microtransactions to get more cards, it's also considered a great way to learn how to play MTG if you're new to the game. [13] X Research source
- Developer/Publisher: Wizards of the Coast
- Genre: Strategy, card game
- Platforms: Windows
- Features: Online PvP, cross-platform multiplayer
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2Age of Empires III: Definitive Edition While Age of Empires III is technically not a 100% free game, the free portion of this game is still incredibly fun to play! In the free version of Age of Empires III, you can play Act I of the campaign, Art of War challenges, eight maps, and three civilizations on a rotating schedule. If you decide that you like the game enough to buy it, it's also routinely on sale for as low as $5. [14] X Research source
- Developer/Publisher: World's Edge, Tantalus Media, Forgotten Empires/Xbox Game Studio
- Genre: Real-time strategy, base building
- Platforms: Windows
- Features: Single player, online PvP, LAN PvP, cross-platform multiplayer, achievements
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3Marvel Snap If you're a Marvel fan, you should try out Marvel Snap . This game is a card battler where all the cards feature your favorite Marvel characters . However, like other free-to-play card games, there are micro-transactions that some users dislike. [15] X Research source
- Developer/Publisher: Second Dinner Studios
- Genre: Strategy, card battler
- Platforms: Windows
- Features: Online PvP, cross-platform multiplayer
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4Crusader Kings II If you're a fan of real-time historical strategy games, Crusader Kings II is a great free-to-play game to try out. Choose a historical figure and play through generations of characters as you create your dynasty in the Middle Ages. The base game is free-to-play, while the DLCs still cost money. You can, however, sign up for a subscription to access DLC content for $5 per month. [16] X Research source
- Developer/Publisher: Paradox Development Studio/Paradox Interactive
- Genre: Grand strategy, historical
- Platforms: Windows, macOS, SteamOS (Linux)
- Features: Single player
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Section 5 of 8:
Best RPG Games
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1Warframe Warframe has been one of the most popular free-to-play RPGs over the years. The entire game is completely free, and while you can spend money to buy cosmetics or to speed some things up, you don't need to pay anything at all to experience the full game. [17] X Research source
- Developer/Publisher: Digital Extremes
- Genre: Looter shooter, action RPG
- Platforms: Windows
- Features: Single player, online co-op, cross-platform multiplayer, achievements, remote play, HDR
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2Wuthering Waves If you like open-world anime RPGs, you should give Wuthering Waves a try. The game features fast-paced action combat, a host of interesting characters to meet and collect, and a great story to top it off. While this is a gacha game, you can earn premium currency by playing the game to get more characters. [18] X Research source
- Developer/Publisher: KURO GAMES
- Genre: Anime, action RPG
- Platforms: Windows
- Features: Single player
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3Lost Ark If you're craving a high fantasy RPG experience, try Lost Ark . In Lost Ark, you can choose from a number of classes that all have their own unique playstyle. Progress through the story, play with friends, and take on difficult battles—the choice is yours! There are microtransactions for cosmetics and other conveniences, but the entire game is otherwise free to play. [19] X Research source
- Developer/Publisher: Smilegate RPG/Amazon Games
- Genre: MMORPG, action RPG
- Platforms: Windows
- Features: Massively multiplayer online, online PvP, online co-op, achievements
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4Guild Wars 2 Guild Wars 2 is an incredible and award-winning RPG that you can play completely for free. Create your character and delve into the world of Tyria, which is full of incredible lore and scenery. While the base game is completely free, once you complete it, you'll need to purchase expansions to experience more of the story. [20] X Research source
- Developer/Publisher: ArenaNet
- Genre: MMORPG, adventure
- Platforms: Windows
- Features: Massively multiplayer online, online PvP, online co-op
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Section 6 of 8:
Best Simulation Games
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1War Thunder If you're a fan of military strategy, give War Thunder a try. This game focuses on simulating military battles on land, at sea, and in the air. Participate in recreations of historical battles from the 20th century, including World War II and the Korean War. While this game is entirely free-to-play, you can spend money to have access to more military vehicles. [21] X Research source
- Developer/Publisher: Gaijin Entertainment/Gaijin Network Ltd
- Genre: Military simulation, flight simulation
- Platforms: Windows, macOS, SteamOS (Linux)
- Features: Massively multiplayer online, online PvP, online co-op, cross-platform multiplayer, achievements, remote play
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2VRChat If you have a VR headset, give VRChat a try. While you might just think VRChat is a social game, there are countless worlds to explore that simulate real life, such as restaurants, aquariums, and more. While the game is free to play, you must have a VR headset to use the game, and some people will charge money for VRChat models. [22] X Research source
- Developer/Publisher: VRChat
- Genre: VR, multiplayer
- Platforms: Windows
- Features: Online PvP, online co-op, cross-platform multiplayer, VR support
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3The Sims 4 The Sims has been the forefront of life simulation games for years. Even though The Sims 4 is over 10 years old at this point, it's still an incredibly fun game to play if you love the series. While all of the DLCs cost money to purchase, the base game itself is now completely free to play. [23] X Research source
- Developer/Publisher: Maxis/Electronic Arts
- Genre: Life sim, character customization
- Platforms: Windows
- Features: Single player, remote play
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4OpenTTD OpenTTD is a remake and expansion of the 1995 game called Transport Tycoon Deluxe. In this game, you can create your own tycoon by transporting people and cargo over the road, rails, air, and water. The game has a charming retro feel and is entertaining for hours on end. The best part: the game is 100% free to play with no microtransactions. [24] X Research source
- Developer/Publisher: OpenTTD
- Genre: Tycoon, simulation
- Platforms: Windows, macOS, SteamOS (Linux)
- Features: Single player, online PvP, LAN PvP, online co-op, LAN co-op, cross-platform multiplayer
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Section 7 of 8:
Best Sports Games
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1Fishing Planet If you enjoy fishing, give Fishing Planet a shot. This game has over 200 species of fish to catch in over 20 beautiful waterways. The fish have in-depth AI behavior that changes depending on the weather, time of day, water temperature, season, and more. While there are microtransactions in the game, they are used to purchase items like different boats and cosmetics. [25] X Research source
- Developer/Publisher: Fishing Planet
- Genre: Fishing, simulation
- Platforms: Windows, macOS, SteamOS (Linux)
- Features: Massively multiplayer online, online PvP, online co-op, remote play
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23on3 FreeStyle: Rebound 3on3 FreeStyle: Rebound is a rebrand of 3on3 FreeStyle for Steam players, so if you liked the original game, you should give this one a shot! You can either play 3 on 3, 1 on 1, or in your own practice lobby to get better at the game. While there are microtransactions, the core of the game is still free to play. [26] X Research source
- Developer/Publisher: Joycity
- Genre: Basketball, team-based
- Platforms: Windows
- Features: Online PvP, online co-op, cross-platform multiplayer, achievements
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3Soccer Manager 2025 If you are a soccer (or football, as much of the world calls it) fan, you've likely heard of the Football Manager series. While Football Manager is not free, there's a similar game called Soccer Manager 2025 , and it's completely free-to-play. Play as the manager of your favorite soccer team and see them to victory! [27] X Research source
- Developer/Publisher: Invincibles Studio
- Genre: Football/soccer, simulation
- Platforms: Windows
- Features: Achievements
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4Slapshot: Rebound In Slapshot: Rebound , you can play 3 on 3 arcade-style matches of ice hockey. The game is entirely physics-based, so it'll take a little bit of skill to get good at the game, but the game has training modes to help you learn the ropes. The game is completely free, with microtransactions for cosmetic items only. [28] X Research source
- Developer/Publisher: Oddshot Games
- Genre: Hockey, arcade
- Platforms: Windows
- Features: Online PvP, online co-op, achievements
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Section 8 of 8:
Best Racing Games
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1Umamusume: Pretty Derby You might have seen Umamusume: Pretty Derby online, but we're here to tell you that it's actually an entertaining free-to-play game. While it might seem simple on the surface, getting good at the game takes a lot of knowledge and strategy. It is a gacha game, however, so there are microtransactions to get premium currency to do pulls. [29] X Research source
- Developer/Publisher: Cygames
- Genre: Horse racing, anime
- Platforms: Windows
- Features: Online PvP, achievements
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2Stumble Guys Stumble Guys is a game very similar to Fall Guys. In the game, you compete against 31 other players to reach the finish line. There are over 60 fun maps to play in with obstacle courses, traps, and more. The game is completely free, but you can purchase premium currency to buy cosmetic items. [30] X Research source
- Developer/Publisher: Scopely
- Genre: Battle Royale, racing
- Platforms: Windows
- Features: Online PvP, cross-platform multiplayer
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3Asphalt Legends Asphalt Legends is a free-to-play racing game where you can race against other players around the world. Pick your favorite car and race in incredible race courses inspired by iconic courses around the world. You can unlock all the cars for free if you grind, but the game offers microtransactions to unlock them faster. [31] X Research source
- Developer/Publisher: Gameloft
- Genre: Racing, arcade
- Platforms: Windows
- Features: Single player, online PvP, splitscreen PvP, online co-op, cross-platform multiplayer, achievements, remote play
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4RaceRoom Racing Experience RaceRoom Racing Experience is another free-to-play racing game. In this game, you can play multiplayer against other players online, or you can play single-player against an adaptive AI that adjusts based on how you drive. There are microtransactions in the game for more cars, but the game is otherwise free-to-play. [32] X Research source
- Developer/Publisher: KW Studios/KW Studios, RaceRoom Entertainment
- Genre: Racing, simulation
- Platforms: Windows
- Features: Single-player, online PvP, VR support
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References
- ↑ https://store.steampowered.com/app/3419430/Bongo_Cat
- ↑ https://store.steampowered.com/app/2325290/Sky_Children_of_the_Light
- ↑ https://store.steampowered.com/app/1419170/My_Singing_Monsters
- ↑ https://store.steampowered.com/app/3164330/Infinity_Nikki
- ↑ https://store.steampowered.com/app/730/CounterStrike_2
- ↑ https://store.steampowered.com/app/570/Dota_2
- ↑ https://store.steampowered.com/app/1172470/Apex_Legends
- ↑ https://store.steampowered.com/app/2767030/Marvel_Rivals
- ↑ https://store.steampowered.com/app/1818450/STALCRAFT_X
- ↑ https://store.steampowered.com/app/588430/Fallout_Shelter
- ↑ https://store.steampowered.com/app/1286830/STAR_WARS_The_Old_Republic
- ↑ https://store.steampowered.com/app/1343400/RuneScape
- ↑ https://store.steampowered.com/app/2141910/Magic_The_Gathering_Arena
- ↑ https://store.steampowered.com/app/933110/Age_of_Empires_III_Definitive_Edition
- ↑ https://store.steampowered.com/app/1997040/MARVEL_SNAP
- ↑ https://store.steampowered.com/app/203770/Crusader_Kings_II
- ↑ https://store.steampowered.com/app/230410/Warframe
- ↑ https://store.steampowered.com/app/3513350/Wuthering_Waves
- ↑ https://store.steampowered.com/app/1599340/Lost_Ark
- ↑ https://store.steampowered.com/app/1284210/Guild_Wars_2
- ↑ https://store.steampowered.com/app/236390/War_Thunder
- ↑ https://store.steampowered.com/app/438100/VRChat
- ↑ https://store.steampowered.com/app/1222670/The_Sims_4
- ↑ https://store.steampowered.com/app/1536610/OpenTTD
- ↑ https://store.steampowered.com/app/380600/Fishing_Planet
- ↑ https://store.steampowered.com/app/1292630/3on3_FreeStyle_Rebound
- ↑ https://store.steampowered.com/app/3217240/Soccer_Manager_2025
- ↑ https://store.steampowered.com/app/1173370/Slapshot_Rebound
- ↑ https://store.steampowered.com/app/3224770/Umamusume_Pretty_Derby
- ↑ https://store.steampowered.com/app/1677740/Stumble_Guys
- ↑ https://store.steampowered.com/app/1815780/Asphalt_Legends
- ↑ https://store.steampowered.com/app/211500/RaceRoom_Racing_Experience
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