When it comes to video games, free rarely means free.
Free-to-play video games may be free to start, but most of them just offer you a taste. Soon thereafter, the developers are not-so-subtly pushing you to spend a little money on new levels, characters, costumes, and even the ability to continue playing the game without having to wait for hours. More often than not, free games can be more expensive than premium titles.
Still, there are some games out there that are truly free. That means that you can play them and have a great time without ever having to spend anything on them. Even better, some of those truly free games are experiences that we would gladly pay for…if we had to.
Here are the best truly free video games out there.
Warframe
Have you always wanted to start playing Destiny 2 but worry about the initial $60 investment and having to constantly buy DLC? Warframe is the game for you.
Like Destiny, Warframe is a sci-fi “loot shooter.” That means it’s a game that encourages you to grind through combat scenarios in order to build your character and find better loot. The appeal of that formula comes from a bit of luck (finding that perfect weapon/armor/item) and the thrill of watching your character’s skills grow over time. What Warframe brings to the equation is some excellent character building options, great action, lots of scenarios, and a large community of players to run around the galaxy with.
Some free-to-play games serve as premium game substitutes. Honestly, Warframe may be better than its full-priced competitors.
Fortnite: Battle Royale
If you haven’t heard of Fortnite by now, we’ve got to wonder what wonderful corner of the world you’re living in.
Jokes aside, the world’s most popular game has plenty to offer to those looking for a free-to-play game with a ton of content. Fortnite: Battle Royale sees up to 100 players compete to be the last person standing. With its various modes, constant updates, and global community of millions, you can play Fortnite for hundreds of hours without feeling like you’ve seen everything.
While the game offers premium purchase options, they’re only going to appeal to those who are all about how their character looks.
Path of Exile
Years ago, a game called Diablo took the role-playing world by storm. Its rapid action, deep character builds, and incredible level design hooked millions for thousands of hours.
There are quite a few people out there who consider Path of Exile the true successor to Diablo. This free-to-play game is a great fit for anyone who wants to go on an epic adventure but doesn’t want to suffer through hours of slow gameplay. Path of Exile‘s brand of action means that you’ll rarely suffer a dull moment. You’ll be too busy constantly unlocking new items and abilities used to take down an increasingly tough series of foes.
Path of Exile has quietly been one of the best games out there for years now, and you don’t have to pay a dime for it.
Planetside 2
The original Planetside was a game ahead of its time. As a massively multiplayer shooter that promised sci-fi battles on a grand scale, it was an ambitious – but flawed – attempt at something truly special.
Planetside 2 comes close to realizing the potential of the original. 2000 players can participate in continent-wide battles that span land, sea, and air. It’s a set-up that makes you feel like you’re truly another soldier in a massive war. There’s really no other game that comes close to replicating this title’s scale.
While the game’s player count isn’t quite what it used to be – and you’ll probably want to play it on a powerful PC – Planetside 2 remains a special game.
StarCraft II
The moment that StarCraft II went free-to-play is the moment that everyone with a PC should have put it at the top of their must-have list.
One of the best real-time strategy games ever made, StarCraft II features the brilliantly balanced gameplay of the original and builds upon it with new units, better visuals, and a variety of new strategies. On top of that, you get a surprisingly epic sci-fi story that ranks amongst the best the genre has to offer.
Even if you don’t play on being a professional StarCraft player, StarCraft II‘s campaign is certainly worth playing.
