Highlights

• Not all free-to-play games are created equal; some may have microtransactions or pay-to-win aspects.
• Free multiplayer games offer fun and excitement, with cross-play options to play with friends on any system.
• Popular titles like Halo Infinite, Brawlhalla, and SMITE offer engaging gameplay and regular updates.

Throughout the years, there have been countless free to play titles that have been released. There are so many that, at times, it’s hard to keep track of them all. However, just because they’re free doesn’t automatically guarantee that you’ll enjoy them. Plus, some will also be filled with a bunch of microtransactions or have a pay-to-win aspect attached to them.

Whether you’re playing with friends or going at it solo, these games are bound to provide fun and exciting moments. What's even better is that some of these games include cross-play capabilities, so you can play with whoever you want, regardless of what system they play on.

Updated by Shivam Gulati on March 30th, 2024: The roster for free-to-play games has grown, so we've updated this list to include three new popular titles while replacing the three old ones as they aren't very relevant or popular in 2024.

12 Halo Infinite

The Multiplayer That Never Goes Out Of Style

• Genre: First-person shooter, Free-to-play, Adventure game

The Halo series is known for having an amazing campaign, but an even better multiplayer experience. Halo Infinite is no exception, as it provides high-paced and exciting PVP gameplay. What makes Halo Infinite different from the other games in the series is that multiplayer is free to play. The title still receives updates and tweaks to the gameplay.

With something to meet every player’s preference and playstyle, it’s time to suit up and assemble your Fireteam!

Getting a group of friends together will ensure that a good time is had with one another. The game itself can prove to be addicting and have you going back for more with each match you play.

11 Brawlhalla

The Ultimate Fighting Game

• Genre: Fighting game, Online game, Platform game, Indie game, Party

While on the topic of free-to-play fighting games, it would be a shame not to mention Brawlhalla. The game features over 60 characters to choose from, each with unique move sets and skills. Powerful weapons and gadgets are also scattered throughout matches to spice things up.

History's greatest warriors brawl to prove who's the best in an epic test of strength and skill

To keep players interested, there are different game modes to choose from, such as Capture the Flag, Brawlball, and other party modes. Up to eight players can play at the same time. There’s even a ranked mode if you want to make things more competitive.

10 The Sims 4

Create A Virtual Life

• Genre: Life simulation game, Free-to-play, Casual game, Strategy video game, Simulation Game, Adventure

If you want to take the more relaxing route, you’re in luck because The Sims 4 is also free to play. The social simulation game allows your imagination to run free, as you can virtually do anything that your heart desires. You can create a life and live it exactly the way you want to.

Create unique characters, build dream homes, and let chaos unfold

There are tons of DLCs that you can purchase to enhance your gameplay experience by adding things, such as new customization options, places to go, and a variety of other items. You don’t need to have all of that to have a good time, though — think of it as a bonus.

9 SMITE

The Battle Of The Gods

• Genre: Multiplayer online battle arena, Casual game, Action role-playing game, Massively Multiplayer, Adventure, Strategy

SMITE is a game about gods and goddesses fighting each other on a battleground. As simple as it sounds, it can prove to be pretty exciting. There are over 130 gods and goddesses to choose from, and each one has a unique skill set. There are different game modes to play, including a ranked mode.

Defend your portal from minions and reign victorious!

Each character in the game has different skins that are extremely creative and add a personality aspect to the title. Updates are still being implemented to this day along with new characters being added to the battleground.

8 Paladins

The Underrated Gem

• Genre: First-person shooter, Massively Multiplayer, Adventure, Strategy

Speaking of SMITE, also from the team at Hi-Rez, we have Paladins making this list. Like SMITE, Paladins is also free to play and resembles Overwatch. It’s a hero shooter that utilizes a card system in order to stand out from its competition and pulls it off well. Each hero has their own set of skills, and teams must come together to create the perfect combination in order to be victorious.

Ancient Goddess. Interstellar bounty hunter. Cutthroat pirate. Frost giant. You can be all of these and more in Paladins

There are different maps in the game flexing unique structures, which ultimately affects your playstyle. There are a lot of combinations that can be made to influence gameplay, and it’s fun to find the right play style that works for you.

7 Valorant

One Of The Best Esports Title

• Genre: Tactical shooter

Valorant is a team-based first-person 5v5 hero shooter. There are two teams, one of which aims to plant the bomb and the other to diffuse it. The roles, however, get reversed in the second half of the game. If you love competitive titles, Valorant is right up your alley.

Blend your style and experience on a global, competitive stage.

Each hero in the game has a special set of abilities that can either aid teammates or be a detriment to the enemy team. The game also has some of the most fancy weapon skins you've seen in any other FPS title, which surely adds a little more flare to your arsenal. There are also a handful of game modes present to mix things up a little if you get tired of playing the same mode repeatedly.

6 Overwatch 2

Bring In The Chaos

• Genre: First-person shooter, Free-to-play

Overwatch 2 is something that every player needs to try at least once. With the title being an overhaul of the original, one of the biggest changes was that it now follows a free-to-play model. The game utilizes a battle pass system for progression and monetization.

Whether you like to lead the charge, ambush enemies, or aid your allies, there’s a new hero for you.

The old heroes are still present, but new ones are now being added alongside them. The biggest change is that the game no longer has 6v6 matches but goes by 5v5 ones instead. Having a group of friends queued up alongside you can prove to be an exciting time.

5 Apex Legends

The Fast-Paced Battle Royale

• Genre: First-person shooter, battle royale

Apex Legends is a hero shooter battle royale title that many have grown fond of over the years. You don’t need to spend a single dime on the game to get some fun out of it. New legends are constantly being added along with different events, so you never have to worry about the game getting dull over time.

Contenders from across the Frontier team up to battle for glory, fame, and fortune

Getting two other friends together with you will guarantee a fun time along with trying to find the perfect team combo that proves to be unstoppable among the opposition. Apex is also cross-play on all platforms, so you don’t have to worry about anybody being left out.

4 Fortnite Battle Royale

Epic Games' Sweetheart

• Genre: First-person shooter, battle royale

Fortnite is a title that has taken the gaming industry by the horns and has changed gaming in general. With the number of crossovers and events that have taken place within it, it’s no wonder why so many are getting their hands on the title.

Explore large, destructible environments where no two games are ever the same

The game itself is constantly being updated, and with each season that passes, new things are being added to the gameplay. The customization knows no bounds as the team always finds ways to one-up themselves with their designs. With the game adding a No Build Mode, it makes Fortnite more beginner-friendly too.

3 Counter-Strike 2

The Legendary Tactical Shooter

• Genre: Tactical Shooter

For many players, Counter-Strike is the title that popularized the tactical shooter genre. For several years, CS:GO enjoyed a playerbase of millions without actually facing any competition, so Valve didn't really have to focus on updates or care about improving the game in any way. For the community, CS:GO was also perfect as it was; however, Valve had to take some steps when competitors like Valorant came into the picture.

THE NEXT ERA OF COUNTER-STRIKE IS HERE!

CS 2 is basically an enhanced version of the original CS:GO. It features improved graphics and some necessary gameplay changes. Rules are rather simple: you play in a team of 5, either as terrorists or counter-terrorists. You have to make use of your utilities and aim to kill the opponent team or prevent them from completing their objectives.

2 Warframe

Take Control Of Tenno

• Genre: Third-person shooter, Massively multiplayer online game

Warframe is probably one of the most underrated action RPG titles of the last decade. Developed by Digital Extremes, Warframe allows players to explore the Origin System, which is sort of the game's terminology for the Solar System. You take control of a single alien species, Tenno, but there are different types of Tenno that players can unlock. Each Tenno flaunts unique sets of abilities, but there's one thing that's common with every playable character—impeccable movement.

The power is yours to create the perfect assassin, tank, support or stealth Warframe

The game offers fast-paced gameplay and an impressive open-world setting that you'll never get tired of exploring. There are multiple missions for players to take part in, so you won't get bored of the game anytime soon if, of course, you choose to download the title first.

1 The Finals

Get Ready For Destruction

• Genre: First-person shooter, Platform game, Fighting game

The Finals is a breath of fresh air for everyone who's into first-person shooters. This team-based shooter from Embark Studios is everything we ever wanted from a multiplayer FPS title. It features straightforward gameplay, where you compete against other teams to collect the most cash.

Fight alongside your teammates in virtual arenas that you can alter, exploit, and even destroy

However, the most impressive part about The Finals is surely its destructive environment. You can destroy walls and even bring down an entire floor of a building, so there are many ways in which you can surprise enemies. The unique gadgets and different player classes also add to the fun. It's surely a one-of-a-kind title that deserves every bit of your attention, especially if you're always on a hunt to try out a fun multiplayer shooter.