The best free games for PC, Steam and more for 2023

Home Page " The best free games for PC, Steam and more for 2023

Here's a list of the best free games for PC, Steam, Epic Games Store and more from this year 2023. We explain how and where to play them and more.

You may have seen this article on the pages of Meristation and been invited to participate, but most likely you're here because you idly searched for "free games" on your favorite search engine one day and (if you're lucky) ended up here. In any case, in addition to welcoming you, we want to offer you something completely different. Almost every magazine has articles on the subject (we've published a few here over the years), it's a popular topic that always piques the interest and curiosity of a wide range of veteran and novice gamers alike. But most reports of this nature are limited to a more or less long stream of names with descriptions, and that's about it. Without diminishing the importance of the work done on these materials and their usefulness for thousands of readers, we want to do something different here.

The word "free" doesn't mean the same thing everywhere

For those who are new to this topic and unfamiliar with it, a few basic concepts. First, yes, you can play thousands of games for free (legally) with your computer. But there are different types of "free" that can be categorized by their name: "Free to Play", "Pay What You Want" and "Free". "Free to Play" or "F2P" are games that are free to play, but there are payment options, either to access certain content, or to unlock characters or skins, or to progress faster, depending on the game and its model, which you need to learn well before investing a lot of time in it. "Pay What You Want" are voluntary paid games, usually indie and experimental, created by developers who are learning, experimenting, or just want to start a small and quick project without all the baggage that going to market entails; they are completely free, but optionally, if you are very happy with the experience or just think they deserve it, you can leave them a tip for the work done. In the third category are "free" or freeware games, free games without more, which can be titles that their creators left for free for whatever reason - seeking fame for future projects, love of art... - or games that were paid in the past but now the people in charge are leaving them for free to realize that their business cycle is over.

These are not the only alternatives to play for free on the PC. In the past, what came to be known as "shareware" became very popular - codes that were distributed for free with part of a game and left the option to unlock the full game for a fee if the interested party enjoyed the game; classics such as Doom were born as part of this phenomenon. Their current equivalent are some MMORPGs, such as World of Warcraft or Final Fantasy XIV, which allow you to play for free up to a certain level and then require a monthly fee to continue playing. Then there are demos, which were very popular even for large productions a few years ago, but now their role has diminished - although they are still an interesting alternative for trying out a wide range of modest productions. Finally, there's a more modern iteration of demos that are time-limited and include more commercial multiplayer games - there's usually one or more of these temporary demos on Steam every weekend.

The most popular free games for PC

These are some of the most played and popular free games at the moment, titles that are well known to many, but should be kept in mind for new readers who join and want to know the upcoming options.

Fortnite: Battle Royale

A true phenomenon that gathers millions of players and viewers every week. Fortnite consists of two parts: Save the World, the original paid concept that is a mixture of team-based shooter and Minecraft, and Battle Royale, the free part (played by the vast majority of users), which is a free competition between 100 players with the goal of being the only survivor. The light-hearted tone, the dynamism, the ease of starting the game and the great flexibility that the building system gives are some of the features that set this game apart from others. Battle Royale mode, as we said, is free with micropayments of a purely aesthetic nature.

League of Legends

The game that sparked MOBA fever by taking advantage of the popularity of the Defense of the Ancients mod for Warcraft III and reimagining its ideas to bring them to a wider audience. From this root, a game of global scope was born, with a world and characters that continue to expand conceptually and aesthetically. It's a challenging game as you team up with four other players and fight five others, choosing from a wide range of characters with unique abilities, so it's easy to feel overwhelmed by all the possibilities, the details to learn, and the pace of the battles. However, once you get into the game, it will keep you engrossed for years to come. It's free and you can play for years without paying a euro, but you will have to accumulate "blue essence" within the game or pay if you want to play with a specific champion. The selection of free champions is constantly changing and it's quite functional to play with them, but you need time or a fast payment method to be able to choose.

DOTA 2

IceFrog, one of the main creators of Defense of the Ancients mod, signed a contract with Valve to create DOTA 2, the main competitor of League of Legends in MOBA genre and the most authoritative alternative to it. The concept is the same: two teams of five face off on a map, their goal is to destroy the opponent's defenses and wipe out his base. It's even more complex than its rival, more strategic and with numerous concepts to learn in order to be competitive, but just as compelling once you master it and get a stable team to play with. Unlike LOL, in DOTA 2 and you can access any champion from the 117 that are out there without investing any money, although paying for a monthly subscription has certain benefits such as access to the amateur Battle Cup tournament and a game master that can make a difference in making the right decisions in your game and career - it's not at all necessary, but if you know you're going to be playing DOTA 2 for a long time, could be a useful service.

SMITE

Dota 2 and League of Legends are two great alternatives within MOBA/ARTS, but they are not the only ones. SMITE has managed to carve out a niche for itself by betting on its own values that make it a solid and fairly independent alternative. A different camera and control system, more focused on giving the player direct action, gives the game a different personality compared to the quasi-RTS of the previous two games. It is also more colorful and spectacular, with immense powers used by the protagonist gods in battle. The game follows a similar model to LOL, with a "free rotation" that allows us to play for free with part of the squad, and the option to pay to get direct access to all characters.

World of Tanks

Another classic played by millions of users, Wargaming's game is still as relevant as ever - along with its "cousins" World of Warplanes and World of Warships. This F2P runs on a fast formula, immediately accessible and fun, with many different types of tanks at our disposal with which to compete in intense battles against other players. In addition, even if it lacks simulation features, it presents a certain appeal to military history buffs, as it includes locations and tanks from World War 2. For money you can unlock "premium" tanks, buy equipment and special ammunition that technically give you an advantage over other players, but none of this will give you a victory over a veteran player, at least that's the theory.

Warframe

Another F2P game worth trying is this futuristic action game in which we control "space cyber ninjas", completing single or cooperative missions against AI-controlled enemies. We have a variety of classes with different skills, but what sets them apart is the great agility that allows us to walk on walls, slide and perform all kinds of pirouettes to avoid enemies or dodge their attacks, which gives the game a special spirit compared to other shooters more focused on shooting. With a very spectacular aesthetic and a very significant amount of ever-growing content, Warframe is an excellent and quality game that can entertain us for dozens of hours.

Destiny 2

Destiny 2's move to a basic F2P model is great news for those looking for a quality shooter to play in their spare time. With Bungie's hallmark of polished and fun action, Destiny 2 offers rich content, an engaging story told at the level you'd expect from AAA, very high production values, and ample opportunities for both single-player and competitive play. If you decide that the base experience has won you over, you can purchase the add-ons, Forsaken and Shadowkeep, which you really have to pay for.

Dauntless

Clearly inspired by Monster Hunter, Dauntless is an F2P alternative to the game from Capcom, cut along similar lines: a group of player-controlled hunters against a large and powerful creature. With each completed hunt, we will have more resources with which we can continue to advance and progress, unlocking different styles of combat depending on our equipment. The game also has the advantage of supporting crossplay with almost all systems - including mobile in the near future - so it's easier to play with a group in any circumstance.

Path of Exile

A game that many believe has managed to topple Diablo from the top of the genre. Path of Exile is an F2P developed by fans of the genre, and it shows. It captures the essence of Diablo II like no other, which Blizzard itself missed in its sequel, has a huge amount of content, a huge development tree and a payment model that can be considered "fair" and that doesn't get in the way of enjoying it without investing a euro. In addition to the huge amount of content already available in the game, Path of Exile 2 will appear in the future, as part of the same game and with a new campaign, also free. A real gem, representing the best of the Free to Play model, and a must-buy for ARPG lovers.

Star Wars: The Old Republic

The tenth recreation of the Star Wars universe, in turn the second attempt to bring it into the realm of persistent worlds, takes us back to the years of the Old Republic and the wars between the Galactic Republic and the Sith Empire. Bioware was responsible for putting into practice what was explored in the two installments of Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic, and was initially responsible for making sure that the idea could be realized. Star Wars: The Old Republic allows us to create a character, choosing from several species, and visit dozens of planets in custom stories for each role, with companions to dialog and decisions to make. The free content is very generous, you can play alone without major problems, and the story keeps great moments (the only downside is that it is not translated into Spanish, so you will have to know English to enjoy it).

Paladins

For those looking for a F2P alternative to Overwatch, Paladins is one of the most obvious choices. A 5v5 team-based shooter with multiple game modes, over 40 champions to choose from with their own unique abilities, and a friendly enough game system for those who want to play for free - though you can pay to unlock all current and future champions in one go, as well as get a Season Pass with exclusive resources and skins.

Counter Strike: Global Offensive

Nearly two decades after Counter Strike gained dominance in internet cafes around the world, the game is still extremely popular thanks to its F2P strategy, which has allowed it to become the most played game on Steam today, with consistent numbers approaching one million concurrent users. Being such a well-known game, the introductory experience can be challenging and requires patience, time and dedication before you feel like you're doing something meaningful - for this, as with any team-based multiplayer game, it's always best to go with friends. The game is free to play, but paying will give you access to matches with other paid users and various extras in the form of skins and items.

Roblox

With over 90 million active users, Roblox tends to be less represented on gaming sites than, say, Fortnite (which has the same number of users), probably due to its chaotic nature, which also gives it its charm. Roblox is not just one game, but many, infinite games; it's a shared engine on which creative people can create their own worlds and games, ranging from small spaces where you can just chat with friends to ambitious simulations of all kinds. There are all sorts of gambling games, Battle Royales, mini-GTAs, things like (unofficial) Dragon Ball games and endless options, though each game can have separate paid options if it has reached a certain popularity.

Dungeon Fighter Online

One of the most popular multiplayer games in the world, DFO is a brawler in the style of Final Fight or Street of Rage, but with an MMO progression system, giving it a wide variety of characters, classes, subclasses and skills. Its advantage over other F2P MMOs is some immediacy, as the approach is pretty straightforward, and it has quite a long journey once you start getting into the story. It has a PVP mode, co-op, and a payment system that will allow you to get exclusive items, help you advance, and get powerful items ahead of players who don't pay. As is usually the case with games like this, it's a matter of spending money or patience, it all depends on your priorities. The game is available on Steam, but it is recommended to use it directly.

Apex Legends

F2P from Electronic Arts and Respawn is the big software giant's attempt to keep up with other alternatives in the popular Battle Royale genre. With a more serious and focused approach than Fortnite, Apex is popular with those looking to play a shooter with some substance before the chaotic games in Epic's holiday game. Its payment model focuses on cosmetic items for characters and weapons, loading screens, music, and other items that can be purchased either through battle pass or microtransactions, so it doesn't have a competitive advantage over players who don't want to pay.

Call of Duty: Warzone

Valorant

The hugely popular Call of Duty has made forays into the world of Battle Royale before, but Warzone is the main assault: a completely free standalone game that doesn't depend on buying other games, crossplay between PC, PS4 and Xbox One and 150 players spread across a huge map, but with the distinct spirit of Modern Warfare in the game mechanics and production. A new alternative fun in the F2P panorama.

CROSSOUT

CROSSOUT is not just an action game, where you need to shoot all the enemies with special accuracy. Here you will need a well-honed patience, which allows you to get out of all the difficulties that fall from all sides with your head held high. The time of post-apocalypse has already come, which means that ahead of us are waiting for chases, battles, shooting and, most importantly, a lot of teamwork. Interestingly, the events unfold in 2021 during an epidemic that has enslaved the entire world. Crossout is the source of the epidemic, which affected people in different ways. Survivors are divided into two camps - the first want to revive the former world, the second crave chaos and further destruction. What you can do - create unique vehicles, participate in battles, explore new locations. In any case, a beautiful picture in the style of "Mad Max", craft cars, a variety of deadly weapons and, of course, action is guaranteed.

War Thunder

War Thunder can rightfully be considered one of the most successful and popular online games, where many users can try their hand at controlling combat vehicles. This is a game about war, about technology, participation in conflicts and the consequences behind it all. What is amazing is that aviation, navy and ground army fight together, simultaneously, setting up a 3in1 strike, just like it ever happened in reality. War Thunder players can test over a thousand models of airplanes that actually function, as well as taste the combat power of attack helicopters, warships. And all of this in combat situations! What will you have to do? Shoot back from enemies, leave turrets, cover your comrades, rain hails of shells on the enemy, engage in battle on destroyers and torpedo carriers. All maps repeat the locations of the wars of the twentieth century. You can choose whether the game will be single-player, on the passage of the mission or the achievement of goals by the company.

Brawlhalla

Fighting Brawlhalla offers each player to enter the battle and come out of it victorious. What you need to do - most often, push your opponent out of the arena. How to achieve this? Apply targeted blows that deal damage. The more damage, the brighter his life field becomes - from white it stops to red. Less life - greater range of falls, which will eventually lead to a withdrawal from the battlefield. The game supports both single and multiplayer modes. Due to the simple controls, even a beginner will quickly get oriented in what he needs to do. By pressing the appropriate keys, you can move around the arena, strike, throw weapons or dodge the enemy's attack. Even in the air you can do various actions - make a triple jump, make an air dodge, glide and bounce off the walls. During the match can serve weapons that simplify the battle. These can be swords, blasters, bow, spear, axe, cannon, and even a hand-held sphere for melee combat. By combining strength, agility, speed and defense stats you can emerge victorious.

Rocket League

Rocket League is a sports video game developed and published by Psyonix; first released in 2015, the game has become a fan favorite and has hosted numerous leagues and tournaments.

The basic gameplay involves players driving a vehicle equipped with a rocket engine, which they then use to play a modified soccer game. The game is fast-paced, and players can perform impressive stunts and maneuvers to gain an advantage over their opponents.

The graphics are simple but effective: bright colors, detailed vehicle models and well-designed environments. The soundtrack is also top-notch, and fun sound effects liven up the game and give it an extra dynamic feel.

One of Rocket League's strongest strengths is its affordability. It's a simple, low-threshold game that you can buy and play right away, yet it offers deep and varied gameplay with high skill levels, advanced moves, and strategy.

Another key feature of Rocket League is its competitive nature. The game offers a number of different game modes, as well as regular cyber sports events and tournaments where players can compete against other players from around the world.

Genshin Impact

Genshin Impact is a role-playing game with beautiful graphics, an exciting world and many playable characters. The game is free and available to many users. The Gacha system is a constant incentive to keep playing and collecting characters.

The game's combat system is fun and allows for a variety of play styles, with each character having unique abilities and item preferences. The open world also offers plenty of opportunities for exploration and adventure, including hidden puzzles, mini-games and secrets.

However, some players who don't want to spend real money on microtransactions may have trouble utilizing the gacha mechanics, and the game's story and plot may also be frustrating. The game also has limited multiplayer options, which may frustrate players who would like more opportunities for interaction.