Shooters and hero shooters, the crown jewel of free gaming
If anything rules the free-to-play world, it's shooters, and here the offering is overwhelming. Valorant has become the king of the precise tactical shooter, and Counter-Strike 2 keeps the genre's grandfather alive with its trademark tension. For those who prefer heroes with abilities, Overwatch 2 is still a benchmark, and the Marvel Rivals phenomenon has blown up the scene by bringing Marvel's superheroes together in wildly addictive 6-versus-6 battles.
And battle royales? Fortnite is a universe of its own that never stops growing, Apex Legends nails the genre with its frantic movement, and Call of Duty: Warzone offers the biggest military shooter for free. And keep an eye on The Finals, a shooter with destructible arenas that's some of the freshest stuff to arrive in years. Free ammo, for every taste.
MOBAs and team strategy
The other great pillar of free PC gaming is the MOBA, that genre of 5-versus-5 matches that hooks like few others. League of Legends is, quite simply, one of the most important games in history, with a huge community and a competitive ecosystem that moves the world. And Dota 2, Valve's bet, is the deepest and most demanding MOBA out there, with the biggest prize tournament in the industry.
They're two monsters that have been at the top for over a decade and cost nothing. If team matches and on-the-fly strategy are your thing, you've got hundreds of hours ahead. And if you love the genre but on mobile, we have a whole guide to multiplayer on the phone.
Role-playing and gacha, whole worlds for zero euros
This is where many are amazed, because there are genuine role-playing gems totally free. Genshin Impact is the great phenomenon, a huge, gorgeous action RPG you can roam solo or with friends, and from the same studio comes Honkai: Star Rail, a turn-based RPG with jaw-dropping production. Wuthering Waves has joined the party with a flashy open-world action game.
They're the so-called gacha, free games that make money from optional characters, but which you can enjoy start to finish without paying a thing. If you're after worlds to inhabit for months, here they are, and if you prefer the classic pay-once RPG, take a look at the best RPGs for PS5 and PC.
Looter shooters and ARPGs that devour hours
For anyone who enjoys killing monsters, grabbing loot and upgrading gear to infinity, free gaming has gems too. Warframe is a case study, a co-op looter shooter that has spent over a decade growing and giving away content nonstop, with a devoted community. Path of Exile 2 is the benchmark loot ARPG, hugely deep and complex, ideal for anyone who wants to get lost in enormous skill trees.
And Destiny 2 keeps a very generous free portion with which to sample its magnificent gunplay and its universe. These are games that never end, the kind you start in January and are still playing in December. Perfect if you're after a long-term obsession without paying the entry fee.
For a good time without any fuss, and where to start
It's not all serious competition. Rocket League turned car football into a sport, Fall Guys is pure colorful chaos for a laugh, and Brawlhalla offers a Smash-style fighting game to get hooked on with a group. And for machine lovers, War Thunder puts tanks, planes and ships within reach with an impressive eye for detail.
Where to start? If aim is your thing, Valorant or Marvel Rivals; if you want team strategy, League of Legends; if you want a huge world to inhabit, Genshin Impact; and if you just want to laugh with friends, Fall Guys or Rocket League. The best part is that trying them costs nothing, so download, invite your group and enjoy. Which one falls first?
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