With game prices climbing higher than ever, free-to-play titles on Steam continue to be a go-to for gamers looking to get the most bang for their buck. But let’s be real—not all free games are worth your time. Many are bogged down by heavy microtransactions, paywalls, or repetitive grind. That’s why we’ve rounded up the best free Steam games in 2025 that actually deliver quality gameplay, solid communities, and plenty of content. Whether you’re into competitive MOBAs, story-rich RPGs, or chill life sims, this list has something for everyone.

10 Best Free Steam Games in 2025

10 Best Free Steam Games 

1. Wuthering Waves – Single-player Action RPG with anime-inspired visuals
2. Palia – Multiplayer Life/Farming Simulation with cozy multiplayer features
3. Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Links – Online Trading Card Game featuring iconic anime characters
4. Star Wars: The Old Republic – MMORPG set in the Star Wars universe
5. The Sims 4 – Life Simulation game with a free base version
6. Path of Exile – Deep Action RPG with MMO elements and dungeon crawling
7. Marvel Rivals – Third-person hero shooter with Marvel characters and cross-play
8. Unturned – Zombie survival multiplayer game with blocky art style
9. Warframe – Looter shooter with cooperative multiplayer and regular updates
10. Dota 2 – Popular team-based MOBA with all heroes free and skill-based matchmaking

Wuthering Waves

Wuthering Waves is one of the freshest free games on Steam, quickly building a dedicated following despite being fairly new to the platform. It’s an open-world action RPG with an anime-inspired art style that’s earned comparisons to titles from HoYoverse. Combat is challenging, and the story has enough intrigue to keep players engaged. Although not yet Steam Deck Verified, that’s reportedly in the works. If you’re into visually striking RPGs with deep mechanics, Wuthering Waves is worth checking out.

Palia

Palia brings a relaxing casual multiplayer life sim experience to Steam, focusing on farming, crafting, and community-building. The game supports solo play but really shines when you’re hanging out with friends. It’s also cross-play ready and headed to consoles soon, making it a flexible option for casual gamers. Steam Deck support is solid, so you can enjoy Palia on the go. If you’re after a laid-back game where you can unwind and get creative, Palia is a great pick.

Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Links

For fans of trading card games, Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Links is a reliable choice on Steam. The game features both single-player campaigns and competitive online duels against other players, with iconic characters like Yugi and Kaiba voiced straight from the anime. It’s Steam Deck Verified and keeps a loyal community active, especially for those who like a nostalgic spin on the TCG format. If “it’s time to d-d-d-d-duel” is a phrase you live by, this one’s for you.

Star Wars: The Old Republic

Star Wars: The Old Republic continues to deliver as a free-to-play MMORPG set in the Star Wars universe. Players can create their own Sith or Jedi and dive into a sprawling story-rich RPG world with ongoing content updates. The game has a “Very Positive” rating on Steam and runs well on Steam Deck. It’s a solid pick if you want to explore the Force and engage with a thriving multiplayer community.

The Sims 4

The Sims 4’s base game went free-to-play a while ago and remains a popular option for players who love life simulation. While expansion packs add a lot of variety, the free version still offers plenty to build, create, and experiment with. Regular updates keep the game fresh, and it’s fully supported on Steam Deck. Whether you want to tell stories, build homes, or just mess around with your Sims, the base game gives a lot for zero cost.

Path of Exile

Path of Exile is a free action adventure RPG that’s still going strong years after launch. It offers a complex skill system, dark fantasy setting, and a mix of solo and multiplayer content. Its sequel, Path of Exile 2, is in early access and not free, but the original remains fully free and receives regular updates. The game is Steam Deck Verified and appeals to players who want a dungeon crawler with serious depth.

Marvel Rivals

Marvel Rivals brings a third-person hero shooter to Steam with popular Marvel characters battling it out in PvP matches. The game offers cross-play so you can squad up with friends regardless of platform. It’s Steam Deck Verified and well-liked for its fast, competitive gameplay. Though balance tweaks have sparked some debate, it remains a strong free choice for superhero fans who enjoy team-based shooters.

Unturned

Unturned combines survival and strategy gameplay with a blocky aesthetic that’s less intense than traditional zombie games. It’s a multiplayer survival game where players work together or compete to stay alive against zombies and other threats. Steam Deck Verified, it’s approachable and a good fit for players who want zombie action without a heavy horror atmosphere.

Warframe

Warframe remains one of Steam’s most popular free games, blending looter shooter mechanics with cooperative multiplayer. It features a sci-fi setting, deep customization, and frequent updates that keep players engaged. The game supports cross-play and is Steam Deck Verified, making it easy to jump in and play with friends on different platforms.

Dota 2

Dota 2 is Valve’s flagship free-to-play MOBA, consistently ranked among the most-played games worldwide. Its “Very Positive” Steam rating and steady stream of updates keep it relevant even years after release. All heroes are free, eliminating pay-to-win concerns, and matchmaking systems help new players find their footing. Dota 2 is Steam Deck Verified and remains a cornerstone of competitive multiplayer gaming.

Final Thoughts

In 2025, free Steam games cover a wide variety of genres, styles and experiences, from competitive MOBAs and shooters to chill life sims and RPGs. These ten titles stand out because they combine quality gameplay, strong communities, and regular updates—all without charging an upfront fee. Whether you’re looking for something casual or competitive, this list offers solid options for gamers wanting to expand their Steam library without spending a cent.