Here are the best free-to-play PC games in 2025, from shooters to RPGs, MOBAs to MMOs—no money down, just great games across Steam, Epic, and beyond.
Not every great game asks for your money up front. In 2025, the free-to-play scene on PC is stacked with quality options that hold their own against full-priced titles. Whether you're looking to grind your way through a sprawling MMORPG, jump into tight competitive matches, or just explore a beautiful world solo, there's a free game out there for you.
Best Free PC Games to Play in 2025
Free-to-play PC games continue to gain traction in 2025, providing rich gaming experiences without requiring financial investment. These titles span multiple genres—battle royale, MOBA, MMORPG, action RPG, card games, simulation—and remain accessible on desktops, laptops, and handheld PCs, including the Steam Deck.
Fortnite remains a force. Even years after its original launch, Epic’s massive battle royale keeps things fresh with seasonal content, live events, and new collabs that somehow keep pulling players back. If building isn’t your thing, Zero Build mode keeps the focus on pure shooting and movement.
League of Legends and Dota 2 continue to define the MOBA genre. League is more accessible and faster-paced, while Dota leans into complexity and high-stakes plays. Both offer deep learning curves and highly competitive environments, with frequent updates and active esports scenes.
Best Free PC Games to Play in 2025 (Fortnite)
If you’re into fighting games but don’t want to drop $60 on every new release, Brawlhalla is a solid option. It’s a platform fighter that’s easy to pick up but rewards skill and spacing, and its crossover characters—from Tomb Raider to Ninja Turtles—keep the roster interesting.
Eggnogg+ is more niche but worth checking out if you like quick, fencing-style duels with pixel art charm. For MOBA fans wanting something a bit different, Smite stands out with its third-person camera and mythological gods brawling it out in lane-based combat.
Best Free PC Games to Play in 2025 (Brawlhalla)
Genshin Impact still sets the bar for free-to-play action RPGs. It’s an open-world adventure that plays like a console-quality game and looks incredible even on mid-range PCs. Its character rotation system keeps the meta fresh, and regular updates drop new regions, quests, and gear.
Honkai: Star Rail swaps real-time action for turn-based strategy in a sci-fi setting, while still packing in the high production values HoYoverse is known for. Wuthering Waves is the newer contender, offering faster, more technical combat and a world that feels tailor-made for exploration. If you prefer something more urban and stylized, Zenless Zone Zero mixes beat-em-up combat with mission-based progression.
Best Free PC Games to Play in 2025 (Genshin Impact)
If you're after big online worlds and loot-heavy co-op play, there’s a solid list to pick from. Lost Ark blends isometric ARPG combat with massive multiplayer raids. Blade & Soul sticks closer to classic MMORPG roots, but its combat system is flashy and responsive. Elder Scrolls Online continues to build on the Elder Scrolls legacy, letting players team up or go solo across familiar regions of Tamriel.
Destiny 2 is another major player. Even with some content vaulted, the free version offers a ton of value: PvP, PvE strikes, and a sample of the game’s story content. If you like tight gunplay with a sci-fi backdrop, it’s a no-brainer.
Best Free PC Games to Play in 2025 (Destiny 2)
For something slower-paced, Hearthstone still dominates the digital card game space with easy-to-learn mechanics and regular expansions. War Thunder is a great choice if you want large-scale vehicle battles, with tanks, planes, and ships all in play—and detailed enough that sim fans can really dig in.
On the experimental side, Spellbreak (though no longer actively supported) still has a unique spin on the battle royale genre, trading guns for elemental magic and mobility-focused combat.
Best Free PC Games to Play in 2025 (Spellbreak)
Many of these titles are verified or playable on Steam Deck, so handheld PC gamers aren’t left out. Games with Valve’s green check run without a hitch, while those with a yellow icon might need a few settings tweaks. If you’re dual-booting Windows on your Steam Deck, you’ll have even more flexibility. Just keep in mind that online-only games rely on a stable internet connection, which can limit portability.
Most of these games are available on Steam, the Epic Games Store, or directly from the publisher’s site. Most support a wide range of control options—keyboard and mouse for shooters and MOBAs, gamepads for action RPGs and fighters, and in some cases, even custom inputs like fight sticks.
Free-to-play doesn’t mean low-quality anymore. The best free PC games in 2025 are well-supported, deep, and often on par with premium titles. Whether you're grinding out the ladder in League, diving into the story of Genshin, or just messing around with friends in Destiny, there’s something out there that won’t cost you a cent.
About the author
Eliza Crichton-Stuart
Head of Operations
Updated:
June 23rd 2025
Posted:
June 11th 2025