The 25 best free PC games you can play right now

If you're looking for the best free PC games you can play right now, we've brought together 25 recommendations you can try out without having to spend.

With some of the best battle royale games and some of the best shooters out there being free-to-play, there's also some great story-driven experiences that are well worth playing, as well as survival games that you can play with pals, and more. With picks across various genres, we've included an assortment of games you can download and play for free on PC, with links on where you can find them.

While some of the games do include optional paid for cosmetics, you don't need to spend to enjoy any of the ones in this list. And If you're after more recommendations and use Valve's client, it's also worth exploring our roundup of the best free Steam games, or, if you want to see what's available on other platforms, we also have a list dedicated to the best free games generally. But for the best free PC games, read on below.

The best free PC games right now, starting with...

25. Teamfight Tactics

Plenty of companies tried to cash in on the 'Auto Chess' phenomenon, but Teamfight Tactics has easily been the most successful. Riot's free-to-play effort, which uses various League of Legends characters and their extra-dimensional alternatives as its units, seems to have gone the distance, with regular updates and even a narrative element that's weaving into LoL's ongoing (and somewhat nebulous) narrative arc.

Seasonal changes can be dramatic, but a lot of attention is paid to balance, and major overhauls have kept TFT from going stale. The game mode resides within League of Legends' client, and a battle pass and cosmetics are both available for the game's premium currency. This is one free PC game to play in the Epic Games client, and it's still a winner.

Play Teamfight Tactics on Epic Games

24. The Murder of Sonic The Hedgehog

While it may have been born as an April Fool's joke, The Murder of Sonic the Hedgehog is a fantastic little free number for any would-be detectives and Sonic fans. As the name of the game gives away, the blue hedgehog has seemingly been murdered during Amy's murder mystery party on the Mirage Express.

Now, it's up to you to get to the bottom of the mystery and uncover what's really going on. From interrogating witnesses (made up of lots of familiar faces), you'll be taking on the role of a poor Mirage Express worker who's on their first day on the job – what a way to start a new gig, eh?

Play The Murder of Sonic the Hedgehog on Steam

23. Warframe

Warframe is an online action game that's a great option to get stuck into for free on PC – especially if you're after an online co-op experience you can play with pals. Set in a futuristic world, you take on the role of a fighter who's outfitted with a bio-metal suit known as a Warframe.

As you take on the warring factions, you can work to enhance your warrior and unlock various powers. And if you play with friends, you can set out to earn bonus rewards together as you take on hordes of enemies. While it's been around for a long time now, it's still getting frequent updates, too.

Play Warframe on Steam

22. Crusader Kings 2

Crusader Kings 3 might have replaced its older brother at the top of the Paradox pecking order, but if you're looking for grand strategy on a budget, this is easily the best place to start as well as being one of the best free PC games.

The base game, which puts you in charge of your own portion of medieval Europe, is now entirely free. If you want to expand upon that already excellent experience, the game's huge number of DLC add-ons are now available via a subscription service that costs $4.99 a month, but even without all that extra content there's hundreds of hours worth of diplomacy, warfare, and subterfuge on offer.

Play Crusader Kings 2 on Steam

21. 2XKO

Looking to brawl with your pals? 2XKO is here to bring you a free-to-play 2v2 fighter that will let you play as a roster of characters from League of Legends and Arcane.

Playable solo with you controlling both fighters, you can also team up with a pal and become a dynamic duo as you take on the opposing team. With moves inspired by their MOBA counterparts, you can also test your skills in ranked matches.

Play 2XKO

20. Rocket League

The blend of football and rocket-powered RC cars might once have seemed peculiar, but after Rocket League's arrival in 2015, any doubts were immediately assuaged. A premium release has since made way for a free-to-play model funded by cosmetics inspired by an increasing number of crossovers, from F1 to Jurassic Park.

As well as pixel-perfect gameplay that makes Psyonix's offering one of the best racing games out there, a massive skill ceiling and plenty of interesting variant modes ensures that there's enough to keep you playing this free PC game on Epic Games for years.

Play Rocket League on Epic Games

19. Spelunky Classic

If you've been itching to try out the indie phenomenon but don't fancy paying for the privilege of dying over and over (and over) again, the original Spelunky is a free, pixel-art predecessor to the 2012 smash hit and its recent sequel.

Controlling a fedora and bullwhip-wielding spelunker, the aim is to make it past the dangers that await in a giant, procedurally-generated cave, collecting as much treasure as you can on your way down. Despite its adorable aesthetic, however, Spelunky is hiding a dark side, with enough ways to kill you that you'll still be learning its secrets dozens of hours in.

Play Spelunky Classic at SpelunkyWorld

18. Brawlhalla

Sadly, you won't be able to play Super Smash Bros on PC any time soon, but that's where Brawlhalla comes in clutch. Despite MultiVersus proving fair competition, Brawlhalla is arguably the leader of the pack when it comes to wacky arcade fighters. It still boasts regular season updates, a huge (and growing) roster of fighters, and plenty of weapons and gadgets to ensure that fights always feel fresh and that there's ample opportunity to master your favourite styles.

Cosmetic items and new characters can be purchased with premium currency, but there's also an in-game currency to help you progress. It's a free PC game that will have you wondering what all the Multiversus fuss was about.

Play Brawlhalla on Steam
Play Brawlhalla on Epic Games
Play Brawlhalla on Ubisoft Connect

17. StarCraft 2

The game that arguably kickstarted the esports craze, StarCraft 2 maintains a thriving competitive scene more than a decade on from its original release, proving it a solid choice amid the best free PC games. Following on from the events of 1999's Brood War expansion of the original game, the sequel continues Blizzard's epic space opera, featuring the return of its three iconic factions.

A classic narrative mixes with oceans-deep tactical gameplay to make one of the best examples of this iconic genre. The free version offers access to the entire Wings of Liberty single-player campaign, as well as the multiplayer modes, although the Heart of the Swarm and Legacy of the Void expansions are paid additions to the story.

Play StarCraft 2 on Battle.net

16. Once Human

If you're looking for a free-to-play survival game that you can play with pals, Once Human is worth considering. Set in a weird, post-apocalyptic futuristic setting, where monstrous creatures now roam that were "once human", you wake up in the middle of nowhere and have try to survive the hostile world, scavenging for gun blueprints, and building up your own home to take shelter.

The building side of things is a definite highlight, with updates that have improved the overall experience in the open world. It can get a bit repetitive due to the seasonal nature of the game, with every server having different seasonal objectives for you to complete before the season ends. You'll then begin again on another. But as a free-to-play game, it's worth trying out a season to see if you enjoy its survival set-up and combat.

Play Once Human on Steam.

15. Valorant

Not quite Overwatch, not quite Counter-Strike, Valorant is an intriguing blend of the tactical and hero shooter genres that manages to capture the best of both. Its diverse and growing roster of characters has helped it on its way to becoming one of the best free PC games to pick up today, letting you head into best-of-25 round-based contests. One team tries to plant and defend the explosive 'spike', while the other attempts to stop them, before the roles are reversed at half time.

Characters are split into multiple classes based on their combat abilities, but everyone has access to the same guns, meaning that you'll need to master both the crisp gunplay as well as the map-changing abilities to succeed. It's definitely one of the best free PC games to grab if you're a lover of capture-the-flag antics.

Play Valorant on Epic Games

14. Genshin Impact

One of the biggest breakout hits of 2020, a reasonable elevator pitch for Genshin Impact might describe it as 'anime Breath of the Wild', but that's far from the entire picture. Its four-player combat lets you switch between characters on the fly, using their elemental magic to pull off crazy combos.

During downtime, you can explore the massive open world of Teyvat, climbing, gliding, and swimming to unlock its many secrets. The Gacha-style approach to microtransactions won't be popular with everyone, but it doesn't stop Genshin from being one of the most ambitious free-to-play PC games on this list.

Play Genshin Impact on Epic Games
Download Genshin Impact on HoYoVerse.com

13. The Sims 4

While you'll have to reach for your wallet if you want to tuck into the best Sims 4 expansions – and the many kits and packs now out in the wild – you can play The Sims 4 base game for free on PC. So if you've yet to dabble in the latest entry in the Maxis' long-running life sim series, or you're after something that will let you build your dream homes with intuitive house-building tools, then The Sims 4 is worth checking out.

Yes, it may be a little bare bones without all of the additional game features the later suite of expansions introduced, but the vanilla game is still a good time; letting you create your own families and shape the course of their lives in whatever way you wish.

Play The Sims 4 on Steam

12. Path of Exile

Diablo 4 is the isometric game-of-choice for many, but Path of Exile is likely to remain a significant rival for the dungeon-crawling throne. Path of Exile's huge skill tree and regular expansions have turned it into one of the most-played games on Steam, and it shows no signs of slowing down.

Capturing the dark fantasy nature and endless loot cycles of classic ARPGs, there's enough here to keep fans of the genre entertained for hundreds of hours, and suck newcomers in without worrying about catching up on decades of lore.

Play Path of Exile on Steam

11. Doki Doki Literature Club

It's hard to explain what makes Doki Doki Literature Club such an excellent visual novel without giving away what makes it so special. It starts out as a pretty standard dating sim set in the poetry club of a traditional high school, but evolves into something far more intriguing as time goes on, resulting in one of the most important and high-profile examples of its genre anywhere.

And if you dip in for a second time, it'll push the limits of the genre even more, changing the entire game around you as you play. Trust us, this is one free PC game you need to play at least once.

Play Doki Doki Literature Club! on Steam

10. Legends of Runeterra

Most collectible card games are initially available for free, but require a pretty significant spend for those hoping to stay at the top of the ladder month after month. Legends of Runeterra, from League of Legends developer Riot Games, aims to break that cycle, offering players generous rewards and the means to acquire cards they actually want without relying on random chance.

Regular expansions add to the roster of available champions, allowing players to hone in on a playstyle that works for them, all while building on the fascinating world of Runeterra in one of the best free PC games around.

Play Legends of Runeterra on Epic Games

9. Runescape

Not just a relic of the mid-noughties, Runescape is still thriving as one of the best MMORPGs, with both a modern-day version and an Old School alternative for those of you still hankering for the good old days of pre-2007. Both games offer tonnes of free content spread across their massive worlds, but you'll get access to a lot more via a paid subscription.

Thankfully, Runescape makes its memberships available with in-game currency, so if you're prepared to sink some serious time into a new MMO, this is a great way to do so for free while mastering skills from prayer to fishing, and taking on foes from humble goblins to huge, world-ending monstrosities.

Play Runescape on Steam
Play Runescape on Runscape.com

8. EVE Online

Nearing its third decade, EVE Online might be one of the oldest games on this list, but it's also one of the deepest and most ambitious experiences you can have on a PC - if you're prepared to make a name for yourself. CCP's huge space sim is home to one of the most fascinating communities you'll find anywhere in the world, complete with its own economy, warring political factions, and pitched space battles that seem like they're straight out of a Star Wars film.

A $14.99 subscription offers access to more ships and skills, but new recruits can find everything they need to make a start for free.

Play EVE Online on Steam

7. Destiny 2: New Light

Destiny 2: New Light is the free-to-play base game, alongside two of its early expansions are available for free. Together they offer access to developer Bungie's exceptional gunplay and many of its competitive modes, as well access to a sprawling and ambitious storyline.

Whether you're looking to outshine your opponents in PvP, smash hordes of enemies in PvE, or just make sure you've got the shiniest space armour out there, you'll find hundreds of hours of entertainment in Destiny 2.

Play Destiny 2 on Epic Games
Play Destiny 2 on Steam

6. Counter-Strike 2

Countless betas and one downright mystifying release window ever, it's finally here. The next era of Valve's tactical FPS has arrived in the form of Counter-Strike 2. It has all the things we loved about CS:GO and more, replacing it on steam as your one-shop stop for multiplayer shooters.

With six game modes and a host of familiar maps you'll recall as a CS:GO vet, there's no time like the present to get stuck into one of the best free PC games ever.

Play Counter-Strike 2 on Steam

5. Marvel Rivals

Calling all Marvel fans! If you're looking for a team-based shooter you can jump into, then NetEase Games' PVP experience is a great pick. Offering up a roster of characters plucked from the Marvel universe – from the likes of Spider-Man to the Guardians of the Galaxy gang – you can team up with other heroes across familiar locations and try to combine your unique powers to take down your opponents and emerge victorious.

With more fine-tuning updates dropping since its launch, and more characters entering the fray, it's a great to check this one out.

Play Marvel Rivals on Steam

4. Apex Legends

Ok, it might not be Titanfall 3, but Apex Legends is a worthy alternative. Set in the same world as Respawn's mech-based shooter, the Apex Games blend classic battle royale with the character-based skills of the hero shooter, for an end product that manages to be the best of both worlds.

After a slight lull in the wake of its epic launch, Apex is currently in a great spot, with a hugely diverse roster and a rotating schedule of three brilliantly detailed arenas.

Play Apex Legends on the EA app
Play Apex Legends on Steam

3. League of Legends

From humble beginnings, League of Legends grew quickly into one of the biggest games in the world, and has stayed there for years. The aim of the 5v5 MOBA is simple - destroy your opponents' base, or Nexus, before they can destroy yours - but with more than 150 champions, there's a huge amount to learn.

That learning curve is seriously steep, so if you're starting out, find a champion you like and master them first. Once you're over that initial hill, however, there's also a huge global esports scene, novels of lore, and a constantly-evolving competitive environment to get lost in. Premium currency can help you unlock new characters faster, but is mostly reserved for cosmetics.

Play League of Legends on LeagueOfLegends.com
Play League of Legends on Epic Games

2. Team Fortress 2

Valve's classic first-person online multiplayer shooter is still very much alive and kicking to this day, with updates continually rolling out and an active community of players still going strong. Happily, if you've yet to give it a whirl, or you're keen to revisit Team Fortress 2, you can for free.

Offering up a variety of different classes to try out that each have their own abilities and approaches, there's also a level of customization so you can tailor your character (including the option to outfit them with hats). And if you're a newbie, there's even training and offline modes so you practice before you play with others.

Play Team Fortress 2 on Steam

1. Fortnite

Fortnite is still going strong, and it's impossible to deny the phenomenal impact that Epic's battle royale has had. After a swift pivot away from the original Save the World, Fortnite became a family-friendly alternative to the rapidly-growing last-man-standing genre, complete with its iconic building mechanic.

Since then, it's set a new benchmark for the pace of change for evolving games, with an ever-deepening narrative, ambitious crossover events, and in-game virtual concerts that draw in audiences in the millions. Premium currency 'V-bucks' is reserved solely for cosmetic purchases.

Play Fortnite on Epic Games

Here are all the upcoming PC games that we can't wait for.