Free-to-play games used to mean cheap cash grabs. Not anymore. In 2026, some of the best games on PC cost absolutely nothing to download and play. Whether you want competitive shooters, massive RPGs, or relaxing co-op experiences, this list has something for every type of gamer.
We update this list every month to add new releases, remove games that have fallen off, and adjust rankings based on player counts and community feedback. Last updated: February 2026.
Looking for the latest free picks on Steam specifically? Check our best free games on Steam this month for a curated weekly list.
Battle Royale
Fortnite
Platform: Epic Games Store | Genre: Battle Royale / Sandbox
Fortnite remains the king of free-to-play gaming in 2026. Chapter 6 brought a completely redesigned map, new movement mechanics, and a staggering number of crossover events. The building mechanics are optional in Zero Build mode, making it accessible to players who prefer pure gunplay. Beyond Battle Royale, Fortnite Creative and LEGO Fortnite offer entirely different game experiences within the same launcher.
If you are playing on older hardware, our best Fortnite settings for low-end PCs guide will help you hit a smooth frame rate without sacrificing too much visual quality.
Apex Legends
Platform: Steam / EA App | Genre: Battle Royale / Hero Shooter
Apex Legends combines Titanfall-style movement with hero abilities and squad-based battle royale gameplay. The ping system revolutionized team communication, and the game continues to receive new legends, maps, and seasonal content in 2026. If you enjoy fast-paced movement and tactical team play, Apex is the best battle royale for it.
The Finals
Platform: Steam | Genre: Arena Shooter / Battle Royale
The Finals brings fully destructible environments to competitive multiplayer. Walls, floors, and ceilings can all be blown apart, creating dynamic gameplay where no two matches play the same. The game runs on Unreal Engine 5 and looks incredible, though you will want a decent GPU to run it well. Classes (Light, Medium, Heavy) offer distinct playstyles, and the game show presentation gives every match a unique energy.
Tactical Shooters
Valorant
Platform: Riot Client (standalone) | Genre: Tactical Shooter
Riot Games’ tactical shooter blends CS-style gunplay with Overwatch-style agent abilities. With a thriving competitive scene, regular agent releases, and maps designed for strategic depth, Valorant is the most popular tactical shooter in 2026. The game runs on almost any hardware thanks to its lightweight engine — even integrated graphics can manage 60 FPS at low settings.
Counter-Strike 2
Platform: Steam | Genre: Tactical Shooter
CS2 replaced CS:GO in 2023 and has matured into a polished competitive experience. The Source 2 engine brought volumetric smoke grenades, sub-tick networking, and visual overhauls to classic maps. The core gameplay remains unchanged: buy weapons, plant or defuse the bomb, and outshoot your opponents. Premier mode provides a true competitive ranking system. Free-to-play players have full access to all maps and modes.
XDefiant
Platform: Ubisoft Connect / Steam | Genre: Arena Shooter
Ubisoft’s free-to-play arena shooter draws factions from Tom Clancy games (Splinter Cell, The Division, Ghost Recon). It plays like a faster Call of Duty with faction abilities layered on top. Regular content drops and seasonal updates keep the meta shifting. A solid choice if you want straightforward 6v6 action without battle royale mechanics.
Hero Shooters
Marvel Rivals
Platform: Steam | Genre: Hero Shooter
Marvel Rivals launched in late 2024 and quickly became one of the most-played free games on Steam. It is a 6v6 hero shooter featuring Marvel characters across Vanguard (tank), Duelist (DPS), and Strategist (support) roles. The destructible environments and team-up abilities between specific heroes (like Spider-Man and Venom) add strategic depth that sets it apart from the competition. Season 2 and beyond continue to add new heroes and maps.
MOBAs
League of Legends
Platform: Riot Client (standalone) | Genre: MOBA
The original esports titan is still going strong. League of Legends’ 5v5 strategic gameplay has over 160 champions, each with unique kits and playstyles. The learning curve is steep, but the reward is one of the deepest competitive games ever made. Riot continues to release new champions, visual updates, and seasonal events regularly.
Dota 2
Platform: Steam | Genre: MOBA
Dota 2 is the more complex, harder-hitting alternative to League. Every hero is free from day one (no unlocking), the item system allows for creative builds, and the mechanical depth is unmatched. If you want the most strategically demanding free game on PC, Dota 2 is it.
RPGs and Action Games
Path of Exile 2
Platform: Steam | Genre: Action RPG
Path of Exile 2 launched in early access in late 2024 and has quickly become the go-to action RPG for players who want deep character customization and challenging endgame content. The passive skill tree is famously massive, and the gem-socket system allows for wildly creative builds. If you loved Diablo but want more depth and zero pay-to-win mechanics, Path of Exile 2 is the answer. The game is fully free-to-play with only cosmetic microtransactions.
Genshin Impact
Platform: HoYoverse Launcher / Epic Games Store | Genre: Open-World Action RPG
Genshin Impact offers a massive open world with Zelda-like exploration, elemental combat, and an ever-expanding story. The gacha system for characters is the monetization hook, but the entirety of the main story and exploration is free. With the Natlan region fully released and Snezhnaya on the horizon in 2026, there is an enormous amount of content for free players.
Warframe
Platform: Steam | Genre: Co-op Action RPG
Warframe is the poster child for “free-to-play done right.” Over a decade of updates have created a massive sci-fi action game with dozens of warframes (classes), hundreds of weapons, open-world areas, space combat, and more. Nearly everything can be earned through gameplay without spending a cent. The 1999 expansion added a retro-futuristic story arc and new systems that reinvigorated the community. If you want a long-term free game to sink hundreds of hours into, Warframe is unbeatable.
MMOs
Destiny 2 (Free Portions)
Platform: Steam | Genre: Looter Shooter / MMO
Destiny 2’s free-to-play offering has shrunk over the years, but you still get access to the core gameplay loop: Strikes, Crucible (PvP), Gambit, and seasonal introductory missions. It is enough to decide whether the gunplay and loot loop hook you before buying expansions. The shooting mechanics are among the best in gaming — Bungie’s legacy from Halo shines through.
Guild Wars 2 (Core Game)
Platform: Steam / Standalone | Genre: MMORPG
Guild Wars 2’s core game is completely free with no subscription fee. You get the base story, all core classes, PvP, and World vs. World. The action combat system is more engaging than most MMOs, and the living world events create a sense of a world that evolves. If you want an MMO without a monthly payment, GW2 is the best choice in 2026.
Honorable Mentions
- Rocket League — Free on Epic Games Store. Soccer with rocket-powered cars. Simple concept, impossibly high skill ceiling.
- Fall Guys — Free on Epic Games Store. Chaotic party game with rotating mini-games. Perfect for casual sessions with friends.
- Team Fortress 2 — Still alive on Steam. The original hero shooter, with a community that refuses to let it die.
- Star Wars: The Old Republic — All eight class stories are free-to-play. Hundreds of hours of voiced RPG content at no cost.
Tips for Free-to-Play Gaming
- Never spend money in the first week. Play the game extensively before deciding if cosmetics or battle passes are worth it. The game itself should be fun without spending.
- Check system requirements first. Free does not mean it runs on anything. Games like Genshin Impact and The Finals need a decent GPU. If you need a hardware upgrade, our best budget gaming PC build under $800 guide is a great starting point.
- Optimize your network. Free-to-play games are almost exclusively online. If you are experiencing lag, our guide to fixing high ping covers every solution, and our input lag reduction guide helps with responsiveness.
- Use Steam wishlists. Even if a game is free, wishlisting it helps you track updates and launch notifications for new free releases.
We will update this list at the start of every month. Bookmark this page to stay on top of the best free PC games throughout 2026.
