Steam is undoubtedly the best gaming platform at the moment. It has all been made possible due to a huge number of amazing games available for players to choose from. What makes Steam truly stand out is that it also comes with a large number of amazing free games. If you are looking for some incredible free Steam games, then you have arrived at the perfect place. Here I have listed the best free Steam games to play, choosing meticulously from different genres to only have the best for you.
List of the Best Free Steam Games to Play
Steam has some of the best free games to choose from, with Counter-Strike and Dota 2 dominating the charts every day. But new entries like Where Winds Meet and Wuthering Waves have also brought more variety to Steam’s free game library. Here are the 10 best free Steam games that you can play today:
| Name | Release Date | Genre |
|---|---|---|
| Counter-Strike 2 | August 21, 2012 | FPS, Shooter, Multiplayer, Competitive, Action, eSports |
| Dota 2 | July 09, 2013 | MOBA, Multiplayer, Strategy, eSports |
| Where Winds Meet | November 15, 2025 | Open World, Multiplayer, Action RPG, Action |
| Deadlock | To be Announced (Closed Alpha) | MOBA, Third-Person Shooter, Multiplayer, Team-Based |
| Marvel Rivals | December 06, 2024 | Multiplayer, Hero Shooter, Superhero, PvP |
| Wuthering Waves | April 29, 2025 | Open World, Anime, Free to Play, Action, Adventure |
| Apex Legends | November 05, 2020 | Multiplayer, Battle Royale, FPS, Shooter |
| WarFrame | March 25, 2013 | Looter Shooter, Action RPG, Action, RPG |
| War Thunder | August 15, 2013 | Simulation, Vehicular Combat, Combat, VR |
| Wuthering Waves | April 29, 2025 | Open World, Anime, Action, Adventure |
Counter-Strike 2
- Released: August 21, 2012
- Developer(s): Valve
- Genre: FPS
You probably knew we were going to start the list with this game. While CS: GO has always been a chart-topper among the free-to-play titles on Steam, its sequel intends to continue the streak. Counter-Strike 2 is a successor of CS: GO based on the Source 2 engine and introduces numerous new features and visual changes.
The current offering has the usual map pool, some re-created while the popular ones received new lighting upgrades. Furthermore, the game introduces a new smoke effect, and your entire CS: GO inventory has been migrated to Counter-Strike 2. So, you can still use your fancy skins without any problems.
Dota 2
- Released: November 15, 2025
- Developer(s): July 09, 2013
- Genre: MOBA
Coming up right behind CS: GO, as one of the most played games on Steam, is Dota 2, one of the best free ones you can get. For those unaware, Dota 2 is a MOBA game centered around two teams going against each other and trying to destroy the “Ancient” that is a monument on their base.
Each player in Dota can choose from 120+ heroes that each have their abilities. Matches in Dota 2 require a lot of strategy, so make sure you’re here to play seriously. Whether you are playing for one hour or a thousand, there is always something new in Dota 2 that you might stumble upon.
Where Winds Meet
- Released: November 15, 2025
- Developer(s): Everstone Studios
- Genre: Action RPG
Where Winds Meet took the gaming community by storm in late 2025 by providing a pristine quality game for free. The game has a massive open world with an insane amount of things to do, and they are adding more stuff with every version. The combat of this game makes it stand out from the rest, being a mix of Black Myth Wukong and Soulslike.
You can also play Where Winds Meet in multiplayer, taking down bosses as co-op or dueling whenever desired. The game also provides a completely single-player experience for those who don’t like multiplayer features.
Deadlock
- Released: To be announced
- Developer(s): Valve
- Genre: MOBA Shooter
What if I mix two of our top three games from this free Steam games list? Well, you get Deadlock. It is a mixture of Marvel Rivals and Dota 2. While the game runs around the shooting mechanics of a hero-shooter, it offers the true MOBA experience.
After being a Dota 2 fan for over a decade, Deadlock got me back to MOBA. And when I tell you how much Deadlock offers, it is still in early development. It only means the road ahead is going to get better, and you would not want to miss out on it for free. The game is currently invite-only, so make sure you visit our Deadlock invite guide and get one.
Marvel Rivals
- Released: December 6, 2024
- Developer(s): Netease Games
- Genre: Hero Shooter
While CS2 remains one of the most-played shooters, Marvel Rivals swoops and takes a chunk from that pie. The game revolves around Marvel characters in a different storyline. Despite being a multiplayer hero-shooter, it offers a lot of easter eggs and collectibles that a true or casual Marvel fan would love.
Marvel Rivals offers free skins and a lot of regular events that constantly make players excited for a ride. Whether you want to sweat and win games or simply want to enjoy being a Marvel hero (or Villain), this game is worth the shot for free.
Wuthering Waves
- Released: April 29, 2025
- Developer(s): Kuro Games
- Genre: Action RPG, Gacha
Wuthering Waves is one of the best gacha RPGs, featuring one of the best combat systems you will find in such games. From parrying to perfect dodges and paired with individual kits of different characters, fighting becomes an absolute pleasure in Wuther Waves.
The world of Wuthering Waves is also massive and has a ton of things to do. The developers are constantly adding more regions to explore, so you are unlikely to get tired of this game anytime soon.
Apex Legends
- Released: November 5, 2020
- Developer(s): Respawn
- Genre: FPS
While the above game is fun to play, it is understandable if top-down games are not your cup of tea. Thankfully, EA has made Apex Legends one of the best free games available on Steam. Apex is an intense hero shooter that rose from the ashes of Titanfall 2.
Based in the same world, Apex has over 25 legends that all compete in battle royale or team-based modes to come out as the one on top. The game has futuristic weapons, fast and intense combat, and a world that is amazing to look at.
WarFrame
- Released: March 25, 2013
- Developer(s): Digital Extremes
- Genre: ARPG
At first glance, WarFrame might look similar to Destiny 2, but make no mistake, they are completely different experiences. Based more on parkour and less level repetition, WarFrame is a looter shooter game set in the world of the Origin System.
You have the WarFrame, a bio-suit capable of intense movement and mass destruction, and you must use it to defeat the hostiles. The game also has a variety of other mechanics, including ship battles, making it one of the best free games on Steam.
Destiny 2
- Released: October 1, 2019
- Developer(s): Bungie
- Genre: FPS
Destiny 2 is not only one of the best free games on Steam because of its graphics but also because of its intense lore. While the game is an MMO, you can as easily play it alone and have fun with the story mode.
You are a “Guardian,” defending the last city of humanity from the villains. Players in Destiny 2 can choose from three different classes, thousands of weapons, and lots of gear. So create your combination and embark on this space-age adventure.
Limbus Company
- Released: February 27, 2023
- Developer(s): ProjectMoon
- Genre: Turn-Based RPG, Gacha
Limbus Company is a gacha turn-based RPG that is completely free to play on Steam. The game’s dark atmosphere and gripping storytelling make it stand apart from other games in the genre. In Limbus Company, you lead a group of twelve Sinners as the Executive Manager of Limbus Company, to venture into the buried facilities of Lobotomy Corporations.
The game recently had a renaissance, with the playerbase spiking back to the 40k average CCU club on Steam after the recent update. This is the perfect time to create your own squad of Limbus Company.
Path of Exile
- Released: October 23, 2013
- Developer(s): Grinding Gear Games
- Genre: ARPG
Path of Exile stands at the apex of ARPG games, churning out high-quality content for over a decade without asking for a single dime. It is the best ARPG on the market and provides an incredible amount of character builds. The essence of Path of Exile is to create a monstrosity of a character and watch every enemy on the screen die within seconds.
With Path of Exile 2 currently in open beta, Grinding Gear Games hasn’t slacked off in updating their first bread earner. Instead, they have been bringing new features from Path of Exile 2 into Path of Exile as part of seasonal mechanics.
Off The Grid
- Released: July 15, 2025
- Developer(s): Gunzilla Games
- Genre: Battle Royale, Shooter
Off the Grid is one of the coolest new Battle Royale shooters you can play for free. It features a near-future world where you can customize the body parts of your character and make them fly or move based on your playstyle. On top of all that, the game is a total badass shooter, adding all the loved elements of a quick-flowing battle royale.
The movement in Off the Grid is truly satisfying and something I haven’t seen in any multiplayer shooters. But the game can be a bit janky, which is holding it back from the big shooter club.
Umamusume: Pretty Derby
- Released: July 25, 2025
- Developer(s): Cygames, Inc
- Genre: Roguelite, Gacha
Have you ever thought of playing a horse racing roguelite? Doesn’t sound interesting right? Cygames thought the same, so they made the horses into pretty anime girls instead. Yes, you get to race around pretty anime girls as horses in Umamusume.
This game became a cultural phenomenon on release, even becoming popular as an anime. It’s a gacha game at the core, but the storytelling and gameplay is extremely fun.
Arena Breakout: Infinite
- Released: September 16, 2025
- Developer(s): Morefun Studios
- Genre: Extraction Shooter
Extraction shooters returned to the limelight after Arc Raiders’ success. But Arc Raiders is quite expensive, so Arena Breakout Infinite is the perfect replacement to scratch your Extraction Shooter itch.
It’s a free extraction shooter that is more themed around doing heists instead of taking down AI robots. Arena Breakout Infinite is quite fun and continues to have a healthy playerbase.
eFootball™
- Released: September 30, 2021
- Developer(s): KONAMI
- Genre: Football (Soccer), Multiplayer
eFootball, aka PES, continues to be one of the most played soccer games on Steam. Although it isn’t nearly as popular as FC (Fifa), the game still continues to have a healthy playerbase. Create your own team and challenge other players in exciting matches.
VRChat
- Released: February 1, 2017
- Developer(s): VRChat Inc.
- Genre: VR
This game is for virtual reality headset users. VR has some of the best and most immersive games you can play, and VRChat is one of them. This free-to-play game on Steam combines thousands of different worlds created by players.
Environments in VRChat are fully exploreable and range from a walk in the park to more complex ones. You can collaborate with friends or people online and hang out in VR. Oh, and you can also play this game on your PC too.
Brawlhalla
- Released: October 17, 2017
- Developer(s): Blue Mammoth Games
- Genre: Fighting
Ubisoft is known for publishing some of the best games out there, and Brawlhalla is one of them, albeit for free. Brawlhalla is an eight-player platform fighting game that pits players against each other in an arcade-style setting.
The game has over 50 different legends to choose from, coupled with over 20 different modes. The best part is the game is available for free on almost every other platform, so you can easily crossplay with your friends.
The Sims 4
- Released: September 2, 2014
- Developer(s): Maxis
- Genre: Simulation
As someone who has spent countless hours in Sims 3, the latest iteration is one of the best free games on Steam. Like its predecessors, Sims 4 is a simulation game that focuses on creating and managing virtual humans.
You can live single lives, start families, buy houses and cars, go on vacations, and live a full virtual life. Just be careful not to forget your real one.
Fallout Shelter
- Released: March 29, 2017
- Developer(s): Bethesda Game Studios
- Genre: Survival
While The Sims focuses on managing a single person, Fallout Shelter puts you in the shoes of a master organizer controlling an entire bunker. This base-building game gives players control of a state-of-the-art underground Vault from Vault-Tec.
It is now their job to build, manage, and make the dwellers happy. You can micromanage these dwellers and ensure they’re just what you need in this meticulous game.
PUBG: Battlegrounds
- Released: December 21, 2017
- Developer(s): PUBG Corporation
- Genre: FPS
There was a time when PUBG was a paid game on Steam, but ever since going free, it has risen to be one of the best titles. The game kind of birthed and popularized the Battle Royale genre, where the players drop in the middle of a massive map. What comes next is mayhem. The players must then eliminate others and come out on top as the only survivors. So arm your weapons and drop in.
Team Fortress 2
- Released: October 10, 2007
- Developer(s): Valve
- Genre: FPS
Right below PUBG is another legend of a game that has consistently remained one of the best free selections on Steam. This multiplayer FPS puts two teams of players on the map, coding them in RED or BLU.
Players can choose from nine different classes, each with its own loadouts. TF2 has a variety of game modes that the teams can use to establish their dominance.
SCP: Secret Laboratory
- Released: December 29, 2017
- Developer(s): Northwood Studios
- Genre: Horror
While SCP isn’t one of the most played games out there, it certainly is a cult classic. Standing for Secure Contain Protect, SCP is a concept paranormal organization that holds supernatural anomalies.
Depending on their danger level, these objects or beings are divided into various classes. The Secret Laboratory focuses on the same story where many of the anomalies have escaped; it is your job to find and contain them.
Once Human
- Released: July 10, 2024
- Developer(s): Starry Studio
- Genre: Open World Surival MMO
Once Human is an MMO set into an appocalyptic world where you have to defeat monstrous enemies, uncover secret plost, and build your own territory. The game has an open world filled with things to do and the survival and base building element makes it a joy to play. As an MMO, you also get to play with others to take down bosses.
Heartopia
- Released: January 17, 2026
- Developer(s): XD
- Genre: Life Sim
Heartopia is one of the most recent releases on this list, and it is attracting really good player numbers on Steam. It is a cozy Life Sim where you can build your home and go out on cute little adventures. If you love games like Sims or Stardew Valley, then Heartopia would be perfect for you.
Delta Force
- Released: December 05, 2024
- Developer(s): Team Jade
- Genre: Shooter
If you like old-style shooters with world war theme, then Delta Force would be right up your alley. Delta Force is a complete shooter package, having three distinct gameplay modes to scratch all your itches. From a large scale PvP warfare to an extraction shooter and a single-player campaign, it has everything a shooter fan can ask for in a game. And to top it all off, it is completely free to play.
The FINALS
- Released: December 08, 2023
- Developer(s): Embark Studios
- Genre: PvP Multiplayer
The Finals is Embark Studios’ first child that started it all for them, laying their path to eventual greatness with Arc Raiders. This game is essentially an FPS, but with three main character types. Two of the characters can also use melee weapons instead of using their guns. The games has fully destructible environment, making it highly chaotic and allowing a huge number of unique plays.
War Thunder
- Released: August 15, 2013
- Developer(s): Gaijin Entertainment
- Genre: Simulation
While we have listed many shooters here, no particular one especially focuses on war. War Thunder is the one entry in that department. This cross-platform MMO military game is dedicated to combat units ranging from aviation and armored vehicles to naval craft.
Players can choose from over 2,000 vehicles and battle it out against each other in realistic combat scenarios. For those looking for the real deal, War Thunder qualifies as one of the best games on Steam for it. Especially if you have a VR, you are in for a ride.
Unturned
- Released: July 7, 2017
- Developer(s): Smartly Dressed Games
- Genre: Strategy
Following along in the horror/creepy genre, Unturned is another one of the best free Steam games, except it combines zombies and management. You are a survivor in this pixel block game left to fend for yourself after a disaster.
Armed with the bare minimum, you must forage, build, and arm yourself against the zombie threats around the world. You will encounter players whom you can eliminate or work alongside to win.
Palia
- Released: March 26, 2024
- Developer(s): Singularity 6 Corporation
- Genre: Simulation
Palia is a gorgeous looking simulation game where players get to freely explore, craft, and build their own bases. It’s a cozy game with incredibly good graphics and a vibrant world filled with unique monsters and NPCs. The best part about Palia is that it also adds a taste of combat, making it more attractive to survival players.
Magic: The Gathering Arena
- Released: March 23, 2023
- Developer(s): Wizards of the Coast LLC
- Genre: Card Game
Magic: The Gathering Arena is the biggest card game on Steam, and it is completely free to play. The game is very strategy-heavy and features a huge number of cards to create your personalized, unique decks. It is one of the easier card games to get into, but it is very hard to master. Magic the Gathering Arena also has a cult-like following due to its developer being the Wizards of the Coast LLC.
Revolution Idle
- Released: May 02, 2025
- Developer(s): Oni Gaming
- Genre: Simulation, Clicker
Revolution Idle is a casual clicker game where you have to fill circles. Yes, that’s it. But you know how it is where the real fun begins. The game is about multiplying your numbers to reach unimaginable heights, and players who love number crunching would be obsessed with this game.
Fishing Planet
- Released: August 11, 2015
- Developer(s): Fishing Planet LLC
- Genre: Simulation
Once all the above games on Steam are played, you need a calming experience that Fishing Planet can get you. This free-to-play game is a fishing simulator that places you in the shoes of an everyday person. The game features over 200+ species of fish that change their behavior depending on the climate, time, day, season, and other factors.
The game is also extremely beautiful, with 25+ waterways to choose from. So, at the end of the day, check Fishing Planet out if all you want is calm.
Overwatch 2
- Released: August 11, 2023
- Developer(s): Blizzard Entertainment
- Genre: FPS
Before you point out the obvious, yes, we know Overwatch 2 is the lowest-rated game on Steam. It sits below the most negative title, and the complaints are justified. However, when you look past the unfulfilled promises and the microtransactions, there lies a game that’s fun for casual gameplay.
It is a 5 vs 5 PvP hero shooter, where you pick a hero out of a roster of 30+ heroes. Each hero serves a particular role in the team, and your goal is to ensure that you work together with the team and gain victory.
Doki Doki Literature Club
- Released: September 22, 2017
- Developer(s): Team Salvato
- Genre: Visual Novel
Back when Doki Doki Literature Club officially launched on Steam, everyone was taken aback by the brilliant bait-and-switch its developer did. What looks like a romance visual novel featuring cute characters hides a sinister story underneath.
It’s a romance visual-novel cum meta-horror game, where the first couple of hours involve you doing cute things with cute girls. However, once you cross the initial mark, it quickly becomes a self-aware, spooky story where the game actively dupes you into doing tasks.
So, that’s the list for the best free games on Steam that you should play and hopefully enjoy. There’s something for everyone, and you will find a game worth enjoying. Do you know about any free-to-play titles on Steam that are your favorite and should be added to this list? Do let us know in the comments below.
Sanmay Chakrabarti
