Best 20 Free PC Games to Download Right Now

Finding the perfect free PC games can be a daunting task, especially with so many options available. With all of the free play weekends, demos, and limited-time deals, it can be challenging to keep up with the constantly changing landscape of free PC games.

But fear not! To make your decision easier, we’ve ranked the 20 best free PC games based on their concurrent player counts. This ranking methodology helps ensure that these games are not only popular but also actively engaging a large community of players.

Whether you’re into battle royales, MOBAs, MMOs, or a little bit of everything, there’s something here for everyone.

20. Genshin Impact

Genshin Impact is an open-world action RPG that took the gaming world by storm. Its beautiful world, engaging combat, and gacha mechanics have kept players hooked since its release. Genshin Impact continues to thrive with a dedicated community. You can download it for free on the official Genshin Impact website [1].

19. Valorant

Valorant is a tactical shooter that combines precise gunplay with special character abilities. With Riot Games behind the helm, it has quickly gained a massive following. The game’s focus on strategy and teamwork makes it a compelling choice for competitive players. Snag it for free from the game’s official website [2].

18. Call of Duty: Warzone

Call of Duty: Warzone delivers the high-octane action the series is known for, in a free-to-play battle royale format. With its realistic graphics and tight gunplay, Warzone has become a favorite among FPS enthusiasts. Download the game for free on Battle.net [3].

17. Final Fantasy XIV

Final Fantasy XIV: Dawntrail

Final Fantasy XIV is one of the most acclaimed MMORPGs, offering a rich narrative and expansive world [4]. Despite being a subscription-based game, it offers a generous free trial that has drawn in countless new players. Whether you’re exploring dungeons or participating in epic battles, FFXIV delivers a premium MMO experience. You can download the free trial on the official Final Fantasy XIV website [5].

16. Path of Exile

You’ve likely seen its ads all over YouTube and social media, but Path of Exile is a dark, gritty action RPG that offers a complex skill tree and deep character customization. It’s a game that rewards experimentation and strategic thinking. With frequent updates and expansions, Path of Exile continues to attract a dedicated following. You can download Path of Exile for free on Steam [6].

15. Warframe

Warframe offers a unique blend of fast-paced combat and deep customization options. This co-op shooter has maintained a loyal player base over the years, thanks to its constant updates and expansions—the most recent of which was released in December 2023 [7]. Whether you’re playing solo or with friends, Warframe offers a rich, ever-evolving experience. Warframe is available as a free download on Steam [8].

14. Team Fortress 2

Team Fortress 2 remains one of the most beloved team-based shooters, with a dedicated player base and a variety of game modes. Its cartoonish art style and quirky characters make it a timeless classic, living life long after its original 2007 release on The Orange Box. The game is available for free on Steam [9].

13. Lost Ark

Lost Ark is an MMORPG that blends traditional action RPG elements with a rich, story-driven experience. Despite being relatively new to the global market, Lost Ark quickly amassed a large player base. With engaging combat and a vast world to explore, it’s a must-play for MMO fans. Get Lost Ark for free on Steam [10].

12. Rocket League

Rocket League

Rocket League is a high-octane blend of soccer and vehicular mayhem, and is, frankly, one of the best free PC games out there. The fast-paced gameplay and competitive scene make Rocket League a staple in the free-to-play market. Be warned, though: the game’s community has been known to be rather salty at times. Its barrier to entry is also appealing—it’s a game that’s easy to pick up but difficult to master. You can download Rocket League for free exclusively from the Epic Games Store [11].

11. Destiny 2

Destiny 2 combines first-person shooting with rich RPG elements, offering an expansive universe to explore. With a solid player base and regular content updates—the most recent of which, Into the Light, released in April 2024—Destiny 2 remains a popular choice among gamers. Whether you’re tackling raids or exploring new planets, Destiny 2 delivers a compelling experience. You can download it for free on Steam or through the Bungie website [12][13].

10. The Sims 4

The Sims 4 offers a sandbox experience like no other, allowing players to create and control their own virtual world. The Sims 4 continues to be a go-to game for fans of life simulation since the original release in 2000. Whether you’re building homes, creating characters, or crafting intricate storylines that end in flames (sometimes literally), The Sims 4 offers endless creative possibilities. You can play The Sims 4 for free on EA’s Origin platform [14].

9. Naraka: Bladepoint

Naraka: Bladepoint

Naraka: Bladepoint brings a fresh twist to the plenty-saturated battle royale formula with its emphasis on melee combat and parkour-style movement. The game has somehow managed to carve out a nice, little niche for itself in a crowded, arguably saturated market. Its unique mechanics and stunning visuals make it a must-try for battle royale enthusiasts. You can download Naraka: Bladepoint on Steam [15].

8. Overwatch 2

Overwatch 2 builds upon the success of its predecessor with new heroes, maps, and game modes. Although the player base has fluctuated, Overwatch 2 still draws in nearly 50,000 concurrent players [16]. The game’s focus on teamwork and its vibrant, diverse characters make it a favorite among fans of team-based shooters. Download and play Overwatch 2 from Battle.net [17].

7. War Thunder

War Thunder offers an immersive experience in vehicular combat, featuring planes, tanks, and ships in epic battles across various eras. The attention to detail and realistic mechanics make War Thunder a standout in its genre, appealing to history buffs and military enthusiasts alike. You can download it from the official War Thunder website [18].

6. Apex Legends

Apex Legends

Another EA PC game for free on the list, Apex Legends came out of the gate hot, quickly becoming a staple in the battle royale genre by offering a unique blend of tactical gameplay and character abilities. With its fluid movement system and engaging team dynamics, it’s no surprise that Apex Legends continues to maintain a strong player base. You can download Apex Legends for free on Origin [19] or Steam [20].

5. PUBG: Battlegrounds

PUBG: Battlegrounds may not dominate headlines like it used to, but the free PC game still draws in over 500,000 concurrent players a month, on average [21]. As one of the pioneers of the battle royale genre, PUBG offers intense, realistic gameplay that rewards strategy and skill. The thrill of being the last player standing keeps millions coming back for more. You can play PUBG: Battlegrounds for free on Steam [22].

4. Dota 2

As one of the most popular games on Steam, Dota 2 attracts over 565,192 concurrent players [23][24]. This MOBA is famous for its complex strategies and high skill ceiling, offering a deeply rewarding experience for those who invest the time to learn its mechanics. With a vibrant esports scene and a passionate community, Dota 2 is more than just a game—it’s a global phenomenon. Play Dota 2 for free on Steam [25].

3. Counter-Strike 2

Counter-Strike 2

Counter-Strike 2 is the latest evolution of the iconic FPS series, routinely drawing in over 1 million concurrent players [26]. Known for its tactical gameplay and competitive community, Counter-Strike 2 continues to set the standard for team-based shooters. Whether you’re defusing bombs or rescuing hostages, this game is a must-play free PC game for FPS fans. Get in on the action by downloading Counter-Strike 2 for free on Steam [26].

2. Fortnite

You knew this one was coming…

Fortnite remains an unstoppable force in the gaming world, boasting anywhere between 1 and 2 million concurrent players at a time [27]. This cross-platform battle royale game is known for its vibrant graphics, unique building mechanics, and frequent in-game events. Whether you’re teaming up with friends or diving into solo matches, Fortnite offers endless entertainment. You can play Fortnite directly from the Epic Games Store [28].

1. League of Legends

League of Legends

Last, but not least…

With well over 100 million concurrent players, League of Legends is the go-to MOBA for many [29]. It combines fast-paced action with strategic depth, offering a diverse roster of champions to master. Whether you’re climbing the ranked ladder or enjoying casual games, League of Legends offers an experience that’s both challenging and rewarding. Join the hundreds of millions of players around the world by getting League of Legends—arguably the most popular free pc game—directly from its official website [30].

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Sources

[1] Genshin.Hoyoverse.com. “Genshin Impact."

[2] PlayValorant.com. “Valorant."

[3] Battle.net. “Call of Duty: Warzone."

[4] Metacritic.com. “Final Fantasy XIV: Endwalker.“

[5] FinalFantasyXIV.com. “Final Fantasy XIV."

[6] SteamPowered.com. “Path of Exile.“

[7] Warframe.com. “Warframe: Whispers in the Walls."Warframe: Whispers in the Walls."

[8] SteamPowered.com. “Warframe."

[9] SteamPowered.com. “Team Fortress 2."

[10] SteamPowered.com. “Lost Ark."

[11] EpicGames.com. “Rocket League."

[12] Bungie.net. “Destiny 2.“

[13] SteamPowered.com. “Destiny 2."

[14] EA.com. “The Sims 4 on EA Origin."

[15] SteamPowered.com. “Naraka: Bladepoint."

[16] SteamDB.info. “Overwatch 2 concurrent players."

[17] Battle.net. “Overwatch 2."

[18] WarThunder.com. “War Thunder."

[19] EA.com. “Apex Legends on EA Origin."

[20] SteamPowered.com. “Apex Legends."

[21] SteamCharts.com. “PUBG: Battlegrounds concurrent players."

[22] SteamPowered.com. “PUBG: Battlegrounds."

[23] SteamPowered.com. “Top 100 played games on Steam."

[24] SteamCharts.com. “Dota 2 concurrent players."

[25] SteamPowered.com. “Dota 2."

[26] SteamDB.info. “Counter-Strike 2 concurrent players."

[27] ActivePlayer.io. “Fortnite concurrent players."

[28] EpicGames.com. “Fortnite."

[29] ActivePlayer.io. “League of Legends concurrent players."

[30] LeagueofLegends.com. “League of Legends."

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About the author

Sam Watanuki

Sam Watanuki is a seasoned writer who has written professionally for publications including MeowWolf, SVG, and TheGamer, where he served as Lead Features & Review Editor. Sam’s knack for writing helped earn his B.A. from Pacific University. Since then, he has blended his interest in technology and language into work in natural language generation (NLG) and data analytics. At CompareInternet.com, Sam writes about all things tech-related, including A.I., the latest gaming and Wi-Fi gear, and internet specs. Sam is a lover of all things food and video games, which – especially on weekends – are generally mutually exclusive, as he streams his gameplay on Twitch and YouTube under the self-proclaimed, though well-deserved moniker of ChipotleSam. Seriously… just ask him about his Chipotle burrito tattoo.