The best free-to-play games in 2026, from shooters to MOBAs, MMOs, and much more

By Jesse Lennox and Sam Hill Updated January 18, 2026

Without meaning to be the “old man yells at clouds” meme, it’s hard to believe just how many fantastic free games on PS5, free games on Xbox, and free games on PC there are in 2026.

If you grew up with pricey games, it’s almost alien to think you can play the likes of Fortnite, Warzone, Genshin Impact and many more without paying a penny. Just got a new console or PC? Good news: we’ve rounded up the best free-to-play games on all platforms, including free FPS games, MMORPGs, and JRPGs. With multiplayer, cross-platform play (even on mobile) and the kind of visuals that you used to need to pay for, these are some fantastic titles to jump into.

Cheap isn’t necessarily free, but if you’re looking for steep discounts on consoles and accessories, take a look at the best gaming deals available now. 

Platforms: PC (Microsoft Windows), Mac, Android, iOS, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S

It’s hard to believe Fortnite was once accused of copying PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds at the dawn of the battle royale era, because Epic’s third-person shooter has grown into something almost unrecognizable. It’s not just a battle royale: It’s a LEGO survival game, a racing game, a Rock Band successor, and a skin collectathon. And yet, its combat has never slipped from being extremely polished, and whether you’re playing as Batman or Master Chief or just about anyone else, Fortnite’s art style somehow manages to stay coherent throughout.

Platforms: PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S

While it wasn’t the first game to introduce destructibility into online shooters, it was the Battlefield franchise that pushed that technology the hardest first. After stumbling with its last entry, a smaller game called The Finals took that idea, shrunk it down to a more intimate PvP experience, and made destructibility both fun and tactical. Each match feels completely unique, and the different game types all shine when the map is a constantly evolving battlefield for you to exploit. It’s still going strong, despite developer Embark Studios launching ARC Raiders in 2025.

Platforms: PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S

Warzone 2 is back to just Warzone again, with Activision rolling back changes made to the Call of Duty Battle Royale. As the company continues to tackle cheaters, it’s grown into a pretty darn impressive free-to-play game to enjoy with friends after a long day of work, offering snappy, responsive combat and plenty of progression that carries over into Black Ops 7 if you pick that up, too.

Platforms: PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S

Set in the world of Titanfall but without titans or wall-running, Apex Legends is Respawn’s take on the battle royale genre. Apex Legends is all about teamwork, with three-person teams vying to be the last group standing. The progression of a match will be familiar to anyone who has played a battle royale: Drop from the sky, scavenge for gear, and make it inside the circle before the playable area shrinks. Where Apex Legends differs is that it also has hero shooter elements. Each of the eight characters has its own unique abilities and ultimate moves ranging from defensive moves to portal warping to all-out mortar strikes. And death isn’t permanent. You can revive fallen teammates and even resurrect them by bringing their dog tags to a beacon. Apex Legends is a polished experience with excellent gunplay, a great map, and a fun roster of characters. It’s one of the best free-to-play shooters around.

Platforms: PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S

Speaking of Overwatch, Overwatch 2 has taken the sequel to the free-to-play model right from the start. While technically a sequel, this game includes all the heroes from the first game, as well as the maps and modes, and only will continue to add more in the future. The game now uses a battle pass system for progression and monetization, but the major change is in the size of teams, which has shrunk down to five. This makes the sequel far more tactical and gives each person, and each role, far more importance on the flow of battle. With so many heroes and abilities, you’re certain to find one you are drawn to. Playing with a full squad can be some of the most intense matches of any FPS out there.

Platforms: PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S

If you’re tired or fed up with Overwatch by now, Marvel Rivals is similar but different enough to restore your love for hero shooters. Putting literal superheroes into the game is part of that, but Rivals doesn’t just rely on its characters to carry the experience. Each hero feels unique and true to their powers and personalities. Almost a direct counterpoint to Overwatch, this game is in third person, so you can see all your cool cosmetics and abilities, has no role queue, and is built for 6v6 battles. With 33 heroes at launch and more added each season, odds are at least one of your favorites is on this roster.

Platforms: PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Google

Destiny 2 is the poster child for the games-as-a-service model, and while many studios have aimed to imitate its success, it’s not quite been eclipsed just yet. Part of that is down to Bungie’s expertise with first-person combat: From the moment you grab your first rifle or let off your Super in third-person, you’ll be hooked. Destiny 2 launched in 2017, but regular expansions have fleshed out its world and available activities at the cost of it being relatively newcomer friendly. It’s a tough game to penetrate, with many story chunks lopped off in recent years, but if you find yourself locked in, there’s nothing like it.

Platforms: Linux, PC (Microsoft Windows)

Counter-Strike 2 is, really, the first proper Counter-Strike game. CS 1.6 and Source are both great, but Counter-Strike 2 is the game that has stuck after evolving from CS: GO, and it’s easy to see why. Everything about Counter-Strike 2 is tight, from the gunplay to the map designs. Unlike most other free-to-play games, there is absolutely no advantage to spending money in CS 2. If you’re good enough, you can play ranked matches as often as you want while staying on a level playing field. In the world of free-to-play games, that’s a feat.

Platforms: PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X and S

Taking more than a little inspiration from Counter-Strike, Riot’s Project A was renamed Valorant ahead of launch and offers a more stylized take on the tactical shooter. Positioning and accuracy are still key to success here, but characters have their own abilities, too, which range from arrows that locate enemies through walls and even teleportation. It’s also now available on console, so you can check it out on PS5 and Xbox as well as PC.

Platforms: PC (Microsoft Windows), Mac, Android, iOS, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch

After spending a couple of years in early access, Brawhlhalla, a fighting game that can only really be compared to Super Smash Bros., was released as a free-to-play title in 2017. In 2018, Blue Mammoth Games, the studio behind the peculiar brawler, was acquired by Ubisoft. In the years since, the platform fighter has grown to reach more platforms and added crossover characters from the likes of Assassin’s Creed, Star Wars, Spongebob, and even WWE superstars.

Platforms: Linux, PC (Microsoft Windows), Mac, Android, iOS, Web browser

Runescape is one of the most iconic free-to-play games there is, and 20 years after launch, it’s still going strong. Developer Jagex has continued to update the game over the past 20 years, offering literally thousands of hours of gameplay. If you haven’t played Runescape, it’s a high-fantasy MMORPG with varied weapon types and a long list of skills to master. Questing with friends is where Runescape is at its best, but you can also take things slow and hone your farming, fishing, and cooking skills. Old School Runescape is available, too. It’s based on the 2007 build of Runescape that shot it into the limelight, featuring the same charming graphics, quests, bosses, and economy. Unlike the base game, Old School Runescape requires a monthly membership. However, you can share your membership across both versions of the game — it unlocks some exclusive skills and quests — and you can pay with either cash or Bonds that you can earn in-game.

Platforms: PC (Microsoft Windows)

Lost Ark is a relatively unique beast in that it takes the MMO genre and infuses it with the kind of combat you’d expect from a Diablo-like dungeon crawler. Spending money can speed up character progression, but the crunchiness of its combat and fun classes mean you could spend hours grinding without even realizing it. It’s well worth checking out on Steam if you’re an ARPG fan.

Platforms: PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X and S

We’re cheating a tad here, but let me explain. Path of Exile is a free-to-play action-RPG which marries the combat and loot of a Diablo title with a deep in-game crafting system and player economy. You could play for hundreds of hours without spending a dime, but Path of Exile 2 is also here – sort of. Grinding Gear Games’ sequel leans into the action side with its combat, so expect plenty of dodge rolls and hard-hitting bosses. It’s not currently free, but will be once it hits version 1.0 (hopefully this year).

Platforms: PC (Microsoft Windows), Android, iOS, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5

When Genshin Impact was first revealed, many wrote it off as a Breath of the Wild clone and nothing more. But tunes quickly changed when the game launched. Genshin Impact certainly borrows a lot from Breath of the Wild, from the art style to the stamina-based climbing. However, in almost every other way, it separates itself with deep RPG systems, a diverse roster of over 23 characters, and hundreds of hours of gameplay. And it’s free. Genshin Impact offers a full-action RPG experience in a beautiful open world without asking for a dime. There are microtransactions in the game, but thankfully, they never feel unfair. Buying a few key items may help you level up your character faster, for example, but you can still get through all of the content in the game without resorting to mindless grinding.

Platforms: PC (Microsoft Windows), Android, iOS, PlayStation 5

Another title from the Genshin Impact team is quite a departure in terms of gameplay, but follows all the same addictive mechanics. The art style of Honkai: Star Rail will be immediately familiar, as will be the system of rolling for new characters that rotate in and out of availability. Instead of a fantasy action RPG, though, Honkai: Star Rail is a sci-fi turn-based RPG. While this might sound a little less appealing than Genshin, the story and deep mechanics make it a fantastic RPG for fans of the genre. The cast of characters is endearing, the story gripping, and you never feel gated off from content for not paying. If you want to add some more wifu’s to your growing list, this will be your next addiction.

Platforms: PC (Microsoft Windows), Android, iOS, PlayStation 5

HoYoverse hits a hat trick with Zenless Zone Zero once again proving that this developer has mastered the art of free-to-play gaming with yet another genre. Set in a near-future world with an aesthetic to match, this is a far more action-heavy game that thrives on stylish characters and combos. It has a deep enough story to keep you moving from mission to mission, and no combat encounter ever feels like a grind. It’s perfect in both small bites and longer sessions. Just be aware that it uses the same gacha mechanics as Genshin and Honkai Star Rail, so you may be tempted to pay up to unlock gear or characters.

Platforms: PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox

Inarguably one of the greatest free-to-play success stories, Warframe helped pull developer Digital Extremes back from the brink by offering a generous package of shooting, slashing, and parkour with a unique look that’s only grown in the years that follow. It now includes ship-to-ship combat, campaigns that act as prequels and sequels, and a huge roster of titular Warframes for you to pilot. Almost everything in the game can be crafted for free if you’re happy to grind, with updates coming thick and fast.

Platforms: PC (Microsoft Windows), Mac, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S

It took a long time, but eventually, The Sims 4 went free-to-play. That said, this is just the base experience and all of the dozens of expansions released in the 10+ years it has been out will still cost you extra. However, that base experience is still fully featured in its own right. This series has always been a cultural hit with millions of players jumping in to simulate their ideal life or simply see how things play out in a living, breathing simulation. With the Sims 5 likely not coming anytime soon, there’s no reason not to dive into this game or revisit it with some mods.

Platforms: PC (Microsoft Windows), Android, iOS

Marvel Snap has been a runaway success since it’s release. In this fast-paced card game where matches only take a couple of minutes, you can assemble a deck full of your favorite Marvel superheroes and villains to outsmart and outplay your opponent. It may look a bit simplistic at first, but mastering the game requires mastering your deck, with new cards being added regularly and existing ones seeing balance tweaks.

Platforms: Android, iOS

Plenty of versions of the original Pokémon card game have come and gone already, so Pokémon TCG Pocket had a lot to prove as the ultimate re-creation of the OG card game. In terms of presentation and gameplay, it nails it. The cards look amazing, are just as addicting to collect as the real ones, and even people who never actually played the proper game are easily learning the rules and building decks. It is a bit restrictive on how far you can get for free, but it is totally reasonable for the patient player who loves checking in every day to open a pack or two.

Platforms: PC (Microsoft Windows), Mac, Android, iOS

Blizzard is the master of polish, and this was never more apparent than when the developer released Hearthstone in 2014. Taking fan-favorite characters from the Warcraft series (Thrall, Jaina Proudmoore, and many more), players battle in a Magic: The Gathering-style card duel to the virtual death, using a variety of spells and minions — including Murlocs — in an effort to lower their opponent’s health to zero. It’s a deceptively simple premise. Aside from “mana crystals,” which determine how many cards — and which cards — you can play in any one turn, there aren’t many unique game mechanics to Hearthstone. Yet the game’s brisk matches and wide range of strategies will keep you itching to play one more game. New cards, which can be purchased using gold earned through normal play, help you develop your own custom decks. You can also get cards more quickly by spending real money, though gold is given out at such a liberal rate that you can stick with playing free if you hone in on a single competitive deck.

Platforms: PC (Microsoft Windows), Mac, Android

Hearthstone is like Magic: The Gathering, but Arena is Magic: The Gathering. Known for popularizing, if not straight up creating, the collectible card game genre, Magic has a storied history. Although more involved than the other card games listed here, the core premise of Magic is simple. Lands produce mana, which you can use to cast spells, and you can play one land per turn. It’s identical to Hearthstone in that regard, with the only difference being resource management. You actually have to have a land in hand in order to get mana for that turn, whereas most other digital card games handle the mana scaling automatically. Although that may seem like a downside, it really isn’t. The variance in Magic is one of its core tenets, allowing players with a very weak deck to win against very powerful decks if they have the right draw. Like other digital CCGs, Arena is free-to-play, though you’ll have to spend some money to get a proper deck. The best course of action is to choose which format you want to play most. If you’re interested in drafting, you’ll slowly build a collection to put together a competitive deck or two. If you only want to play constructed, where you build a deck from whatever cards you want, it’s best just to buy some packs. Thankfully, Arena dishes out free packs left and right, and with the wildcard system, you can craft whatever extra cards you need. Although buying a competitive deck can get expensive, it’s much cheaper than buying that deck physically, where cards can cost $60 or more apiece.

Platforms: PC (Microsoft Windows), Android, iOS, PlayStation 4, Xbox One

If you’re a fan of card games, you’re in luck — many of the genre’s most popular titles are available for free, including the ever-popular Gwent. Pulled straight from The Witcher universe and developed by CD Projekt Red itself, Gwent takes the iconic mini-game and gives it the attention it deserves. The PvP card battler will see you piecing together your very own deck (composed of classic characters such as Geralt and Ciri) before heading online for a variety of unique game modes. No good card game is complete without a bevy of gorgeous graphical effects, and Gwent has those in spades. If you’re in the market for a massive time sink, look no further than this.

Platforms: PC (Microsoft Windows), Mac

No free-to-play list would be complete without League of Legends. The MOBA (Multiplayer Online Battle Arena) was nothing short of revolutionary when it first landed on PC in 2009, and it has only improved in the years since its original release. The game is free to play with a limited number of heroes, called Champions, and more can be purchased using either real money or “IP,” which is earned through normal play. Though the genre has never been particularly inviting to new players, Riot has created a more newbie-friendly multiplayer experience than some of its contemporaries, and if you’re just getting started, there is almost a 100% chance that one of your friends already plays League of Legends.

Platforms: Linux, PC (Microsoft Windows), Mac

Though it’s harder to learn than League of Legends and Blizzard’s Heroes of the Storm, Dota 2 players will accept no substitute. Unlike League, all 119 heroes are available for free in Dota 2, including the melee-focused Earth Spirit, who resembles an odd mix of the Iron Giant and the Incredible Hulk, and the Invoker, whose appearance is similar to the elves seen in the Warcraft franchise. The game’s combat is hectic, and you’re likely to get beaten into oblivion during your first round, but should the addiction take hold, you might not need to play another game for months to come. The highlight of the game is the massive competitive championship called The International, where players battle for millions of dollars in prize money. You could win — well, if you spend your entire life playing the game, that is.

Platforms: Android, iOS, Nintendo Switch

Who would have thought that the casual-friendly world of Pokémon would be such a perfect fit for the hardcore MOBA genre? Many of the genre tropes are present — including jungling, a variety of class types, equipable items, and a steep learning curve — yet somehow, Pokémon Unite manages to be a great game for players of all types. Whether you’re grouping up with a few friends in ranked or just taking on a few casual games with random players, there are hundreds of hours of fun to be had with this unique spinoff. New content is being added at a regular pace, with a variety of unlockable items and new characters launched just weeks after its arrival — and much more planned for the coming months. It’s nothing like the slow-paced mainline entries we’ve seen over the past few years, but it’s arguably one of the best Pokémon games we’ve seen in a very long time and among the best F2P games of 2021.