The Best Free Steam Games for 2021

Which are the top free Steam games? Especially if you or your kids are bored and need money, you don’t have to worry about a gaming rut. It’s full of games you can play for free through Steam (no, not like that). Moreover, many of them are excellent: they’re just as good as the more expensive, wallet-destroying games.

Recent years have seen a rise in the popularity of free games, which in some cases overtake paid-for triple-A games as the leaders in the PC gaming world. You’ll find that the world’s most played games are free-to-play as a significant share of them are free-to-play.

There are plenty of great titles available for free on Steam. It is surprising how entertaining they can be, even if they don’t look much different from those with paid-for production values. In fact, free PC games can often be some of the most played games due to the fact that they do not require an initial upfront investment.

Therefore, in order to save your bank account, as well as to help you minimize the damage you are doing by spending a lot of money on video gaming, we would like to introduce you to as many free titles as possible. Below you’ll find numerous free Steam games that you can immediately download.

The best free Steam games are:

The best free Steam games

The best free video games on Steam for your gaming PC can be found right here. You will have so much fun that you will wonder why you would ever waste the money amassing your own library of games in the first place.

1. Counter-Strike: Global Offensive

It has been twenty years since the launch of Counter-Strike: Global Offensive but is still popular today due to its frequent updates and loyal player base. Although you may not have played it yourself, you may have heard of pop culture slang like “rush B” leaking into the gaming community as a whole.

Counter-Strike : Global Offensive

There are a variety of games players can choose from such as setting bombs to go off and rescuing hostages, while others include deathmatches where people can try and practice their stealth knife skills. Because of the format’s familiarity and fact that it predates popular gaming genres such as Battle Royale, it is easy to pick out.

This FPS classic is a great free-to-play alternative to titles such as Overwatch or Call Of Duty which require you to purchase the game. Make sure you don’t flashbang them.

2. World of Warships

It’s easy to find quality tank games on Steam for admirals, but the number of available games is much smaller. However, there is a free Steam game called World of Warships that is one of the best game simulations of naval warfare.

World of Warships

The Steam version of the game offers more than 200 of the warships in the title, from destroyers to battleships to aircraft carriers, so players won’t run out of weapons to aim for. Regardless, World of Warships’ multiplayer naval battles are nothing short of breathtaking.

3. Idle Big Devil

In the future, Idle Big Devil may still be available in Early Access, but it’s already getting rave reviews from Steam players, making it one of the top free games. Despite the fact that it’s an idle game that lets you go forward without much interaction, there is plenty to do when you’re waiting, and it’ll never get boring. During the initial play, new players also get free currency, making it possible to progress quickly.

Idle Big Devil

In the game, you take the role of a king’s official slayer of the Undead, creatures possessed by evil spirits, and creatures possessed by demonic forces. Through the game, you will recruit up to five heroes, all of whom are powerful in their own right. Participating in the events and daily tasks, as well as acquiring loot as you move from continent to continent, can reward you with rewards. As well as gathering resources, you can upgrade your castle and power up your heroes.

Idle Big Devil does get harder and more complicated as you go, eventually, you will be forced to choose between spending money or striving to progress in the game more slowly. But if you don’t want to spend money, this game can be freely played for free.

4. Conqueror’s Blade

Few other war games attempt to blend the top-down strategy of top-down battles with the first-person action of third-person combat. A regular update and support program from Mine. Games keep you interested and entertained throughout the game, with every new season bringing you new units, places on the map to explore, and new epochs to explore.

Conqueror’s Blade

New to Season 5 is a brand new campaign with flaming weapons powered by hellfire that is inspired by the Byzantine era. What’s not to love? The core of the game is free. However, the battle pass and cosmetic items can be bought for a few extra bucks.

5. Art of War: Red Tides

Have you been looking for a MOBA game that doesn’t have too many RTS elements, but is challenging enough to keep you going through each match? Here’s just what you’re looking for – a free-to-play masterpiece. Art of War: Red Tides takes the classic MOBA structure, where you are funneled into a channel with a lot of units in the hope of destroying the base at the other end – but strips out everything in between. You might not like it if you’re a hardcore fan, but if you’re looking for a relaxing, mobile experience as a PC title, this is the game for you.

Art of War: Red Tides

This is not to imply it is a spectator title. In addition to surveying the battlefield, you’ll need to use your energy reserves to construct units that will counter the ones already in the field. There are three play options available but 3v3 is the best mode with matches frequently coming down to those teams with the best combinations.

6. War Thunder

During World War II, soldiers often heard thunder in the distance, assuming it was rain, only to discover that it was nothing more than a game called War Thunder, about planes and tanks fighting each other. The Gaijin game straps you to a wide array of 1940s war machines and asks you to survive every dogfight and battle imaginable with other players.

War Thunder

With the biggest updates coming in the form of whole new types of vehicles like warships and massive naval battles, it is a game that is constantly being updated and improved. We have compiled a list of War Thunder tier 1 planes and a strategy guide for tank battles to help you make sense of it all.

7. Crusader Kings II

In our wildest dreams, we have dreamed about what it was like to travel through Europe during the Middle Ages. You can do exactly that with Crusader Kings II, playing a Christian noble trying to expand and preserve his family during a time of crisis throughout the continent. Not only are invaders to be afraid of, but so are you. They are working on plots against you too from your vassals and courtiers.

Crusader Kings II

As well as passing laws, you’ll make friends with other noblemen and defend your faith from the heretics. It is important to remember that this game is about strategy, no matter what decision you make. Your dynasty can survive the Dark Ages even with the smallest advantages.

The game includes an online multiplayer option if you like playing with friends. The game supports up to 32 players so it makes it the best free game if you’re looking to enjoy quality time with your friends and family.

8. Star Conflict

What if you could play a free game that’s like playing a giant, never-ending game of dogfighting spaceships? In Star Conflict, player-driven stories derived from Eve Online are geared toward action, with a much smoother onboarding process as compared to Eve Online.

Star Conflict

A beautiful world teeming with rich cultures and ancient history awaits you when you step out of your nimble fighters and into your massive frigates.

9. Shadowverse CCG

Shadowverse CCG is an anime-inspired digital collectible card game that may satiate your desire for chance games. Each month new cards are added to the game, and the game balance is tweaked.

Shadowverse CCG

This card game has you trying to use strategy to force your opponent to draw cards out of the current deck or decrease their defense to zero. Shadowverse CCG may be the ideal game for you if you’re a fan of card games or if you’ve never played one before.

10. Path of Exile

Its humor is considerable more pungent and dark than that of other action games while its leveling system is among the most interesting that I have come across in an RPG. It’s just the beginning of an endless list of abilities and improvements at your fingertips that will amaze you for how you can customize your character in whatever way you like.

Path of Exile

Those tantalizing abilities need to be unlocked through battles on a world infested with monsters, utilizing a combat system that may, maybe just maybe, be a little better than Diablo III.

In addition to all that, Path of Exile keeps getting expansions and new competitive leagues like the recently released Path of Exile: Conquerors of the Atlas update. We’re also excited about the upcoming release date of Path of Exile 2, which features a new-look campaign, new class abilities, and a reworked skill system.

11. Rift

Trion Games’ Rift is a popular free Steam game, and it’s a really interesting MMORPG. In this epic fantasy setting of Telara, you will embark on a journey that sees your character become more proficient in combat, become more capable with weapons, and overcome dangerous enemies. Everything that you could ask for in an MMORPG is in this MMORPG.

Rift

Having decided whose faction you want to be with – either the Guardians or the Defiant – one can start their adventure in this vast universe. In addition, you have a multitude of Calling options at your disposal. How do you view your role in the Primalist, Warrior, Cleric, Mage, or Rogue? Or, if you really want to get your feet wet, choose a Pre-made Purpose: a series of pre-made profiles you can just get started with.

12. CRSED: F.O.A.D

Despite the very fact that fun free Steam games don’t happen all that often, CRSED, which started off as a joke spinoff of squad-based MMO shooter Enlisted, has earned its spot among the tops through continuous quality updates and madcap humor.

CRSED : F.O.A.D

You may spend most of the match doing damage to a set of plate armor in PUBG, but all you need to do in CRSED is find a kitchen, grab some metal cookware, and you’re ready to go. With regular content updates, you’ll never be bored with the free-to-play battle royale game, which includes everything from historical figures to superpowered demons.

13. Valorant – Apex Legends

A very short period of time has seen the Battle Royale genre explode in popularity, with fierce rivalry among gamers for the title of the best overall title. Apex Legends has been on many best-of lists for a while now, and for good reason as well.

Valorant – Apex Legends

In a week, 25 million players were playing Apex Legends, a stealth launch by Respawn Entertainment. Despite newcomers like Valorant, Apex Legends has remained a popular battle royale shooter regardless.

Although the game comes with optional loot boxes, you are not obliged to purchase any of them. The base game is totally free, so you don’t need cash to unlock the characters, but you can level them up rather than buying them.

14. Warframe

You can play as a space ninja in Warframe, and that should be all you need to know to get started. Other than that, it is a third-person co-op game that pits you against ninjas and goons, each with a unique set of abilities. Due to its shared-world social environments and buddy-up raid mission design, it is a slick action game reminiscent of Destiny. There is a part of the enjoyment that comes with perfecting your own Warframe build so that you could clear levels and grind faster than your opponents.

Warframe

You will need to do a little grinding in order to craft the best gear, but you will be on your knees while slices people in half and powerslides for most of that, so don’t get put off. One of the most popular Steam games, Warframe is always well attended, having regular massive updates such as Plains of Eidolon and the even bigger Warframe Fortuna expansion.

15. Trove

Despite its blocky style and theme similar to Minecraft, Trove is a hardcore MMORPG for gamers who live for grinding and action-adventure combat.

Trove

As you start in Trove, you choose one of seven different classes to level up one after another, fight cube-like monsters, explore dungeons, and unlock new gear, all of which you can display back in your home base. If you consider yourself a hoarder at heart, Trove will surely suit you.

16. Crossout

In Targem Games’ Crossout, you can create and use monstrously-sized machines to bash your opponents in an explosive online game that takes place after a post-apocalyptic world. This is basically what you used to create with Lego when you were a child, but now you can do this using the power of computers.

Crossout

With a large arsenal of vehicles to choose from and a wide range of weapons, you can build almost anything. if you like a quieter approach try stealth generators or power drills for murderous fun. That is one of the reasons Crossout is one of the best free games on Steam.

As you fight, you’re building your reputation with the Crossout faction you chose. Shooting some things up will earn you new parts, blueprints to continue your vehicular crusade in PvP or PvE (where you can even face off against a user-created boss). We have a Crossout beginner’s guide if you need help getting started.

17. Neverwinter

A classic, beloved RPG, Neverwinter is delivered in MMO format, taking players to the Forgotten Realms. The game features kobolds, hobgoblins, and much, much more. This is an exceptionally well-made action-MMORPG, with a strong emphasis on skill-intensive combat, as well as a beautiful world to explore.

Neverwinter

Players are pushed into buying things in-game, but everything you need can be found without spending a penny. You can even play all the expansions regularly, including the recent Swords of Chult update which added a new skirmish and refined the PvP elements.

18. Skyforge

This action-heavy MMO is the perfect blend of science fiction and fantasy, with gamers aiming to become a god. Skyforge is an understatement, but it provides countless hours of entertainment with minimal grind compared to other free Steam games.

Skyforge

In what way? The Skyforge system ditches traditional leveling structures and character classes in place of XP and stat progression. Among the 18 classes that are available, the player can switch between them at will, giving them plenty of flexibility to approach new combat situations.

19. Star Trek Online

A real-time online role-playing game set in the unmistakable sci-fi world of the Enterprise, Star Trek Online lets you take control of a ship, staff and go on missions that feel authentically Star Trek. Despite its ever-increasing age with the addition of more elaborate episodic missions, additional gear, seasonal events, and even Star Trek Online’s crew, it continues to get regular updates.

Star Trek Online

This story has a definite impact on how the galaxy is changing. While the game does offer a cash shop and premium ships, the free version is exceptionally generous, allowing players freedom when exploring the final frontier.

20. ArcheAge

As a first-person shooter MMO, ArcheAge follows the same conventions as its predecessors: quests, crafting, and a rather humdrum fantasy setting. Get over that, and the game takes you on high seas escapades as you embark on your very own vessel to become either wealthy traders or unfriendly pirates stealing from other players. In its true sense, it is a sandbox MMO that is potentially suitable for ambitious merchants, explorers, and scallywags.

ArcheAge

Alternatively, you can buy ArcheAge: Unchained to unlock everything the game has to offer – available separately – if you do not wish to subscribe to ArcheAge.

21. Brawlhalla

Looking for some Super Smash Bros. action on PC? Check out Brawlhalla. In this fighting platformer, you attempt to knock opponents off raised platforms for points by attacking them with a weapon of your choosing. Your fighter’s attacks are changed by direction inputs, but, similar to Smash, the character’s movesets can be learned relatively quickly.

Brawlhalla

Weapons rain down from above in Brawlhalla randomly, since weapons are geared towards weapon-based attacks. Playable characters at Brawlhalla rotate every week, although you can choose to invest your in-game currency in one’s favorite characters.

22. Eve Online

Possibly one of the best MMO’s of our time, EVE Online can now be played without a subscription fee. Essentially anyone with a PC can embark upon their own exploration of the cosmos. The only question is: who do you want to be? As opposed to class-based fantasy role-playing games, EVE isn’t about saving the world as a ranger or warrior. There’s a big, player-controlled universe where you’re playing as a cog.

Eve Online

Would you be willing to engage in trades and be a part of helping others get what they need? Do you want to make your way through the ranks of a corrupt corporation or will you engage in tactical sabotage against your enemies? Thousands of possible paths await you in this incredible, unparalleled MMO.

23. Albion Online

Albion Online features a sandbox approach to MMOs with no classes, allowing players to craft a unique playstyle based on adjusting their combat style, gathering resources, and buying and selling gear. There are no wonder players spend hours in this free MMO; Albion features deadly fights with other players, different biomes to explore, and loot systems that drive players away from their comfort zones on the expansive map.

Albion Online

Albion if the name and PvP is what the game is all about, so don’t get consumed with farming and riding you horse into the unknown. Death can be incredibly frustrating for players who are unforgiving when it comes to giving them all their loot, as ambushes are common and brutal.

24. Smite

One aspect of this game is that it is a MOBA with the camera positioned behind your god-like an action game does, but however it is influenced by religion. There are a lot of differences between 5v5 games, and the differences don’t stop there.

Smite

In addition to the deathmatch-like Arena mode, Smite offers numerous other modes. Although the game isn’t entirely new, it still features in-depth features such as lanes, creeps, and items, as well as a pantheon of gods that is continuously being updated. We have beginners guide for Smite if you’re just getting started.

25. World of Warplanes

A free Steam game that’s got over five different planes at your disposal for doing airborne damage in World War II, this game puts you right in the middle of the 12v12 action of one of the most infamous phases of military aviation.

World of Warplanes

This World War 2 video game lets you take the reins of seven varied and captivating contemporary nations with environments that take inspiration from all corners of the globe. Over 4,000 customization options are available for each of your available crafts as well, so you won’t be bored.

26. DCS World

With this hyper-realistic combat simulation, you’ll be able to witness the most detailed battlefields in any video game. There is a deeply complicated learning curve in DCS World: Steam Edition so don’t expect to just take command of an airplane (or another military vehicle) and shoot nerds out of the sky.

DCS World

Even the simplest tanks, jet fighters, and ships require mastery to operate, let alone the more complex war machines you can pilot. The game Digital Combat Simulator World is ideal for those who like the realistic feel of military combat.

27. Dota Underlords

A high bar was set with the first official auto chess game, Dota Underlords, which followed Drodo‘s Dota 2 mods and Valve’s mobile and PC efforts. There’s a touch of user-friendliness to the game, so it will feel comfortable for veterans of the legendary tough MOBA.

Dota Underlords

Riot’s Team Fight Tactics is a much larger, more expensive game than this completely free Steam game. Each of the first, second, third, tenth, and fifth rounds of the game is a creep round, with three items available for you to select from. Valve has also introduced the presence of powerful Underlords to all teams, facilitating the practice of picking which Underlords will be available to each lineup at the start of the game.

28. Heavy Metal Machines

Rocket League would be better if it was more Mad Max? Heavy Metal Machines, the 4v4 car action game, is an excellent way to headbang and prepare for extinction. Your hooligans need to nab an opponent’s bomb ball and volley it into the rival team’s goal in order to win. Though the game is in the Early Access phase now, Hoplon has pledged to remain free to play.

Heavy Metal Machines

Several machines have their own abilities, playstyles, and punk-influenced characters, including a batty old lady riding a sturdy hoverbike. A detailed backstory of each character is included on the website, along with a heavy metal soundtrack. This game is chaotic, explosive, and great fun to play.

29. World of Tanks Blitz

There’s not a PC franchise more popular than the World of series, with World of Tanks Blitz coming frequently to the top of Steam’s most-played list. World of Tanks Blitz is the most straightforward combat game, lacking the complexity of DCS World’s simulation-like gameplay.

World of Tanks Blitz

World of Tanks Blitz, with its 300 iconic war machines and 26 battle arenas, is the right game for those looking for some goofy 7-versus-7 action.

30. Shadowverse

You might love Hearthstone, but a true competitor to Blizzard’s epic strategy game looks like it’s on its way. A prolific hit of the genre in Japan – it has now become its largest on mobile since the mobile release in 2016 – Shadowverse has already taken over the world through the sheer quality of its cards alone. Your next CCG fix will come from this game.

Shadowverse

Shadowverse’s freedom to experiment with multiple strategies and playstyles, along with minimal RNG, ensures its freshness. That’s not even including the new card expansion that comes out every three months. With a tutorial, single-player story, and free cards for beginners, it’s easy to get started, but Shadowverse requires time to master.

31. Warface

With Warface you can either take on enemies with your friends or face them in competitive versus modes, co-op, or competitively with your enemies. Playing with others will provide you with a fantastic range of teamwork strategies and playstyles as you try to master new maps every day.

Warface

You will be able to get to grip with the Rifleman and Sniper classes and enjoy stunningly rendered environments using Crytek’s CryEngine. You can choose from quite a variety of weapons and difficulty levels all available for free, making Warface a worthwhile choice for free FPS action.

32. Realm Royale

Battle royale is Steam’s highest-selling product right now, with PUBG commanding millions of gaming hours. What if you do not wish to shell out millions for PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds, nor do you wish to leave the Steam perimeter? Get Realm Royale from Hi-Rez, the fantasy deathmatch with 100 players.

Realm Royale

From the outside, it may look very similar to Fortnite, but when you play Realm Royale you’ll soon see that it deals with some of the genre’s longstanding problems. You don’t have to throw away loot you cannot use; simply disenchant it into shards, and use these in the Forge to create luxury items.

Then, of course, you’ll be confronted by dozens of foes determined to steal your new gear from under your nose when you fire up the Forge. Fortnite and PUBG have yet to crack the mid-game tension in the second half of the game. Want to master it? We have a guide for Realm Royale.

33. Team Fortress 2

Valve’s mega-popular, ever-evolving shooter, Team Fortress 2, gets rave reviews. This hat is not a one-size-fits-all fit. Although it launched in 2007, it continues to have a steady stream of players and is continually updated with new modes, hats, and maps.

Team Fortress 2

But despite its rise in popularity, the game remains accessible especially if you can play with friends. A deep variety of game types are now available to choose from, from traditional Red vs. Blue capture point games to Mann vs. Machine, in which players band together to put down waves of murderous robots the world over.

34. Paladins

Though it’s copied heavily from Overwatch, Paladins takes the hero shooter formula in a whole new direction. Your team uses a deck of cards that gain them passive abilities while capturing control points or escorting a siege engine to the enemy fortress’ front door – read our beginner’s guide on Paladins for tips on this system.

Paladins

The Paladins Champions level up as the match progresses, drawing new buffs to upgrade their skills. A new favorite free Steam game is born, and then you can open chests and collect cards for your decks.

35. Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Links

Steam is one of the largest channels for card dueling games, so Yu-Gi-Oh! entailed many strategic thrills for fans of the series on the digital platform.

Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Links

Duel Links has been receiving positive reviews since its most recent release, which has encouraged players to build their dream card deck. The game’s meta changes regularly, so players can always challenge themselves.

36. Dota 2

Only League of Legends is more popular than Dota 2 when it comes to MOBAs. A new character is always launched, and a new patch is always available. Millions of players enjoy it continually. You know what to expect from a MOBA rooted in the origins of the genre: a large Dota 2 hero roster and an assortment of powerful items, ten players, and three lanes.

Dota 2

During tournament season, one could have the possibility to spend the entire season just thinking about the metagame, never mind honing one’s skills by spectating the top matches. New players need to know somewhere where to begin with Dota 2, so be sure to read our guide on the best heroes.

37. PlanetSide 2

There is something striking about PlanetSide 2’s scale. Throughout entire continents, armies clash over bases, vehicles speed across the ground, and aircraft light up the sky – it’s glorious…until you’re shot down by a sniper on the other side.

PlanetSide 2

If you plan on playing this one with friends or even just with a microphone, you will find that things are a lot clearer when you are in a squad that speaks to each other. Consider the gameplay of Battlefield but on a much grander scale. There will be three factions locked in ceaseless conflict. An absolute feast for the senses.

38. CLOSERS

Where should you go when a bunch of alien monsters break through your very dimension and invade your city? It is not really the norm, so we advise you to hire the CLOSERS, an elite group of psychics who prefer to bashing aliens. Learn how to make chains of ridiculous combos to reach one of the five colorful characters in the Black Lambs team. The game has both PvE and PvP campaign modes where aliens can be smashed by buses and sliced to pieces by swords. Aliens must be dealt with that way, right? Fans of anime are sure to enjoy Closers even if they can’t spare the cash.

CLOSERS

Here they are, the exclusive games you can only find on Steam. Many of them we would even consider among the best games on the PC. All these games come at everyone’s favorite price so you can play even more. How about trying them all and choosing the one that is right for you? You won’t even have to pay for it.