For a complete, updated list of all free-to-play releases, visit our ranking of the best free games.
10. Realm Royale on PS4 and Xbox One
Hi Rez studios makes the pivot towards the trendy Battle Royale genre with this new title. Featuring the heroes of their hero shooter Paladins, enter the arena and compete in the same 1 vs 100 type gameplay we've now come to love. But, while most of their games have enjoyed a degree of success, Realm Royale is struggling to keep their playerbase.
Still offering a world of content in a free to play format, there's been a lot of pushback in terms of the game's gameplay resulting from its subsequent patches. Not doing all too well on the PC, the reception has somewhat warmed up with the release on the consoles last January. It gets a Provisional PlayScore of 8.38 on the PS4 and 7.44 on the Xbox One
9. Apex Legends on PC, PlayStation 4 and Xbox One
EA may not be the best videogame company right now, but this fresh take on the Battle Royale genre really puts their name on the field again. Apex Legends is a spin-off to the critically acclaimed first person shooter from Respawn, Titanfall. Similar to most BR games, players team up and survive in their 3-man squad. Be the last one standing to become the Apex Champion. Select from a wide variety of multiple heroes with unique abilities to turn the tide of battle.
With its responsive ping system, the game’s accessible communication is seamless. As a free-to-play game, Microtransactions are at its peak. Players can unlock new heroes by using in-game currency, or Apex Coins to purchase them. It’s recent Battle Pass also offers new outfits, weapon skins and badges for other players. The game is still fun without using real money, and that’s why Apex Legends excels at. It has a PlayScore of 8.58 on the PC, 8.57 on the PS4, and 8.0 on the Xbox One.
8. Honor And Duty: D-Day
Once again, a Battle Royale game on this list. Although not entirely. This free-to-play first person shooter takes you to the horrific events of the D-Day Landing in World War II. This brings back the old-school FPS action to the PlayStation VR. Packed with multiple modes, players can choose which type of action they want to get their hands into: Team Deathmatch, Domination and its 32 player Battle Royale.
Just like Call of Duty and other acclaimed military shooters, this VR experience lets you drive tanks, jeeps, and trucks in large scale maps as you stalk your enemies and eliminate them. It’s not the smoothest game on this list, per se, but it does offer a fun time-wasting experience for you and your friends. It receives a PlayScore of 8.68
7. DISSIDIA: FINAL FANTASY NT FREE VERSION
The ultimate Final Fantasy crossover fighting game experience. DISSIDIA NT is the next step to the future of the Dissidia franchise. The mechanics are still the same, and the rules are unchanging. However, you get to face off against other major FF characters in three-on-three fashion, not the usual one on one experience.
Choose from a wide selection of iconic Final Fantasy characters including Cloud Strife, Squall Leonhart, Lightning and even Noctis from FFXV. However, as the game excels in its combat and other major gameplay improvements, it fails in its content and optimization. The game is EXPENSIVE as hell for a free game. To unlock more characters, players need to purchase Microtransaction Character Packs that cost a ton. It causes a major divide in the community, and not to mention its terrible performance issues. The PS4 version, however, is really good. So you better think twice before buying a PC port. It has a PlayScore of 8.77 on the PS4.
6. Enderal: Forgotten Stories
Ok, this one's a bit of cheat. A mod to Elder Scrolls' fifth installment, Enderal isn't completely free. But, for people that already have Skyrim--and, at this point, who doesn't?--Enderal is a brand new experience that just happens to sit on top of an already existing game. A total conversion of the game we've loved for years, could very well be your next favorite RPG, with its own landscape, lore and loot. As for lore, its been praised for the complexity of its narrative, bringing out emotions and reactions that even some of today's biggest games can't. Offering an open world RPG experience and a whole new storyline separate from the Elder Scrolls series for absolutely free, it's clear from the get-go the kind of passion they have for the project. An emotional and deeply immersive RPG on top of an RPG, it has a PlayScore of 8.84
5. When the Darkness comes
We all loved the quirky existentialism of Stanley Parable, with its sardonic narrator and oddball adventures. But in this new free-to-play walking simulator, it almost feels like we meet Stanley Parable's evil twin. Taking it up on itself to tackle the deep seated issues of depression, anxiety, and abuse in videogame form, the dark tales of When The Darkness Comes are immersive and unsettling.
Described by many as a beautifully haunting adventure, Developer Sirhaian warns players with mental health problems to steer clear. With a little over ten chapters, the game gives voice to their many struggles in a way that puts people in their sometimes scary shoes. For a game that's completely free, it feels like a lovingly crafted albeit traumatizing masterpiece. Handcrafted by developer Sirhaian, there's plenty to discover. And the best part is, you can return to it again and again. It has a Provisional PlayScore of 9.05.
4. Unsung Warriors - Prologue
More of a demo than an actual game, this Prologue to Osarion's indie adventure does give players a worthwhile look at what's to come. A 2D game set in a fictional European Iron Age, Unsung Warriors is packed with both fun platforming and engaging combat. Putting on a simple, cartoony artstyle, it might not be the best in looks but it does work well in adding to the fun Iron Age atmosphere while also making it accessible to even the most low-end laptops and devices.
What makes the game even more appealing is the addition of a local co-op mode that lets you fight side by side with friends. While still just a demo, Prologue is one of the best at showing just exactly what's in store for their backers. With more updates and features in their full release, there's a lot of fun to be had roaming around in their action-packed dungeons. It has a rating of 9.07
3. Fate/Grand Order VR feat. Mash Kyrielight
A special Fate/Grand Order adventure made exclusively for their fans on the PS VR. F/GO, a premier free-to-play RPG on the mobile, expands their reach as they explore the world of console VR. Taking the lead in this drama is Mash Kyrielight, the series' heroine who comes by to her Senpai's room to ask for advice. And, yes, that Senpai is you. Playing the role of Master to the loyal servant, it unfolds an interesting series of events that's a far cry from the usual RPG antics. Aside from Mash, it also features the legendary King Arthur turned servant, Altria. Adding a dash of Summer Lesson to the anime excitement, bond with the girls and get to know them in a different light. First released in Japan with no localization, the Western fans have finally gotten a taste of the unique activities that the platform brings. It has a Provisional PlayScore of 9.17
2. What Never Was
Still in the first person perspective, Acke Hallgreen gives us something a little bit more traditional. With a focus on exploration in their fascinating and magical environments, What Never Was would probably fall pass of as another simulator. But in their short, story driven adventure, there lies an array of puzzles that will the minds who ever embarks on it. Featuring stellar voice acting and an engrossing narrative, time definitely flies.
Which is a bit of a shame, considering the game's length running just under an a hour depending on your puzzle skills. Maddeningly short as some reviewers would put it, What Never Was might leave you wanting more but it has no shortage of charm. A free Steam game that's made entirely to please, it's definitely worth every unspent penny and more. It has a rating of 9.5
1. Path of Exile
First released on the PC last 2013, it took a while for Path of Exile to reach the consoles. But, now that it's finally on the PS4, it looks like there's still plenty of love for the free-to-play MMO. As GameSpot would put it in their review of the PC debut, Path of Exile will only cost you your internet bandwidth and in exchange, you get a vast amount of hack and slashy RPG content.
Taking inspiration from the equally legendary ARPG, Grinding Gear Games expanded on the isometric dungeon crawling with on-line activities that, at the time, felt like an improvement over the rock beginnigs of Diablo III. Carving its own name into the ARPG A-list, it's still going strong today as a free to play title that's also free from the hassle of paywalls. A little daunting for beginners, there's no reason NOT to check it out, with an impressive score of 9.93