With inflation, the rising cost of goods, and video games levying higher price tags in general, many gamers are looking for a cost-effective way to stay in the loop and keep the good times rolling. Luckily, many developers have taken the initiative to produce free-to-play games that don’t require spending a fortune to get your hands on. Some games are enjoyable right away while others are riddled with incessant micro-transactions, so here’s a convenient list to help you save money.
1. Fortnite
Pitting up to 100 players against each other in an increasingly smaller arena, Fortnite is the definitive battle royale game, and it's completely free of charge. The game’s varied modes and gameplay mechanics are constantly being updated, making it the perfect free-to-play game.
2. Apex Legends
Apex Legends is a fun, team-based shooter that has taken the competitive gaming market by storm. Its unique character abilities and emphasis on strategy have made it a fan-favourite among thrill-seeking gamers looking for a free fix.
3. Genshin Impact
This open-world action RPG sure does pack a mean punch for a free-to-play game! Brimming with quests, puzzles and an engrossing story, gamers just can’t help but get lost in this title’s gorgeous anime-style graphics and expansive, detailed world.
Svetlov Artem on Wikimedia Commons
4. Warframe
This acclaimed sci-fi shooter offers intense combat, broad customization, a compelling story, and best of all: it’s free! With regular updates and a dedicated fanbase, Warframe is a multiplayer juggernaut that gamers just can’t afford to miss out on.
5. League of Legends
League of Legends is a free MOBA title that allows players to control a wide variety of characters with distinct abilities in fun, team-based combat. It certainly wasn’t the first of its kind, but it did a lot of the heavy lifting when it came to popularizing the massive Multiplayer Online Battle Arena genre.
6. Valorant
From Riot Games, the same company that brought us League of Legends, Valorant is a beloved tactical first-person shooter. The game is often cited for its refined gameplay mechanics, regular updates, and compelling competitive multiplayer — making it a free-to-play experience you must get your hands on.
Riot Games on Wikimedia Commons
7. Rocket League
If you ever thought to yourself, “What would soccer with cars look like?” Well, we have a game for you! This rocket-powered multiplayer romp is the perfect gaming experience for casual and hardcore players alike, and with literally no upfront cost, trying it is practically a no-brainer.
Psyonix Studios on Wikimedia Commons
8. Among Us
Don’t let the game’s cartoonish graphics fool you! Trust no one and stay vigilant in this fun, engaging multiplayer thriller. Tasking you with finding the imposter among you and your friends, Among Us will have you questioning everything while it puts your deductive skills to the test like never before.
9. Call of Duty: Warzone
It was only a matter of time before the famed Call Of Duty franchise would eventually dip its toes in the increasingly popular battle royale genre. Featuring varied and expansive maps, as well as an impressive player count, CoD Warzone is a perfect addition for fans of the series looking for something different.
10. Team Fortress 2
Valve’s class-based FPS is often cited as one of the first major games to offer games as a service. Known for its distinct visual style and eclectic cast of playable characters, TF2 is a fan-favourite pioneer in the free-to-play space that warrants your attention.
1. Star Citizen
The laughing stock of the crowdfunding space, Star Citizen has earned the ire of millions of disappointed fans. Despite extensive public funding, the game is still in development. In-game purchases have further plagued the game's enormous price tag, with some dedicated fans spending thousands on downloadable content.
2. World of Warcraft
Operating under a subscription-based profit model, World of Warcraft (or WoW) is the MMORPG that started it all. Unfortunately, despite how fun it is, the game quickly racks up quite the price tag when you factor in subscription costs, in-game purchases, and new expansions.
dronepicr on Wikimedia Commons
3. FIFA Series
Often derided by fans of the sport and gamers in general, EA Sports’ FIFA series has a long-standing reputation as being a cash grab. The game’s popular Ultimate Team mode is the prime culprit mostly since it requires real money to acquire worthwhile players, making the game practically unplayable otherwise.
4. Grand Theft Auto V
As a game that earns close to a billion dollars per year in revenue more than a decade after its release, it’s not a stretch to say that playing GTA V can quickly become a costly affair. GTA Online, the game’s multiplayer mode, uses in-game currency that players must pay for lest they choose to endlessly grind to acquire property, vehicles, clothing and more.
Elliott Brown on Wikimedia Commons
5. Star Wars: The Old Republic
Despite offering a free-to-play option, this MMORPG based on the popular film series hides a good deal of its content behind a paywall. Even though the game provides players with a massive and immersive world, it ultimately becomes far too costly by requiring players to invest heavily if they truly want to enjoy what Star Wars: The Old Republic has to offer.
LucasArts, Bioware, EA Games on Wikimedia Commons
6. The Sims 4
Sometimes a cheap base game doesn’t translate to a cheap gaming experience overall. Sadly, that’s the case for The Sims 4. The popular life simulation game provides players with a costly endeavour due to its ever-increasing number of packs that continually encourage players to keep spending if they truly want to get the most out of their experience.
7. Final Fantasy XV
Final Fantasy XV is often celebrated for its standout single-player experience, but that doesn’t take away from the fact that the acclaimed title is also quite the investment. When factoring in the cost of the game’s special editions, in-game purchases, and a litany of DLC, it’s no wonder that many fans are left frustrated with the ever-expanding cost of entry for this popular JRPG title.
dronepicr on Wikimedia Commons
8. Forza Horizon Series
Game enthusiasts have a lot of things to clamour for with this acclaimed racing simulator, but a cost-free experience isn’t one of them. Unfortunately, with several cars and customizations hidden behind a paywall, racing fans are expected to fork over quite a bit of real-life capital if they hope to get the full Forza experience.
9. Destiny 2
Bungie’s acclaimed sequel to its popular MMO-inspired shooter is a hit with gamers despite the fact that enjoying the game is by no means an inexpensive affair. The game’s persistent season passes, regular expansions, and a litany of in-game content keep players spending their hard-earned money well past the initial cost of the base game.
Sergey Galyonkin on Wikimedia Commons
10. Roblox
Roblox provides players with a unique hub of user-created content that makes for a truly diverse and varied gaming experience. Unfortunately, the game also relies significantly on the use of Robux (the game’s virtual currency). Players, particularly impressionable children, are swayed to make real-life purchases that can quickly begin to add up.
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