Trying out and completing new games can be incredibly fun and enjoyable, but the common issue of having to buy a game to try it can be rather daunting. Thankfully as the competitiveness of the gaming industry intensifies we are seeing an abundance of high quality free games being released.
A lot of these games may include micro-transactions for cosmetic upgrades or even content locked behind a pay-wall, but being able to start out for free to test if a game is worth pouring hours of your time into it is a great advantage and offers piece of mind.
1. Fortnite Battle Royale
Fortnite Battle Royale is one of the most popular games of recent times, and the best part is that it is free. In this game you deploy into a battlefield or map with up to 100 players until only one person or team remain. This is the typical battle royale made incredibly simple with its easy looting system and unique with the building and harvesting mechanic that makes this game so unique and popular.
In addition players have the ability to create their own maps and game modes in the creative realm which is also free. Content creators also have the ability to share the games and maps that they create with others to enjoy alongside with their friends online.
2. Warframe
One of the more unique games on the list is Warframe, a third person co-op space game. Upon starting the game you will get the choice between a few different Warframes as a starter, each having their own special abilities, you then can also choose between different weapons and complete quests while seamlessly bouncing around the map taking advantage of the different mobility options.
3. Counter Strike: Global Offensive
CSGO is one of the most popular games there is, largely due to it’s highly competitive format and esports brand. In 2018 the game was updated to be free for all users, if you want to customise your weapons with skins then you may need to spend some money but, they don’t provide an advantage in game. In Counter Strike you can play with friends against an opposing team and even practice against bots if you’re trying to get used to new settings or need to warm up.
4. Ironsight
If you’re a fan of first person shooter games then you might want to try out Ironsight, which is a free FPS for PC with a lot of potential. Ironsight uses an in game currency called gold or GP for unlocking weapons and skins, you can earn this currency through completing contracts that are awarded daily, logging on every day to play and through finished achievements and challenges that the game sets for you.
5. League of Legends
If MOBA’s are more your style then you may want to try out League of Legends, one of the more well known games there is, hugely popular with a very supportive fanbase and massive player base. You can choose between different champions each with their own unique personality and abilities that you can explore to find an enjoyable suit for your play style.
6. Old School Runescape
It’s very possible that at some point in your life you have played or at least heard of Runescape, although the main game has evolved into a more graphically appealing and more advanced game, the old favourite was revived through the creation of OSRS.
Old School Runescape is a simple point and click game where you can work on skills, quests and explore the region and the monsters that inhabit it. The interface for the game is incredibly simple and easy to learn. The micro-transactions in Old School Runescape work a bit differently, you play in different servers as a Free-To-Play then if you’re a Pay-to-Play member, however you can use in game currency to buy membership through the in game item “bond”, which means this content is accessible once you’ve worked up a bit of game time behind your account.
In a Pay-to-Play world you have the access to different items, weapons, skills, quests and training methods as well as more locations to explore and unlock in the world. Member items do not work in F2P, meaning everyone on a F2P server are playing with no paid advantage.
7. Runescape
Runescape has a list of different skills that you can train while exploring the land, earn experience points to level up in a simple point and click fashion and build your account and make your character stronger. With new content constantly being added there is always something to do and new things to explore. Similarly to OSRS you can upgrade to being a paid member to access more around the world and different quests, skills and training methods.
As with the Old School version of the game, you can purchase a membership with in game currency through the bond item. This means that if you wish to go this route you can play the full pay-to-play version of the game without spending your real life money.
8. Hearthstone
Made by Blizzard, Hearthstone is digital card game that allows you to collect cards to build your deck and face off against other players in a turn based format. Along with online play there are also solo experiences and adventures for those still learning the game or who don’t enjoy multiplayer as much.
9. Dota 2
Dota 2 is another well known MOBA game that allows you to play with friends or online against opponents, over the years Dota 2 has built a strong reputation for itself, play as a powerful hero and work alongside your team in the aim to defeat your enemies, earn experience points and eventually by destroying the ancient of the opposing team to win the game.
10. Apex Legends
Battle royales have become very popular and due to this in early 2019 Apex Legends was released, a first person battle royale game which allows you to loot different weapon and armour to aid you in your mission of being the last player standing. In Apex Legends you get to choose between different characters which all have their own unique abilities that can help your team in achieving the victory.
11. Forza MotorSport 6: Apex
If racing games are your thing then Forza MotorSport 6: Apex may be a game for you to try out. Forza MotorSport 6: Apex features stunning enjoyable high quality graphics that is worth a try. If you want to unlock more vehicles to race with in the future you may need to make some micro-transactions, however due to the game being free you can test it out without making a serious investment.
12. Rift
Rift is a MMORPG that is constantly expanding to add new content, you can explore the world of Telara as a hero that you create with its well designed character creation and customisation tools. You can fight against legions of enemies that appear from rifts around the world or even choose to enter the PVP mode to play against other players.
13. MapleStory 2
MapleStory 2 is a vibrant and colorful MMORPG with a 3d landscape. From the start you will get an easy to follow introduction to the game, helpful to new players, and even be able to customise your character. When in the game there are quests that you can complete, bosses to fight and every so often there will community events hosted. You can collect different cosmetic upgrades and level up and as you progress further into the game you will unlock new locations and attack styles.
14. Pokemon Go
The world of Pokemon and the real world merge with Pokemon Go, although it isn’t as popular as when it first released, the game is still being played all around the world.and constantly having new community events and new Pokemon to catch added. The best part about Pokemon Go is that you can play it while out with friends or just by walking around, which can encourage you to get out of the house every once in a while and give you some more entertainment when out.
