In recent years, the distinct and thrilling Battle Royale genre has dominated the free-to-play market. This is due to studios releasing these elimination showdowns for free to support their growing community. It's what keeps 100-man matches possible; a format necessary for Battle Royales to be playable. However, the free-to-play industry is also saturated with many other genres such as FPS, co-op, looter-shooter, open-world, and so much more.
The popularity of BR games may have overshadowed some hidden gems in other genres. There are a number of games that offer loads of playability without spending anything (at least for the core experience). Here are the best free-to-play games that aren't Battle Royales.
Updated on July 10, 2023, by Stephen LaGioia: As both segments of gaming have rapidly risen in popularity lately, it's no surprise that various free-to-play Battle Royale titles have hit the gaming scene. Still, there are plenty of free gaming experiences that don't demand one-and-done showdowns against a massive pool of online combatants. With many notable ones released recently (and at least one changing its payment model), it seemed time to revisit this list highlighting more of the best free non-BR games. It should be noted that while there may be a bit of overlap, and a few titles featured do (or have had) BR options — yet the core experience is non-BR.
13 Gwent
The fantasy RPG epic The Witcher 3 is brimming with things to do, places to explore, and foes to slay. Among this journey is a fan-favorite card game that many agree was deep and enjoyable enough to stand as its own game. CD Projekt Red seems to concur, as they've since released this digital card game standalone in 2018.
While overall more fleshed out, this version wipes out the more distant seige row, distilling the focus to Melee and Ranged lines. In a multi-tiered card battle not unlike Magic the Gathering, players throw down a card each turn from a ten-card hard, choosing from different offensives and special abilities to inflict upon the opposite side.
After the dust settles, the player with the most points emerges victorious. With much rewarding strategic gameplay, along with several gameplay modes and daily quests, this is a free card game well worth the time investment.
12 League Of Legends
Despite launching back in 2009, Riot Games' ground-breaking MOBA has remained a force in the gaming scene, particularly for online skirmishes and esports. In League of Legends, players clash in fun PvP fights with four other companions amidst fantasy backdrops.
Each assumes the role of a unique 'Champion' laced with their own features and abilities; who's beefed up through XP, items, and other riches. There have been a number of gameplay variants over the course of this game's rich history, but the most favored is Summoner's Rift, in which players must fight their way to the enemy base and wipe out its Nexus.
11 DOTA 2
Given its origins as a Warcraft 3 mod known as Defense of the Ancients, players might not be surprised at the game's similar vibe and mechanics to the hit Blizzard RTS. But like League of Legends, the focus is a select group of 'Heroes' — each equipped with distinct powers and playstyles — rather than a whole army or fortress to build up.
Players will spend time skirmishing, gathering goodies, and coordinating with teammates. This all leads to the end goal of toppling the opposing team's 'Ancient', a towering Mordor-esque structure within their base.
10 Overwatch 2
Blizzard's hectic hero-based shooter saw quite an overhaul in the form of its revamped sequel — and this extends to the payment model. Overwatch 2 is now entirely free-to-play, though the studio has put more focus on purchasable add-ons through a premium battle pass and in-game currency.
While this means the end of free loot boxes, it also means this endlessly-appealing online game can be enjoyed without shelling out a single dollar. While not universally praised, this reworking has enticed many veteran fans and newcomers alike. This is thanks to OW2's slew of new heroes, new PvP modes like the tug-of-war-esque Push, and PvE story mode content which brings hero upgrades.
9 Smite
Smite is a free MOBA game that features various iconic gods and goddesses as playable characters. With over 100 gods to choose from, this game is the ultimate ancient mythology crossover.
Players can play as Zeus, Achilles, Aphrodite, Athena, Hades, Hercules, and so much more. Instead of the conventional top-down camera across MOBA games, Smite's POV is oriented much closer to the action to immerse the players into the battlefield. Despite being free-to-play, all the gods can be bought via in-game currency. Also, skins can be unlocked by leveling up.
8 Brawlhalla
Similar to Smash Bros, Brawlhalla is a free-fighting platformer game where players score by knocking their opponents out of bounds. Players can damage enemies with hits, combos, and various weapons to increase their opponent's knockback. The higher the knockback of a player, the further he gets sent flying when hit.
This allows for juggling fun, and very satisfying hits that feel impactful. The game would also feature characters from Adventure Time, WWE, Ben 10, and much more.
7 Paladins
Paladins is often humored to be Overwatch's freer alternative. This is because, like the latter, Paladins integrated a first-person perspective with some fantasy elements. This five-on-five competitive game features a payload mode, a team deathmatch mode, and a control point mode.
The game has a lot of champions to choose from as well, each with their own special abilities. With its five-vs-five format, Paladins allows for smaller team compositions than Overwatch but also has more champions to select from. With over 40 champions, the team composition possibilities are endless.
6 Team Fortress 2
Team Fortress 2 wasn't initially a free-to-play game but in 2011, it went free forever. This spiked up its community with players and strengthened it too. The game is a class-based casual/competitive shooter that explores the variability of nine different classes and gives them vastly different abilities and personalities.
There are plenty of game modes too such as the exciting PvE Mann Vs Machine mode, along with the neverending selection of PvP modes. Despite the classic shooter receiving few major updates since 2017, the TF2 community keeps the game alive with impressive mods and game modes.
5 Warframe
Warframe is a looter-shooter co-op game with some RPG elements and customization. Players choose from 12 Warframes to play as; each with their own unique set of attributes and special abilities. They can team up with up to three friends to fight off hordes of enemies.
There are plenty of weapons in the game as well, and each can be customized to tailor the players' playstyle. The four-man format provides a lot of composition possibilities for the 12 choice classes. On top of that Warframe is not too graphically demanding, and can be played with even low specs; adding to the nonexclusive element of the game.
4 Dauntless
Similar to Monster Hunter: World, Dauntless is a co-op game that groups together four players against a giant beast. The game's RPG elements make it all the more exciting to take down giant elemental beasts with other players. Players can customize their character to their liking, and equip him with their weapon of choice.
The selection of choice-weapons includes repeaters that work similarly to dual shotguns, axes, hammers, swords, and much more. Armor in the game is varied as well. On top of that, beasts can also be fought in solo mode like how Kratos deals with his humungous foes in God Of War.
3 Counter-Strike: Global Offensive
CS:GO is the latest installment of the Counter-Strike franchise, and also the most developed. It is one of the most competitive FPS games in the esports scene and one of the most widely played games ever. This tactical shooter pits terrorists against counter-terrorists in various game modes.
The most popular is bomb mode in de_dust. The game is simple. Either eliminate the entire opposing team or successfully complete the objective. These simple and basic mechanics make CS:GO the go-to game for introducing players to the FPS genre, and getting people into gaming in general.
2 War Thunder
War Thunder is a WW2/Cold War-inspired MMO. Players choose from an overwhelmingly vast selection of 1700+ weaponized vehicles and engage in full-scale battles across large maps. 32 players compete in 16v16 formats to capture points across the battlefield. Battles of this magnitude require strategic planning and coordination.
Engagements happen on land, air, and sea, making the most out of the war area. While an aerial dogfight is taking place, naval units are sieging each other, and tanks are exchanging explosive shells. There are also PvE modes for players to complete. Though its popularity is overshadowed by faster-paced games, the game is insanely immersive. This makes War Thunder the perfect free alternative to Battlefield games.
1 Valorant
Valorant is the result of Overwatch, CS:GO, and Rainbow Six all wrapped up into an epic and appealing package. The game takes some of the most beloved gameplay elements of popular paid games, mixes them up, adds its own unique touch, and then releases it for free. Valorant can't decide if it wants to be a tactical military shooter or a fantasy-based FPS. But somehow, it was able to throw them in a blender and make them taste good.
There are various heroes to choose from, each with their own unique abilities and ultimates. Players engage in a 5v5 dynamic bomb mode similar to that of the Counter-Strike games. This weird yet unbelievably fun mix of elements is one great example of experimentation gone right; making it one of the best free games in recent years.