With the imminent arrival of the next console generation, many gamers are deciding which console to migrate to. While thePlayStation 5andXbox Series Xlook like great consoles, some gamers have taken to purchasingPCsinstead. The wide selection of games and apps on PC makes it an appealing choice for many gamers.
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Steam’swide selection of games on PC reaches into the tens of thousands, ranging from full triple-A games to free titles. These free titles are great to jump into for newer PC gamers or those who want to try something new without spending a dime. From shooters to brawlers, here are 10 great free games everyone should try on Steam. This list is in no particular order.
10Paladins
Paladinsis a strange mix between a first-person hero shooter akin toOverwatchwith common elements from MOBAs such as character builds and a focus on team play. Many write offPaladinsas a rip-offOverwatchclone, but that is highly underselling the game’s ingenious card and item system.
Players choose one character from a wide cast of playable heroes that each have a unique skill set. As the match continues, players can obtain cards and items that morph the way that hero behaves, granting anything from increased movement speed to altering how skills work. It’s a brilliant blend betweenhero shootersand MOBA itemization that makes every game different from the last. It does have balance issues and is by no means competitive, but those looking for a different take on the hero shooter formula should give this game a try.
9Destiny 2
Bungie’s sci-fi epic has made its way to Steam and is now free-to-play.Destiny 2is a behemoth of a shooter that blends the gunplay ofHalowithvarious activitiesakin to an MMO. Players can take down a large variety of PvE foes in strikes or raids, or partake in the game’s PvP offerings in the Crucible. There’s a little something for everyone inDestiny 2, although the game’s various expansions and paid seasons do make a bad first impression. Even without spending a dime, this game still has hundreds of hours of content for players to dive into.
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8Brawlhalla
While there isn’t a game that can match the frantic matches thatSuper Smash Bros. Ultimateprovides,Brawlhallacomes rather close. It doesn’t have the same competitive balance or flair as that game, butBrawlhalladoes an excellent job bringing the chaotic party play action over to PC and consoles.
Players choose from a wide assortment of characters with unique attacks to push the opponent off the map. Various weapons spawn throughout the match to encourage good positioning as well. Many ofBrawlhalla’ssystems fundamentally break at higher-level play, but those looking for a fun casual fighting game against their friends can’t go wrong with this game.
7War Thunder
War Thunderis a competitive multiplayer game that lets players take control of tanks, airplanes, helicopters, and even naval ships. The game’s inclusion of arcadey and realistic game modes givesWar Thundera great deal of variety. Players start the game with World War II vehicles and slowly make their way towards more modern vehicles by completing matches and defeating opponents. The grind inWar Thunderis long and can test the patience of some, but there aren’t many games on the market that can compete with thesheer varietyWar Thunderbrings to the table.
6The Expendabros
As a brilliant promotional piece forThe Expendablesfilms,The Expendabrosis effectively a demo forBroforcethat doesn’t hold anything back. This 2D action title lets players control characters that largely resembleThe Expendablescrew as they go on a rampage blowing up enemies and entire buildings that stand in their way.It supports four-player co-op, has some of the most addictive gameplay in the 2D action space, and is completely free.
5Warframe
It’s hard to talk about good free games without mentioningWarframe, the third-person looter shooter developed by Digital Extremes. Players get to control powerful characters called Warframes, each with four unique abilities and an absurd amount of customization options. The game’s combat is some of thefastest and most visceral in the genre,further enhanced by the game’s hundreds of weapons and unique art style. Best of all, the game’s premium currency can be traded with other players. Virtually everything inWarframecan be obtained for free.
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4Team Fortress 2
Team Fortress 2is both a class-based FPS title and a hat-collecting simulator. Despite the game’s lack of updates in recent years,Team Fortress 2has one of the mostrobust gameplay sandboxesout of any multiplayer shooter. Nine classes can be selected that each have hundreds of weapons to choose from. Combat is frantic, the customization is great, and it has a dedicated community that has stuck with this game through thick and thin. Every gamer looking for a fun shooter on Steam should at least tryTeam Fortress 2.
3DOTA 2
Yet anotherValvetitle,DOTA 2is one of the most popular games on Steam. This MOBA differs from most in that every hero is free, meaning there’s a truly even playing field amongst all players. Players can choose from dozens of characters and hundreds of items to create unique builds and playstyles. Nearly every game is different, and the thriving community means there’s always a game available. Every MOBA fan should get a kick out ofDOTA 2.
2Path Of Exile
Path of Exileis considered by many as the true sequel toDiablo 2. Few ARPGs have as many customization options or as wide a variety of content asPath of Exile. Choosing fromone of seven classes, players carve their way through a 10-act campaign while acquiring new skills, items, and ascending to unlock prestige classes. This game’s fast pace when compared to other ARPGs and unparalleled build customization make it not just one of the best free games on Steam but one of the best ARPGs ever made.
1Counter-Strike: Global Offensive
Even after eight years since its release,Counter-Strike: Global Offensiveremains untouched as the definitive competitive shooter. This game’s immaculate balance, phenomenal map design, and fair business model are what separatesCS:GOfrom the rest. Unlike most games on this list, players aren’t spending their time grinding for better gear or stats. Instead,CS:GO’sgameplay loop is so well made that most players will sink hundreds of hours into it just to improve their skills. There isn’t any shooter on the market quite like this one, and it’s completely free to play.
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