Best free games to download & play in 2025
DexertoThere are loads of great free-to-play games out there to try, regardless of whether you’re hunting for a battle royale, a game like Genshin Impact, or something more open world — so we’ve put together a curated list of the best ones to check out in 2025.
If you’re new to gaming, there are plenty of F2P titles that let you get started without spending any cash, and while some often offer additional paid extras like cosmetics and Battle Passes, you can still jump in and have a blast at no extra cost. And in our book, that’s a win-win.
Apex Legends
Respawn Entertainment- Platforms: PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Xbox Series S|X, Nintendo Switch, PC
- Release date: February 4, 2024
- Genre: FPS Battle Royale
EA may have sent Titanfall 2 to die back in 2016 up against Battlefield and Call of Duty, but the best thing to come from it was Apex Legends. A spin-off of sorts that in many ways has eclipsed the original, Apex Legends is a Battle Royale with unique characters called Legends.
Each has its own set of abilities, combining fluid movement and shooting mechanics to create a squad-based Battle Royale that feels unique from others in the genre.
Brawlhalla
Blue Mammoth Games- Platforms: PlayStation 4, PC, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Android, iOS, macOS
- Release date: April 30, 2014
- Genre: Fighting
Brawlhalla is one of the most popular free-fighting titles on the market. Apart from the fact that you don’t have to spend a single penny to play, it features a vast roster of characters from across pop culture.
From Ezio to Aang, you can select any character and brawl with your friends and the best part is that it’s got full cross-platform support so you can play with friends no matter the device. You can also use codes in Brawlhalla to unlock additional cosmetics.
Counter-Strike 2
Valve- Platforms: PC
- Release date: September 27, 2023
- Genre: Tactical shooter
Counter-Strike 2 is the successor to the global phenomenon that was CSGO. Counter-Strike arguably is the grandaddy of tactical shooters. It’s highly competitive, rewarding quick thinking and even quicker reflexes. It’s also been one of the longest-running and most popular esports of all time.
Valve’s shooter may offer weapon skins that can cost more than a car, but you can try it out for nothing — so it’s worth picking up in 2025 if you haven’t already. If you do jump in, make sure to read up on the best crosshair codes that the Pros use and console commands you can input.
Doki Doki Literature Club
Team Salvato- Platforms: Linux, Microsoft Windows, Mac
- Release date: September 22, 2017
- Genre: Visual Novel, Psychological Horror
Doki Doki Literature Club looks like a standard dating sim. However, that is exactly what this free-to-play game wants you to think. What begins as a cute sim soon turns into a brutal and extremely disturbing psychological horror experience.
The game is not for the faint-hearted and features gore and violence. If you do intend to play it, however, it’s best to jump in blind to get the true grotesque experience.
Dauntless
Phoenix Labs- Platforms: PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Xbox Series S|X, Nintendo Switch, PC
- Release date: May 21, 2019
- Genre: Action RPG
Dauntless takes the core Monster Hunter formula of killing giant beasts to turn them into weapons and armor but strips out a lot of the more impenetrable elements and boils it down to a great co-op action title that won’t cost you a penny.
The free game keeps growing too, also offering cross-play and cross-progression, meaning you can pick up where you left off anytime and anywhere.
Destiny 2
Bungie- Platforms: PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Xbox Series S|X, PC
- Release date: September 6, 2017
- Genre: Looter Shooter
Working as a bizarre hybrid of a shooting game and an MMO, Destiny 2 has some of the most satisfying FPS combat out there, and a story that focuses on more personal moments.
While the free-to-play version of the game has been cut down considerably, there’s still plenty to see and do, and it’s great to play with friends. There are three unique classes to try out, tonnes of loot to find, and weekly rotating content including vendor Xur who has exclusive deals.
DOTA 2
Valve- Platforms: PC
- Release date: July 9, 2013
- Genre: MOBA
DOTA 2 is as complex as it is addictive, going from humble beginnings to becoming one of Steam’s most popular titles. Sharing the MOBA crown with League of Legends, DOTA is full of powerful heroes to choose from and ranks to climb.
It may take you hundreds of hours to feel like you’ve gained a strong grasp of its deeper mechanics, but there’s nothing quite like it when it clicks.
Fortnite
Epic Games- Platforms: PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Xbox Series S|X, Nintendo Switch, PC
- Release date: July 21, 2017
- Genre: Battle Royale
No list of the best free games would be complete without Fortnite. This Battle Royale from Epic Games has continued to adapt and evolve with new modes including LEGO skins, exciting collabs and crossovers, and plenty of free and rare skins.
From beloved anime like Dragon Ball to some of the biggest music artists in the world like The Weeknd, Lady Gaga, and Enimem appearing in Fortnite Festival — a mode that let let’s you jam to different tracks — the game is worth checking out for its array of far-reaching pop culture collaborations alone.
Genshin Impact
HoYoverse- Platforms: PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, PC
- Release date: September 28, 2020
- Genre: Open-world RPG
While many laughed off Genshin Impact as a Zelda clone when it initially launched, it’s become nothing short of a phenomenon. Sure, there are plenty of visual similarities, but Genshin has its own identity and is one of the most beloved gacha games ever made.
With a massive character roster of unique heroes, players can explore the huge open world of Teyvat while striving to put strong builds and powerful team comps together. From free heroes to rare 5 stars that can be pulled for on banners, HoYoverse is always providing new content for the game as well.
Girls Frontline 2
Sunborn- Platforms: iOS and Android
- Release date: December 3, 2024
- Genre: Tactical RPG
Girls Frontline 2 finally launched in the West in December 2024 after fans had to wait a year since its initial release in China. This is a mobile gacha game that revolves around tactical grid-based combat and is reminiscent of the XCOM franchise.
It’s full of unique characters with different signature weapons and skills so you can create the perfect team comps. The banners regularly rotate and there are plenty of upcoming Dolls that have yet to be released in the West, as well as exciting events to partake in.
Honkai Star Rail
HoYoverse- Platforms: PlayStation 5, PC, iOS & Android devices
- Release date: April 26, 2023
- Genre: Turn-based RPG
Honkai Star Rail is another HoYoverse gacha, but unlike Genshin Impact, it features more traditional turn-based combat.
Set in a compelling Sci-Fi world, Honkai follows the Trailblazer as they travel on the Astral Express with a colorful crew of characters. There’s a big roster of fighters and banners to pull on that regularly rotate. While it may not have full-action combat, it’s just as exciting as Genshin Impact and well worth picking up if you haven’t already.
Infinity Nikki
Dexerto- Platforms: PlayStation 5, PC, iOS, and Android devices
- Release date: December 5, 2024
- Genre: Action adventure
Infinity Nikki is an adorable title that may be more suited to those who enjoy cozy games. It’s an overall relaxing experience where you journey across Miraland to save a mystical god of wishes.
It’s full of stylish outfits you can equip to learn new abilities, fishing to take part in, and endless collectibles to uncover. Its regularly rotating banners also include exclusive fashion, and redeem codes can lend you even more rewards. If you love gacha but don’t want anything too intense, Infinity Nikki is a fantastic free game to pick up in 2025.
Marvel Rivals
NetEase- Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series S/X, and PC.
- Release date: December 6, 2024
- Genre: Hero shooter
Marvel Rivals finally arrived in December 2024 after a lot of anticipation, and this hero shooter is packed full of iconic characters to choose from.
It’s already a strong rival for Overwatch with regular Seasonal updates, five game modes to enjoy, and a large varied roster where there’s bound to be a hero for every type of player to enjoy. If you’re planning to jump in, make sure to give our character tier list a look so you know who’s currently dominating the meta.
Rocket League
Psyonix- Platforms: PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Xbox Series S|X, Nintendo Switch, PC
- Release date: July 7, 2015
- Genre: Sports
Rocket League is perhaps one of gaming’s simplest concepts to explain, even to non-gamers — it’s football (or soccer), but with cars. Don’t expect anything as basic from the gameplay, though, as it has a notoriously high skill ceiling.
While it’ll take time to find your feet (or should that be wheels?), you’ll soon be flying through the air to score a stunning, tournament-winning goal in one of the best free games you’ll find today. It’s worth making sure you’re using the best settings before you jump into online matches though.
Valorant
Riot Games- Platforms: PlayStation 5, PC, Xbox Series X|S
- Release date: June 2, 2020
- Genre: Tactical shooter
Valorant is an action-packed 5v5 tactical shooter from Riot Games. It’s full of interesting Agents all with unique powers and strengths for you to master. It’s become a huge hit in the Esports world, and with its console release in 2024, it’s now more accessible than ever for newcomers.
Skins are also a huge part of the game with regular bundles available to buy, and the rotating Night Market store that offers some fantastic discounts. Before you hop in, we’d advise checking out the best dor crosshairs and crosshair codes used by pros.
Warframe
Digital Extremes- Platforms: PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Xbox Series S|X, Nintendo Switch, PC
- Release date: March 25, 2013
- Genre: Third-person shooter
Ninjas are cool, there’s no questioning that, but space ninjas? They’re even cooler. Warframe smartly wraps this understanding into every facet of its ever-expanding universe. Not only does it offer diverse character classes, but it’s constantly growing.
What began as a corridor shooter now has open-world segments, huge ship-to-ship battles, and multiple single-player storylines that weave a universe’s worth of lore throughout. If you’re a Destiny fan who wants to play something new with similar elements, this is a great option. The game also regularly releases Glyph codes dedicated to particular streamers to don in-game.
Upcoming free games
There are always more free releases on the way, and we’ll keep you updated with the most exciting upcoming titles below throughout 2025:
Path of Exile 2
Grinding Gear Games- Platforms: PS5, Xbox Series S/X, PC
- Release date: TBC for full release
- Genre: ARPG
Although it’s out in early access, Path of Exile 2 currently costs $29.99 but will be free to play when the full release arrives sometime in 2025.
This ARPG is the long-awaited sequel to Path of Exile. It’s an action-packed game akin to Diablo where you can experiment with all kinds of interesting classes as you perfect your ideal builds and hack and slash your wave through hordes of enemies. This full launch of PoE2 is going to be massive and it’s definitely a free game to keep your eye on in 2025.
Ananta
NetEase Games- Platforms: PS5, PS5, PC, iOS and Andriod devices
- Release date: TBC
- Genre: Open-world action
Ananta (previously known as Project Mugen) is an upcoming gacha game set in an urban open world. While other games in the genre have you journeying through high-fantasy and Sci-Fi environments, Ananta takes place in a sprawling city full of subways and skyscrapers to explore.
Due to its setting and driving gameplay footage, Anata has been dubbed an “anime GTA” by the community so far. While it doesn’t have a concrete release date yet, it’s expected to arrive sometime in 2025.
Those are the best free games you can play in 2025. For more listicles, check out our recommendations for the best Switch RPGs, Soulike games, co-op games like It Takes Two, and games like Animal Crossing.