Steam is the largest online store for PC gaming and it features thousands of games large and small. Among the many titles, there are often some gems waiting and some of these will be free games that simply require a download before you can get started.
The popularity of these free games changes from week to week with only a handful sticking around as evergreen games that are always being played by millions. Whether you’re here for competitive card games, silly party experiences, or hardcore shooters, there’s something for every mood.
The Finals
With The Finals we got an online heist game played in teams pitted against each other. The fully destructible environments of each map add to an overall sense of chaos that each match inevitably results in. You can jump into teams as a solo player, or gather your mates for a more tactical approach. All of the base elements that create The Finals - game show format, PvP, destruction, and gunplay - come together for a game that many believe to be a standout performance. The flexibility of using traps and pitfalls in order to fool your opponents simply makes it all the better.
Apex Legends
Battle Royale as a format seems to be slipping away from the gaming sphere, being replaced by new genres, but there’s no denying the staying power of a game like Apex Legends. Not only does it play out the standard format much like its rival, Fortnite, but it gives you different legends to play as, each with unique abilities capable of turning the tide of each game. While the game features some humour between the legends, you could say Apex Legends is a more serious take on the battle royale and its competitive scene is thriving.
Dark and Darker
If you’ve heard about extraction games and haven’t had the chance to try one yet, give Dark and Darker a go. The free-to-play option is more limited than the full game, but it gives you a great sense of why this genre is becoming one of the hottest in gaming. While most extraction games are shooters, Dark and Darker is a medieval brawler where you enter a dungeon filled with enemies and other players in the hopes of snagging the best loot and escaping before time runs out. It’s an engaging format that constantly pushes you to get better, take more risks, and fight it out over shiny trinkets and better gear.
MultiVersus
Of course, you might have played MulitVersus when it first came out, but it’s much better since it went on hiatus and relaunched. Everything feels a bit more polished and there’s a bigger choice of things to do. It’s also the ‘go-to’ for a Super Smash Bros brawler on PC, not forgetting Brawlhalla. Using the Warner Bros character pool creates a fun environment where you’ve got somebody for everyone, no matter which fighting style you prefer. If you grew up on Scooby Doo, Adventure Time, or watched too much of Gremlins, you’ll be pleased, but the developers have dived deep into the back catalogue for characters and they’re all a bit silly. Best played in groups you can knock about your mates or random strangers online in this colourful fighter for free.
Stumble Guys
I know what you’re thinking, isn’t this just Fall Guys? Well, kind of, but you can’t get that on Steam, so you’ve got to settle for the next best thing, and honestly, it’s still bags of fun. If you want something semi-serious and filled with colour and laughter, Stumble Guys might scratch that itch. It’s 32 people going head to head on a variety of obstacle courses and game show concepts in order to try and steal a win. Simple, plain fun for anyone. Some courses can be a bit more challenging, but they’re all quite approachable and accessible.
Yu-Gi-Oh Master Duel
TCG games can be incredibly engaging while still remaining tactical. There’s something enjoyable about learning how cards play off against each other and collecting a good deck to play against others. This is the Yu-Gi-Oh! option which is generally well-liked by most as it’s very accessible and quick to learn. Plus, if you grew up watching the anime it’s likely you’ll already know what some of the cards do. With banging artwork and plenty of duels to be had, Yu-Gi-Oh! Master Duel is a great experience.
Counter-Strike 2
You can’t have a Steam list without Counter-Strike 2. It’s Counter-Strike, but completely overhauled and revamped for modern audiences. It still has all the tactics and sharp gunplay but with a shiner graphics engine plus cool physics and art direction. While it’s approachable for more casual players, it’s known for being a very competitive space, often with players leaning into the meta weapons and learning the maps for chokepoints and tactical advantages. So, it’s not for everyone, but if you’ve got the time to learn, it’s a rewarding experience.
Destiny 2
Now, I’m a huge Destiny fan and I feel like Destiny 2 is in a very good place, right now. While the main story may have come to an end with the recent expansion, this is the perfect time to jump on and start playing. Not only are many players experiencing the current seasonal content at the same time, but the general mechanics and feel of the game are at their best currently. You don’t have to worry about the story and history if you’re not overly fussed, you can just enjoy the fights with big aliens and looting for the best gear. And if you join in now, you’ll be in time for the upcoming year of episodes that play as standalone stories.
Lost Ark
As action-adventure MMOs go, this attempt from Amazon Studios isn’t half bad. Sure, it’s not toppling World of Warcraft or Final Fantasy XIV from their perches, but for something quick and easy to learn and play, Lost Ark is a nice entry point for MMO newbies. Especially as there aren’t lots of expansions for it. You’ll get exactly what you expect; choose a class, build your character, and start questing. There are some fun group tasks to take on as well, especially if you like the idea of raiding or taking on big bosses.
Goose Goose Duck
Social deduction games are still very popular, especially since Among Us broke onto the scene. Goose Goose Duck is one such game where you have to work together, but also complete silly little mini-games. Perfect for big groups, this game has over 50 character roles to play as, with lots of daft cosmetics to make your feathered friends look the part. It’s all a but of fun and nonsense until one person takes it too far and rage quits. But you can just enjoy the maps and the wealth of locations to explore.
Topics: Steam, PC, Free Games