The gaming world is constantly evolving, and one of the most exciting trends is the rise of high-quality free-to-play games. It’s a common dilemma for gamers: wanting to explore new, engaging titles but not wanting to break the bank. Fortunately, as you may have seen in the video above, there’s a treasure trove of incredible free-to-play experiences available right now, covering a diverse range of genres and playstyles. We’re diving deep into some of the best free games of 2020 that allow you to jump straight into the action without spending a single cent, proving that top-tier entertainment doesn’t always come with a price tag.
From lightning-fast first-person shooters playable directly in your browser to expansive open-world RPGs and competitive team-based sports, the free-to-play landscape has never been richer. This article expands on the fantastic titles highlighted in the video, providing more insights into why these games are capturing the attention of millions and how you can get started. Get ready to discover your next obsession, all for free!
1. Krunker.io: The Browser FPS Phenomenon
Imagine being able to dive into an incredibly fast-paced, action-packed first-person shooter without needing to download a massive client or invest in a high-end gaming PC. That’s exactly what Krunker.io offers, and it’s making huge waves in the free-to-play gaming community. This browser-first shooter combines the rapid, acrobatic movement mechanics found in classic arena FPS titles like Quake with the responsive gunplay of modern military shooters like Call of Duty. The result is an addictive experience that’s surprisingly deep, offering numerous classes, weapons, and maps.
The developers are not resting on their laurels; Krunker.io is constantly evolving with exciting new content. Coming soon are a fully-fledged Survival Mode, reminiscent of popular survival-crafting games like Rust and Minecraft, and a brand-new Battle Royale mode that promises to elevate the game’s competitive scene. Season 4 is also on the horizon, bringing fresh content and challenges, alongside an anticipated release on Steam. These significant updates and a wider platform reach mean that Krunker.io is poised to reach an even larger audience, cementing its place as a go-to free-to-play option for quick, intense gaming sessions.
2. Rocket League Goes Free-to-Play: A Game Changer
The monumental decision to make Rocket League free-to-play on September 23rd, 2020, marked a significant shift for the popular vehicular soccer game. Previously a paid title, its transition to free-to-play was accompanied by exclusivity to the Epic Games Launcher for new PC downloads. This move by Epic Games, which acquired Rocket League’s developer, Psyonix, aimed to consolidate more major titles onto their platform.
This strategic shift has been met with resounding success, attracting a massive influx of new players and boosting its player count dramatically, even hitting an impressive 1 million concurrent players shortly after the transition. For those who already owned Rocket League on Steam, there’s no need to worry; you continue to receive full lifetime updates and support. Moreover, the game is now completely free on PS4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch, with the added benefit of not requiring an online subscription for PlayStation 4 and Nintendo Switch players to play online, making it incredibly accessible. New players downloading Rocket League on the Epic Games Store between September 23rd and October 21st even received a $10 coupon, further incentivizing the move to Epic’s ecosystem.
3. Genshin Impact: Stunning Open World with a Gacha Twist
Emerging from China with a massive marketing push, Genshin Impact has rapidly become a global sensation, especially across North America. This anime-inspired open-world action MMORPG has captivated audiences with its breathtaking aesthetics, expansive world, and fluid combat mechanics. Its success is evident in the huge numbers it has garnered on streaming platforms like Twitch and YouTube, drawing in players eager to explore its vibrant landscapes and engage in its deep elemental combat system.
While the initial reception has been overwhelmingly positive, celebrating its beauty and engaging gameplay, Genshin Impact does feature a “gacha” mechanic, which can be a point of contention for Western players. Gacha systems are essentially randomized loot box mechanics, where players spend in-game or real currency for a chance to acquire rare characters, weapons, or items. While the game is designed so that you can progress very far without spending any money, the addictive nature of gacha pulls can be a strong temptation. Players are advised to exercise caution and set spending limits to fully enjoy the game without falling prey to its monetization strategies, but it’s absolutely worth experiencing for its stunning world and engaging gameplay.
4. Among Us: The Indie Social Phenomenon
Among Us has undeniably taken the gaming world by storm, evolving from a niche indie title to a global sensation thanks to its explosion on Twitch and YouTube. This social deduction game, where players work together to complete tasks while secretly rooting out impostors, offers an addictive blend of strategy, deception, and hilarious accusations. Its simple premise and engaging multiplayer experience have made it a favorite for friends and streamers alike.
What many might not realize is a crucial detail regarding its availability: while Among Us costs around $9 on PC (a small price to support an indie developer), it is completely free-to-play on mobile devices. Whether you own an Android or Apple smartphone, you can easily download it from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store and start playing immediately. This accessibility has been a key factor in its widespread popularity, allowing virtually anyone with a smartphone to join in on the fun. It’s an excellent example of a game proving that innovation and clever mechanics can triumph over high-fidelity graphics, offering endless entertainment for next to nothing.
5. Diabotical: The Arena FPS Torchbearer
For fans of classic arena first-person shooters, the genre has long awaited a true successor to titans like Quake and Unreal Tournament. Diabotical, a game discussed extensively during its closed beta phases, stepped up to the plate with a surprise free-to-play launch on September 3rd, 2020. This title is seen by many as the genre’s best chance at a revival, aiming to capture the essence of what made arena FPS so beloved.
Diabotical successfully returns to the genre’s roots, emphasizing fast movement, precise aim, and strategic weapon pickups. The main aesthetic departure is that all characters are whimsical egg-shaped robots, eliminating headshots and adding a unique visual flair. Unlike some newer arena-style games that have struggled to maintain player bases, Diabotical focuses on core gameplay that resonates with veterans while being accessible enough for newcomers. It’s available exclusively on the Epic Games Launcher, further highlighting Epic’s growing influence in the free-to-play market. If you crave intense, skill-based FPS action, Diabotical is a must-try free game.
6. Rogue Company: Tactical Shooter for the Masses
Rogue Company made a significant splash when it first entered closed beta, quickly garnering a dedicated following for its unique take on third-person tactical gameplay. Developed by Hi-Rez Studios, known for popular titles like Smite and Paladins, this game struck a chord with players looking for a fresh, objective-based shooter experience. Initially, access required either a beta key or purchasing a starter pack, which helped build a strong community of loyal supporters and gather crucial feedback.
Leveraging momentum from prominent gaming personalities and organizations, Rogue Company officially transitioned into a free-to-play open beta recently, opening its doors to everyone. This move came alongside the introduction of new characters (known as Rogues) and a firm commitment to a “no pay-to-win” philosophy, ensuring that any purchasable content would be purely cosmetic. Available on PC via the Epic Games Launcher, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch, Rogue Company offers a compelling and fair tactical shooter experience across multiple platforms. It stands as another strong contender in the free-to-play landscape, emphasizing strategic teamwork and skillful gunplay.
7. Path of Exile: Heist – A Masterful MMORPG Update
Path of Exile (PoE) has long been celebrated as one of the best free-to-play MMORPGs, offering a dark, complex, and incredibly deep action RPG experience. Developer Grinding Gear Games consistently delivers substantial free content updates, and the “Heist” update, which went live recently, is no exception. Heist introduces a fully-featured side game that runs parallel to the main story, providing a fresh challenge for both new and veteran players.
In this high-risk, high-reward mechanic, players assemble a crew of NPC rogues to infiltrate secure facilities, steal valuable artifacts, and escape before security measures lock down the vault. Unlike traditional PoE gameplay where you clear every enemy, Heist emphasizes stealth and efficiency; making too much noise will intensify the opposition. This unique blend of planning, action, and escape mechanics adds an exciting new layer to an already rich game. If you’re an old player considering a return or a newcomer seeking an unparalleled free-to-play RPG experience, there has never been a better time to dive into Path of Exile and explore the thrilling world of Heists.
8. Epic Games’ Freebies and Spellbreak: A Magical Battle Royale
Epic Games continues to be a major player in the free-to-play market, not only by hosting many popular titles but also by consistently offering free games each week. Regularly check the Epic Games Store, as they frequently provide critically acclaimed indie gems and even larger titles for free to claim and keep forever. For instance, the captivating puzzle-adventure Pikuniku was recently offered, known for its quirky charm and numerous awards. Future offerings included Abzu, a beautiful underwater exploration game from the creators of Flower and Journey, and the highly-rated FPS, Rising Storm 2: Vietnam. Even if a game doesn’t immediately pique your interest, it’s always wise to claim these free offerings, as your tastes might change, or you might discover a hidden gem.
Adding to the wave of free-to-play launches, Spellbreak, a magical battle royale game, transitioned from closed beta to free-to-play in early September. This game takes the familiar battle royale formula and infuses it with a unique magical twist, allowing players to wield powerful elemental abilities and combine them for devastating effects. Imagine conjuring a fiery tornado or creating ice paths to outmaneuver opponents. While it retains core battle royale elements like dropping into a map and collecting loot, the heavy emphasis on spell combos and unique abilities provides a refreshing take on the genre. With strong reviews and a growing community on Twitch, Spellbreak offers a different kind of free-to-play competitive experience across PS4, Xbox One, PC, and Nintendo Switch, complete with cross-play support.
9. Heroes & Generals: WW2 – An Unexpected Addition to Epic
In a somewhat unusual move, the relatively older free-to-play first-person shooter, Heroes & Generals: WW2, recently became available on the Epic Games Store, despite having been on Steam for a considerable time. This particular title stands out among Epic’s usual roster of newer or strategically acquired free-to-play games.
While Heroes & Generals: WW2 offers a combined FPS and real-time strategy experience set in World War II, its addition to Epic’s platform signals a broader strategy from Epic Games. It demonstrates their intent to expand their library of free-to-play offerings, regardless of a game’s age or previous platform exclusivity. For players, this simply means more options and more opportunities to explore free-to-play games, even if the quality or monetization approach (some have criticized this game for being pay-to-win) might vary. Ultimately, Epic’s aggressive push into the free-to-play space benefits the gaming community by providing an ever-growing selection of titles readily available without cost.
