Everyone likes a freebee. Outside of mobile games, PC is undoubtedly the best place to get your free gaming on. But along with that comes the caveat that many of these games are, quite frankly, awful. So which are the 7 best free PC games for your time?
Landmark Free PC Games
Arguably, one of the most famous free PC games ever is the original DOOM. While technically not entirely free, DOOM‘s popularity was born from a very clever marketing campaign. The first episode, comprising nine levels, was distributed freely as shareware. This version was played by an estimated 15–20 million people within two years. The full game, with two further episodes, was sold via mail order. Ultimate DOOM was subsequently released two years later, but by this point you’d have been living under a rock to not have already experienced the groundbreaking FPS.
7 Best Free PC Games You Can Play Right Now
1993, the year DOOM debuted, saw a very different gaming landscape to that which we see today. Modern gaming allows for immediate upselling; DLC, microtransactions and much more besides. Arguably, the best free-to-play model is that which keeps these payment requirements to purely cosmetic enhancements. However, another appreciable model is that which allows players to skip ahead of the grind without becoming OP. And that’s where our first selection comes in…
Warframe
Developed by Digital Extremes, the studio behind the under appreciated Dark Sector, Warfame debuted in 2013. The game combines a science-fiction aesthetic with martial arts-inspired combat. A reported 26 million people have played Warframe since its launch, thanks to also being available on consoles.
Apex Legends
It’s not a Titanfall battle royale, but it’s close. Set in the same world, sans Titans, Apex Legends features progression that is very similar to that of Fortnite; simply drop from the sky, look for equipment and stay within the playable area as it reduces. The difference in Apex Legends is that is has classes, each with unique abilities.
Rocket League
Rocket League began life as a sequel to Psyonix’s Supersonic Acrobatic Rocket-Powered Battle-Cars, a 2008 game for the PlayStation 3. While Battle-Cars was not a huge success, Psyonix obviously realised they were onto something special. Continuing to refine the gameplay from the original template and address the game’s criticisms, Psyonix championed a new type of game in Rocket League, and with it found new success.
Fortnite
It seems that no article covering free-to-play games can avoid mentioning Fortnite these days. Did you expect this one to be any different? Epic Games’ cultural phenomenon shows no signs of slowing down, even with the current iOS restrictions in place. Why fight them when you can join them? Join them on pretty much every format except iOS devices, that is.
Destiny 2
The original Destiny stormed out of the gate as the MMO answer to Halo. It wasn’t quite that, but a close enough approximation that it built a solid fanbase. Destiny 2, released three years later, stumbled at first. Now itself three years old, Destiny 2 has found its footing and is a hugely enjoyable online FPS that can suck literally days at a time out of your life.
World of Tanks
The huge success of World of Tanks has seen Wargaming attempt to expand into spinoff games, including those centered on naval and air battles. However, these sister titles have arguable failed to live up to the intense warfare offered in World of Tanks. Despite essentially being a game of endurance, World of Tanks multiplayer matches are absolutely massive. Teams compete to gain tactical positions as they also attempt to stay out of the line of fire.
Genshin Impact
The newest title on this list, Genshin Impact has a straight-up fantasy setting. The world of Teyvat is ruled by gods called Archons. These gods grant Visions to chosen people, which allow players to wield elemental powers. Within this world players will go in search of their family, travelling with different characters each with unique abilities as they explore the unknown and uncover the secrets of Genshin in this land.
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