15 best free PC games that rival paid ones
The best free computer games that are as good as paid ones (collage: RBC-Ukraine)
In the world of computer games, you don't always need to spend money to get an unforgettable experience and enjoyment. Many free games are as good and exciting as their paid counterparts, according to GamesRadar+.
Fortnite
Developer: Epic Games
Fortnite may no longer be at its peak, but there's no denying the phenomenal impact that Epic Games' battle royale has had.
After quickly moving away from the original Save the World mode, Fortnite became a family-friendly alternative to the rapidly growing last-man-standing genre, complete with iconic building mechanics.
Since then, the game has set a new standard for the speed of change for emerging projects, offering an ever-expanding storyline, ambitious crossovers, and in-game virtual concerts that attract an audience of millions. At the same time, the premium currency V-Bucks is used exclusively for cosmetic purchases.
Fortnite (photo: Epic Games)
League of Legends
Developer: Riot Games
League of Legends, starting with something small, quickly turned into one of the largest games in the world and has been holding this position for many years. The goal of this 5x5 MOBA is simple - destroy the enemy base, or Nexus, before they destroy yours.
However, with more than 150 champions, you have a huge amount of information to learn. The learning curve is quite challenging, so if you're just starting, find a champion you like and master him first.
Once you get over this initial barrier, there is a huge global esports scene, volumes of history, and an ever-changing environment to get lost in.
Premium currency can help you unlock new characters faster but is mostly used to buy in-game items.
League of Legends (photo: Riot Games)
Apex Legends
Developer: Respawn Entertainment
The game is set in the same world as the robot shooter Titanfall by Respawn. Apex games combine the classic battle royale genre with the character-based skills of a hero shooter, resulting in a product that combines the best of both worlds.
After a brief lull, Apex Legends is now in a great position, offering an extremely diverse set of characters and a rotation of three beautifully detailed arenas.
Apex Legends (photo: Electronic Arts)
Warzone 2
Developer: Infinity Ward
Warzone 2 is one of the best games in the Call of Duty series. It combines the thrilling action of a battle royale with the unique elements of Call of Duty to create a multiplayer shooter unlike any other.
To survive and win, you'll need well-thought-out tactics, and a separate DMZ story mode will give you a break from PvP battles if you want to immerse yourself in a narrative adventure.
Warzone 2 is undoubtedly one of the best free PC games available today, provided you have enough space on your hard disk.
Warzone 2 (photo: Activision)
Counter-Strike 2
Developer: Valve
A new era of tactical shooter from Valve has arrived - meet Counter-Strike 2. It contains everything we loved about CS:GO and more, replacing it on Steam as your one-stop shop for multiplayer shooters.
With six game modes and plenty of familiar maps that you'll remember as a CS:GO veteran, now is the perfect time to dive into one of the best free-to-play PC games of all time.
Counter-Strike 2 (photo: Valve)
Destiny 2: New Light
Developer: Bungie
Destiny 2: New Light is a free base version of the game, which, along with two early add-ons, is available to everyone. Together, they offer Bungie's top-notch shooting, multiple competitive modes, and access to a massive and ambitious storyline.
Whether you're looking to outclass your opponents in PvP, destroy hordes of enemies in PvE, or simply get the coolest space armor, Destiny 2 has hundreds of hours of fun waiting for you.
Destiny 2: New Light (photo: Bungie)
EVE Online
Developer: CCP Games
Approaching its third decade, EVE Online may be one of the oldest games on this list, but it also offers some of the deepest and most ambitious gameplay on PC if you're willing to succeed.
CCP's massive space simulator is home to one of the most fleshed-out gaming communities you'll ever meet, with its economy, warring political factions, and fierce space battles that feel like they've been ripped out of a Star Wars movie.
A $14.99 subscription gives you access to more ships and skills, but beginners can find everything they need to get started for free.
EVE Online (photo: CCP)
Runescape
Developer: Jagex
Runescape is not just a relic of the mid-noughties, but a still thriving MMORPG that offers both a modern version and a classic Old School version for those who miss the pre-2007 era.
Both games provide a huge amount of free content in their vast worlds, but with a paid subscription, you'll get a lot more options.
Luckily, Runescape allows you to buy subscriptions with in-game currency, so if you're ready to spend a lot of time on a new MMORPG, this is a great way to start for free, learning skills from prayer to fishing and fighting enemies ranging from simple goblins to huge monsters that can destroy the world.
Runescape (photo: Jagex)
Roblox
Developer: Roblox Corporation
When Roblox first appeared, it was easy to write it off as just another children's block game that simply copied Minecraft. But those days are long gone, and this criticism is now completely wrong.
In addition to being a multi-billion dollar project that attracts tens of millions of players every day, Roblox is also gradually becoming an increasingly respected game development tool as well as an extremely popular free-to-play PC game.
The most prominent example is the recent entry of Terry Kavanagh, the creator of VVVVVVVV, but for many years now, several developers have been using its tools (and generating a good income from them).
As attention to Roblox grows, its proprietary technology could be an interesting development to get involved in.
Roblox (photo: Roblox Corporation)
Halo Infinite
Developer: 343 Industries
Previously, the paid Halo series of games on Xbox seemed an unlikely candidate for a free-to-play model on PC. But with the release of Halo Infinite, everything changed.
While the single-player campaign remains paid, Halo Infinite multiplayer is completely free. It offers dynamic gameplay in a slightly more arcade style than Counter-Strike or Destiny.
Not only is it one of the best games in the Halo series, but it is one of the best free-to-play online shooters to date.
Halo Infinite (photo: Xbox Game Studios)
Genshin Impact
Developer: miHoYo
Genshin Impact, one of the biggest hits of 2020, can be briefly described as an anime version of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, but this is not all that the game has to offer.
The combat system is designed for four players and allows you to instantly switch between characters, using their elemental magic to create incredible combos. In your free time, you can explore the vast open world of Teyvat, climbing, planning, and swimming to uncover its many secrets.
Gacha's microtransaction style won't appeal to everyone, but that doesn't stop Genshin Impact from being one of the most ambitious free-to-play PC games on this list.
Genshin Impact (photo: MiHoYo)
StarCraft II
Developer: Blizzard Entertainment
StarCraft 2, the game that can be said to have launched the eSports boom, has maintained an active competitive scene for more than a decade after its initial release, proving to be a solid choice among the best free PC games.
Continuing the story of the Brood War 1999 expansion to the original game, the sequel expands on Blizzard's epic space opera, marking the return of three iconic factions. The classic narrative is combined with incredibly deep tactical gameplay, creating one of the best examples of this legendary genre.
The free version provides access to the entire Wings of Liberty single-player campaign as well as multiplayer modes, although the Heart of the Swarm and Legacy of the Void expansion packs are paid parts of the story.
StarCraft II (photo: Blizzard)
Rocket League
Developer: Psyonix
The combination of soccer and radio-controlled cars with rocket engines might seem strange, but all doubts were instantly dispelled after the release of Rocket League in 2015.
Since then, the game's initial paid model has changed to a free-to-play model funded by cosmetic items inspired by numerous crossovers, from Formula 1 to Jurassic Park.
In addition to the flawless gameplay that has made Psyonix's offering one of the best racing games out there, the incredibly high skill threshold and many interesting additional modes ensure that this free PC game on the Epic Games Store will keep you hooked for years to come.
Rocket League (photo: Psyonix)
War Thunder
Developer: Gaijin Entertainment
War Thunder is another one of the best free PC games. It is a bit simpler than hardcore military simulators, but if you are looking for air battles or tank battles with real depth, then there is a huge scope for improving your skills.
The game will please fans of land, air, and sea battles. You will find a wide range of equipment from different eras, starting from past centuries, covering the armed forces of the world's leading powers.
Detailed customization will allow you to choose the style of play that suits you and truly dominate your opponents.
Paid content (DLC) offers an accelerated way to unlock new vehicles, but they can be obtained for in-game currency. This is just one of the many reasons why War Thunder is among the best free PC games.
War Thunder (photo: Gaijin Entertainment)
Crusader Kings 2
Developer: Paradox Development Studios
Crusader Kings 3 may have taken the place of its big brother at the top of the Paradox game rankings, but if you're looking for a large-scale strategy game on a tight budget, this is definitely the best place to start, and it's also one of the best free PC games.
The base game that will allow you to lead your dominion in medieval Europe is now completely free.
If you want to expand on this great experience, a huge number of add-ons to the game are now available with a subscription for $4.99 per month. But even without this additional content, hundreds of hours of diplomacy, warfare, and intrigue await you.
Crusader Kings 2 (photo: Paradox)
