![We love PC Games [Explain & Conquer]](https://pcplayerhub.com/wp-content/uploads/cropped-logo-1.png){kind=logo}
Nowadays, many games can be downloaded for free from the Internet, considering new Steam titles are quite expensive when bought outside of sales promos or seasonal discounts. That being said, a lot of them pose risks of carrying viruses, potentially harming our PCs in the long run.
Nevertheless, there are a few AAA-quality games that are legitimately free to play. For anyone interested, here are ten (10) of the best PC games we can already get for free today:
All these games are still actively played, approaching 2024. So, it’s not too late for us to join the fun as well!
For those not convinced about downloading free games online, we can also consider renting them from video game stores, depending on the region. Retailers, such as Gamefly, offer this service in the United States, and this might also be true for other countries around the world.
Coming back to the games mentioned earlier, here’s a quick overview of each game for us to consider downloading:
1) Valorant
Developed by: Riot Games | Released on: June 2nd, 2020
The hugely popular tactical first-person shooter (FPS), Valorant, is amongst the most viewed esports games in recent times. Boasting a diverse array of characters for us to choose from, we can opt for different Agents with unique personalities and skills to outgun other players worldwide.
2) Apex Legends
Developed by: Respawn Entertainment, Panic Button Games | Released on: February 4th, 2019
Unlike other squad-based tactical FPSs, Apex Legends adopts the battle royale format instead, and it has been proving successful thus far. Set in the warring Titanfall universe, we pick a Legend to be thrown into battle, with each character offering distinct combat abilities to ambush unwary enemies walking straight into our paths.
We can even play the game using gamepads, giving us Call of Duty vibes on the PC!
3) League of Legends
Developed by: Riot Games | Released on: October 27th, 2009
Nobody needs an introduction to League of Legends (LoL), right? This long-running multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) has stood the test of time since its release more than a decade ago.
In fact, it might be one of the best online PC games of all time, rivaling the likes of Fortnite and the next title on this list.
4) DOTA 2
Developed by: Valve Corporation | Released on: July 9th. 2013
Valve’s Defence of the Ancients 2 (DOTA 2) is the direct sequel to Warcraft 3: Reign of Chaos’s fan-made mod, Defence of the Ancients (DOTA), which was created way back in 2003.
Universally acclaimed as the first true MOBA, DOTA’s incredible fame prompted a proper standalone release in DOTA 2, featuring many of the same mechanics and heroes while updating the visuals to accommodate modern audiences.
5) Star Wars: The Old Republic
Developed by: BioWare, Broadsword Online Games | Released on: December 20th, 2011
For diehard Star Wars fans who are keen on exploring the franchise’s expansive universe, Star Wars: The Old Republic (SWTOR) still fares exceptionally well to this very day.
Despite being a 2011 title, the game has since received nice graphical overhauls, quality-of-life improvements, and tons of content for everyone to experience in 2023. Hopefully, similar next-gen versions of this game continue to be ‘friendly’ to low-to-medium gaming PCs as well.
6) Guild Wars 2
Developed by: ArenaNet | Released on: August 28th, 2012
Hailed as a revolutionary massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) back in 2012, Guild Wars 2 (GW2) remains strong as always, particularly due to its beautiful art style, deep gameplay mechanics, and masterfully written lore.
Initially a pay-to-play (P2P) game, GW2 has since gone free-to-play (F2P) in 2015, albeit a few special in-game content being locked behind expansion-pack purchases. Regardless, the base game (free) is still addictive and fun, beating many of its competition out of the water!
7) Warframe
Developed by: Digital Extremes | Released on: March 25th, 2013
An action-packed, third-person looter shooter, Warframe is Digital Extreme’s beloved intellectual property (IP). The game has always been F2P since its release, and the game is known to be amongst the most consumer-friendly titles ever, considering the quality, depth, and enjoyment that players get out of it (besting AAA games)!
Combat is direct and fast-paced, and console players jumping onto PC will feel at home very quickly here.
8) Path of Exile
Developed by: Grinding Gear Games | Released on: October 23rd, 2013
Despite Diablo 4’s release just a few months ago, many action role-playing game (ARPG) players are returning to Wraeclast, the world of Path of Exile (PoE). The game was made specifically for fans of the genre, maintaining focus on its brutal combat and satisfying loot drops.
PoE is grim, dark, and foreboding; all elements that appeal to true ARPG players of old.
9) StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty
Developed by: Blizzard Entertainment | Released on: July 27th, 2010
Blizzard may have come under scrutiny for its controversial business methods, but StarCraft is arguably the company’s most successful IP to date, alongside Warcraft. Testament to this, StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty – the first part of the StarCraft II trilogy – has gone on to win multiple accolades for its incredibly polished game design and explosive story.
Initially, the game wasn’t free to play, being sold as a premium AAA title (as it should be). Today, the entire Terran campaign (Humans) is open for download, besides other gameplay modes, such as Versus and Co-Op Missions.
10) The Sims 4
Developed by: Maxis Studios | Released on: September 2nd, 2014
Not everything revolves around death, chaos, and destruction. Sometimes, we just want to chill and immerse ourselves in a real-life simulator. That’s where The Sims 4 comes into play.
In a pleasantly surprising move, the publishers, Electronic Arts, have just recently made the game free for everyone to get, starting from October 2022 onwards. Its expansion packs and item DLCs will still need to be purchased if anyone wants them, but the move to a F2P model was certainly a welcomed change, making the community bigger and stronger than ever!
