Whether you’re on a console or PC, here are the best free games to download in 2023 that you can play right now on PC, PS5, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch.
If you’ve just picked up a new console or gaming PC, you’ll no doubt have realized that gaming can be an expensive hobby — but there are many free games out there, meaning you can find plenty of the best experiences without spending a penny.
The best free games naturally tend to offer additional paid extras such as cosmetics or battle passes, but if you jump in without spending anything you’ll still have a great time.
From entries in some of gaming’s most popular franchises to games that were once fully priced, there are plenty of amazing free games to download on PC or console.
So, without further adieu, here are our picks for the best free games in 2023 for you to download on PC, PS5, Xbox, or Nintendo Switch to play right now.
Alternatively, be sure to check out our list of the best MMO games to download in 2023, the best mobile games, and the best JRPGs of all time for even more recommendations.
Apex Legends
Platforms: PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Xbox Series S|X, Nintendo Switch, PC
EA may have sent Titanfall 2 to die back in 2016 up against Battlefield and Call of Duty, but the best thing to come from it was Apex Legends. A spin-off of sorts that in many ways has eclipsed the original, Apex Legends is a battle royale with unique characters called Legends.
Each has its own set of abilities, which combine with fluid movement and shooting mechanics to create a squad-based battle royale that feels unique from others in the genre.
Call of Duty: Warzone 2
Platforms: PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Xbox Series S|X, PC
Another battle royale, Warzone 2 is finally here and offers two games in one. The first, Battle Royale, will be immediately recognizable to anyone that played the first game, while the second, DMZ, is more akin to Escape from Tarkov.
Both lean on Call of Duty’s satisfying gunplay, and progression carries over into Modern Warfare 2.
CS:GO
Platforms: PC
CS:GO, or Counter-Strike: Global Offensive if you’re feeling formal, is arguably the grandaddy of tactical shooters. The game is a highly competitive one that rewards quick thinking and even quicker reflexes, while also being one of the longest-running and most popular esports in history.
Valve’s shooter may offer weapon skins that can cost more than a car, but you can try it out for nothing – making it an ideal choice for one of the best free games in 2023.
Dauntless
Platforms: PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Xbox Series S|X, Nintendo Switch, PC
Dauntless takes the core Monster Hunter formula of killing giant beasts to turn them into weapons and armor, but strips out a lot of the more impenetrable elements and boils it down to a great co-op action title that won’t cost you a penny.
The game keeps growing, and offers cross-play and cross-progression, too, meaning you can pick up where you left off.
Destiny 2
Platforms: PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Xbox Series S|X, PC
Working as a bizarre hybrid of a first-person shooter and an MMO, Destiny 2 may have launched in 2017 but it’s really hit its stride in the last 18 months or so. That’s largely thanks to its story focusing on more personal moments, as well as the combat being some of the most satisfying in gaming today.
While the free-to-play version has been cut down considerably, there’s still plenty to see and do, and it’s great to play with friends, too.
DOTA 2
Platforms: PC
DOTA 2 is as complex as it is addictive, building from humble beginnings to become one of Steam’s most popular titles. Sharing to MOBA crown with League of Legends, DOTA is full of powerful heroes and tactical considerations.
It may take you hundreds of hours to feel like you’ve gained a strong grasp of its deeper mechanics, but there’s nothing quite like it when it clicks.
Fortnite
Platforms: PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Xbox Series S|X, Nintendo Switch, PC
No list of the best free games in 2022 would be complete without arguably the biggest game in the world right now, and Fortnite’s Chapter 4 Season 1 update brings the Doom Slayer and Geralt to the party. The game’s now-iconic map is always shifting, and the arrival of a building-free mode saw players return in droves.
Then there are the dozens of crossovers to look forward to, with anything from Marvel, DC, anime, Star Wars, and even real-world sports stars being fair game as character skins to purchase.
Halo Infinite
Platforms: Xbox One, Xbox Series S|X, PC
While Halo Infinite’s campaign is very good, it’s multiplayer that’s likely to keep players logging in over the coming months. Capturing the magic of Halo 3, this free-to-play suite offers plenty of maps and modes, as well as a battle pass to earn unlocks for free.
While Halo’s unique pace will take some getting used to, Halo Infinite rewards skilled players while also making newcomers feel at home with a lengthy tutorial and a bot-based playlist. It’s worth noting, though, that the game’s community has dwindled since launch due to a lack of sizeable content updates – here’s hoping it’ll grow again soon.
Genshin Impact
Platforms: PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, PC
While many laughed off Genshin Impact as a Zelda clone back at its unveiling, the game has become nothing short of a phenomenon. Sure, there are plenty of visual similarities, but the game also offers its own unique identity.
Using a Gacha system, players will undoubtedly need to grind to earn Genshin Impact’s best characters and loot, but it’s well worth the time. The game offers a huge open world to explore, while also including satisfying action RPG combat that makes it one of the best free games — and one of the most generous.
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Hearthstone
Platforms: PC
It’d be fair to say that the World of Warcraft franchise’s foray into a card game wasn’t one we ever expected, but over eight years on, Hearthstone continues to evolve.
With new cards and sizeable expansions taking players to new areas of Azeroth, there’s always something new to do — or you can battle your way through the competitive rankings with your custom deck, instead.
League of Legends and Teamfight Tactics
Platforms: PC
League of Legends is famous for its huge array of Champions, and with well over a hundred to choose from, there’s something for every playstyle.
That’s a good thing because once you feel a connection to a Champion, you’ll start to build a competitive understanding of their role in the game’s ever-shifting meta and team composition.
As a bonus, League of Legends includes Teamfight Tactics, a fiendishly addictive auto-battler that brings the roster of characters into a whole new genre while sacrificing none of the depth.
Legends of Runeterra
Platforms: PC
If League of Legends is a little stressful for your tastes, then it’s worth checking out Riot’s card game instead. Offering many of the same Champions, as well as a more conversational style of play that lets you instantly react to an opponent’s move, it’s also a great advocate for free-to-play since you can earn every card just by playing.
Multiversus
Platforms: PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Xbox Series S|X, PC
The latest title on this list (and one that, at the time of writing, is in open beta), Multiversus is a Super Smash Bros-inspired brawler that sees Warner Bros characters trying to knock each other off of various stages. With the likes of Arya Stark, the Iron Giant, Batman, and even Lebron James, there’s an eclectic roster to choose from and there’s more to come, too.
Overwatch 2
Platforms: PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Xbox Series S|X, Nintendo Switch, PC
Overwatch 2 is undoubtedly one of the best free-to-play games you can download in 2022. The first-person shooter includes a free Battle Pass and multiple skins, allowing you to feel a key part of the game without spending any money. What’s more, there are even a few new heroes that can be played, all with their own unique abilities to bring into each match.
With multiple different roles to play, from Support to DPS and Tank, there are different playstyles for every gamer – and what’s more, Overwatch 2 is even available to play on Steam Deck, making it the perfect pick-up and play title.
Path of Exile
Platforms: PC, Xbox One, PS4
Diablo was long the king of ARPGs, but Path of Exile has closed the gap considerably. It’s not the easiest title to get into (there is a lot to learn), but there’s so much to see and do (and kill) that it’ll easily keep you entertained until Diablo 4 rolls around.
Rocket League
Platforms: PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Xbox Series S|X, Nintendo Switch, PC
Rocket League is perhaps one of gaming’s simplest concepts to explain, even to non-gamers — it’s football (or soccer), but with cars. Don’t expect anything as basic from the gameplay, though, as Rocket League has one of gaming’s most notoriously high skill ceilings.
While it’ll take time to find your feet (or should that be wheels?), you’ll soon be flying through the air to score a stunning, tournament-winning goal in one of the best free games you’ll find today.
The Sims 4
Platforms: PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series S|X, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5
EA and Maxis’ life-sim has finally gone free-to-play, and it’s easy to fall in love while creating a family, building a home, and getting to know the neighbours while keeping them as happy as you can.
While The Sims 4 has dozens of expansions, you can get to grips with the base game on PC and console for the price of zero Simoleons.
Valorant
Platforms: PC
Riot may be dominating a lot of this list, but Valorant is the developer’s latest free-to-play sensation. Standing on the shoulders of what came before (in this case, it’s CS:GO), Valorant is an insanely popular shooter that rewards precision and patience.
With regular updates adding new Agents, maps, and more, the game has become an esports juggernaut already.
Warframe
Platforms: PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Xbox Series S|X, Nintendo Switch, PC
Ninjas are cool, there’s no questioning that, but space ninjas? They’re even cooler. Warframe smartly wraps this understanding into every facet of its ever-expanding universe. Not only does Warframe offer diverse character classes, but it also keeps growing.
What began as a corridor shooter now has open-world segments, huge ship-to-ship battles, and multiple single-player storylines that weave a universe’s worth of lore throughout.
Best upcoming free-to-play games
Arc Raiders is an upcoming free-to-play title featuring a co-op action shooter that allows you to enjoy a dystopian future with your friends. It’s arriving later this year.
Blue Protocol is also coming in 2023, and is an action-packed RPG with some absolutely stunning visuals.
Those are the best free games you can play right now in 2023, but there are plenty more lists at Dexerto. Be sure to check out the following.
Best games on Xbox Game Pass | Best games on PlayStation Plus | The best and worst video game remasters | The best Nintendo Switch games | Best Assassin’s Creed games | Best co-op games like It Takes Two