In the past, free games were usually not very good and often copies of popular games that required payment. However, things have changed thanks to in-app payments and the ability to offer both a sample and full version of a game. This means there are many excellent games available to play without spending any money. The success of games like Fortnite has raised the bar for quality across all platforms including mobile, PC, and consoles. So, instead of spending money, why not try some of the amazing free games available today? Based on an Engadget guide, here are some of the best free games available:
The best free games to play in 2023
Genshin Impact
When Genshin Impact was first released, many people believed it was just a poor imitation of Nintendo’s Zelda: Breath of the Wild game, but with anime-style graphics. However, this assumption turned out to be incorrect. Genshin Impact is a completely different game, developed by miHoYo, and it features over 50 playable characters at this point.
The game’s world is extensive and diverse, providing players with a plethora of options for exploration and discovery. Despite being a free-to-play game, it is a remarkable achievement, especially considering the significant portion of its audience that plays it on their smartphones.
Although battling enemies is a major component of the game, much of the game’s satisfaction stems from customizing and building up a collection of characters and items. While the game does have a microtransaction system, players can still enjoy the game without having to spend any money. Plus, the game’s graphics are stunning and breathtaking, contributing to its overall appeal.
Overwatch 2
Blizzard has made improvements to the onramp for new players in Overwatch 2, but the game still presents a steep learning curve. However, if you persist, you’ll have the opportunity to play one of the best team shooters available. The game’s objective is deceptively simple: stand on or near an objective and prevent the other team from winning. But in practice, it’s much more complex than that. Matches may seem like colorful chaos to the untrained eye, but the game’s mechanics are based on a simple goal.
To make the gameplay faster-paced and more enjoyable than the original Overwatch, Blizzard decreased the number of players on each team from six to five and made character tweaks across the board. This has resulted in a more significant emphasis on individual impact, but teamwork is still required to secure a victory.
With a cast of over 30 heroes, each with unique abilities and playstyles, you’re sure to find a few Overwatch 2 characters that you’ll connect with. The first batch of new heroes is incredibly fun to play, and there are many great (though often expensive) skins to equip them with.
Blizzard’s trademark level of polish has ensured that the game looks and sounds amazing, at least until you learn how to play Overwatch 2. You can marvel at the game’s aesthetics while you’re still figuring out the mechanics.
Fortnite Battle Royale
Fortnite is a game that has evolved into a social space where players can interact with each other. It is not just about winning, but also about having fun and socializing with other players. When you play Fortnite, you can see a lot of different characters from various universes doing funny things, like Spider-Man doing John Cena’s “You Can’t See Me” taunt or Indiana Jones dancing to a Dua Lipa song. You can even see Ariana Grande hanging out with Goku while you catch up with friends in voice chat.
But Fortnite is not just a social space, it is also a great video game. The objective is simple: drop onto the island, grab some weapons and gear, and try to be the last player or team standing as a storm pushes survivors closer to each other. It is a game that requires strategy, quick thinking, and skill.
Earlier this year, Epic made Fortnite even more approachable by introducing a Zero Build mode. This mode prevents players from building structures for cover, which can be a disadvantage for new players who are not yet skilled at building. If you have the skills to box an opponent into a skyscraper in mere seconds, then you can still do so in the other modes. However, Zero Build levels the playing field for new players, making it easier for them to enjoy the game without feeling overwhelmed by experienced players.
Fall Guys
Fall Guys is a battle royale game with a unique twist. The objective is still the same: to be the last person or team standing. However, the game doesn’t have any guns or weapons. Instead, it’s more like a platformer game similar to MXC or Takeshi’s Castle.
In Fall Guys, players have to navigate through various obstacle courses and rounds, and only a certain number of players can qualify for each round. It’s a fun and enjoyable game, and winning isn’t necessarily the only way to have a good time.
Even when another player pushes you off a ledge, it’s hard to feel upset or angry. The game rarely feels mean-spirited, even when other players mess with you.
The developer of Fall Guys, Mediatonic, frequently adds new levels and cute cosmetics, so the game never feels stale. Each time you return to the game, you’ll likely encounter a new type of chaos and bedlam.
Overall, Fall Guys is a unique and entertaining take on the battle royale genre. It’s a game that’s easy to pick up and play, and it’s perfect for those who want to have fun without taking the game too seriously.
Apex Legends
Apex is a popular 60-player deathmatch game that is brought to you by the same studio that created Titanfall. In this game, players are divided into teams of three, and the objective is to be the last team standing in Kings Canyon. To achieve this goal, players must loot and fight their way through the game’s various challenges.
One of the most exciting aspects of Apex is the use of characters like Octane. Octane is an adrenaline junkie whose ultimate move is to deploy a jump pad that propels players into the air for sneak attacks. This character adds a unique element to the game that players love.
If you’re interested in playing Apex, you can download the game and use most of the characters without having to spend any money. However, if you want access to certain content such as weapon skins and new characters like Wattson, you will need to shell out some cash.
It is worth noting that if you are not a fan of the cartoonish aspect of Fortnite, and if you enjoy the action-packed gameplay of Titanfall, then Apex is the perfect game for you. It offers an engaging and challenging gaming experience that is sure to keep you entertained for hours on end. So why not give it a try and see for yourself why so many people love this game?
Dota 2
Dota 2 is a game that demands a lot from its players. Its learning curve is one of the steepest in the gaming world, and that’s no exaggeration. To even begin to understand the game mechanics, you need to dedicate hundreds upon hundreds of hours of gameplay.
The game’s format is five-on-five MOBA, which means that you need to have a good understanding of team dynamics, in addition to the individual strategies for each of the 100+ unique characters. The complexity of Dota 2 can be overwhelming, and it’s not uncommon for new players to feel lost and discouraged in the beginning.
However, the fact that Dota 2 is so challenging is what makes it so rewarding. When you make a big play or achieve a hard-fought victory, it feels like a major accomplishment. The game’s sky-high skill ceiling ensures that there’s always room for improvement, and there’s always something new to learn.
For those who dedicate themselves to Dota 2, the rewards can be immense. If you manage to make it into the pro ranks, the potential for fame and fortune is enormous. One tournament win can turn you into an overnight millionaire, and the prestige that comes with being a top-level Dota 2 player is difficult to overstate.
In conclusion, Dota 2 is a game that demands a lot from its players but rewards them with an unparalleled sense of accomplishment. If you’re willing to put in the time and effort to master its complexities, it can be a truly transformative experience.
Pokemon Go
In the year 2016, a game called Pokémon Go was launched. It lacked some noticeable features like trading and player-versus-player battles. However, with time, almost every problem and missing feature has been addressed. Still, the game has some imperfections. But the game’s fundamental concept of exploring the real world, spinning Pokéstop signs, and catching creatures is a truly unique and health-beneficial experience for Pokémon enthusiasts.
The game offers daily “research” quests and timed events that increase the appearance of specific monsters, which is an excellent excuse to log in every day. The game’s developer, Niantic, keeps expanding the Pokédex, ensuring that your collection never quite finishes. As a player, you can keep discovering and catching new monsters, making the game more exciting and engaging. The game’s ability to encourage people to get outside and walk has been praised by many, as it promotes physical activity and a healthy lifestyle. The game’s social aspect also allows players to interact with other players, making it a fun and interactive experience.
Also, the game’s success has resulted in many spin-offs and merchandise, making it a massive pop-culture phenomenon. Therefore, Pokémon Go has become more than just a game. It’s a cultural phenomenon that has transformed the way people interact with video games and the world around them.
Call of Duty: Warzone
Over the course of several years, Fortnite was the go-to game for younger players who enjoyed battle royale games. However, that all changed with the arrival of Call of Duty: Warzone. During the pandemic, interest in this free-to-play battle royale game skyrocketed. And it has continued to thrive as new iterations of the Call of Duty franchise have been released. With the addition of new maps, game modes, and weapons, the player base has now exceeded 100 million.
To play Warzone, you can either drop in solo or as part of a team. And you must fight it out with up to 149 other players. You’ll need to run between different points of interest to forage for weapons, tactical items, and vehicles to give you an edge. In addition to this, a wall of gas will force you into increasingly tight areas. Adding to the intensity of the game.
One of the unique features of Warzone is the ‘Gulag.’ If your character dies during gameplay, you’ll be sent to this area to fight with other downed players. Winning this battle grants you a one-time chance to redeploy back into the game. If you lose, your teammates can still ‘buy’ your return. But it requires them to first earn enough in-game money to afford it.
Following the release of Modern Warfare 2, Warzone was significantly overhauled. A new map, Al Mazrah, was added, which is the largest playzone in the game’s history. The loadouts system, which allows players to customize their primary and secondary weapons, tacticals, lethals, and perks before the game, has also been changed.
Verdict
In conclusion, the days of poor-quality free games are long gone. With so many fantastic options available, there’s no need to spend money to have fun. These games offer hours of entertainment and a great starting point for anyone looking to explore the world of free gaming. So, put away your wallet, pick a game, and start playing!
