Since the launch of games like Dota 2 and League of Legends, developers have realised that free-to-play games can be successful, with MMOs and other games opting for a free-to-play model with optional payment.
These microtransactions and DLC packs make up for a lack of retail sales and in the case of games like Dota 2, they allow for development to continue indefinitely.
Free games are numerous on PC, with Steam boasting hundreds of free-to-play titles.
If you’re looking to pick out the gems from the horde of terrible free-to-play titles out there, we’ve got you covered.
Here are the ten most popular free-to-play games on Steam:
Dota 2
Dota 2 is the holy grail of free games, and offers players unlimited access to gameplay at no cost, with most microtransactions only applying cosmetic effects.
The game is one of the most popular and well-known MOBAs in the world, and definitely worth trying out if you haven’t played it yet.
Dota 2 has South African servers and an active local community.
Team Fortress 2
Team Fortress 2 didn’t start off as free-to-play, but has been free since the inclusion of its cosmetic microtransactions.
The game offers team-based, first-person shooter fun at absolutely no cost.
There are many South African servers and players for Team Fortress 2.
Paladins: Champions of the Realm
Despite its controversial similarity to Overwatch (or because of it), Paladins has quickly become one of the most popular games on Steam.
The game is a free-to-play hero-based shooter which features similar mechanics to Blizzard’s Overwatch.
Paladins currently has no local servers, and South African gamers will have to play on European servers.
Unturned
Unturned is a simple, free-to-play zombie survival game with a host of features and a charming aesthetic reminiscent of games like Minecraft.
The game can be played either solo or with friends.
Warframe
Warframe is a co-op PvE third-person shooter that sees players take on the role of specialised space ninjas with fantastic abilities.
While its microtransactions are more prominent than other games on this list, Warframe offers fast-paced, thrilling gameplay and combat.
Warframe uses a P2P matchmaking system, meaning your latency is dependent on the ping to your session host.
Clicker Heroes
Clicker Heroes is a simple, fun, and addictive game which is fun to play in your spare time.
The game is online but not latency-dependent.
Smite
Smite is a MOBA which features a unique over-the-shoulder camera, placing the player directly in the centre of the action.
The game does not have South African servers, and local gamers will have to deal with a ping of about 200ms.
War Thunder
War Thunder is an extensive flight and vehicle simulator which allows gamers to compete in giant battle over air, land, and sea.
The game also has no South African servers, and local gamers will have to play with a ping of about 200ms to EU servers.
Path of Exile
Path of Exile is praised by its player base as “the game Diablo 3 should have been”.
Featuring an extensive passive skill tree and unique item-based active skill system, PoE is worth trying out if you’re a fan of ARPGs like Diablo 2.
The game has no South African servers, and latency is around 200ms to European servers.
Heroes & Generals
Heroes & Generals is a fun, fast-paced WWII multiplayer shooter with similarities to Battlefield and Call of Duty.
The game has a few slightly-invasive microtransactions and does not feature support for South African servers.
Loading ...
What About Planetside 2? Its the ONLY game like it and 200 v 200 battles are amazing!