1. Epic Games Store
The Epic Games Store (EGS) has firmly established itself as a major player in the digital gaming marketplace. While its paid games are plentiful, its free offerings are what keep players coming back. Every week, Epic Games gives away one or more titles for free, often including big-name games. These free games are yours to keep forever once claimed, making EGS a go-to for anyone who loves collecting games without spending money. Not only do they offer free games, but the platform also has exclusive titles and regular sales, adding a lot of value for gamers.
Features:
- Free weekly game giveaways.
- High-quality free games, including AAA titles and indie gems.
- Regular discounts and sales.
- Seamless integration with other gaming platforms like Steam.
2. Steam
Steam is one of the largest and most popular gaming platforms for PC, and it doesn’t disappoint when it comes to free games. While the platform is home to thousands of premium titles, Steam also boasts a wide selection of free-to-play games, ranging from battle royales and shooters to MMORPGs and indie favorites. Steam's platform is known for its ease of use, social features, and regular seasonal sales, offering gamers both free and discounted content.
Features:
- A vast library of free-to-play games.
- Frequent seasonal sales with discounts on both free and paid games.
- Steam Workshop and mod support for enhancing your gaming experience.
- Social features like Steam friends, achievements, and multiplayer support.
3. GOG (Good Old Games)
GOG is a digital storefront that offers DRM-free games, meaning once you download a game, it’s yours forever—no internet connection required. GOG also offers a curated selection of free games, often including classic titles, indie darlings, and occasional modern releases. The platform’s “Free Games” section is regularly updated, allowing players to score titles at no cost. The bonus here is the DRM-free nature, making GOG a preferred choice for gamers who dislike restrictive DRM practices.
Features:
- DRM-free games that you own and can keep forever.
- Regular free game promotions.
- A vast library of classic PC games.
- No internet connection required to play downloaded games.
4. Itch.io
Itch.io is a thriving marketplace for indie games, and it’s a goldmine for discovering free and experimental titles. While many games on Itch.io are paid, there’s an extensive collection of free-to-play games, ranging from quirky experimental titles to polished indie projects. Itch.io gives indie developers a platform to share their games directly with players, often offering unique and creative experiences you won’t find elsewhere. It also allows players to support developers directly through optional donations.
Features:
- A massive library of free indie games.
- Opportunities to discover unique, experimental games.
- Direct support for indie developers through donations or purchases.
- Games available for download, browser play, or through apps.
5. Origin (by Electronic Arts)
While Origin is known for being a hub for EA’s premium titles, it also offers a selection of free games through its "On the House" program. Though this program has become less frequent in recent years, Origin still occasionally offers free-to-play titles and trials for major releases. Additionally, EA's subscription service, EA Play, allows you to access a large library of games for a monthly fee, but the free games on Origin are worth checking out if you're into the EA ecosystem.
Features:
- Free-to-play titles and occasional promotions.
- Access to EA’s massive game library with the EA Play subscription.
- Frequent sales on popular EA games.
- Seamless integration with EA’s services and games.
6. Microsoft Store (Xbox App)
Microsoft’s Xbox app for Windows PCs offers a range of free-to-play titles, especially since the integration of Xbox Game Pass. While Xbox Game Pass itself is a paid subscription service, Microsoft frequently offers free games through the Xbox Game Pass for PC, as well as on the Microsoft Store. The platform is known for titles from major franchises like Halo, Gears of War, and Forza, many of which are offered for free as part of limited-time events or promotions.
Features:
- Free-to-play titles and a range of Xbox Game Pass options.
- Integration with Xbox Live and cross-platform multiplayer.
- High-quality Microsoft-owned games.
- Regular updates and additions to the library of free games.
7. Discord Store
Discord, primarily known as a communication platform for gamers, has expanded into the digital game store arena. The Discord Store allows developers to sell their games directly to their audience, and while there are many paid titles, you can also find free-to-play games here. Discord often runs special events where you can claim free games, including popular indie releases. The bonus with Discord is the social integration, allowing you to seamlessly connect with your gaming friends while playing.
Features:
- Free-to-play games and promotions.
- Integration with Discord's social features.
- Easy access to games your friends are playing.
- Games available through Discord’s store or the broader community.
8. Battle.net
Battle.net is Blizzard Entertainment’s digital platform, home to some of the most popular games in the industry, including Overwatch 2, Warcraft, StarCraft, and Diablo. While the majority of the titles are premium, there are free-to-play games available on the platform. Blizzard's free games, such as Hearthstone and Warcraft III: Reforged (free with limitations), offer top-tier gameplay with the option to pay for extra content or expansions.
Features:
- Free-to-play Blizzard games.
- Regular updates to free games with new content and features.
- Easy access to Blizzard’s flagship titles.
- Integrated with Blizzard’s massive online multiplayer community.
Conclusion
In 2025, PC gamers have access to a wide variety of platforms that offer free games without compromising quality. From major platforms like Steam and Epic Games Store to indie havens like Itch.io and GOG, there’s something for everyone. These platforms not only make it easy to enjoy games without spending money, but they also foster gaming communities, introduce new genres, and provide opportunities for developers to reach larger audiences. So, if you're looking to expand your game library on a budget, these free-to-play platforms should be your first stop.