Best games
Best free-to-play games
The 12 best free-to-play games, ranked from 8,811 critic and player ratings.
The best free-to-play game right now is Team Fortress 2, with a critic score of 92/100. Updated September 2026.
How this ranking is built
- Games are ranked on the aggregated critic score out of 100 imported from IGDB and Metacritic, never on Tier's own grades.
- A game only enters the ranking with at least 80 external ratings, so a single enthusiastic review never outranks a proven classic.
- Community grades from F to S are shown next to every game, and only stated as a fact above 5 Tier ratings.
- Release window covered: 1970 to 2026.
- 12 games are listed on this page, carrying 8,811 ratings between them.
- Rankings are recomputed hourly; this one was last rebuilt on 28 September 2026.
Top 12
01
C
Team Fortress 2
Nine distinct classes provide a broad range of tactical abilities and personalities. Constantly updated with new game modes, maps, equipment and, most importantly, hats!
92
/100
02
F
Dota 2
Dota 2 is a multiplayer online battle arena video game and the stand-alone sequel to the Defense of the Ancients (DotA) mod. With regular updates that ensure a constant evolution of gameplay, features, and heroes, Dota 2 has taken on a life of its own.
90
/100
03
Arena Breakout: Infinite
Arena Breakout: Infinite is a high-stakes tactical extraction shooter where every decision matters. Fight, loot, and extract alive—or lose it all. With realistic visuals, true-to-life sound design, and unforgiving PvPvE combat, every raid is a gamble between glory and ruin.
82
/100
C
Team Fortress 2
Nine distinct classes provide a broad range of tactical abilities and personalities. Constantly updated with new game modes, maps, equipment and, most importantly, hats!
92
/100
02
F
Dota 2
Dota 2 is a multiplayer online battle arena video game and the stand-alone sequel to the Defense of the Ancients (DotA) mod. With regular updates that ensure a constant evolution of gameplay, features, and heroes, Dota 2 has taken on a life of its own.
90
/100
03
Arena Breakout: Infinite
Arena Breakout: Infinite is a high-stakes tactical extraction shooter where every decision matters. Fight, loot, and extract alive—or lose it all. With realistic visuals, true-to-life sound design, and unforgiving PvPvE combat, every raid is a gamble between glory and ruin.
82
/100
04
Delta Force
Delta Force is a free-to-play multiplayer tactical first-person shooter reboot of the Delta Force series.
80
/100
05
Alien Swarm
Co-operative multiplayer game and complete code base available for free.
77
/100
06
PUBG: Battlegrounds
PUBG: Battlegrounds is a battle royale shooter that pits 100 players against each other in a struggle for survival. Gather supplies and outwit your opponents to become the last person standing.
75
/100
07
Brawlhalla
Brawlhalla is a free platform fighting game with over 100 million players that supports up to 8 players online in a single match with full cross-play. Frequent updates. 50 unique characters and counting. Come fight for glory in the halls of Valhalla!
75
/100
08
B
Warframe
Warframe situates players as members of the Tenno race, newly awoken after years of cryo-sleep into a solar system at war. Reborn into a corrupt era, the Tenno are sought by the oppressive Grineer Empire for annihilation. Warframe armor is the key to overthrowing the Grineer by providing players with unique offensive and defensive powers to explore, upgrade and master during purpose-driven radical raids.
73
/100
09
Wuthering Waves
Wuthering Waves is a story-rich open-world action RPG. You wake from your slumber as Rover, joined by a vibrant cast of Resonators on a journey to reclaim your lost memories and surmount the Lament. The game features fast-paced combat with a variety of mechanics such as Extreme Evasion and Dodge Counter. You can also absorb the remaining of the monsters you've defeated and use their power in battles.
70
/100
10
D
War Thunder
War Thunder is the most comprehensive free-to-play, cross-platform, MMO military game dedicated to aviation, armored vehicles, and naval craft, from the early 20th century to the most advanced modern combat units. Join now and take part in major battles on land, in the air, and at sea.
65
/100
11
VRChat
64
/100
12
Where Winds Meet
55
/100
Delta Force
Delta Force is a free-to-play multiplayer tactical first-person shooter reboot of the Delta Force series.
80
/100
05
Alien Swarm
Co-operative multiplayer game and complete code base available for free.
77
/100
06
PUBG: Battlegrounds
PUBG: Battlegrounds is a battle royale shooter that pits 100 players against each other in a struggle for survival. Gather supplies and outwit your opponents to become the last person standing.
75
/100
07
Brawlhalla
Brawlhalla is a free platform fighting game with over 100 million players that supports up to 8 players online in a single match with full cross-play. Frequent updates. 50 unique characters and counting. Come fight for glory in the halls of Valhalla!
75
/100
08
B
Warframe
Warframe situates players as members of the Tenno race, newly awoken after years of cryo-sleep into a solar system at war. Reborn into a corrupt era, the Tenno are sought by the oppressive Grineer Empire for annihilation. Warframe armor is the key to overthrowing the Grineer by providing players with unique offensive and defensive powers to explore, upgrade and master during purpose-driven radical raids.
73
/100
09
Wuthering Waves
Wuthering Waves is a story-rich open-world action RPG. You wake from your slumber as Rover, joined by a vibrant cast of Resonators on a journey to reclaim your lost memories and surmount the Lament. The game features fast-paced combat with a variety of mechanics such as Extreme Evasion and Dodge Counter. You can also absorb the remaining of the monsters you've defeated and use their power in battles.
70
/100
10
D
War Thunder
War Thunder is the most comprehensive free-to-play, cross-platform, MMO military game dedicated to aviation, armored vehicles, and naval craft, from the early 20th century to the most advanced modern combat units. Join now and take part in major battles on land, in the air, and at sea.
65
/100
11
VRChat
64
/100
12
Where Winds Meet
55
/100
Frequently asked questions
What is the best free-to-play game?
Team Fortress 2 currently tops the ranking with a score of 92/100 across 2,940 ratings. Ranking updated September 2026.
How is this ranking built?
Games are ranked on their aggregated critic score out of 100, with a minimum vote threshold so a single glowing review never outranks a proven classic; the Tier community's own F-to-S grades are shown alongside each game.