In recent years, thedistinct and thrilling Battle Royale genrehas dominated the free-to-play market.This is due to studios releasing these elimination showdowns for free to support their growing community. It’s what keeps 100-man matches possible; a format necessary for Battle Royales to be playable. However, the free-to-play industry is also saturated with many other genres such as FPS, co-op, looter-shooter, open-world, and so much more.
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The popularity of BR games may have overshadowed some hidden gems in other genres. There are a number of games that offer loads of playability without spending anything (at least for the core experience). Here are the best free-to-play games thataren’tBattle Royales.
Updated on August 10, 2025, by Stephen LaGioia:As both segments of gaming have rapidly risen in popularity lately, it’s no surprise that various free-to-play Battle Royale titles have hit the gaming scene. Still, there are plenty of free gaming experiences that don’t demand one-and-done showdowns against a massive pool of online combatants. With many notable ones released recently (and at least one changing its payment model), it seemed time to revisit this list highlighting more of the best free non-BR games. It should be noted that while there may be a bit of overlap, and a few titles featured do (or have had) BR options — yet the core experience is non-BR.
13Gwent
The fantasy RPG epicThe Witcher 3is brimming with things to do, places to explore, and foes to slay. Among this journey is a fan-favorite card game that many agree was deep and enjoyable enough to stand as its own game. CD Projekt Red seems to concur, as they’ve since released this digital card game standalone in 2018.
While overall more fleshed out, this version wipes out the more distant seige row, distilling the focus to Melee and Ranged lines. In a multi-tiered card battle not unlikeMagic the Gathering, players throw down a card each turn from a ten-card hard, choosing from different offensives and special abilities to inflict upon the opposite side.
After the dust settles, the player with the most points emerges victorious. With much rewarding strategic gameplay, along with several gameplay modes and daily quests, this is a free card game well worth the time investment.
12League Of Legends
Despite launching back in 2009, Riot Games’ground-breaking MOBAhas remained a force in the gaming scene, particularly for online skirmishes and esports. InLeague of Legends, players clash in fun PvP fights with four other companions amidst fantasy backdrops.
Each assumes the role of a unique ‘Champion’ laced with their own features and abilities; who’s beefed up through XP, items, and other riches. There have been a number of gameplay variants over the course of this game’s rich history, but the most favored is Summoner’s Rift, in which players must fight their way to the enemy base and wipe out its Nexus.
11DOTA 2
Given its origins as aWarcraft 3mod known asDefense of the Ancients, players might not be surprised at the game’s similar vibe and mechanics to the hit Blizzard RTS. But likeLeague of Legends, the focus is a select group of ‘Heroes’ — each equipped with distinct powers and playstyles — rather than a whole army or fortress to build up.
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Players will spend time skirmishing, gathering goodies, and coordinating with teammates. This all leads to the end goal of toppling the opposing team’s ‘Ancient’, a toweringMordor-esque structurewithin their base.
10Overwatch 2
Blizzard’s hectic hero-based shooter saw quite an overhaul in the form of its revamped sequel — and this extends to the payment model.Overwatch 2is now entirely free-to-play, though the studio has put more focus on purchasable add-ons through a premium battle pass and in-game currency.
While this means the end of free loot boxes, it also means this endlessly-appealing online game can be enjoyed without shelling out a single dollar. While not universally praised, this reworkinghasenticed many veteran fans and newcomers alike. This is thanks toOW2’s slew of new heroes, new PvP modes like the tug-of-war-esque Push, and PvE story mode content which brings hero upgrades.
9Smite
Smiteis a free MOBA game that features various iconic gods and goddesses as playable characters. With over100 godsto choose from, this game is the ultimate ancient mythology crossover.
Players can play as Zeus, Achilles, Aphrodite, Athena, Hades, Hercules, and so much more. Instead of the conventional top-down camera across MOBA games,Smite’sPOV is oriented much closer to the action to immerse the players into the battlefield. Despite being free-to-play, all the gods can be bought via in-game currency. Also, skins can be unlocked by leveling up.
8Brawlhalla
Similar toSmash Bros,Brawlhallais a free-fighting platformer game where players score by knocking their opponents out of bounds. Players can damage enemies with hits, combos, and various weapons to increase their opponent’s knockback. The higher the knockback of a player, the further he gets sent flying when hit.
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This allows for juggling fun, and very satisfying hits that feel impactful. The game would also feature characters fromAdventure Time, WWE,Ben 10,and much more.
7Paladins
Paladinsis often humored to beOverwatch’sfreer alternative. This is because, like the latter,Paladinsintegrated a first-person perspective with some fantasy elements. This five-on-five competitive game features a payload mode, a team deathmatch mode, and a control point mode.
The game has a lot of champions to choose from as well, each with their own special abilities. With its five-vs-five format,Paladinsallows for smaller team compositions thanOverwatchbut also has more champions to select from. With over40 champions,theteam compositionpossibilities are endless.
6Team Fortress 2
Team Fortress 2wasn’t initially a free-to-play game but in 2011, it went free forever. This spiked up its community with players and strengthened it too. The game is a class-based casual/competitive shooter that explores the variability of nine different classes and gives them vastly different abilities and personalities.
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There are plenty of game modes toosuch as the exciting PvEMann Vs Machine mode, along with the neverending selection of PvP modes. Despite the classic shooter receivingfew major updatessince 2017, theTF2community keeps the game alive with impressive mods and game modes.
5Warframe
Warframeis a looter-shooter co-op game with someRPG elements and customization. Players choose from 12 Warframes to play as; each with their own unique set of attributes and special abilities. They can team up with up to three friends to fight off hordes of enemies.
There are plenty of weapons in the game as well, and each can be customized to tailor the players' playstyle. The four-man format provides a lot of composition possibilities for the 12 choice classes. On top of thatWarframeis not too graphically demanding, and can be played with even low specs; adding to the nonexclusive element of the game.
4Dauntless
Similar toMonster Hunter: World, Dauntlessis a co-op game that groups together four players against a giant beast. The game’s RPG elements make it all the more exciting to take down giant elemental beasts with other players. Players can customize their character to their liking, and equip him with their weapon of choice.
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Theselection of choice-weapons includes repeatersthat work similarly to dual shotguns, axes, hammers, swords, and much more. Armor in the game is varied as well. On top of that, beasts can also be fought in solo mode like how Kratos deals with his humungous foes inGod Of War.
