Top 10 Free-to-Play Games Veteran Gamers Can't Stop Playing
Who doesn't love a good free-to-play game? You know, the kind that hooks you from the first minute and keeps you coming back for more.
September 12, 2025 · 8 min read
Been gaming since the PS1 days. I have opinions and I'm not afraid to share them. If a game respects my time, I'll respect it back.
Who doesn't love a good free-to-play game? You know, the kind that hooks you from the first minute and keeps you coming back for more. For me, it's like revisiting old friends - like the countless hours I spent playing Diablo II back in the day. The thrill of exploring dark dungeons, the rush of leveling up, and the satisfaction of taking down that one pesky boss. That's the magic of great free-to-play games, and we're counting down the best of them today.
Our Take on the Best Free to Play Games
When it comes to the best free to play games, there are a few that stand out from the rest. Let's dive into our top picks, starting with...
12. Command & Conquer: Red Alert 2
Command & Conquer: Red Alert 2
Westwood Pacific · Electronic Arts
Oct 25, 2000
The Soviets are back and this time they’re on American soil. Fight for the red, white, and blue – or just the red. But be careful – the mystical ma…
Command & Conquer: Red Alert 2 is a classic real-time strategy game that's still fun to play today. With its over-the-top action, wacky units, and ridiculous storylines, it's a blast from the past that still holds up. The gameplay is straightforward: gather resources, build your base, and crush your enemies. It's simple, yet addictive.
One of the standout features of Command & Conquer: Red Alert 2 is its multiplayer mode. The game supports up to 8 players, and the matches are always intense. Whether you're playing with friends or against strangers, it's a great way to spend an afternoon.
11. World of Warships
World of Warships
Wargaming.net
Sep 17, 2015
World of Warships is a free to play online naval combat game by Wargaming.net. Players compete in a variety of historic warships from numerous nati…
World of Warships is a free-to-play naval combat game that's all about strategy and skill. Players compete in a variety of historic warships, from destroyers to battleships, in competitive game modes or cooperative operations. The gameplay is complex, with a steep learning curve, but the payoff is worth it.
One of the things that sets World of Warships apart is its attention to historical detail. The ships are meticulously researched and recreated, making it a great game for history buffs. The graphics are also top-notch, with detailed models and realistic environments.
Our Pick for Best Newcomer: My Hero Ultra Rumble
My Hero Ultra Rumble
Byking Inc. · Bandai Namco Entertainment America
Sep 28, 2023
Pick your favorite character, team up and fight to be the last ones standing in the new 24-player Battle Royale free to play game "My Hero Ultra Ru…
My Hero Ultra Rumble is a new battle royale game set in the My Hero Academia universe. It's a fun, action-packed game that's perfect for fans of the series. The gameplay is fast-paced, with up to 24 players competing in each match.
One of the standout features of My Hero Ultra Rumble is its faithfulness to the source material. The characters, abilities, and environments are all taken straight from the anime and manga. If you're a fan of My Hero Academia, you'll love this game.
Honorable Mention: Divinity: Original Sin II
Divinity: Original Sin II
Larian Studios
Sep 14, 2017
Divinity: Original Sin II is a single- and multiplayer top-down, party-based role-playing game with pen & paper RPG-like levels of freedom. It feat…
Divinity: Original Sin II is a highly-acclaimed RPG that's available for free on some platforms. It's a deep, complex game with a rich story and engaging gameplay. The combat is turn-based, with a deep skill system and complex interactions.
One of the things that sets Divinity: Original Sin II apart is its high level of replayability. The game has multiple endings, and the story is heavily influenced by your choices. If you're a fan of RPGs, you owe it to yourself to check this one out.
And the Top 10...
10. Assassin's Creed II
Assassin's Creed II
Ubisoft Montreal · Ubisoft Entertainment
Nov 17, 2009
Discover an intriguing and epic story of power, revenge and conspiracy set during a pivotal moment in history: the Italian Renaissance. Experience …
Assassin's Creed II is an action-adventure game set in the Italian Renaissance. It's a classic game that's still worth playing today, with a engaging story and memorable characters. The gameplay is a mix of exploration, combat, and stealth.
One of the standout features of Assassin's Creed II is its open-world design. The game takes place in a beautifully rendered Renaissance Italy, with a wealth of historical landmarks and cultural references.
9. Spelunky
Spelunky
BlitWorks · Microsoft Studios
Jul 4, 2012
Spelunky (also known as Spelunky HD) is a remake of Spelunky (now known as Spelunky Classic), an open source indie platformer video game created by…
Spelunky is a roguelike platformer that's all about exploration and survival. The game is procedurally generated, so every playthrough is different. You'll need to use your wits and reflexes to survive.
One of the things that sets Spelunky apart is its challenging gameplay. The game is tough, but the sense of accomplishment you get from beating it is unbeatable.
8. Super Mario 64
Super Mario 64
Nintendo EAD · Nintendo
Jun 23, 1996
Mario is super in a whole new way! Combining the finest 3-D graphics ever developed for a video game and an explosive soundtrack, Super Mario 64 be…
Super Mario 64 is a 3D platformer that's still one of the best in the genre. The game is a masterclass in level design, with creative and challenging worlds to explore.
One of the standout features of Super Mario 64 is its sense of freedom. The game lets you explore and play in a way that feels completely open and intuitive.
7. Diablo II
Diablo II
Blizzard North · Blizzard Entertainment
Jun 29, 2000
Like its predecessor, Diablo II is an action role-playing game with dark fantasy and horror themes. The player controls a new hero attempting to st…
Diablo II is an action RPG that's still one of the best in the genre. The game is dark, gothic, and atmospheric, with a rich story and engaging gameplay. The combat is hack-and-slash, with a deep character customization system.
One of the things that sets Diablo II apart is its multiplayer mode. The game supports up to 8 players online, and the experience is completely different from playing solo.
6. It Takes Two
It Takes Two
Hazelight Studios · Electronic Arts
Mar 25, 2021
Embark on the craziest journey of your life in It Takes Two, a genre-bending platform adventure created purely for co-op. Invite a friend to join f…
It Takes Two is a cooperative action-adventure game that's all about teamwork and communication. The game is designed from the ground up for co-op, with clever puzzles and challenging levels.
One of the standout features of It Takes Two is its innovative gameplay mechanics. The game introduces new ideas and challenges that you'll need to work together to overcome.
5. Ghost of Tsushima
Ghost of Tsushima
Sucker Punch Productions · Sony Interactive Entertainment
Jul 17, 2020
Uncover the hidden wonders of Tsushima in this open-world action adventure. Forge a new path and wage an unconventional war for the freedom of Tsus…
Ghost of Tsushima is an action-adventure game set in feudal Japan. The game is a beautifully rendered, atmospheric experience that's all about stealth, strategy, and skill.
One of the standout features of Ghost of Tsushima is its stunning visuals. The game is a visual masterpiece, with beautiful landscapes and detailed character models.
4. Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain
Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain
Kojima Productions · Konami
Sep 1, 2015
Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain is the sequel to Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroes and a prequel to the original Metal Gear. The game has a co…
Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain is a stealth action game that's widely considered one of the best in the genre. The game is a complex, engaging experience that's all about strategy and skill.
One of the standout features of Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain is its open-world design. The game takes place in a vast, beautifully rendered environment, with a wealth of opportunities for exploration and creativity.