Free-to-play is a popular category of games, yet only some titles offer experiences worth your time. That’s why we’re ranking the best free-to-play games on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series consoles right now, so you can dive directly into the most engaging offerings without spending a dime.
Before we begin the ranked list, let’s first take a look at the honorable mentions.
NOTE: This article was last updated on March 24, 2026. We’ll update this list quarterly.
Honorable Mentions
I. Asphalt: Legends
Asphalt: Legends was the definitive free-to-play experience on mobile, now available on next-gen consoles with improved visuals, enhanced gameplay, and brand new features. With 300 luxurious vehicles, gorgeous locations, and a variety of game modes, it’s the definitive free-to-play competitive racing game on consoles.
II. eFootball
eFootball won’t be everyone’s cup of tea. However, it still offers a solid free-to-play football experience that soccer fans will appreciate. It’s accessible, easy to progress, and receives free content updates, so overall, it’s not a bad time if you’re looking for free-to-play soccer titles that you could spend some hours on.
III. Delta Force
If you’re looking for free-to-play extraction shooters, Delta Force ticks all the boxes. Featuring realistic visuals and fast-paced adrenaline-pumping gameplay, Delta Force offers large-scale battles and all-out warfare, complete with elite Operators, a robust collection of weapons, deep customisation, and action-packed game modes.
IV. Brawlhalla
Brawlhalla is the essential platform fighter on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series consoles, supporting up to 8 players online or local and offering a multitude of game modes for players to jump into. Fluid movement mechanics, adorable character designs, tight mechanics, collaborations with popular IPs, and consistent updates are some of the reasons why Brawlhalla is a must-play on consoles.
V. Naraka: Bladepoint
Naraka: Bladepoint is a unique free-to-play battle royale experience, specialising in intense melee fights instead of gunplay. It’s an addictive, challenging yet satisfying experience that lets players choose from a cast of formidable heroes and customise them to fit their playstyles. With fluid parkour and crisp combat, Naraka: Bladepoint is one of a kind in the free-to-play category.
Let’s rank the best free-to-play games on PS5 and Xbox Series consoles right now.
25. skate
PS5 Metascore: TBD
Xbox Series X|S Metascore: TBD
Full Circle’s 2025 revival of skate isn’t exactly a sequel but a soft reboot of the iconic series. While it doesn’t reach the heights of its predecessors, it still offers a fun, free-to-play skating experience, thanks to immersive physics-based gameplay, free-roam exploration in San Vansterdam, and enhanced Flick-It controls.
From performing daredevil stunts on rooftops and skyscrapers to creating your own obstacles with Quick Drop, there’s a lot to like and enjoy in skate. Additionally, playing with friends ensures that the social life in San Vansterdam is always evolving. It’s still in early access, so it has a long way to go, but if you’re looking to perform tricks at no charge, skate has you covered.
24. Palia
PS5 Metascore: TBD
Xbox Series X|S Metascore: 78
Palia, developed by Singularity 6 Corporation, is a blend of life-sim and MMO where you can craft, explore, and create the life and home of your dreams. This 2024 title lets you live out a vibrant fantasy and offers an experience involving exploration, creativity, and community vibes. There’s nothing to “win”, only moments to cherish.
From discovering new secrets, artifacts, and insects, to enjoying minigames and events, to building meaningful relationships with Palia’s Villagers, Palia is the ultimate free-to-play life sim. In addition, Palia receives seasonal content year-round, ensuring there’s always new content to keep you coming back to this colorful experience.
23. Rec Room
PS5 Metascore: TBD
Xbox Series X|S Metascore: TBD
Rec Room is more of a social platform than a game, with millions of player-created rooms to explore and play with friends. The game also allows you to create rooms for you and your friends to chill in. This 2016 title focuses less on competition and more on hanging out, relaxing and getting along with other players in the same room.
Whether you’re playing in VR or on a standard screen, Rec Room is a comforting, cosy free-to-play experience in both versions. Customize your own Rec Room avatars and discover new, challenging games created by other players, or use in-game tools to make the rooms yourself. If you want a break from competitive action, Rec Room is the perfect pick for you.
22. Smite
PS5 Metascore: TBD
Xbox Series X|S Metascore: TBD
Titan Forge Games’ Smite debuted more than a decade ago in 2015, and yet it remains one of the best free-to-play MOBA titles on the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series consoles. Spending thousands of hours would be an understatement, thanks to the content Smite offers and its addictive gameplay loop that keeps the arena battles fresh.
Play as Gods and other mythological deities from different cultures, each with special abilities, in an immersive third-person perspective, breaking away from the mould of top-down MOBAs. Arena mode lets you dive into battles instantly, while ranked matches offer a more cutthroat experience, meaning there’s content for beginners and veterans alike.
21. Call of Duty: Warzone
PS5 Metascore: 79
Xbox Series X|S Metascore: TBD
We’ll be the first to admit that Call of Duty: Warzone has its fair share of flaws, but if you’re looking for a free-to-play first-person experience in iconic Call of Duty arenas, this is the best you’ll get. Developed by Infinity Ward and Raven Software, Call of Duty: Warzone originally launched as Warzone 2.0 in 2022. However, the title was shortened to the former in the same year.
Overall, Warzone is a solid sequel built upon the foundation laid down by its predecessor, and by foundation, we mean the fast-paced battle royale experience in Verdansk and Rebirth Island. Tight gunplay, a constant stream of action and the inclusion of Gulag add extra tension, and it’s the perfect free-to-play game for players into aggressive gameplay.
20. Warframe
PS5 Metascore: 85
Xbox Series X|S Metascore: TBD
Warframe is one of the most unique free-to-play online action games available on the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series consoles right now, and you’d be doing a live disservice not to give this a shot. Released in 2013, Digital Extremes’ cinematic shooter offers a massive story spanning 5 separate expansions and 30+ story-based Quests.
Join the legion of Tenno and customize endlessly to upgrade your own Warframes with the preferred Weapons and Gear, be it with friends or solo. There are over 40 Warframes to earn or unlock, thrilling ship-to-ship battles to engage in your very own customizable spacecraft, and fast-paced ground Missions focused on annihilating hordes of enemies. All of this makes Warframe a truly fantastic F2P game.
19. Overwatch
PS5 Metascore: 76
Xbox Series X|S Metascore: 78
Overwatch (previously Overwatch 2) is one of Blizzard Entertainment’s most popular live service titles. Originally released in 2023, Overwatch is definitely a free-to-play hero shooter worth trying out. With a cast of over 40 colorful heroes possessing game-changing abilities and high-octane PvP modes, it’s one of the better free-to-play games on the platforms right now.
There’s more to this game than its gameplay. Overwatch not only receives monthly updates but also features a narrative with terrific worldbuilding that aids immersion. So, choose your role, whether it’s Damage, Tank or Support, use your Ultimate Abilities, and engage in high-octane FPS combat in 25+ global maps.
18. PUBG: Battlegrounds
PS5 Metascore: TBD
Xbox Series X|S Metascore: TBD
PUBG: Battlegrounds ruled the internet after its release in 2017, especially during the COVID era, and it remains one of the best free-to-play battle royale titles on the PS5 and Xbox Series consoles. PUBG Corporation’s battle royale helped define the genre and offer an addictive experience that’s both realistic and massively enjoyable, especially with friends.
Land into diverse maps with other players as you begin the fight for survival in brutal, cutthroat battles to determine who stays longer inside the Safe Zone. The gameplay loop is addictive, and the consistent content updates to the game keep the experience fresh, so PUBG: Battlegrounds is an easy free-to-play game to sink time into.
17. Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege
PS5 Metascore: TBD
Xbox Series X|S Metascore: TBD
Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege is an easy free-to-play recommendation. Developed by Ubisoft Montreal, this 2015 tactical shooter went free-to-play last year. It’s not entirely free per se, but you get access to the core modes for the game, like Quick Match, Unranked, and Dual Front game modes, with a selection of operators.
Even with the other modes locked behind a paywall, these core modes will have you put hours into this tactical experience at no extra cost. Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege will take some time to learn, given the number of operators with established roles present. But once it clicks, the tension and strategy will make every round feel satisfying and rewarding.
16. Battlefield REDSEC
PS5 Metascore: TBD
Xbox Series X|S Metascore: TBD
Battlefield Studios’ Battlefield REDSEC, which spawned from the universally acclaimed Battlefield 6, is a must-play in the free-to-play category. Deviating from its 2025 parent title, Battlefield REDSEC offers the classic Battlefield experience in a free-to-play Battle Royale package, bringing all-out warfare to a bigger playground.
The signature large-scale chaos rooted in Battlefield’s DNA is amplified by Battle Royale’s intense 100-player survival matches, organized into squads and duos. In addition, competitive modes like Gauntlet and sandbox experiences like Portal push Battlefield to the limit, providing a cinematic, exhilarating free-to-play multiplayer experience.
15. War Thunder
PS5 Metascore: TBD
Xbox Series X|S Metascore: TBD
Join epic battles across land, air, and sea in War Thunder, a free-to-play military game developed by Gaijin Entertainment. With over 2,500 authentic vehicles drawn from real historical designs, this 2014 MMO delivers the ultimate military experience, giving you the option to pilot a fighter jet, command a heavy tank, or fire off torpedoes from a naval ship.
It’s cross-play too, so you’ll be matching with players on other platforms, making the overall experience more chaotic and enjoyable. Whether you’re a veteran or a beginner, dive into PvP experiences, rich PvE content and more, as War Thunder grows bigger with regular updates. If you’re a fan of high-octane, large-scale military battles, War Thunder will hit the right spots.
14. World of Tanks
PS5 Metascore: TBD
Xbox Series X|S Metascore: TBD
One might think World of Tanks is a game about a world overrun by tanks, and they’d be right. It’s a free-to-play tactical action game developed by Wargaming Group Limited in 2011, blending fast-paced combat with thoughtful strategy. It’s not only the dream game for players with a knack for tanks, but it’s also highly addictive for casual players, too.
You get to control a range of armored vehicles, each having distinct roles and playstyles, and engage in a huge variety of content like multiple PvP modes, PvE events, and more. At a price tag of zero, World of Tanks is one of the best free-to-play games you can experience, whether you’re a true tank enthusiast or just in it to enjoy the ride.
13. The Finals
PS5 Metascore: TBD
Xbox Series X|S Metascore: TBD
Embark Studios is no stranger to shooters, and before ARC Raiders, there was The Finals. Released in 2023, The Finals is the world’s first-ever Dyanmism Shooter, offering an intense, fast-paced, physics-driven experience in the world’s greatest free-to-play Gameshow of the future, where you participate as an eager contestant.
The game is all about spectacle, blending real-time destruction physics with massive playgrounds and providing a wide array of weapons, gadgets, and builds to experiment with. It’s a well-crafted first-person tactical shooter with a solid gameplay foundation, and it’s free-to-play, so give it a shot and see if you can reach The Finals.
12. Path of Exile
PS5 Metascore: TBD
Xbox Series X|S Metascore: TBD
Grinding Gear Games’ 2013 free-to-play action RPG Path of Exile is a must-play for fans of the genre. As an Exile, your mission is to survive on the dark continent of Wraeclast, and your fight will lead you towards deadly missions, but also formidable equipment, as character customisation is not only deep but unrestricted.
Choose your Class of choice, combine skills to create builds that suit your playstyle, and embark on a dangerous journey with fellow Exiles to uncover the secrets of Wraeclast and exact revenge. You don’t have to worry about any pay-to-win practices in Path of Exile, as everything is completely free, and your actions and choices determine your adventure.
11. Zenless Zone Zero
PS5 Metascore: 73
Xbox Series X|S Metascore: TBD
No one creates free-to-play action RPGs like miHoYo, and Zenless Zone Zero is yet another example in their impressive catalog. Released in 2024, ZZZ stands out for its smooth hack-and-slash combat, fluid and dynamic animations, stylish presentation, and a stunning anime-inspired aesthetic that gacha fans will appreciate.
An energetic soundtrack, expressive characters and the unique world make Zenless Zone Zero another win in miHoYo’s impressive resume of gacha titles. While style takes the wheel over substance, the narrative spanning across Seasons is quite engaging, and major updates keep things fresh and replayable for players.
10. The Sims 4
PS5 Metascore: TBD
Xbox Series X|S Metascore: TBD
When it comes to free-to-play life simulation titles, The Sims 4 stands tall. Developed by Maxis and released in 2014, the game’s deep customisation options remain undefeated, allowing players to create their own Sims and build their life brick by brick. It encourages players to get creative with the Sims’ lives, giving control over relationships, career and standard of living.
With limitless possibilities and unrestricted ways to manage your virtual life, The Sims 4 is extraordinarily replayable and flexible. Shape unique stories, interact with other Sims to know about their lives, and create your dream virtual homes with the power of your imagination for free with The Sims 4.
9. Fall Guys
PS5 Metacritic Score: TBD
Xbox Series X|S Score: TBD
Unique multiplayer experiences don’t arrive often, but when they do, you get Fall Guys, a 2020 platform battle-royale title from Mediatonic, where 32 Beans (players) compete against each other in obstacle courses. The Last Bean standing wins, and with each round, the game becomes a hilarious and chaotic experience inside the Blunderdome.
Passing all obstacles and remaining on the platform is a competitive race, accompanied by exciting ragdoll physics. With new collaborations, costumes, and obstacles arriving in each update, Mediatonic keeps the Fall Guys gameplay fresh. It’s comedic, entertaining, and a ridiculously enjoyable time, especially with friends.
8. Rocket League
PS5 Metascore: TBD
Xbox Series X|S Metascore: TBD
Vehicular soccer came into the gaming space with Rocket League in 2015, and as a free-to-play title, it remains one of the best. The gameplay is straightforward: hit the ball into your opponent’s goals with your rocket-powered cars to score goals and earn points. With robust customisation and steady seasonal updates, Rocket League is hard to put down.
Psyonix’s free-to-play vehicular soccer game received widespread acclaim from both players and critics, thanks to its unparalleled vehicular mayhem. The mechanics are immensely satisfying, so even if you’re not into soccer, you’ll likely find yourself spending hours mastering the rocket-powered gameplay loop of Rocket League.
7. Destiny 2
PS5 Metascore: TBD
Xbox Series X|S Metascore: TBD
Destiny 2 became free-to-play in 2019, adopting a live-service model instead to dispatch consistent updates. Bungie has since delivered regular expansions, seasonal content updates, reward passes, and quality-of-life changes to preserve the game’s longevity.
While expansions need to be purchased, the core gameplay modes and seasonal content updates remain free for all players. Immerse yourself in a cinematic story or dive into various PvP modes; the choice is yours. However, if you want to expand your Destiny 2 collection and experience the entire story, you’ll have to purchase the expansions.
6. Apex Legends
PS5 Metascore: TBD
Xbox Series X|S Metascore: TBD
Respawn Entertainment’s 2019 hero-shooter Apex Legends delivers an innovative free-to-play battle royale experience with a roster of formidable Legends, each bringing their own unique abilities to master. Fluid movement, satisfying gunplay, and dynamic matches are only a handful of reasons that make Apex Legends special.
Seasonal updates, Legends, weapons, and limited-time modes keep gameplay fresh and make a highly replayable experience. Playing Apex Legends is a no-brainer if you’re looking for competitive and strategic battle-royale titles. It’s time to form your crew and dive into the Apex Games to find your footing.
5. Valorant
PS5 Metascore: TBD
Xbox Series X|S Metascore: TBD
After years of waiting, Valorant was officially ported to PS5 and Xbox Series X|S in 2024. Developed by Riot Games, the FPS tactical hero shooter takes inspiration from multiple FPS titles to create a unique experience that millions of players still enjoy daily. It’s one of the most popular free-to-play FPS games right now.
High-quality visuals, strategic gameplay, iconic Agents, a robust collection of game modes, and competitive matches make Valorant a top-tier F2P package. Valorant is highly active in the esports scene, with tournaments and events taking place regularly. So, if you’re a fan of pouring hours into intense matches, Valorant should be your next download on your preferred console.
4. Genshin Impact
PS5 Metascore: 86
Xbox Series X|S Metascore: TBD
Gacha games aren’t for everyone, but miHoYo’s Genshin Impact has made a significant impact in the free-to-play category, thanks to its colorful visuals, consistent content updates since 2020, a terrific combat system, and an open world full of possibilities.
Genshin Impact is a stunning action RPG that you can invest 100s of hours into without getting bored. For a free-to-play title, the narrative following the Traveler’s journey across the nations of Teyvat in search of their twin sibling is captivating. Pair that with in-depth gameplay mechanics and open-world exploration, and you have an explosive F2P package.
3. Roblox
PS5 Metascore: TBD
Xbox Series X|S Metascore: TBD
Roblox is a platform home to innumerable free-to-play experiences. While it’s not technically a game, the platform offers a multitude of titles across genres, from horror to action to realistic racing games similar to Forza Horizon and Gran Turismo. After it launched in 2006, players wasted no time creating games using the platform’s game creation system.
When you’re searching for free games to play, look no further than Roblox. The best part is that no downloads are required. You can launch the client and start playing anything you want. With millions of players investing hours in Roblox daily, it’s one of the most successful free-to-play titles of all time.
2. Marvel Rivals
PS5 Metascore: 78
Xbox Series X|S Metascore: 75
Marvel Rivals is one of the most exciting free-to-play hero shooters right now, and it keeps getting bigger with each update. Featuring a massive roster of iconic Marvel heroes and villains, including Spider-Man, Venom, Daredevil, Wolverine, Magneto, and more, it’s the quintessential Marvel multiplayer title.
With consistent weekly updates since its launch in 2024, monthly content drops, free rewards, and quality-of-life changes, NetEase has perfected the hero shooter formula with Marvel Rivals, accompanied by a stunning art style. If you’re looking for a free-to-play title that’ll keep you hooked for hours, Marvel Rivals is your next battlefield.
1. Fortnite
PS5 Metascore: TBD
Xbox Series X|S Metascore: TBD
We cannot end the best free-to-play titles list without including Epic Games’ Fortnite. It’s one of, if not the most, popular free-to-play titles of all time. From seasonal updates, new battle passes, collaborations with major IPs, to fantastic gunplay and various game modes, Fortnite has all the right ingredients for an exhilarating multiplayer experience.
It has evolved significantly since 2017, and whether you’re diving into the island solo or with friends, the journey to a Victory Royale will keep your adrenaline pumping and skills sharp. Fortnite is the best free-to-play title to play when you’re looking for some third-person battle Royale action.
Best Free-to-Play Picks by Category
Looking to expand your library on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series consoles with only the best free-to-play titles? Here are some quick picks to get you started:
- Best Open World: Genshin Impact
- Best Shooter: Fortnite
- Best Hero Shooter: Marvel Rivals
- Best Family-Friendly: Fall Guys
- Best Sports: Rocket League
- Best Battle Royale: Apex Legends
- Best Simulator: The Sims 4
| RANKING | GAME |
| 1 | Fortnite |
| 2 | Marvel Rivals |
| 3 | Roblox |
| 4 | Genshin Impact |
| 5 | Valorant |
| 6 | Apex Legends |
| 7 | Destiny 2 |
| 8 | Rocket League |
| 9 | Fall Guys |
| 10 | The Sims 4 |
| 11 | Zenless Zone Zero |
| 12 | Path of Exile |
| 13 | The Finals |
| 14 | World of Tanks |
| 15 | War Thunder |
| 16 | Battlefield REDSEC |
| 17 | Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege |
| 18 | PUBG: Battlegrounds |
| 19 | Overwatch |
| 20 | Warframe |
| 21 | Call of Duty: Warzone |
| 22 | Smite |
| 23 | Rec Room |
| 24 | Palia |
| 25 | skate |
Is every free-to-play game a live service?
Most F2P titles are live-service, as they add consistent updates to the base free game and enforce monetization to sustain it.
How do free-to-play games earn revenue?
Free-to-play titles usually earn revenue through in-app microtransactions, advertisements, and, in some cases, subscriptions (battle passes, etc.).
Can premium games turn free-to-play?
Yes, in rare cases, premium games can turn free-to-play. Taking Destiny 2 as an example, it originally launched as a premium title, but soon turned free-to-play and utilized a live service model.
Do you need PlayStation Plus or Xbox Game Pass subscriptions to play free-to-play games?
No, free-to-play titles do not require PlayStation Plus or Xbox Game Pass subscriptions. You can download them and begin playing immediately at no additional charge.
So, what’s your favorite free-to-play title on PS5 and Xbox Series consoles? Let us know your choices and thoughts on this list in the comment section below.
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