The weekend is finally upon us and, I don’t know about you, but I think it would be the perfect time to get stuck into some free Steam games that could offer you hundreds of hours of gameplay. From hit RPGs to mecha games, MMORPGs, first-person shooters, and everything in between, this list of ten free Steam games is guaranteed to have something for you.
10
Warframe (114 – 1,556 Hours)
Yes, you read that correctly. This story-driven, free-to-play online action game offers over a thousand hours of content for you to enjoy after receiving regular updates since it was first launched back in 2013. Play alone or with friends as you control a member of the Tenno, a caste of ancient warriors who have awoken after spending centuries in suspended animation. Now able to use Warframes, each with their own unique skills and abilities, it will be up to them to go to war with different factions in the Origin System.
Available across all platforms at no extra cost, Warframe may be a time commitment, but it is one that you are not going to want to miss out on.
9
Path of Exile (101 Hours)
Whilst the main story may take around 30 hours to complete, reaching full completion in Path of Exile could take up to 100 hours. Released back in 2013 as a free-to-play game and now available to download on Steam, Path of Exile, and its more recent sequel, Path of Exile 2, are set in a dark fantasy world where the government of the island nation of Oriath exiles people to the continent of Wraeclast. Now, as an exile, you will be able to choose between one of seven classes and fight your way back to Oriath, defeating ancient gods and evils along the way.
8
Guild Wars 2 (315 Hours)
Taking place 250 years after the original Guild Wars, its sequel offers over 300 hours of content, with the main story expected to take an impressive 83 hours just by itself. Now with massive upheavals, cataclysms, and globe-spanning events impacting the world of Tyria, players must navigate a world where human civilization is in decline. However, with dragons now awaking, the power balance has shifted, and you must find where you belong in this ever-changing world. Enjoy the free-to-play game complete with fast-paced action combat, deep character customization, and no subscription fee required.
7
Dota 2 (1,382 Hours)
Also released back in 2013, Dota 2 is a MOBA title from Valve, allowing players to partake in matches between two teams of five players, with each team occupying and defending their own separate base on the map. Compared to the likes of League of Legends, Dota 2 is free to play and, as such, can offer well over thousands of hours of content to enjoy. Despite being well over a decade old, it is still enjoyed to this day, partly due to its large esports community. So, if you are searching for a team-based title to get stuck into, look no further than this classic.
6
Counter-Strike 2 (400 Hours)
It may be a game that everybody and their mother has heard of, but there is no denying that Counter-Strike 2 has stood the test of time. First released back in 2023 as a free-to-play first-person shooter by Valve, it marks the fifth main entry in the Counter-Strike series. Offering up to 400 hours of gameplay, but this can, of course, be endless depending on how much you want to play, Counter-Strike 2 tasks players with going against an opposing team and taking part in various objective-based game modes.
5
Albion Online (33-199 Hours)
Released in 2017 by Sandbox Interactive, Albion Online is a free-to-play medieval fantasy MMORPG set in a world inspired by Arthurian legends. Boasting over five million users across all its servers, Albion Online features “a player-driven economy, classless combat system, and intense PvP battles.” As such, players can expect anything from 33-199 hours worth of gameplay, but as is the case with any sandbox MMORPG, these hours can be endless. “Explore a vast open world full of danger and opportunity. Grow your wealth, forge alliances, and leave your mark on the world of Albion.”
4
War Thunder (774 – 4,627 Hours)
Offering the greatest amount of gameplay on this list so far, War Thunder is a free-to-play, cross-platform MMO military game that, once again, burst onto the scene back in 2013. Damn, that was a good year. Due to its heaps of DLC and expansions, War Thunder truly offers hours and hours of gameplay as players master aviation, armored vehicles, and naval craft, getting to grips with machinery from back in the 20th century, all the way to present day. With battles taking place on land, sea, and air, now is your time to dive into this epic MMO experience.
3
RuneScape (1,352 – 4,899 Hours)
Perhaps the world’s most popular free-to-play MMO, RuneScape has maintained its popularity over the years, and for good reason. With the 2020 version offering upwards of 5000 hours worth of content, this is a game you could spend the rest of your life playing and probably still not catch up. Set in a high fantasy world, players can explore an ever-changing world where new challenges, skills, and quests await at every turn. With the ability to choose how and when you play, RuneScape offers complete player freedom that you can dive into right now.
2
Unturned (22 – 136 Hours)
It may not be as well-known as the other titles on this list, but Unturned deserves its spot. Released back in 2017, the open-world zombie survival sandbox game can offer well over 100 hours of gameplay whether you play solo or with friends. As one of the rare humans still alive in the world, you will have to do what it takes to survive dwindling resources and the ever-hungry undead, as you scavenge for supplies, hunt for food, and build shelter. With no pay-to-win mechanics, you will get a truly unique, and free, experience with Unturned.
1
Team Fortress 2 (596 Hours)
Last, but by no means least, is none other than Team Fortress 2, a hero shooter that just so happens to be one of the world’s most popular online games. With players able to choose between nine distinct classes, gameplay consists of going head-to-head with enemy players across a variety of different game modes and maps. However, with equipment, and hats, to help you along the way, you will soon be able to master your abilities and dominate the battlefield in this multiplayer FPS that is completely free to play.