Let’s be honest, gaming is just too expensive. We were already frustrated with the $70 price tag for AAA titles, and then Nintendo came along and casually pushed that up to $80 like it was no big deal. If you’re someone who’s hoping that this trend is about to stop, then think again because word on the street is that even GTA 6 might launch at $80 or higher. At this point, our only hope to play such games is to pray to Lord Gaben for those Steam sales.
But if you’re someone who feels like these new-generation games simply aren’t worth that kind of money, even on discounts, then you’re in luck. Lord Gaben’s Steam is loaded with some insanely good free-to-play games that won’t cost you a single dime. We’ve spent quite a lot of time playing each of them, and trust us, they’re packed with so much content to keep you hooked for hundreds of hours. So, for those who don’t want to burn a hole in their pocket, here are 10 of the best free-to-play games on Steam you must try in August 2025.
10. Shadowverse: Worlds Beyond
Shadowverse: Worlds Beyond. (Image via Cygames)
Let’s start off this list with a game that’s making waves on Steam in the last couple of weeks: Shadowverse: Worlds Beyond. What’s this about? Well, it’s a strategy-based card battler based on the original Shadowverse CCG.
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It’s all about strategic card battles, and those stunning animations and effects. Although the Steam reviews aren’t the best for this game, the gameplay loop is solid. With a couple of updates, this title has all the potential to be the ultimate card battler.
9. Umamusume: Pretty Derby
Umamusume: Pretty Derby. (Image via Cygames)
Of course, this list wouldn’t be complete without Umamsume: Pretty Derby. This gacha game has completely taken over the internet with countless TikTok edits to fan arts on X and Reddit. The hype makes sense, though, as the core gameplay is unique. You train these “Umamsume“ or horse girls, and lead them to wins. The races are quite intense, and all the tracks are based on real-world ones. Even the characters are named after actual racehorses. It’s the game to try right now, and with our guides, you’ll be winning in no time.
8. Warframe
Warframe. (Image via Digital Extremes)
It’s wild to think that Warframe has been around for over a decade, and it’s still going strong. Keep in mind, we’re living in an era where gaming studios drop support for titles after a year or two, but that’s not Digital Extreme as it keeps adding new content, and overhauls to Warframe. This free-to-play RPG shooter still delivers with its fast-paced missions, PvE, PvP, and tons of unique gameplay systems. The monteization isn’t this title isn’t diabolic either as you can earn more things by grinding.
7. Delta Force
Delta Force. (Image via Steam)
Are you tired of paying every year for Activision’s copy-paste formula for Call of Duty or watching EA fumble the bag with Battlefield every time? Well, we have another alternative for you called Delta Force.
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This is a tactical shooter that brings something fresh to the table. It’s squad-based with multiple game modes, and even includes a full remake of the Black Hawk Down campaign. The visuals are stunning too, and it’s challenging enough to keep you on the edge. If there’s one thing we wish to see in this game, it’s a better anti-cheat system.
6. War Thunder
War Thunder. (Image via Gaiijin Entertainment)
Want some MMO action? We’ll recommend checking out War Thunder on Steam. It’s free to play a military combat game where you control everything from tanks to battleships and advanced warfare units. You’ll be taking the fight across air, sea, and land against thousands of other players. Once you start playing, you’ll find yourself grinding for hours just to unlock that one vehicle, and flex it on the battlefield. Who doesn’t love that, really? We need to give it to Gaijin Entertainment for those consistent updates.
5. Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege X
Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege X. (Image via Ubisoft)
Don’t click off this list just because you saw a Ubisoft game. Sure, the French publisher has made some questionable decisions and games, but we can’t deny the fact that Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege X is actually great. The core 5v5 tactical FPS gameplay that made Rainbow Six Siege is still here, but the Siege X update takes things up a new level. We have new visuals and audio upgrades, a game mode, and various other tweaks. The game is now free to play, so it’s the perfect time to jump in.
4. Marvel Rivals
Marvel Rivals. (Image via NetEase Games)
The hype for Marvel Rivals isn’t the same since its debut last year, but it doesn’t change the fact that it’s still the best hero shooter you can jump into right now. You get to choose from an incredible roster of Marvel heroes and villains, and team-up abilities to wreck the battlefield with destructible environments.
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NetEase Games has done a great job with the updates, too. However, we really believe that the matchmaking needs some serious changes, as it’s either stomp or get stomped. Hopefully, it gets fixed soon.
3. Apex Legends
Apex Legends. (Image via EA)
If you enjoy Fortnite‘s battle royale action and the hero abilities of Overwatch, Apex Legends is the game for you to pick up. This free-to-play battle royale drops you in teams of three, with each Legend offering mind-boggling abilities. The learning curve might traumatize you a bit, but once you get through it, the action becomes intense, and every match will feel different. It’s hard to believe that something this great came from EA.
2. PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS
PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS (PUBG Corporation)
Fortnite might be the top choice in the battle royale scene, but PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS still rules, especially on Steam. It has had its fair share of ups and downs, but the game delivers one of the most authentic battle royale experiences out there. The gunplay is realistic and rewarding, and the recent updates have made the visuals even more impressive. There’s nothing better than being in the final circle to earn that “Winner Winner Chicken Dinner”.
1. Counter-Strike 2
Counter-Strike 2. (Image via Valve)
And finally, we have Lord Gaben’s favorite child, Counter-Strike 2. It’s a series that’s been going on for two decades now, and still continues to shock players with its first-person shooter tactical gameplay.
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We have two teams, the Terrorists and Counter-Terrorists, who go head to head in objective-based matches that need strategy and aim. While CS: GO fans might criticize this entry for dropping Operations and various game modes such as Danger Zone, there’s no denying that it’s the most polished and advanced Counter-Strike experience to date.
With that said, what’s your favorite free-to-play game on Steam? Let us know in the comments below.
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