16 Free-to-Play Games for Gamers on a Budget

Hey there! With the Steam Summer Sale going on, it’s essential to remember that not everyone can afford to buy new games. That’s why Steam offers a Free-to-Play section for those who still want to game but can’t afford it. However, navigating the Free-to-Play games section can be challenging, as it’s hard to distinguish between good games, questionable ones, and those that make you wonder why Steam even allows them on the platform. I’ve spent a lot of time in the Free-to-Play section on Steam, and I’ve come across some great games that are free to play, making them perfect for budget-conscious gamers. I’ve put together a list of these games, ranging from the oldest free-to-play games to the newest ones. Please note that this isn’t a ranked list, but rather a selection of games you might want to try out. So, get ready for a gaming extravaganza without breaking the bank, and check out these 16 awesome free-to-play games!

“Get Off My Lawn” is an incredibly enjoyable and whimsical indie game that offers a delightful experience for players. In the game, you assume the role of Murray, a spirited elderly gentleman on a mission to protect his cherished lawn from pesky alien invaders using a trusty musket. The gameplay provides a thrilling arcade shooting experience with an array of power-ups that can augment your arsenal. Its accessibility makes it ideal for casual gamers who just want to jump in and have fun. The endearing concept of a grumpy senior citizen battling aliens adds a unique and charming touch to the game. However, some may feel that the gameplay becomes somewhat repetitive over time, and seasoned gamers might find it lacking in terms of challenge. Nevertheless, if you’re in search of a delightful and approachable shoot-em-up game with an original twist, “Get Off My Lawn” is definitely worth exploring!

“Princess Remedy in a World of Hurt” is an awesome, free indie RPG with a cool twist. Instead of playing as a typical sword-wielding warrior, you get to be Princess Remedy, a healer who fights enemies using her medical bag. It’s a fun side-scrolling adventure where you can explore a quirky world, help injured creatures (even monsters!), and level up your healing abilities.

The game has a really unique concept, allowing you to be a healing hero instead of the usual fighter, and it’s a refreshing change from the typical RPG combat. “Princess Remedy” also has charming visuals, a fantastic soundtrack, and retro-style graphics, with quirky characters that add to its fun and light-hearted tone. Best of all, the game is free to play and can be completed in one sitting. It has simple controls, which might be perfect for some players but may be seen as too basic for others.

Overall, “Princess Remedy in a World of Hurt” offers a charming and unique RPG experience, perfect for a quick, light-hearted adventure. Just keep in mind that if you’re looking for a deep narrative or complex character development, you might want to look for a different game.

Relic Hunters Zero: Remix is a free, action-packed twin-stick shooter with roguelike elements. You get to play as one of these quirky “Relic Hunters,” shooting your way through randomly generated dungeons to gather ancient relics. It’s super fast-paced and exciting, with loads of loot and upgrades to keep you hooked. Each hunter has their own unique abilities, so you can mix up your playstyle. The game offers different modes like a classic campaign, endless runs with increasing difficulty, and daily challenges for replay value.

However, some folks might find the dungeons getting a bit repetitive after a while. Also, the main story can be finished quickly in a single playthrough. I’d also like to point out as a heads-up – this game can be pretty tough, especially for newbies to the roguelike genre.

Overall, Relic Hunters Zero: Remix is a blast to play and it’s free, which is awesome. But if you’re after a deep story or sprawling environments, you might want to look elsewhere.

Shooty Skies is a super fun arcade shooter game with a retro art style. You control a quirky character through the skies, dodging enemy fire and using all kinds of crazy weapons. The controls are easy to pick up, so it’s great for casual gamers. It’s all about fast-paced action and there are tons of unique characters and wacky weapons to unlock and play around with. Plus, you can even play offline, which is super convenient for gaming on the go.

On the downside, the gameplay can get a bit repetitive after a while and there’s not much of a story or strategy involved – it’s all about good old arcade-style fun. Although you can play for free, the game does push you to make purchases to unlock stuff faster. But hey, you can still have a blast without spending a dime.

Overall, if you’re into quick and lighthearted action, Shooty Skies is a great choice. But if you’re after something more deep and challenging, you might want to look elsewhere. For casual gamers who dig zany characters and non-stop shooting, Shooty Skies serves up a seriously fun experience.

“Red Planet Farming” lets you run your own colony on Mars, growing food and managing greenhouses. You’ll need to research new agricultural technologies and make sure you use your resources wisely to succeed. The game offers a chill and relaxed experience, perfect for unwinding after a long day. It’s worth noting that “Red Planet Farming” is all about farming on Mars and doesn’t include other colony management aspects. Some players might find the resource management and crop mechanics a bit simple, but if you’re into strategy games with a laid-back vibe, this one’s for you.

Soda Dungeon 2 is a super fun RPG that accommodates different play styles. Whether you lead a bunch of quirky heroes, including soda cans, on exciting dungeon adventures actively or prefer to see progress even when not playing, this game is perfect for you. You can earn resources and level up your heroes even when you’re away, making it ideal for quick gaming sessions or multitasking. You recruit unique soda heroes, unlock new equipment, and upgrade their skills to build the ultimate dungeon-delving team. The game has a lighthearted story and quirky characters, making it a relaxing and adaptable experience.

However, for some players, the main gameplay of sending your team on runs and managing resources may become repetitive. Although battles are not overly complex and offer auto-play, there are times when you want more control. Additionally, while the game is free to play, it does offer in-app purchases to speed up progress, which could be tempting for some players.

Overall, Soda Dungeon 2 is fantastic for fans of casual games and those who want a laid-back RPG experience. You should explore other games if you’re seeking intense battles or a deep storyline.

Summerland is an amazing first-person narrative game that follows the story of a detective named Matthew. The game delves into deep themes such as morality and the afterlife as Matthew reflects on his past experiences and faces tough questions about his morals. It’s really thought-provoking and interesting. The game’s story is captivating as it explores morality and the afterlife. It really makes you reflect on your choices, and for a free game, the dialogue is impressively well-written. The gameplay experience is short; it only took me two and a half hours to complete, but those hours were truly fantastic. It’s a shame that the developer decided to take a break from the game, as it promises to be an exciting and thought-provoking experience. Hopefully, they will return to it someday and continue developing it. Overall, if you’re a fan of story-rich walking simulators, I wholeheartedly recommend checking out Summerland.

Super Raft Boat Classic throws you into a post-apocalyptic ocean adventure where you fight for survival on a rickety raft. You’ll blast sea monsters, scavenge for resources, and expand your watery vessel while aiming to reach the mysterious Final Island. This free-to-play indie title offers a unique blend of action and resource management. The combination of raft-building, monster-blasting action, and exploration creates a fresh take on the survival genre. The constant threat of hungry sea creatures and the need to manage your raft keep the gameplay exciting.

Although the game is fun, the unforgiving nature of the game can lead to quick deaths, especially for new players. Also, there might need to be more variety in enemies, resources, or environments to hold your attention for a long time.

Overall, Super Raft Boat Classic offers a fun and frantic free-to-play experience for those who enjoy a good survival challenge. However, the punishing difficulty and limited content might appeal to only some.

Get ready to dive into the exciting world of Ruka! Join the adventures of a brave and slightly clumsy girl as she sets out to find her grandfather in this awesome cartoon puzzle game. You’ll explore his mysterious manor, outsmart monsters, maneuver boxes, and solve a wide variety of mind-bending puzzles along the way. Drawing inspiration from the popular game Helltaker, Ruka promises an exhilarating experience for fans of the genre. With captivating artwork and puzzles of varying difficulty, this game keeps you engaged and guessing at every turn. Whether you’re a puzzle enthusiast or just love a good challenge, Ruka is the ultimate gaming adventure for you!

Beecarbonize is an environmental card strategy game with climate change as your opponent. The game consists of four placements for cards, and the main objective of this game is to make sure that the emissions that are produced don’t overrun the game. The game does offer six different ways to win and has a ton of achievements if you are an achievement hunter. I occasionally return to this game to see if I can get all six wins. However, once you’ve gotten the six wins, you can’t do much more with the game. However, if you want a chill card game, give Beecarbonzie a go; you will not be disappointed.

If you are looking for a game that provides a challenge, then I have the game for you! Moonring is a dark fantasy, turn-based, retro-fusion of classic turn-based RPGs and roguelikes. It was created by someone who loved RPGs from the early 1980s.

The game has a unique neon aesthetic and a large, hand-designed open world. It also features over 100 enemy types and 35 unique gifts from the Gods. Again, this one is a little on the difficult side, so it may be too difficult for some players. In addition to the difficulty, the regenerated dungeons may feel repetitive to some.

Overall, Moonring is a promising RPG for fans of the genre. The unique neon aesthetic and large open world will appeal to some players, while the regenerated dungeons and over 100 enemy types will challenge others.

Sky: Children of the Light is a peaceful, award-winning MMO from the creators of Journey. Explore a beautifully animated kingdom across seven realms and create enriching memories with other players in this delightful puzzle-adventure game.

The game has stunning visuals and a calming soundtrack, making it a great way to unwind. The game offers unique social gameplay as you
can’t directly talk, but you can express yourself through emotes and music, fostering a friendly and positive online community. Meanwhile, the world has many secrets to uncover and areas to explore, with a gentle pace encouraging you to take it all in.

However, while exploration is a core element, the overall objectives can feel vague for some players. Then, collecting resources like candles to buy cosmetics can become tedious, especially for some items. Although the game is free, some of the most desirable cosmetics are locked behind in-app purchases.

Overall, Sky: Children of the Light offers a serene and visually captivating world to explore with a friendly online community. However, the lack of clear goals and potential grind for cosmetics might appeal to some.

If you’re seeking a fresh experience akin to Vampire Survivors, The Braves is a game that will pique your interest. The Braves is an action roguelike game with RPG elements. In The Braves, you’ll relish demolishing hordes of enemies, unlocking a diverse array of characters, discovering powerful skill combinations, and embarking on an exhilarating journey through various distinct worlds in this charming yet unforgiving roguelike game! The thrill of unlocking more characters for the game adds a delightful element of surprise. With a total of 27 characters, you’ll start off with four to begin with.

The downside is that although it is a free-to-play game, it does have gacha elements. You can purchase more prisms to unlock characters, but you can also earn them. It does take a while to grind them, though. Also, some people may find the game challenging and unforgiven.

Despite these potential drawbacks, The Braves is a solid alternative to Vampire Survivors. If you’re not keen on spending money on Vampire Survivors, I highly recommend giving The Braves a try.

In The WereCleaner, you play Kyle, a Janitor who is also a Werewolf. And now he’s got the night shift. Try not to kill anyone while working to get your paycheck – in a stealth-comedy game with surprises around every corner.

Although The WereCleaner is a lot of fun. You start the game as Human Kyle so that you can learn how to control the game. Then, when you get home, you get a message saying that all employees must work the night shift, which isn’t ideal for Kyle as he is also a werewolf. To top it off, his buddy Darryl, the security guard, is on edge and wants to capture the creature going around the office. The game’s controls are excellent, and I rather enjoyed this game and the art style.

The only sad thing about The WereCleaner is that you can play for up to seven days, making this one a short game. Although there are multiple ways to play the game besides doing a one-and-done, the game does offer achievements if you enjoy collecting them.

Overall, The WereCleaner is a really great game, and I highly recommend it. Especially with Spoopy Season coming soon, if you don’t like to play horror per se, then this would be a nice alternative to add to your list.

If you like card games and games in which you must serve dishes to customers, look no further than Cookard. Cookard is a cooking game in which you run a restaurant by stacking cards. You drag and drop ingredient cards onto utensil cards to prepare dishes.

As the game progresses, more cards are added to the fray. You start with a store that allows you to use coins to purchase ingredients and then a trade store that enables you to get cards by trading in things. Also, the game has a great soundtrack and is a game you can get lost in for hours.

The game’s difficulty increases as you go, and you can zoom the game’s play area in and out so that you have more space to organize your play area. The game offers the option to pause, so if you really want a casual play, you can pause and get all your cards together, then unpause. However, you don’t have to pause the game if you want more of a challenge.

Overall, Cookard is a fantastic free-to-play game, and I highly recommend playing it if you are looking for something to chill and vibe to.

When I was younger, I remember going to the doctor’s office and looking at the Highlights Magazine. I couldn’t wait to see what the next hidden-object puzzle was. Now you get to relieve that with Cats & Seek: Kyoto. Cats & Seek is the third installment in the Cats & Seek series, the first being Cats & Seek: Osaka and the demo for Cats Around Us Giant Cat as the second game. The game is a hidden object where you must find all the cats in a picture. This time, this takes you to Kyoto.

I really like how you can adjust how the game itself looks, from the background to even the colors that the cats turn into when you find them. This makes it accessible for those who have issues with processing colors. You can also use the mouse to zoom in and out to see the picture. The game also offers a speedrun mode if you’re interested in seeing how fast you can find the cats.

One of the downfalls of Cats & Seek: Kyoto is that it can be short for some. In fact, it took me about 15 minutes to find all the cats. The game does offer DLC that you can purchase and features some Easter eggs. However, if you’re looking for a quick game to play, then I do recommend it. Now again, it took me 15 minutes, but it could take others a longer time. Again, it’s just all about how you play.

Overall, if you like hidden object games, I recommend trying Cats & Seek: Kyoto.

There you have it! There are 16 Free-to-Play Games for Gamers on a Budget. The one thing I enjoy about free-to-play games is that they allow money-conscious gamers to still enjoy their pastime without breaking the bank. So whether you like Rogue-likes, Cozy games, or RPGs, this list includes something for everyone. I hope you can enjoy these free-to-play games, just as I have.