Are you tired of shelling out money for expensive games? Look no further than the Xbox Series X/S and Xbox One’s free-to-play selection! With a variety of genres and styles, there’s something for everyone. Here are the best free-to-play games as of April 2023.
Overwatch 2 is a team-based shooter game with a focus on competitive play. Players can choose from a variety of heroes with unique abilities to take on their opponents in fast-paced matches.
The Sims 4 allows players to create and control their own characters, building their lives and homes in a virtual world. With a plethora of customization options, this game offers endless possibilities.
MultiVersus is a fighting game featuring popular characters from different franchises, such as Batman and Steven Universe. The game offers a variety of modes, including solo play and online multiplayer.
Rumbleverse is a colorful, cartoon-style game where players can create their own characters and battle against others in a variety of game modes.
Destiny 2 is a sci-fi shooter game where players can choose from a variety of classes and embark on epic adventures. The game features a strong focus on cooperative play and offers regular content updates.
Paladins is a team-based shooter that features a diverse roster of champions with unique abilities and playstyles. The game offers a range of game modes, including capture the flag, siege, and deathmatch. You can play Paladins for free on Xbox Series X/S and Xbox One with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate.
KartRider: Drift is an upcoming racing game developed by Nexon. It features fast-paced gameplay and unique tracks, with various modes such as item races and time attacks.
Smite is a multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) game where players control gods, goddesses, and other mythical figures in intense combat. The game offers a wide range of gods with unique abilities and playstyles, allowing for endless possibilities in gameplay.
Halo Infinite (Multiplayer)
Release Date: December 8, 2021
Genre: First-Person Shooter
Halo Infinite’s multiplayer mode is free to play and offers thrilling battles with iconic weapons and vehicles in classic Halo style. The game features a battle pass system with a range of cosmetics, challenges, and rewards to unlock.
Roblox is a unique platform where players can create their own games and experiences using the Roblox Studio. With a vast library of user-generated games, Roblox offers endless possibilities for players to explore and create.
Fall Guys is a multiplayer party game where players compete in a series of wacky obstacle courses to be the last one standing. With a colorful and cartoonish aesthetic, the game offers a fun and chaotic experience for players.
Phantasy Star Online 2: New Genesis
Release Date: June 9, 2021
Genre: MMORPG
Phantasy Star Online 2: New Genesis is a free-to-play MMORPG with stunning graphics and fast-paced action. The game offers a vast open world to explore and a deep character customization system, making it a must-play for RPG fans.
Crossout is a post-apocalyptic vehicular combat game where players can build and customize their own vehicles to battle it out in intense matches. The game offers a range of parts and accessories to customize your vehicles, allowing for endless possibilities in gameplay.
Killer Instinct is a classic fighting game franchise that has been updated for modern consoles. The game offers a range of characters with unique moves and playstyles, allowing for endless possibilities in combat.
Brawlhalla is a fast-paced fighting game where players battle it out on various maps using a range of weapons and gadgets. With a variety of characters to choose from and different game modes to play, Brawlhalla offers endless fun for players.
Vigor is a free-to-play online multiplayer shooter set in a post-apocalyptic Norway. Players must scavenge for supplies, build shelters, and face off against other players in a bid for survival.
PUBG: Battlegrounds
Release Date: December 12, 2017
Genre: Battle Royale
Xbox Game Link: Pubg Battlegrounds
PUBG: Battlegrounds is a battle royale game that has taken the gaming world by storm. Players parachute onto an island and must scavenge for weapons and supplies while trying to be the last person or team standing.
Trove is a free-to-play MMORPG that combines elements of Minecraft and World of Warcraft. Players can explore an open-world, build structures, and battle enemies in a variety of different biomes.
Rogue Company is a free-to-play third-person shooter that focuses on teamwork and strategy. Players must work together to complete objectives and defeat the enemy team.
Gundam Evolution is a free-to-play online multiplayer shooter based on the popular Gundam franchise. Players can customize their mobile suits and battle against other players in a variety of different game modes.
Crackdown is a free-to-play action game that lets players take on the role of a super-powered agent tasked with cleaning up a city overrun by criminals.
Phantom Dust is a free-to-play card game that combines elements of strategy and action. Players can customize their decks and battle against other players in a variety of different game modes.
Warframe is a popular free-to-play action RPG that has been around since 2013. Players take on the role of a Tenno, a race of ancient warriors who have awoken from cryosleep to battle against the Grineer, Corpus, and other enemies across the solar system. With a focus on co-op play, Warframe offers a wide variety of customization options and mission types for players to enjoy.
Call Of Duty: Warzone 2.0
Release Date: March 10, 2020
Genre: Battle Royale/Shooter
Xbox Game Link: Call Of Duty: Warzone 2.0 on Xbox
Dauntless is a free-to-play action RPG that takes place in a world of floating islands and giant monsters called Behemoths. Players take on the role of a Slayer, tasked with hunting down and defeating these monsters with a variety of weapons and equipment. With cross-platform play and frequent updates, Dauntless is a great game for fans of action RPGs.
Super Animal Royale
Release Date: December 12, 2018
Genre: Battle Royale/Shooter
Xbox Game Link: Super Animal Royale on Xbox
Super Animal Royale is a free-to-play 2D battle royale game that takes place on an island filled with cute and deadly animals. Players choose from a variety of animal characters and weapons as they battle it out to be the last animal standing. With colorful graphics and fun gameplay, Super Animal Royale is a unique take on the battle royale genre.
The Pinball Arcade
Release Date: April 4, 2012
Genre: Pinball
Xbox Game Link: The Pinball Arcade on Xbox
The Pinball Arcade is a free-to-play game that allows players to enjoy classic pinball tables from the past. With realistic physics and authentic sound effects, The Pinball Arcade is a great game for pinball enthusiasts.
Apex Legends
Release Date: February 4, 2019
Genre: Battle Royale/Shooter
Xbox Game Link: Apex Legends on Xbox
Apex Legends is a free-to-play battle royale game that takes place in the Titanfall universe. Players choose from a variety of characters with unique abilities and work together with their team to be the last squad standing. With frequent updates and events, Apex Legends is a great game for fans of the battle royale genre.
Fortnite is a popular battle royale game developed by Epic Games. Players parachute onto an island and battle each other until there is only one survivor left. The game also features a creative mode where players can build structures and create their own mini-games. Fortnite has a unique art style and a fun, cartoonish atmosphere that appeals to players of all ages.
War Thunder
Release date: August 15, 2013
Genre: MMO, Vehicle Combat
Link to game on Xbox Store: War Thunder on xbox
War Thunder is a massively multiplayer online game that focuses on vehicle combat. Players can pilot tanks, planes, and ships from various countries and engage in battles with other players. The game has realistic graphics and physics, and requires strategic thinking and teamwork to succeed.
Free-To-Play Episodes
Games (Inc. Xbox Store Link) | Release Date (First Episode) | Genre | Native Xbox Series X/S Version |
|---|---|---|---|
March 13, 2018 | Adventure RPG | No | |
July 29, 2015 | Adventure | No | |
January 30, 2015 | Graphic Adventure | No | |
September 26, 2018 | Graphic Adventure | No | |
February 24, 2015 | Horror | No | |
December 20, 2016 | Graphic Adventure | No |
Now, this section is dedicated to a different breed of free-to-play Xbox games, specifically titles that only give players a sample of the overall experience. These projects divided their content into episodes that were released over a few months rather than all at once. Consequently, publishers made the first episode free in order to entice people to pick up the rest of the season.
Typically, each chapter/release includes roughly two hours of content, which should be more than enough time for someone to determine whether they are invested enough in the story and characters to drop some cash. These freebies are definitely worth checking out before buying the whole season, and when all these episodes are taken together, they should eat up a sizable amount of time.
Asphalt 9: Legends
Release date: July 25, 2018
Genre: Racing
Link to game on Xbox Store: Asphalt 9 legends
Asphalt 9: Legends is a racing game developed by Gameloft. Players can race against each other in various tracks and cars. The game features realistic graphics and physics, and a variety of customization options to make each car unique. Asphalt 9: Legends is one of the best racing games available on Xbox, and the fact that it’s free to play is a major plus.
Path Of Exile
Release date: October 23, 2013
Genre: Action RPG
Link to game on Xbox Store: Path of Exile
Path Of Exile is an action RPG developed by Grinding Gear Games. Players can choose from several classes and embark on a journey to explore a dark and dangerous world. The game features deep character customization and a complex skill tree, which allows players to create unique builds. Path Of Exile is a must-play for any RPG fan.
Rocket League
Release date: July 7, 2015
Genre: Sports, Racing
Link to game on Xbox Store: Rocket League
Rocket League is a high-octane game that combines soccer and car racing. Players control rocket-powered cars and try to score goals in a large arena. The game requires precision and quick reflexes, and offers a unique gameplay experience. Rocket League is a perfect example of how a simple idea can turn into an addictive and fun game.
