One of the coolest things about video games is the sheer variety out there. No matter what you’re into, there’s almost always something that fits your taste. That said, many of the biggest titles—the ones trending online or dominating the charts—come with a price tag. And when you’re not sure if a particular genre or series is for you, dropping money on it can feel like a gamble.
Luckily, there are plenty of free games that capture the spirit of popular paid titles. Whether you’re testing the waters or just trying to save some cash, these alternatives can help you scratch the same itch without spending a dime.
1
Disney Speedstorm (Mario Kart)
With Mario Kart World launching at $80, Kart racing fans are understandably looking for cheaper alternatives. One option that’s completely free is Disney Speedstorm.
Disney Speedstorm is essentially Mario Kart with Disney and Pixar characters instead of Nintendo ones. Unlike Mario Kart, it offers full crossplay and cross-progression across PC, consoles, and mobile, making it far more accessible. The developers are also actively supporting the games-as-a-service title with new characters and tracks on a regular basis.
You’ll drift, boost, and power-up your way through tracks inspired by iconic Disney and Pixar settings, in an arcade-style racer clearly modeled after Nintendo’s beloved formula.
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2
LET IT DIE (Elden Ring)
Elden Ring is a serious commitment, not just because of its premium price tag, but because it’s a successor to Demon’s Souls and the Dark Souls series, which pioneered the notoriously difficult Soulslike subgenre. As popular as these games are, they’re not for everyone, so spending money on one without knowing if you’ll enjoy it can be risky.
Conveniently, there’s LET IT DIE. Like Elden Ring, it’s a grueling action game where progress and boss fights demand patience, precision, and pattern recognition. You’ll die (a lot), but each hard-earned victory feels incredibly rewarding. While its post-apocalyptic Japan setting and bizarre tone are a far cry from the dark fantasy of Elden Ring, the core gameplay loop offers a similar challenge. If you’re new to Soulslikes, LET IT DIE is a great—and free—way to find out if the genre clicks for you.
3
Goose Goose Duck (Among Us)
The cheapest paid game on this list, Among Us only costs a few bucks. But if you’re looking for something different—but basically the same—that won’t cost you anything, I present Goose Goose Duck.
As far as lookalikes go, you couldn’t get much closer to Among Us if you tried. Goose Goose Duck is basically Among Us with geese and ducks. As a goose, you complete tasks and keep an eye out for bodies. As a duck, your goal is to sabotage and eliminate the geese without getting caught. The game also packs in some nice features like proximity voice chat, cross-platform play, custom roles, cosmetics, and more.
If you like Among Us, you’ll no doubt have fun with Goose Goose Duck too.
4
Dark and Darker (Escape from Tarkov)
Escape from Tarkov is another example of a game that helped put its subgenre on the map, in this case, extraction shooters. Now, extraction games are everywhere, with even more on the horizon, like Bungie’s upcoming Marathon.
That said, extraction games are pretty hardcore. If you die or fail to get out in time, you lose almost everything you brought with you. With that kind of risk, it’s smart to figure out whether you have the stomach for it before committing to a purchase like Escape from Tarkov.
An excellent free-to-play option that can give you a feel for the genre is Dark and Darker. Hear me out: on the surface, these games couldn’t look more different. Tarkov is a gritty, realistic military shooter. Dark and Darker is a fantasy dungeon crawler where you wield swords and cast spells.
But the gameplay loop is nearly identical. You spawn in with whatever gear you bring, face off against enemy players and PvE mobs, collect loot, and try to extract before you’re killed. If you survive, you get to keep the loot and use it, sell it, or bring it on your next run.
Dark and Darker’s unique twist on the subgenre makes it worth checking out—whether you’ve played Tarkov or not.
5
Path of Exile (Diablo)
Diablo has long reigned as the king of action RPGs, but Path of Exile gives it a real run for its money. Both games have their own signature traits, but it’s evident they’re cut from the same cloth: you can tell just by looking at the UI.
In each game, you choose a class, level up your character, unlock new skills, and slay hordes of enemies in pursuit of better loot. While Path of Exile 2 comes with a price tag during Early Access, the original Path of Exile is free to play.
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6
Brawlhalla (Super Smash Bros.)
Super Smash Bros. has defined the platform fighter subgenre since its debut in 1999, becoming the best-selling crossover video game series of all time. But despite its legacy, accessibility is a notable issue. Most entries are tied to older Nintendo consoles, and aside from Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, which is exclusive to the Switch, the games can be hard to find or play without jumping through hoops. Even Ultimate is no longer being updated regularly.
Brawlhalla, on the other hand, is a free-to-play alternative available on all major platforms—and it supports full crossplay. It receives routine updates, including balance patches, limited-time events, and fresh content. Like Smash, it features a colorful cast of fighters, many of whom are reimagined through crossover skins. You can battle as Finn from Adventure Time, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, WWE stars like The Rock and John Cena, Master Chief, SpongeBob, Darth Vader, and many more.
With over 125 million players and counting, Brawlhalla isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. It’s a true Smash-like experience without the price tag.
7
Delta Force (Battlefield)
Delta Force is a free-to-play, modern team-based tactical shooter with several distinct game modes, one of which features large-scale 32v32 battles with land, sea, and air vehicles, along with destructible environments. Sound familiar?
There’s also an extraction mode if you want something more in line with Escape from Tarkov, but as far as Battlefield alternatives go, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a free option that captures the same scale and depth as Delta Force.
8
Palia (Stardew Valley)
ConcernedApe’s Stardew Valley is relatively affordable, but if you’re looking for a free-to-play alternative with a similar vibe, Palia is a great pick.
While Stardew Valley is often labeled a farming sim, it’s more accurately a life sim, just like Palia. Farming is an option in both games, but it’s not mandatory. Whether you’re into questing, fishing, crafting, decorating your home, uncovering secrets, attending events, or building relationships with NPCs, Palia—like Stardew Valley—offers a breadth of activities to suit your playstyle. Plus, it supports multiplayer, so you can enjoy the experience with friends.
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9
Rogue Worlds (Hollow Knight)
Rogue Worlds is a free roguelike platformer with Metroidvania elements. While Spelunky and Vagante might be closer one-to-one comparisons, it also draws clear inspiration from games like Dead Cells and Hollow Knight. It’s a challenging experience—much like a Soulslike—you’ll fail more times than you can count. But the game plays fair, and each attempt brings you one step closer to success.
The worlds are procedurally generated with secrets hidden throughout, making every run unique. You’ll have access to a variety of combat options and playstyles, and most obstacles have more than one creative solution.
If you find yourself hooked, good news: Rogue Worlds is a free lite edition of Aura of Worlds, so there’s even more content to explore if you’re up for it.
Instead of spending $70 (or more) on the latest EA Sports FC (formerly FIFA) every year, you might want to give eFootball a try. It’s a free-to-play soccer sim featuring many of the world’s top players and clubs, along with multiple game modes.
The game receives regular updates, including annual content refreshes tied to each new season. And for the price of zero dollars, eFootball is an easy recommendation for anyone on the hunt for digital soccer that won’t break the bank.