5 Free PC Games You Need to Play Right Now

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There is no shortage of great PC games you can buy from AAA studios if you can afford them. But some incredible titles are available to play completely free of charge. Gamers should be aware that while some "free" games employ microtransactions to fund "gatcha" or lottery-like gambling or purchase access directly to specific playable characters, skins, and in-game areas, you can enjoy the main story of these titles without paying anything. So, whether you are interested in tactical multiplayer combat, open-world exploration, or high-fantasy adventure, check out these five free PC games for hours and hours of free entertainment. 

Fortnite 

With a player base that includes over 250 million gamers and continues to rise impressively, Fortnite has evolved from a simple PC game into a full-blown cultural phenomenon. With notable players, including famous Twitch streaming stars, pop culture celebrities, and professional athletes, the combination of shooting, construction, and battle royale has exploded in popularity. Regardless of your level of participation, Fortnite is full of player challenges that can be completed for free in-game rewards like cosmetics for characters and weaponry. 

If you are one of the faithful daily players of Fortnite, the Battle Pass system will eventually help you to unlock several tiers of content, including both weapons and attachments, simply by playing the game. Gamers should note that in-game currency is required for Battle Pass access, but you do not necessarily need to spend real-world money to do so. If you are looking for a free PC game that offers thrilling seasonal updates, weekly challenges, and concepts that make it a huge influence on the genre itself, give Fortnite a try. 

Genshin Impact 

If you find yourself looking for a new title to sink your teeth into while you wait and hope for the release of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild 2, there is another PC game that offers a rich and vibrant open world to explore, namely Genshin Impact. Given the sheer size and scope of the fantastical world of Teyvat, it is noteworthy that the digital environment is not only well rendered but also simply gorgeous to behold. Fans of open-world gaming will also delight in the plethora of resources for use in cooking, crafting, and collection to create valuable items and upgrades. 

In addition to the main storyline that can take over 30 hours to complete, Genshin Impact is also full of side activities that reward players who like to travel off the beaten path. These activities include interactive puzzles to solve, uncovering lore about the world of Teyvat and a host of mini-bosses that can be bested via combat or mastering the elemental powers of the nearby environment. While it should be noted that certain areas of the game will remain locked off unless you receive them on a successful gatcha run, most of the open world and the entire main story are available for free. 

Neverwinter 

 A well-known name for any longtime fan of the world-famous roleplaying game D&D 5e (Dungeons and Dragons 5th Edition), the city of Neverwinter in the Forgotten Realms conjures a host of heroes, villains, magic, and political machinations. Designed and run by Cryptic, the acclaimed studio team behind the beloved MMORPG (Massive Multiplayer Online Roleplaying Game) Cities of Heroes, this game features action-oriented combat. You can also explore fantastic locations and treacherous dungeons steeped in the timeless appeal of D&D. For true fans of the extensive novels based on the Forgotten Realms, having the chance to come face to face with legendary heroes like Minsc from the popular Baldur's Gate series and Drizzt Do'Urden is an incredible opportunity, especially at absolutely no cost. 

Warframe 

If you have ever dreamed of being a ninja warrior exploring the depths of outer space, then Warframe is calling your name. Before starting the game, you will have the ability to choose between several customizable "Tenno" or armored ninja suits, as well as an impressive variety of both ranged and melee weaponry. After being awakened after centuries of dormancy, players are thrust into the midst of intergalactic combat against the might of the invading Grineer Empire. This is only the beginning of your tale as you discover a complex trove of game lore and history that provides an impressively fleshed-out backstory and continuing narrative. The popularity of Warframe has led to the game being acquired by noted game company Tencent, although their creative processes remain independent. 

EVE Online 

For any fan of science fiction who wishes that the medium would adhere to a more realistic approach to the subject of space exploration, EVE Online will allow you to live out your dreams. If you want to engage in a lucrative career of asteroid mining, intergalactic shipping, political machinations, and spaceship battles with thousands of ships participating simultaneously, this game will let you do so. Other than not being able to access some specific skills and ship designs once you reach the "endgame" of EVE Online, this game is otherwise completely free to play. You would also be hard pressed to name a game that is more driven by its players than EVE Online, with corporate conglomerates and political factions rising and falling based solely on player activities. You can choose how you navigate the world of the future with incredible freedom; just be prepared for the consequences of your actions. 

Free games have come a long way, and there are some fantastic titles you can play without investing any money. Check out these titles today and enjoy hours and hours of quality gaming for free. 

About Dan VanPatten: Dan is a full-time technology writer with interests in gaming, gadgetry, and all things PC tech related. He writes about a variety of topics including technology news, product reviews, and software. His experience stems from years of experience writing & producing content for technology newsletters & publications.