Steam is well known for having one of the broadest libraries of all PC gaming platforms. There are classic RPGs, funny co-op games, and more shooters than any player could hope to finish in a lifetime, with many of the best being 100% free to play for anyone.
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FPS games have always been a dominant force in the gaming landscape, and part of the reason for that is due to a select few free titles that have continued to draw in new players over the years. From tactical masterpieces to chaotic team-based experiences, there are more than a few great first-person shooters out there that can be enjoyed endlessly, without ever spending a single penny.
Overwatch 2
The Perfect Hero Shooter
Overwatch 2
- Released
- August 10, 2023
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- T For Teen // Blood, Mild Language, Use of Tobacco, Violence
- Developer(s)
- Blizzard
- Genre(s)
- Shooter
Overwatch 2 took everything that made the initial release so successful and pushed it further than ever before. By changing the core team composition to 5v5, fights become more skill-based, with less margin for error and more chances for players to show off their skills.
Overwatch has never felt better, as more content is being released at a faster rate, and the gameplay remains just as enjoyable as it was nearly 10 years ago. For players who love to work together to take down a team of opponents, this is the perfect shooter to jump into with a group of friends and have a blast.
The Finals
Intensity Like Nothing Else
The Finals
- Released
- December 8, 2023
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- T For Teen Due To Violence
- Developer(s)
- Embark Studios
- Genre(s)
- FPS
The Finals stands out in the competitive FPS market by thriving on chaos and creativity in a way that no other game does. Matches are set within fully destructible arenas where firefights reshape the battlefield in real time. Rather than static maps, every encounter feels dynamic, with collapsing buildings and shifting cover forcing players into changing tactics on the fly.
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Class variety enhances the potential for experimentation, with Light builds focusing on agility and stealth, Medium classes balancing offense and defense, and Heavy players tearing down structures or soaking up punishment. This layered design ensures no single approach dominates, and by combining responsive gunplay with environmental destruction, the game delivers one of the most unpredictable FPS experiences on Steam.
Destiny 2
Redefining The MMO Genre
Destiny 2
- Released
- August 28, 2017
WHERE TO PLAY
Destiny 2 remains the premier FPS MMO and continues to reign over the space with expansions and updates that keep the gameplay loop fresh and fun. What makes the gameplay so compelling is the ability to precisely hone in on a specific playstyle. Whether players want to be an aggressive gunner or a slower sniper that picks enemies off from afar, all options are on the table.
Des
Aside from PvP, Destiny 2 has a pretty in-depth story that spans over five years of content drops, giving players lots of lore and backstory to enjoy in a universe that continues to grow every year. The game shows no signs of slowing down, and with a nice roadmap of releases on the horizon, players have a lot to look forward to and enjoy both now and in the future.
FragPunk
Breaking Down Every Expectation
FragPunk
- Released
- March 6, 2025
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- T For Teen // Violence, Blood
- Developer(s)
- Bad Guitar Studio
- Genre(s)
- Action, FPS, Multiplayer
FragPunk takes the hero shooter formula and injects unpredictability through a card-based system that alters each round in dramatic ways. These modifiers can change weapon behavior, movement, or even environmental conditions, forcing players to constantly adapt and making creativity as important as reflexes.
A diverse cast of playable Lancers further deepens the strategy, with abilities tailored to different playstyles and approaches to fit a wide range of players. Success depends on balancing team synergy with improvisation, as no single tactic works twice. By combining solid shooting with experimental mechanics, FragPunk feels fresh in a market that is otherwise heavily congested.
Delta Force
The Best A Modern Shooter Can Be
Delta Force
- Released
- December 4, 2024
WHERE TO PLAY
Delta Force revives the classic tactical shooter series as a free-to-play experience focused on large-scale combat. Blending traditional FPS gameplay with squad-based objectives, it emphasizes coordination, communication, and precision over run-and-gun chaos. Battles unfold across expansive maps inspired by real-world military operations, where every decision can shift the fight in either team's favor.
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Players can specialize in roles, from marksmen providing long-range support to operators handling close-quarters engagements. The focus on teamwork ensures that individual skill shines only when paired with strategy, and the emphasis on scale, authenticity, and accessibility allows Delta Force to feel like a grounded alternative to the faster-paced shooters dominating Steam.
Team Fortress 2
Ushering In The Age Of The Class Shooter
Team Fortress 2
- Released
- October 10, 2007
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Intense Violence
- Developer(s)
- Valve
- Genre(s)
- Shooter
Team Fortress 2 can be credited with pioneering many things, from individual gameplay mechanics to entire game philosophies, and its impact is still being felt nearly two decades later. Taking nine simple classes and throwing them onto the battlefield together, players can quickly uncover a serious amount of depth in an otherwise simplistic-looking game.
Even though TF2 is primarily driven by community updates nowadays, the core gameplay remains among the best in the genre. Combining tight gunplay with insane movement allows players to truly push the limits of what's possible in a humble Source game from the late 2000s.
Counter-Strike 2
Leading The Esports Charge
Counter-Strike 2
- Released
- September 27, 2023
WHERE TO PLAY
Counter-Strike 2 remains the top competitive shooter in the world, even after making the jump to a new engine with improved graphics and a slew of changes to one of gaming's most beloved titles. Its strength lies in the tactical simplicity of two teams thrust against one another in a battle of reflexes and pure aiming skill.
What makes Counter-Strike 2 so fun to play, and what has allowed it to remain so consistently successful for all these years, is the lack of changes to the core game. The gameplay itself is so perfect, and Valve has made it clear that they have no intention of touching it in a meaningful way any time soon, helping veterans remain engaged and allowing new players to pick up one of the best shooters ever made and find their bearings in a few short play sessions.
Apex Legends
Battle Royale Has Never Been Better
Apex Legends
- Released
- February 4, 2019
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- T for Teen: Blood, Violence
- Developer(s)
- Respawn Entertainment
- Genre(s)
- Battle Royale, First-Person Shooter
Apex Legends blends fast-paced shooting with a diverse roster of characters, each equipped with unique abilities that reshape how the game is played. Set within expansive battle royale arenas, squads of three must scavenge, fight, and outlast rivals while adapting to an ever-shrinking battlefield.
Teamwork is crucial, enhanced by an intuitive ping system that streamlines communication and allows players to work together even when playing in solo queue. The evolving seasonal updates add new legends, maps, and modes, keeping the gameplay fresh, and the ability to play it for free means that all the content and enjoyment found in Apex Legends can be experienced without anything being locked behind a paywall.
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