Are you constantly on the lookout for the latest and greatest free-to-play games? The gaming landscape is ever-evolving, offering incredible experiences without demanding an upfront cost. As highlighted in the video above, 2020 has been a fantastic year for new releases and updates in the realm of free gaming.
From high-octane racing to tactical shooters and accessible fighting games, there’s a treasure trove of free games waiting to be discovered. This article delves deeper into some of the most exciting new free-to-play games discussed, providing further insights and helping you decide what to download next.
Revving Up for Free Racing: TrackMania 2020
Racing enthusiasts, rejoice! TrackMania 2020 burst onto the scene on July 2nd, making a significant splash on the Epic Games Store. This latest iteration is visually stunning, showcasing some of the best graphics the series has ever seen while staying true to its core identity.
The game invites players to experience adrenaline-pumping races, driving Formula One-style cars through gravity-defying tracks. The Starter Access, which is the free-to-play version, offers the full racing experience, complete with solo challenges and online progression across regular seasons. Imagine if you could jump into competitive racing without spending a dime, constantly chasing that elusive perfect lap time – that’s precisely what TrackMania 2020 offers.
While premium access unlocks track creation tools and competitions, the core gameplay remains entirely accessible. This fair model ensures that the thrill of racing is available to everyone, making it a standout among new free games.
Browser-Based Blitz: Merc.Zone
Sometimes, the best gaming experiences are just a browser tab away. Merc.Zone, an emerging browser-based first-person shooter, delivers fast-paced action with incredibly low system requirements. Its stylized, simple graphics belie a highly engaging gameplay experience.
With multiple classes to choose from, Merc.Zone provides a quick and enjoyable FPS fix. Imagine if you could instantly jump into a high-energy shooter during a short break, without needing a powerful gaming rig or lengthy downloads – Merc.Zone makes this a reality. It stands out in the .io game genre, proving that simple doesn’t mean less fun for online free games.
Battle Royale Evolution: Hyper Scape Season 1
Ubisoft’s foray into the Battle Royale genre, Hyper Scape, has moved beyond its successful open beta into its official Season 1 launch. This game brilliantly blends fast-arena combat with Battle Royale mechanics, creating a unique and dynamic experience.
Crucially, Hyper Scape is now available on Xbox One and PS4, alongside PC, significantly expanding its player base. While a Nintendo Switch release isn’t confirmed yet, it seems inevitable given Ubisoft’s multi-platform strategy. The competition in the Battle Royale space is fierce, with giants like Fortnite and Call of Duty Warzone dominating, but Hyper Scape’s distinct style could help it carve out a substantial niche among free-to-play titles.
Imagine if a Battle Royale could feel as fluid as an arena shooter, allowing for rapid movement and verticality. Hyper Scape delivers on this promise, offering a fresh take on a popular genre.
Fighting Without Limits: Fantasy Strike Goes Free-to-Play
On July 21st, 2020, Fantasy Strike underwent a monumental transformation, becoming fully free-to-play across a wide array of platforms. This fighting game was acclaimed as one of the best of 2019, celebrated for its unique approach to the genre.
Fantasy Strike simplifies traditional fighting game mechanics, removing complex crouching and streamlining combos, making it incredibly beginner-friendly. Yet, it retains depth for competitive players through precise frame-perfect attacks. Imagine if a fighting game could be easily picked up by newcomers but still offer profound mastery for veterans – that’s the balance Fantasy Strike achieves.
What makes this transition truly remarkable is that every character is now free, ensuring all players start on an even playing field. Cross-play integration across PS4, Nintendo Switch, PC, Mac, and Linux (via Steam) further cements its status as one of the most accessible free-to-play games available today.
Epic Freebies: Remnant, Alto, Gungeon, and God’s Trigger
The Epic Games Store continues its tradition of offering fantastic games for free to keep, and the summer of 2020 was no exception. From now until August 21st, players could claim the critically acclaimed Remnant: From the Ashes, a third-person role-playing shooter with “very positive” Steam reviews, released just last year. Accompanying it was The Alto Collection, a charming indie adventure game.
Looking ahead, the week following August 21st brought Enter the Gungeon and God’s Trigger to the roster of free games. God’s Trigger, a completely new title, launched directly into Epic’s free offering. This strategy from Epic allows countless gamers to experience premium titles they might otherwise miss. Imagine if you could regularly build a diverse game library without ever opening your wallet; Epic Games Store makes this a consistent reality.
The Fall Guys Phenomenon: Free for PlayStation Plus
Fall Guys took the gaming world by storm shortly after its release, becoming an instant hit across YouTube and Twitch. This unique mini-game Battle Royale experience proved incredibly addictive, both to play and to watch. Its phenomenal success on the PlayStation 4 was largely due to its launch method: it was a free download for all PlayStation Plus members during its debut month.
This shrewd distribution strategy resulted in an astounding 8 million PlayStation players within just a few days. Coupled with a massive PC player base, Fall Guys perfectly illustrates the power of strategic free access. Imagine if a game could instantly reach millions of players through a subscription service, creating a vibrant, massive community overnight – Fall Guys demonstrated this brilliantly, becoming one of the most talked-about free-to-play experiences of the year.
Phantasy Star Online 2: A Classic MMORPG on Steam
The enduring anime-styled MMORPG, Phantasy Star Online 2, finally arrived on Steam after a considerable period on the Microsoft Store. This move was met with widespread approval from its dedicated community. Though an older title, PSO2 maintains a passionate player base and continues to offer a rich online experience.
Now on Steam for several weeks, it has garnered numerous positive reviews and helpful guides from veterans, making it more welcoming for newcomers. Imagine if a beloved, long-running online game could find a fresh lease on life and a new audience simply by moving to a more accessible platform – Phantasy Star Online 2 showcases this potential for free MMORPGs.
Indie Spotlight: Skye
Sometimes, the most charming free games come from unexpected places. Skye, an indie gem developed by third-year university students, offers a simple yet captivating experience. Players fly around beautiful environments in a plane, attempting to set the fastest times in races.
While it may not boast the complexity of a Microsoft Flight Simulator, Skye is polished, straightforward, and works exceptionally well. Imagine if student developers could create such an engaging and visually pleasing game that rivals professional titles in pure enjoyment – Skye is a testament to budding talent in the indie free-to-play scene.
Rocket Arena’s Future: Towards Free-to-Play?
Rocket Arena, a unique blend of Smash Bros. and a third-person shooter, launched with a rather steep price tag of $30 USD. This initial cost proved a significant barrier, especially for its target demographic of younger gamers. Despite featuring cross-play across PS4, Xbox, and PC, the player base struggled to grow.
Recent discounting and free key promotions have temporarily bolstered numbers, but rumors of a full free-to-play transition are circulating. This would be a welcome change for a fun, competitive game that offers a distinct experience. Imagine if a game could adjust its pricing model mid-lifecycle to reach its full potential and cultivate a thriving community – Rocket Arena might just be on that path.
A Blast from the Past: Sudden Attack’s Petition
The power of community can sometimes bring forgotten games back into the spotlight. Sudden Attack, a popular old-school FPS in South Korea, had a brief run in North America and Europe before being pulled due to a dwindling player base. However, a fan-initiated petition on Change.org, launched by Fox R on May 23rd, aimed to bring the game back to Steam for Western players.
With 11,000 signatures, this petition garnered attention from the Korea Herald, prompting a response from a Nexon official. They stated that while their focus is domestic, they would “consider launching the game on Steam positively” if it gains popularity. Imagine if player passion could resurrect a beloved classic, making it a new for a new generation. While the future is uncertain, it highlights the enduring appeal of certain free-to-play FPS games.
Rogue Company: A Decent Contender
Rogue Company, a tactical third-person shooter, has entered a crowded market of free-to-play titles. While it’s a solid, decent game with enjoyable movement and combat mechanics, it faces stiff competition. The current landscape is dominated by AAA free-to-play games like Call of Duty Warzone, Valorant, Fortnite, and Hyper Scape, which set incredibly high benchmarks for player engagement.
Rogue Company offers tactical gameplay with a cast of characters, although their abilities might feel a bit too conventional compared to its rivals. Imagine if a perfectly good game could still struggle to stand out simply because the bar for “spectacular” has been raised so high by other free games. While it offers a good time, it may not achieve the widespread success some might expect in today’s market.
Halo Infinite Multiplayer: The Future of Free-to-Play
Perhaps the most significant news for the future of free-to-play games is the confirmation that Halo Infinite’s multiplayer component will be entirely free-to-play, offering up to 120 FPS on console. This strategic move by Microsoft acknowledges the undeniable trend: gamers want high-quality experiences without an upfront purchase.
While the game has been delayed to 2021, prioritizing quality over a rushed release is a commendable decision. A paid campaign combined with a free-to-play multiplayer is an ideal compromise, poised to introduce a new generation of players to the iconic Halo universe. Imagine if one of gaming’s most storied franchises could embrace the free-to-play model for its multiplayer, opening its world to millions of new players. This announcement signals a monumental shift in how AAA titles approach offering free games.
