The best free games on each platform

With a growing number of games developed every year in a booming industry, a player can often feel spoiled for choice.

Don’t be daunted if some of the latest titles threaten to rip a crater through your wallet, because there’s no dearth of options you can enjoy for free. Take a look at our list of the best free games across the five most popular consoles

Best free game on PC: League of Legends

Riot’s hit multiplayer battle arena game was released in 2009 and stands tall as one of the most popular free games available exclusively for PC with over 150 million registered users.

It was inspired by Warcraft III’s Defence of the Ancients, with two teams of five players each seeking to defeat the other by destroying the enemy team’s Nexus. In-game purchases for character customization can be made, but aren’t necessary to level up.

Best free game on PlayStation: Call of Duty: Warzone

This game is also available on Xbox and Microsoft Windows, but stands out more among the top free-to-play games on the market on PS4, while Warzone 2.0 has been announced recently for PS5. This CoD offshoot delves into the battle royal genre with a slight twist.

In the battle arena, up to 150 players must either become the first team to rack up $1m in-game cash in ‘Plunder’ or remain the last one standings.

Best free game on mobile: Pokemon GO

The augmented reality mobile game, part of the Pokemon franchise, took the world by storm when it was released back in 2016. Its unique gameplay drew players out of their homes to locate and capture Pokemon in real-world locations, and then train or battle them.

The game links with your mobile device’s GPS and monetizes through in-game purchases and local advertising.

Best free game on Xbox: Halo Infinite

Halfo Infinite became the sixth and latest to join the wildly popular Halo series, developed exclusively for Windows and Xbox. It was released in 2021 and unlike previous installments of the franchise is free to play in Multiplayer mode.

This FPBS game follows the travails of supersoldier Master Chief on the Forerunner ringworld Zeta Halo, as he battles against the enemy Banished. If you’re looking for an arena shooter, Halo Infinite is one of the best free games for Xbox (and PC, if you have one).

If you’re looking for more budget Xbox titles, take a look at our list of the best games on Game Pass.

Best free game on Nintendo Switch: Brawlhalla

Brawlhalla features gameplay similar to the Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, but unlike the latter, is totally free to play. It’s a little less overwhelming than the frenetic combat of Super Smash, in that it introduces more restraint on speed and fighting combos, and a clearer, more crisp design.

You can choose between 55 characters, aiming to knock your opponent off the stage enough times to remain the last player standing. It’s one of the best free games on any platform, especially the Switch.