What are the best free PC games in 2026?

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Are you looking for the best free PC games in July 2026? Here’s our selection of eight free-to-play titles that are definitely worth checking out—all playable without spending a single penny. Whether you’re a fan of FPS, battle royale, MOBA, or combat simulation, you’ll find plenty here to keep you playing for hours. These games were chosen for their active communities, regular updates, and fair business models.

Here is the complete list:

  1. Listed (World War II multiplayer FPS)
  2. War Thunder (military combat simulation)
  3. Crossout (action and vehicle combat)
  4. League of Legends (MOBA by Riot Games)
  5. Valorant (Team-based tactical FPS)
  6. Fortnite (Epic Games' battle royale)
  7. Apex Legends (battle royale with heroes)
  8. Fall Guys (multiplayer party game)

1. Enlisted

Screenshot from the free PC shooter Enlisted
Screenshot from the game *Enlisted*. ©Antonin for Alucare.fr

Listed tops this list of the best free PC games because it combines fast-paced shooter action with genuine tactical depth—all in a free-to-play format. It’s the perfect choice for fans of multiplayer FPS games who love World War II and want to command an entire squad rather than a single soldier. Developed by Darkflow Software and Gaijin Entertainment, it’s available on PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series, with cross-play between platforms.

Here's what makes this free shooter so addictive:

  • You lead a squad of 4 to 9 soldiers (machine gunners, snipers, flamethrower operators, anti-tank troops), and you can switch between soldiers during the game or take control of a tank or an airplane.
  • The maps are inspired by major historical battles (Moscow, Normandy, Stalingrad, Berlin, Tunisia), featuring the Red Army, the U.S. Army, the Wehrmacht, and the British Army.
  • Troop, weapon, and strategy management is handled from the main menu, which adds a welcome layer of management between battles.

The honest downside: Progress can be slow without spending money, and the learning curve remains steep for players new to the genre. No purchases are required to enjoy the game over the long term.

Use this link to try Enlisted for free and get an exclusive bonus:

Try for free Enlisted

2. War Thunder

Screenshot of an aerial battle in the free-to-play PC game War Thunder
Illustration of the War Thunder game. Antonin for Alucare.fr

War Thunder is a free-to-play multiplayer military simulation game developed by Gaijin Entertainment. It is aimed at players who want to pilot authentic vehicles from World War II and the Cold War—including aircraft, tanks, ships, and helicopters—in air, land, and naval battles.

Released on PC on August 13, 2013, and later on PlayStation and Xbox, the game pits two teams of 16 players against each other on the same map, and up to 32 players in World War-style missions. You can download it for free on Steam, the Epic Games Store, or the official website—without spending a penny to get started.

Why play it:

  • True tactical depth: each vehicle handles differently depending on its armor, engine, or armament.
  • Three game modes for all skill levels: arcade (suitable for beginners), realistic, and simulator (very challenging for fans of pure simulation).
  • A variety of maps and regularly updated content, with a community that has been active for over ten years.

One caveat to keep in mind: progress slows down on high-end vehicles, and you’ll quickly be tempted to make a purchase to speed up the unlocking process. If you enjoy free-to-play war games with a real strategic element, War Thunder remains one of the best choices currently available on PC.

3. Crossout

Illustration of the Crossout game
Illustration of the Crossout game. Antonin for Alucare.fr

Crossout is an online multiplayer action game that blends the worlds of Mad Max and World of Tanks in a post-apocalyptic setting. This free-to-play MMO is aimed at fans of vehicles and shooters who enjoy tinkering just as much as they enjoy fighting.

The concept: You build your own combat machine from hundreds of components, then send it to the front lines to battle other players. Here's what makes this free-to-play game so addictive:

  • Virtually unlimited creative freedom: from small buggies to all-terrain vehicles, complete with weapons, armor, and support systems.
  • An advanced damage system that allows you to tear the enemy vehicle apart piece by piece to reduce its performance in the heat of battle.
  • A diverse arsenal: chainsaws, rocket launchers, drills, drones, and even invisibility systems.
  • A real economic aspect, with a workshop where you can design and upgrade your gear, then sell it on the online marketplace among players.

Crossout is available for free on PC via Steam, as well as on PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch. The downside: like many free-to-play games, progress can be slow without spending money, and unlocking the best parts requires a fair amount of playtime. None of this is required to have fun, but it’s something to keep in mind before you start playing.

4. League of Legends

Representative image of the game League of Legends on PC
Representative image of the game League of Legends. ©Antonin for Alucare.fr

League of Legends is the world's most-played free-to-play MOBA, developed by Riot Games. If you enjoy team-based strategy and fast-paced battles, League of Legends is a must-play among the best free PC games. The game can be downloaded for free from the official Riot Games website, without going through Steam.

What makes it fun:

  • Two teams of five players face off to destroy the opposing team's base, with each match lasting about 30 minutes.
  • More than 160 characters (champions), each with very different fighting styles, and new heroes added regularly.
  • One of the most popular competitive scenes in the world, with millions of active players every day, many of whom are in France and French-speaking countries.
  • The game is available in French, with a fully localized interface and voice acting.

The downside: the learning curve is steep, and the atmosphere in some ranked matches can be tough for beginners. League of Legends remains a truly free-to-play game: you only spend money on cosmetic skins, never to win.

5. Valorant

Valorant is a team-based tactical FPS developed by Riot Games, the same studio behind League of Legends. Released in 2020, this free-to-play PC shooter brings together millions of players worldwide and has established itself as one of the best alternatives to Counter-Strike for fans of competitive FPS games.

The premise: two teams of five players face off in rounds, with one team trying to plant a bomb and the other trying to stop them. What truly sets Valorant apart are its agents—heroes with unique abilities (smoke grenades, barriers, teleportation)—that enhance the gameplay without taking away from the importance of marksmanship.

What makes it fun:

  • Gameplay that rewards precision and teamwork, similar to Counter-Strike but with an added layer of tactical skill.
  • A ranked mode where you can improve your skills and climb the ranks, with an active competitive scene in France and around the world.
  • Maps are updated regularly, and new agents are added each season, which keeps the game fresh.
  • Available in French; free to download via the Riot Games client on PC.

The honest downside: Valorant takes some time to get used to for players who aren't familiar with tactical FPS games, and cosmetic progression largely relies on in-game purchases. Nothing is required to play or win, but the store is everywhere.

6. Fortnite

Illustration of the Fortnite game
Illustration of the Fortnite game. Antonin for Alucare.fr

Fortnite It remains one of the best free-to-play games on PC, especially if you enjoy fast-paced battle royale action and team-based gameplay. Developed by Epic Games and released in June 2017, this shooter now brings together millions of players every day around the world.

To play for free, simply download the Epic Games Store onto your PC, then install the game from the launcher. Fortnite is also available on Xbox One, Xbox Series, PlayStation 4, PS5, Nintendo Switch, and mobile (via the Epic Games website on Android).

What makes it fun:

  • Real-time building, which sets Fortnite apart from other shooters: you collect materials to build walls, ramps, and platforms right in the middle of combat.
  • A "Zero Construction" mode for those who prefer a classic FPS without building.
  • Constantly updated content: seasons, collaborations with well-known brands, and new menus.
  • A "Save the World" mode, a 4-player cooperative adventure against waves of enemies.

The downside: the battle royale mode with building has a real learning curve, and the Battle Pass encourages you to spend money on cosmetics. None of it is required to win, but the social pressure is real.

7. Apex Legends

Illustration of the game Apex Legends
Illustration of the game Apex Legends ©Antonin pour Alucare.fr

Apex Legends is one of the best free titles in this selection for fans of fast-paced battle royale games. Developed by Respawn and published by EA, this shooter brings together millions of players on PC every day and remains a benchmark in the genre as of July 2026.

The concept: Teams of three face off in a battle royale on a shrinking map until only one team remains. What truly sets it apart are the Legends—heroes with unique abilities that turn every match into a game of teamwork and strategy, far more so than in a traditional FPS.

Why play it:

  • Fast-paced, fluid gameplay, with some of the most polished movement mechanics in the genre.
  • A ranked mode for players who want to improve and climb the ranks, with an active competitive scene.
  • Regular seasons that add new Legends, maps, and content without spending a dime.
  • Available in French, free to download on PC via Steam and the EA app, as well as on PlayStation, Xbox Series, and Nintendo Switch.

The honest downside: Apex Legends takes some time to learn, and teamwork is essential. Playing solo against organized trios can quickly become frustrating for a beginner. All you need to do is create an EA account to start playing without spending a penny.

8. Fall Guys

Fall Guys, a colorful obstacle course game that's free to play on PC
Fall Guys in pictures. Antonin for Alucare.fr

Fall Guys is a free battle royale party game, perfect if you're looking for a fun game to play with friends rather than a competitive shooter. The concept: up to several dozen players compete in wild obstacle courses, and only one winner remains to claim the crown.

What makes it addictive:

  • A brightly colored platformer that you can jump into in just a few minutes, where the characters' clumsiness is what makes the gameplay so much fun.
  • Several game modes and regular events, either solo or in teams of four players, with content updated regularly.
  • An online multiplayer game that turns every match into a blast—perfect for sharing with friends or family.

The honest downside: Fall Guys focuses entirely on immediate fun and lacks depth in the long run. The store encourages cosmetic purchases, but nothing is required to play. The game is available for free on the Epic Games Store for PC, as well as on PlayStation, Xbox Series, and Nintendo Switch with cross-play support.

How to Choose Among These Free PC Games

These eight titles were selected for their popularity, their active communities, their regular updates, and their accessible free-to-play model. All are available in French and can be downloaded in just a few minutes, primarily through Steam, the Epic Games Store, or the Riot Games client.

To help you find what you're looking for based on your preferences:

  • FPS and shooter games: Enlisted and Valorant for fans of tactical team-based shooters; Counter-Strike if you're looking for a hardcore FPS.
  • Battle Royale: Fortnite and Apex Legends, two of the genre's leading titles with millions of players every day.
  • MOBA: League of Legends, the titan of the genre, is free to play and enjoyed worldwide, with Dota 2 as a more demanding alternative on Steam.
  • Simulation and War: War Thunder and Crossout for fans of vehicle combat.
  • Team Fun: Fall Guys for casual multiplayer games to enjoy with friends.

Have you tried any of these games? Share your experience in the comments.

To discover other free worlds, check out our article on best .io games.

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