Gaming is a costly hobby. Console or PC gamers alike face significant upfront investment in hardware. And even once the system is set up, software costs quickly add up. While services like Xbox Game Pass and PS Plus offer extensive game libraries for a monthly fee, many AAA titles remain subscription-exclusive. This means players often shell out $69.99 or more for each new release.
Free-to-play games offer an attractive alternative, providing entertainment between premium purchases. Many successful titles already utilize this model, and the selection is poised for substantial growth in the coming years. But which free games are generating the most excitement for 2025 and beyond? While confirmed release dates for many free-to-play titles are still scarce, several promising games are under development and could launch soon.
Updated January 5, 2025 by Mark Sammut: As 2025 unfolds, expect a steady stream of new free-to-play game announcements, showcases, and releases. 2024 proved a strong year for the free-to-play market, and there's every indication that trend will continue.