26 Best Free Action Games You Can Play Today

Who doesn’t love a nice little free game, it doesn’t get much better really, especially due to the fact that games are so expensive these days, so it’s nice to find a little bargain somewhere. Free games can often be red herrings though – they must be free to play for a reason, right? They will often lead you on a path of disappointment and a feeling of being underwhelmed by your choice. But that’s not to say that there isn’t a high number of games that aren’t great that don’t cost a cent either – there are some really enjoyable action games out there that you can get your hands on too. So, we created this list of the best free action games that you could be playing right now.

#26 Once Human

Platforms: PC

What would happen if the world succumbs to alien contamination? That’s the question Once Human wants to answer as this game throws us into a world already enduring the post-apocalypse. A contamination has hit the globe, mutating life. It’s a harsh world, and you’ll have to battle just to make it another day.

Fortunately, you won’t have to do it alone, as this game does offer cooperative multiplayer. Players can scavenge the world for resources, fight off the mutated beasts that now roam our planet, and attempt to tap the mystery behind the alien plague.

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#25 Unturned

Platforms: Microsoft Windows, macOS, Linux, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, and Xbox Series X|S

Unturned is a free action game that features several different game modes, all of which consist of the same basic concept of zombie survival. We’ve all played zombie survival games in the past and this is one that has very few real ideas of its own, but its simplicity and the fact that it’s a very accessible survival simulator is something that players can get behind. Yes, it does have a low production value, but that’s part of its charm; it makes for a very quirky and fun-to-play game that you can spend quite a few hours on, which is all you can ask for really.

#24 World of Tanks Blitz

Platforms: iOS, macOS, Android, Microsoft Windows, and Nintendo Switch

This is one of the many cross-platform free action games, and one of the best that is dedicated to fierce combat and a selection of formidable vehicles. This is almost a watered-down version of the highly acclaimed World of Tanks series and is mainly for casual gamers instead of those who play it instead of sleep. World of Tanks Blitz isn’t that competitive either (even though it does consist of tournaments) and is more directed at people who have the time and the patience to succeed. This is another that becomes disappointing due to its ‘pay to win’ formula, but it’s still got plenty of legs before you need to invest a little.

#23 Trove

Platforms: PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows, and Mac

Trove is the first game on this list of the best free action games you can play, and it’s a game with a bunch of great aspects. Players take on one of the multiple classes that each have different play styles and abilities before they are transported to an area called “The Hub”. While in this area, players can access different portals which act as access points to different in-game worlds that have varying stages of progression. This voxel-based sandbox game does have a great grind element to it, but there it does suffer from a major drawback, its terrible lag. And even though it’s a free game, the ‘pay to win’ element has completely ruined the game.

#22 Muck

Platforms: Microsoft Windows, Linux, and Mac

Muck is one of the most enjoyable free action games, one that is reliant on its survival aspect. Players need to collect resources, find items and build a base so they can survive for as long as possible, which sounds easy enough on paper, but that’s far from the truth. It’s a great little game and one that will be enjoyed for its quirkiness and its effectiveness at chewing a lot of your time up… in a good way, of course. Similar to Unturned due to its low production value that could become tiresome after a while, but it definitely has a lot more going for it to keep you engaged.

#21 Totally Accurate Battlegrounds

Platforms: Microsoft Windows

Speaking of arguments, there’s one to be had that says this is the most fun game on the list as well. Totally Accurate Battlegrounds is a bit of a parody game that mimics titles such as PUBG and Fortnite, but it’s just not as popular as those games, and because of this, the servers aren’t as busy, and it can be a struggle to find good matches. It does offer several unique features over these other games though, including the chance to dual-wield different guns and the power to quickly build walls to serve as the barrier for your safe area. I’ll tell you one thing it has going for it over those games though, and that’s the fact it doesn’t rely on microtransactions as much as the others, which is okay with us.

#20 Star Wars: The Old Republic

Platforms: Microsoft Windows

Only real gangsters will know about the legendary status that this game has achieved, it’s one that echoes through the Halls of Healing for eternity. This massively multiplayer online role-playing game is one the best Star Wars games of all time for countless reasons, and there have even been several updates and expansions that have elevated the status of this game to an even higher level. It has so many great aspects to it, from the voice acting, the story, and the morality level which means you can venture on both sides of the force, and an interesting array of weapons with different storylines attached to them.

#19 Team Fortress 2

Platforms: Microsoft Windows, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Mac OS X, and Linux

Even if this wasn’t a list of the best free action games, these top two are worthy to take the top spots in many a list. Team Fortress 2 is a pretty epic first-person multiplayer game where players can join one of two teams and choose one of the nine-character classes while taking part in classic game modes such as Capture the Flag and King of the Hill. This game has received critical acclaim over the years for its art direction, gameplay, brilliant humor, and its use of character. Since it was released over 12 years ago, some people have claimed it as being one of the best games of all time, that might be pushing it but it’s definitely one of the best free-to-play games ever.

#18 Splitgate

Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Linux, GeForce Now, Microsoft Windows

If you’ve ever played Splitgate, then you will know that it’s a sort of cross between Halo and Portal. This multiplayer first-person shooter is a very solid game, even with the slightly copied in-game laws and aesthetics. The maps are a little bland though and the game suffers from a low player count which makes it tough to find balanced matches, you know, due to not many people actually playing the game. The concept is cool though, and it’s something that has a lot of scope, and the added seasons are always trying to add something new and interesting into proceedings as well.

#17 Counter-Strike: Global Offensive

Platforms: OS X, PlayStation 3, Microsoft Windows, Xbox 360, and Linux

This is the fourth game in the much-beloved series that you played when you should have been doing schoolwork. Global Offensive received great reviews on the whole as well which followed the trend of the three previous games. The gameplay is enjoyable and tricky at times, but it also stays very faithful to the series as a whole, something that has made these games so well-loved. There is one confusing aspect though, and that’s the difference between the console and the PC version, and it’s inconsistencies like that which make the PC version far more superior. There’s an argument to say that this was the best in the series up to that point as well, and who are we to say it’s not?

#16 Warframe

Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S

For years Warframe has been a solid action third-person game that most would have compared to a free alternative to Destiny. It put players into this science fiction world where you stepped into an ancient warrior race. When trouble brewed, you were tossed back into combat to save the day and over the years there was a ton of content to chew through. Players could go through these missions as a more solo experience, but at the same time, the gameplay thrived with a group of friends going through the action-packed missions together.

Furthermore, this title had a ton of customization options so there were always plenty of choices in how you set your character up. While this game initially launched in 2013, it continues to see new expansions released to give players even more content. Not to mention that there is a push to get the game on as many platforms as possible. Earlier in 2021, we received the game on the Xbox Series X/S so you should have an easier time getting access to Warframe.

#15 Destiny 2

Platforms: Google Stadia, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X and Series S, Microsoft Windows

While for years Warframe was the game to be considered the free alternative to Destiny, it wasn’t long after Destiny 2 launched that the development team over at Bungie opted to make it free-to-play as well. I’m sure you are familiar with this game series to an extent, but it’s very much like Warframe with a first-person perspective. You have a wide assortment of missions and it’s set within a science fiction world. Humanity is fighting for survival and being a warrior of sorts, you’ll be battling against all kinds of hostile enemies. Of course, to get the full storyline and to keep progressing forward, this is a game as a service type of title now so that means having to pay for expansions and other DLC content.

With all that said, it can be a bit much to request players go back and play through the first Destiny to understand just where the storyline picks up from with Destiny 2 since the game went free-to-play. Fortunately, the developers thought about this and reworked the start of this game to offer insight on Destiny which should bring players a bit up to speed when they go through the rest of the game. Much like Warframe, the game is still supported with expansions that will take us through 2023.

#14 War Thunder

Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5

There are a ton of different vehicular battle games out there and if you’re on the hunt for some we would suggest looking at War Thunder. This game offers a battle with an assortment of vehicles ranging from different eras such as World War II. All players have to do is pick from the type of vehicle they would like to battle with such as a tank, naval crafts to different planes.

However, what you might also find of interest is the fact that this is not a game that is set strictly as an arcade title or a simulator. You have three game modes that range from playing the game simply as an arcade experience which is more fast-paced, then there are real battles that attempt to bring out more of the attributes to these different vehicles such as their turn radius or engine capabilities. Finally, there are the simulator battles which make the game as realistic as possible which might result in longer battles.

#13 Dauntless

Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S

Where Warframe was a free alternative for Destiny, until Destiny 2 hit free-to-play, Dauntless is the free alternative to Monster Hunter. Monster Hunter is a franchise owned and supported under Capcom. We’ve seen several installments hit the marketplace regularly and this can be an intimidating video game series. Each installment seemed to have gotten more complex making it out to be a bit of a learning curve for newcomers. However, Dauntless offers a similar gameplay experience but arguably more toned-down mechanics. It’s often considered a hack and slash title where much like Monster Hunter, players are hunting down creatures to battle against.

In this game it’s all about finding a monster, equipping the best gear to use against it, and taking the beast down. You can even play with some friends to make it an even more enjoyable experience. After slaying a monster you’ll be able to use the resources it drops to craft better equipment. If you’re uncertain on whether jumping into Monster Hunter is a game series you’d enjoy, this is a perfect alternative to test the waters or simply enjoy Dauntless and all the content the developers bring out.

#12 Call of Duty: Warzone

Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One

When Call of Duty: Modern Warfare was released there were a ton of rumors, supposed leaks, and speculation that there was a battle royale multiplayer component coming out as well. It took a bit after the game was released before the developers unveiled Call of Duty: Warzone. A battle royale game that most players were anticipating. This multiplayer game mode would allow players to go against either squads or solos where the last player standing won the game. Just like your typical battle royale game, the title focused on players dropping down into a massive open-world map where you would scavenge for loot.

The loot you’re after included armor to weapons as you took out other competitors found on the map. Meanwhile, the game map itself would shrink down and force players closer together until as stated already, only one player or group was left standing. What was a bit different in this game was the Gulag. Earlier in the game, if you happened to die you could end up in the Gulag, a battle arena of sorts where you would wait your turn to compete in a 1v1. If you win the battle, you’re given a second chance with the bare minimum, forcing players to once again scavenge for useful. Best of all, this game mode was released as a standalone game for free so even if you didn’t own Call of Duty: Modern Warfare, you could still play this battle royale title.

#11 Brawlhalla

Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, iOS, Android

Keeping up with the trend of free alternatives, Brawlhalla is often awarded the title of being the free version of Super Smash Bros. Nintendo has been dominant when it comes to the platform fighting genre. With its long line of Nintendo IP characters it can toss into the game and the fact that they have managed to bring over plenty of other guest fighters into the mix, they have easily gained the character recognition. Meanwhile, there are an assortment of different themed levels and item drops to make matches competitive and fresh. Brawlhalla offers the same style of gameplay with a collection of unique characters, levels, and item drops as well.

There are even crossover characters as well so you do have some familiar IPs featured in the game. These included characters from Shovel Knight, Rayman, WWE, Adventure Time, The Walking Dead, and Tomb Raider to name just a few. Since the game was released, there has been plenty of positive fan feedback and we’ve even had big Esports tournaments get started up in Brawlhalla where the best players compete for some major grand prize money. This might not be a more traditional action game but it’s a thrilling title that we had to at least make mention of.

#10 Valorant

Platforms: PC

Riot Games is known for its MOBA title League of Legends, which is also free-to-play. For years, this MOBA game has continued to be a massive hit online and easily gaining new followers each day. However, after so many years of supporting League of Legends, the developers decided to bring out something new. The developers have plans for several new video game projects, but one that you can play right now is Valorant. This is a team-based competitive FPS title. You have different iconic characters with game modes to compete in but this is not just a traditional FPS title.

What you have is a hero-based shooter with each character having their unique abilities to use within the game. This is a very competitive and fast-paced game. You’ll find it often compared to the likes of Counter-Strike: Global Offensive gunplay with hero characters a bit like Overwatch. If you have a group of friends to play through this game with then the matches can be pretty thrilling. Of course, if you’re looking for a more casual action game then you might find this title to be a bit overwhelming.

#9 DOTA 2

Platforms: Microsoft Windows, Linux, and OS X

Well, here it is, the game that just pips Team Fortress 2 to the post is DOTA 2. This game is played between two teams of five players, with each team occupying and defending its own separate base on the map. Each player controls a powerful character known as a “hero” and each hero has unique abilities to harness. This is a very rewarding multiplayer online battle arena game, one with brilliant gameplay and high production quality, but it also stays brilliantly loyal to its predecessor as well. This game’s acclaim is no secret, and it might very well be one of the best games of all types in the last 10 years.

#8 Apex Legends

Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Android, iOS

Speaking of hero shooters there’s another game worth looking into and that’s Apex Legends. Apex Legends is a team-based hero shooter which was developed by Respawn Entertainment. If the studio name doesn’t ring any bells, these are the folks who made Titanfall and most recently, Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order. Developing Apex Legends in secret, the studio surprised the world when they announced along with released Apex Legends, a brand new squad-based battle royale game.

Here players would work together and compete against teams as different hero characters. These heroes would offer something unique to the gameplay such as Bloodhound being able to see footprints left from enemy players, Caustic having toxic gas canisters to throw out, or Gibraltar having a dome shield to protect a squad for a short duration of time. Much like other team-based shooters, the game works best with players working together and understanding their character’s abilities.

#7 Scavengers

Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC

Scavengers is a newer title that has just released into the marketplace earlier in 2021. This is a third-person shooter that offers PVE along with PVP combat. In this game, players are working together in the frozen wasteland to complete objectives and recover data. Of course, the world itself is full of dangerous NPC enemies along with wildlife. Your job is to go in, collect data, fight off the hostile enemies, survive the tundra, and battle against any other groups of players.

Meanwhile, a ship will land giving players just a small duration of time to reach the ship and board it for safety. It’s an early access title right now and it’s bound to receive plenty of updates and content to keep players going through the game regularly. Although, the development team is shooting for a full launch before 2021 officially wraps up so we might not see this game stick around in early access for too long.

#6 World of Warships

Platforms: PC, iOS, Android, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S

World of Warships is a free-to-play naval game. It’s a lot like War Thunder which we made mention above where you have a vehicular combat game with different weapons and eras to pick from. However, unlike War Thunder where you get tanks and planes, World of Warships is all about the naval war game. There are over 300 different historical ships to pick through and it’s a strategic game as you line up your ships to send over a powerful attack.

You can even customize different aspects of your ship to make it more unique while also relying on your crew to improve the performance of the vessel. With that said, it shouldn’t come to much surprise that there are incentives to spend money within the game. After all, much like every free-to-play title, there’s a push to purchase content and in-game items to offer a bit of a buff while also supporting the development team to continue supporting this title.

#5 Paladins

Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch

Paladins for quite a few players out there is the free-to-player alternative to Overwatch. Chances are you know of Overwatch from how popular the game has been over the years. It’s a team-based hero shooter similar to Apex Legends and Valorant, each character offering something to the table. However, Paladins offers a bit more game modes to pick through than Overwatch and it’s not a battle royale game.

Those that want a more varied option on game modes where you and your team will use the different heroes to complete objectives or go through team deathmatches. This game did also spawn Paladins Strike along with Realm Royale, which is the MOBA and battle royale alternatives to the base Paladins game. If you find yourself enjoying Paladins then you might want to check out these extra titles as well.

#4 Fortnite

Platforms: PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, iOS, Android

You knew this game was going to be on the list I’m sure. We can’t forget about Fortnite, another battle royale game on our list but the one that sparked so much attention to the genre. There are now countless titles tossed out online to capitalize on this battle royale movement. You have big-name IPs joining in on the fun such as Call of Duty: Warzone to other new IPs altogether like Apex Legends. Epic Games brought out Fortnite which is a battle royale game with bright colors, a wide range of character skins, and a slew of emotes. Meanwhile, the gameplay is more or less similar to the other battle royale games mentioned already. Players are dropped down into the world where you’ll have to battle against other players either in squads or through solos.

As you touch down the ground, not only are you battling other players but you’re also searching for resources, weapons, and materials to build up walls that act as a barrier between you and other players or simply as a means to reach a higher level of verticality. What keeps players joining back into this game is the fact that seasons will change the game up whether it’s a new map or a brand new component to the gameplay itself. Likewise, there are a ton of crossover events that happen as well so you very well could see skins and content added in from movies, television shows, to video games.

#3 Genshin Impact

Platforms: GeForce Now, PlayStation 4, Android, iOS, PlayStation 5, Microsoft Windows, iPadOS

Genshin Impact is one of the big free-to-play hits that came out in 2020. This is a title that was often compared to the likes of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild with its visuals and even gameplay mechanics. Players in this game are thrown into a fantasy world where you’re following a character and their sibling who possess the ability to travel through different worlds but is suddenly stopped when an unknown god kidnaps one of the siblings. Now players are trapped within an unfamiliar world where you’ll have to figure out a means to defeat the evil god and rescue your sister.

As you can imagine it’s like an open-world RPG where you’ll meet all kinds of different characters with quests to complete. You’ll even find that this is a single-player game for a good portion of the title until there is an option to play cooperatively. Since this game was released there have been plenty of favorable reviews and fan feedback. Not to mention that it’s available on several different console platforms along with mobile smartphones.

#2 PlanetSide 2

Platforms: PlayStation 4, Microsoft Windows, GeForce Now

PlanetSide 2 is a game that can be a great time killer. With this game, you’ll find that there is a massive scale battle. Here there are different factions all around trying to take over territory with gameplay ongoing. With this title, you can drop in and help your team out by trying to take over an outpost both as a ground soldier or taking on a vehicle. This is also a game that’s been around since 2012 so developers have continued to support this title over the years with new content and tweaks. With that said, if you want a chaotic futuristic wargame experience then you can’t go wrong here. Just prepare to go through the learning curve and expect plenty of deaths as you hone in on your skills.

#1 Path of Exile

Platforms: PC, Xbox One, PlayStation 4

Lastly, a game that you might find some enjoyment in is Path of Exile. This is a game that’s quite a bit like Diablo and has gained a massive fan base over the years. Played as an action RPG title players will get dropped into a dark fantasy world as you wash up within the continent of Wraeclast, a location that is home to exiles and ancient gods. To survive you’ll need to battle against all kinds of hostile enemies and creatures that lurk about. Meanwhile, there are plenty of characters to meet and complete quests for. With a rather robust skill tree, players can tweak their protagonist in a wide range of ways.

Of course, there is a ton of gear and weapons to loot as well. Since this game was released in 2013 there have been quite a few expansions released to give players even more content. We know that a big update is in the works for Path of Exile 2 which will bring in a new story arch but that might not come out until next year, 2022. This means you have quite a bit of gameplay to get through right now to ready yourself for Path of Exile 2.