12 best free game download websites

With the plethora of free game websites, you can enjoy full gaming without paying a penny. These platforms offer a wide selection of free games spanning various genres, from action-packed shooters to captivating role-playing adventures.

In this guide, we’ll round up the best websites that provide the best free games for download. Get prepared to open vast doors to an extensive library of games without denting your bank account.

Best free game download sites

Here are 12 of the top free websites for downloading games for your PC:

1. Steam

Example games: Counterstrike: Global Offensive, Dota 2, Grand Theft Auto V, Path of Exile, Warframe; Supported OS: Windows, macOS, Linux

Steam is a popular online game platform developed by Valve Corporation for the digital distribution and management of PC games. With a vast library of games, it allows for multiplayer gaming and provides tools for developers to publish and sell their games.

The platform also offers features like chat, forums, and user-generated content to facilitate communication and interaction between gamers. It provides developer support, regular sales and discounts on games, and periodic upgrades.

Steam does not have games for iOS or Android. Instead, Steam has mobile apps for iOS and Android that allow users to stay connected to their Steam account, chat with friends, browse the Steam store, and even stream games from their computer to their mobile device using the Steam Link app.

2. Epic Games

Example games: Fortnite, Unreal Engine, Hades, Control; Supported OS: Windows and macOS

Epic Games is a well-known video game developer and publisher best known for titles such as Fortnite and Unreal Engine. They run the Epic Games Store, a game distribution platform with a varied selection of game titles and developer tools and resources.

Epic Games Store offers a range of free game downloads, including popular titles, through periodic giveaways. Gamers can access these free games by creating an Epic Games account and downloading the Epic Games Launcher. The store features new free games each week, often including well-known AAA and indie titles.

3. Game Jolt

Example games: DarkStory Online, Vargus – The Riven Realms, Railgunners (Demo), Scarlet Hollow; Supported OS: Windows, macOS, and Linux

Created by David DeCarmine and Yaprak DeCarmine, Game Jolt is a free online game platform that fosters a supportive community for creators, such as indie game developers, to display their work. It allows community interaction between gamers and developers.

Game Jolt offers diverse free game downloads, primarily from independent game developers. Users can access these games through the Game Jolt website or launcher. The platform’s focus on indie games provides a unique and creative gaming experience.

4. GOG

Example games: Gwent: The Witcher Card Game, Rise of the Dragon, Warframe, Path of Exile; Supported OS: Windows, macOS, Linux

GOG (Good Old Games) is a DRM-free platform and online video game shop that offers a curated collection of titles from various studios and free game downloads. CD Projekt, the company behind The Witcher series and CD Projekt Red, released it in 2008.

DRM (Digital Rights Management) is a technique that prevents unlawful digital material copying and dissemination. It provides a wide range of popular free games for download and bonus content, and freebies are usually included with the games (soundtracks, wallpapers, and so on). 

Note that GOG does not officially support Linux, although some games may still work on Linux through compatibility layers like Wine.

5. Softonic

Example games: Forge of Empires, Asphalt 9, War Thunder, Clash of Clans; Supported OS: Windows and macOS

Softonic is one of the oldest download sites that provide free PC games, software downloads, courses, and tech news, appealing to a larger spectrum of technological interests.

One distinctive feature of Softonic is that it offers user reviews and ratings for games, giving users insight into the quality and popularity of each title. Users can access a diverse selection of games, ranging from classic to contemporary, across multiple platforms.

6. Ocean of Games

Example games: Assassin’s Creed, NBA 2K21; Supported OS: Windows, macOS

Ocean of Games is a website that provides free PC game downloads in various genres. It has carved out a prominent niche in the gaming world as a widely recognized and frequently visited website. It offers an abundant and diverse array of free game downloads tailored specifically to PC users.

The platform has a loyal following for its commitment to providing an expansive and continuously updated library of games, effectively catering to the ever-evolving tastes and preferences of the gaming community.

7. itch.io 

Example games: DeathOfCraze, August Night, Mannequin, Sinking Iron; Supported OS: Linux, macOS, Windows, iOS, and Android

itch.io is a unique and vibrant platform that provides a wide array of free game downloads, focusing primarily on indie and experimental games. It stands out for its commitment to showcasing innovative and lesser-known titles, making it a go-to destination for gamers seeking unconventional gaming experiences.

It also offers a platform for independent game creators to promote, market, and distribute their work. Thanks to its supportive community, this attracts both developers wishing to contribute their unique ideas and gamers searching for various gaming experiences.

itch.io also allows creators to choose their price structures, allowing them to give out games for free or with optional donations. They host game jams and community events periodically.

8. GameTop

Example games: World of Tanks, World of Warships, Zombie Apocalypse, Jewel Match; Supported OS: Windows

GameTop provides free PC game downloads focusing on casual and arcade-style games. It offers access to an extensive range of legally purchased, DRM-free games that can be played offline, with new games and features added regularly.

GameTop caters to casual players searching for engaging titles at no cost, with a user-friendly design and an emphasis on accessible gaming experiences. Distinctively, there are no ads or internet requirements, so it is completely free.

9. Origin/EA App

Example games: Dead Space, Wild Hearts; Supported OS: Windows, macOS

Origin was developed by Electronic Arts (EA) in 2011, and it is a gaming platform and online shop for PC games. It was previously known as EA Download Manager and EA Store, and it acts as the hub for purchasing and downloading EA games. It also offers a diverse range of PC games available for free download.

The website includes features designed to improve the gaming experience and link players with a lively community. EA’s online services, such as multiplayer matchmaking, digital purchases, data cloud storage, physical activation, and social features, are integrated into the website.

In 2021, EA replaced Origin on PC with the new EA app. The EA app is now the primary platform for downloading and launching PC games. However, Origin for Mac continues to serve Mac players.

10. OVA Games

Example games: GTA V, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, Assassin’s Creed Odyssey; Supported OS: Windows

OVA Games is a website that offers many free PC game downloads. New releases and popular titles are added regularly, and the download page provides information on the game’s requirements, reviews, and installation instructions.

11. Blizzard

Example games: Diablo, World of Warcraft, Overwatch, Hearthstone; Supported OS: Windows and macOS

Blizzard Entertainment is primarily known for its commercial video games and does not have a significant focus on offering free game downloads. While they occasionally provide free trials or limited-time promotions for specific games, the mainstay of their business model is selling games and expansions. Blizzard offers various games for download on their website, including titles like Hearthstone, Heroes of the Storm, and Diablo III.

12. Mega Games

Example games: Minecraft, Among Us, Call of Duty: Warzone; Supported OS: Windows and macOS

Mega Games is an online gaming platform established in 2018 for free PC game downloads. It has a large selection of games, including new releases and classics. It offers a comprehensive giveaway sector with delightful gameplay perks and trainers, patches, and more for popular games.

Factors to consider when downloading PC games for free from a site?

When downloading free PC games from a website, you must consider several factors to ensure a secure and enjoyable experience. These factors include the following:

Authenticity and legitimacy of the website

You must confirm that the website from which you are downloading free PC games is authentic and legitimate, as installing from unlicensed or pirated sources could threaten security and potential legal issues.

Website ratings and reviews by users

Reading other users’ ratings and reviews could provide helpful information regarding the website’s credibility and the content of the downloaded games. Positive comments and ratings can indicate that the source is trustworthy. However, bad reviews and criticisms should raise caution.

System requirements for the games available on the website

It is critical to check the system requirements of the games available on the site to guarantee compatibility with your PC and avoid potential problems such as lag, breakdowns, or inability to run the game correctly.

FAQs

Final notes

There are several advantages to downloading free PC games from these reliable sources, including lower prices, ease of use, and an opportunity to try new games.

Likewise, there are thousands of free games and vibrant online communities that promote interaction and multiplayer play. So, buckle up and set out on exciting gaming adventures without spending a dime.