How to Game for Free (or Super Cheap) in 2024

Gaming has been a passion of mine for as long as I can remember. Whether I’m diving into the latest superhero action RPG or getting lost in the intricate storytelling of an indie platformer, I’ve always believed in the power of games to transport us to new worlds. But let’s face it, keeping up with every new release can hit your wallet hard. If you’re like me, you’ve probably had that moment of dread looking at your wishlist during a Steam sale, knowing you can’t afford all those sweet titles. That’s why I’ve become a master of gaming for free—or at least on the cheap—without sacrificing quality or falling into sketchy piracy. So, here’s a little guide on how you can fill your backlog without breaking the bank.

1. The Free-to-Play Renaissance

Free-to-play games have come a long way from the days of cheap mobile clones and basic browser games. Nowadays, some of the best gaming experiences you can have are available for free. And I’m not just talking about casual mobile titles—some of these games are major powerhouses.

Here’s a list of must-play free-to-play games that have kept me busy for hours:

• Fortnite: Yeah, I know, it’s a bit of a cliché at this point, but there’s a reason why Fortnite is still dominating years after its release. It’s constantly evolving with new seasons, crossovers with every franchise under the sun (Marvel, Star Wars, you name it), and the creative mode lets you just chill and build with friends if battle royale’s not your thing. The cosmetics are tempting, but trust me—you don’t need that fancy new skin to have a good time.
• Warframe: This one has a special place in my heart. I’ve been playing Warframe on and off for years, and it’s insane how much content there is for a free game. You play as space ninjas, zooming through massive sci-fi worlds, taking on waves of enemies, collecting loot, and leveling up your gear. The best part? You can do all of this without spending a dime if you don’t mind grinding a bit.
• Genshin Impact: If you’re into open-world RPGs with a gorgeous anime art style, Genshin is for you. The exploration is reminiscent of Breath of the Wild, but with more waifus and husbandos. Sure, the gacha system can tempt you to spend on new characters, but the game gives away so much free stuff that you can easily get through the main story without paying a cent.
• Valorant: Riot’s tactical shooter has taken the FPS world by storm. Think Counter-Strike, but with characters that have unique abilities. It’s tense, competitive, and honestly addictive. You can jump into ranked matches or just mess around in casual play—either way, it’s free, and as long as you’re patient with progression, there’s no need to spend money on skins.
• Rocket League: Soccer with rocket-powered cars might sound absurd, but that’s the magic of Rocket League. It’s chaotic fun, and the free-to-play switch a few years back made it even more accessible. Get your friends, boost around, and score some insane goals—no wallet necessary.

The secret to enjoying free-to-play games is patience. Yes, you’ll see a lot of shiny things to buy (and trust me, the temptation is real), but if you’re willing to grind, most of these games offer full experiences without needing to spend a single cent.

2. Epic Games Store: Your Freebie Goldmine

If you’re not taking advantage of the free games from the Epic Games Store, you’re seriously missing out. Every week, Epic drops at least one free game, and they aren’t just no-name indie titles either. We’re talking AAA games like Control, Borderlands 3, Death Stranding—you name it. And once you claim them, they’re yours forever.

Here’s the trick: make it a habit to log in every week and grab whatever’s free. Even if you don’t play the game right away, it’ll sit in your library, waiting for that moment when you finally decide to dive in. You’ll be surprised how quickly your collection grows without spending a dime.

Pro Tip: While Epic is leading the pack, don’t forget about GOG (Good Old Games), EA’s storefront, and Ubisoft’s store. These platforms offer free games occasionally, and while it’s not as consistent as Epic, it’s worth checking in now and then to snag something cool for free.

3. Subscription Services: Xbox Game Pass, PlayStation Plus, Amazon Prime, and Netflix

Okay, so these aren’t free per se, but they’re pretty darn close when you think about the value. If you’re not ready to buy full-priced games, services like Xbox Game Pass, PlayStation Plus, Amazon Prime Gaming, and even Netflix are an incredible deal.

• Xbox Game Pass: Whether you’re on Xbox or PC, Game Pass is essentially the Netflix of gaming. For a monthly fee, you get access to hundreds of games—some brand-new releases, some hidden indie gems. If you’re strategic about it, you can sign up only when you’ve got some serious free time (like during summer or winter breaks) and binge a ton of games before canceling your subscription.
• PlayStation Plus: Like Game Pass, PS Plus gives you access to a rotating library of games, plus online multiplayer if that’s your thing. It’s a great way to catch up on classics or try something new without the upfront cost.
• Amazon Prime Gaming: Here’s a hidden gem most people forget about: if you have Amazon Prime (which many of us do for the shipping), you also get free games every month through Prime Gaming. The best part? Once you claim the games, they’re yours to keep—even if you cancel Prime later. It’s a low-key way to build a library without spending anything extra.
• Netflix: This might surprise some people, but Netflix offers games too! All you need is the Netflix app on your mobile device, and you can download games for free as part of your subscription. Some of the titles, like Exploding Kittens, are super popular, and there are more to explore, so definitely worth checking out.

4. Humble Bundle: Games for Pennies, and You Get to Help Charity

Humble Bundle has been around for a while now, and it’s one of my favorite ways to score games for practically nothing. You pay what you want for bundles of games, and a portion of your money goes to charity. Some of these bundles are insane—we’re talking about collections worth hundreds of dollars for just a few bucks.

Keep an eye on their regular bundles and sales, and you’ll be swimming in games before you know it.

5. Itch.io: A Playground for Indie Games

If you’re into the indie scene or experimental games, Itch.io is a goldmine. It’s a platform where developers can upload their games, and while a lot of the content is pay-what-you-want, there are tons of free games, too.

During certain events or game jams, you’ll see a flurry of unique, creative, and sometimes downright bizarre titles popping up for free. It’s perfect if you’re looking for something off the beaten path.

6. Free Trials, Demos, and Forked Standalone Titles

Remember the good old days of demo discs? Well, while you won’t find those anymore, demos and free trials are still alive and well in 2024. Services like Steam, PlayStation, and Xbox regularly offer free weekends or limited-time trials for AAA games.

A bonus tip: Many games offer a standalone, smaller version for free, acting like a hybrid between a demo and a full game. A great example of this is Tails Noir: Prologue, which offers a taste of the full game but is its own experience. Keep an eye out for these—they’re basically like getting a bite-sized version of a game for free.

7. Mega Sales: Black Friday, Steam Sales, and Beyond

Patience pays off, my friends. If you’re willing to wait for major sales like Black Friday or Steam’s famous Summer and Winter sales, you can grab games for up to 90% off. This is especially true on platforms like Steam, Xbox, and PlayStation, where big-name titles drop in price dramatically during these events.

Pro Tip: Don’t forget that platforms like Steam, PlayStation, and Xbox also run weekly sales. While not as massive as the big seasonal events, you can always find a few gems on sale each week. Adding games to your wishlist and setting alerts is a pro move—this way, you’ll get notified the moment a game you’ve been eyeing goes on sale.

8. Special Events: Freebies During Game Shows and Special Days

Here’s a pro tip: keep an eye on special gaming events and anniversaries. Publishers often give away free games to celebrate milestones or special occasions. For example, Tell Me Why is free every Pride Month, and games like Mass Effect get discounts and goodies every year on November 7th (N7 Day). Same goes for Mario Day on March 10th or Star Wars on May the 4th. These dates often come with discounts, freebies, or special deals—so mark your calendars!

During gaming conventions like E3 or The Game Awards, many publishers and developers offer surprise freebies or discounts to celebrate big announcements. It’s always worth tuning into these events or following them online to snag exclusive content.

9. Your Local Library: Yes, Seriously

It might sound old-fashioned, but did you know many libraries offer free game rentals? Yep, libraries aren’t just for books anymore. They often have a selection of console games that you can borrow for free, just like checking out a book. It’s definitely worth looking into your local library’s catalog—you might be surprised by what they offer. Some libraries even have gaming rooms or offer consoles for use in-house.

So there you have it—tons of ways to keep gaming without breaking the bank. Whether you’re embracing the grind in a free-to-play masterpiece, scoring deals during a mega sale, or taking advantage of all the free games floating around, there’s no shortage of options to fuel your gaming addiction on a budget.

And hey, using this guide, you’ll not only get your hands on some amazing games for free (or close to it), but you’ll also grow that endless backlog of yours. Because let’s be real—it’s not just about the games we play, but the satisfaction of knowing we’ve got more games waiting for us than we could ever possibly finish! Just joking, game on!

Stay connected and keep your gaming experience fresh with more tips and tricks from the geek culture world at Land of Geek! Happy gaming!

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