Sometimes buying a $60 game just is not an option. Maybe you are saving money, maybe you are waiting for a sale, or maybe you just want to try something new without spending anything. Another common situation is deciding whether you should buy a single-player game for yourself or a multiplayer game that you can enjoy with your friends.
Fortunately, Steam has a massive library of free games, and many of them offer surprisingly good multiplayer experiences. Some of these games can easily compete with paid titles, offering hours of gameplay, active communities, and constant updates from developers.
Whether you enjoy shooters, fighting games, social deduction games, or chaotic multiplayer experiences, there are plenty of options to try without spending a single dollar. In this list, we will look at some of the best free multiplayer games currently available on Steam that you and your friends can jump into right now.
Here are my top 5 picks for the best free multiplayer games on Steam.
5. Ironsight
Starting off the list is Ironsight, a free-to-play first-person shooter that feels heavily inspired by classic Call of Duty games. If you enjoy fast-paced multiplayer combat, customizable loadouts, and competitive matches, this game will probably feel very familiar.
The gameplay style is very similar to older Call of Duty titles such as Black Ops 2. You have access to different weapons, attachments, perks, and equipment that allow you to build your own playstyle. The game also features a variety of classic multiplayer modes including Team Deathmatch, Search and Destroy style modes, and objective-based gameplay.
One unique feature in Ironsight is the use of drones. Instead of traditional killstreak rewards like in Call of Duty, players can deploy different types of drones that help with combat. Some drones scout enemies, while others provide direct fire support during matches.
Graphically, the game may not look as polished as modern AAA shooters. The menus and user interface sometimes give off a mobile-game style appearance, which can feel a little strange at first. However, once you actually get into a match, the gameplay is surprisingly smooth and enjoyable.
If you are someone who enjoys Call of Duty-style gameplay but do not want to spend $60 on the newest release, Ironsight is definitely worth trying. It captures that arcade-style shooter experience while remaining completely free.
4. Brawlhalla
Coming in at number four is Brawlhalla, a free-to-play platform fighting game that has built a massive player base over the years.
At first glance, many players compare Brawlhalla to Super Smash Bros. While there are definitely similarities, the game has evolved into its own unique experience with its own mechanics, characters, and gameplay systems.
In Brawlhalla, players fight on floating platforms while trying to knock their opponents off the map. Instead of traditional health bars, players build up damage and eventually get launched farther and farther until they are knocked out of the stage.
The game features a wide variety of characters called Legends. Each Legend has their own weapon combinations and special abilities, allowing players to experiment with different playstyles. Some characters specialize in quick attacks, while others focus on powerful heavy hits.
Another interesting part of Brawlhalla is the number of crossover characters included in the game. Over the years, the developers have added characters from many popular franchises, including characters from games, movies, and TV shows.
Brawlhalla also supports cross-platform play, meaning players from PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and other platforms can all play together. This makes it much easier to jump into matches with friends regardless of what platform they are using.
The game offers both casual and ranked modes, so players can either play for fun or compete seriously against other players. With constant updates, new characters, and seasonal events, Brawlhalla continues to stay fresh and exciting.
Even if you normally prefer traditional fighting games, Brawlhalla is definitely worth trying with friends.
3. Polygon
The number three pick on this list is Polygon, a low-poly multiplayer shooter that focuses on large-scale battlefield combat.
If you have ever played Battlefield games, Polygon will feel somewhat familiar. The game features large maps, team-based gameplay, and various objectives that players must complete in order to win matches.
The main difference is the visual style. Polygon uses a low-poly art design, which gives the game a simple but clean look. While it may not have realistic graphics like many modern shooters, the style actually helps the game run smoothly on many different computers.
Currently, the game focuses mostly on infantry combat, meaning there are no vehicles like tanks or helicopters yet. Some players may miss those features, especially if they are used to traditional Battlefield-style gameplay.
However, even without vehicles, the core combat is still extremely fun. The gunplay feels solid, and the maps offer plenty of opportunities for strategic positioning and teamwork.
The developers are actively working on improving the game and adding new features, which makes it exciting to see how Polygon might evolve in the future. If the developers eventually add vehicles or expand the maps further, the game could become even more impressive.
For players looking for a free alternative to large-scale battlefield shooters, Polygon is definitely worth checking out.
2. Deceit
Moving toward the top of the list, the second pick is Deceit, a multiplayer social deduction game that combines teamwork, suspicion, and survival.
Many players compare Deceit to games like Among Us or Trouble in Terrorist Town. While there are similarities, Deceit introduces its own unique gameplay mechanics that make it stand out.
In each match, players are placed into a group where some of them are secretly infected monsters. The infected players must eliminate the innocent players without revealing their identity, while the innocent players try to figure out who the monsters are before it is too late.
Throughout the match, players explore different areas of the map while collecting items such as weapons, flashlights, and tools that help them survive. Communication and teamwork are extremely important because players must decide who they trust and who might be secretly working against them.
When the game transitions into its dark phase, the infected players transform into terrifying creatures and begin hunting the survivors. During this time, survivors must work together to avoid being killed while trying to expose the infected players.
One of the reasons Deceit works so well with friends is because of the psychological gameplay. Players constantly accuse each other, create alliances, and try to manipulate the group into trusting them.
Whether you are playing as the monster or trying to survive as a human, the game creates tense and unpredictable moments that make every match different.
If you enjoy games that involve deception, teamwork, and strategy, Deceit is one of the best free multiplayer experiences you can find on Steam.
1. SCP: Secret Laboratory
The number one pick on this list is SCP: Secret Laboratory.
This game is extremely underrated but offers an incredible amount of fun, especially when playing with a group of friends. It is based on the SCP Foundation universe, which revolves around mysterious and dangerous creatures contained inside secret facilities.
In SCP: Secret Laboratory, players are assigned different roles at the start of each round. Some players become scientists, some become security personnel, some become prisoners, and others become terrifying SCP creatures.
Each role has a different objective. Scientists try to escape the facility, security forces attempt to contain the SCP entities, and prisoners try to survive long enough to escape or join another faction.
Meanwhile, players controlling SCP creatures hunt everyone else inside the facility. These creatures have powerful abilities and can eliminate players quickly if they are not careful.
What makes the game so entertaining is how chaotic each round can become. Players form temporary alliances, betray each other, and scramble to survive as the situation constantly changes.
The game also features proximity voice chat, which adds an entirely new layer of immersion and humor. Conversations between players often create hilarious or tense moments as people try to negotiate their survival.
While the game can feel confusing at first because of its many roles and mechanics, it becomes incredibly fun once you understand how everything works.
I personally have nearly 60 hours in the game and even run a Cubold server for it. That alone shows how much replay value the game has.
If you enjoy unpredictable multiplayer experiences with a mix of horror and teamwork, SCP: Secret Laboratory is a must-play.
Honorable Mentions
There are also a few other free multiplayer games on Steam that deserve recognition.
One obvious choice is Counter-Strike: Global Offensive. This competitive shooter has been one of the most popular multiplayer games in the world for years. While it used to cost money, the game eventually became free to play, making it much easier for new players to jump into competitive matches.
Another excellent free game is Destiny 2. Originally released as a full-priced game, Destiny 2 later adopted a free-to-play model. The game offers an incredible amount of content including story missions, raids, PvP modes, and cooperative activities.
Even though some expansions require payment, the base game still provides a huge amount of content for free. If you enjoy sci-fi shooters with RPG elements, Destiny 2 is a great addition to any Steam library.
Final Thoughts
Free games have come a long way over the years. What used to be simple browser games or low-quality experiments has now evolved into full multiplayer experiences that rival paid titles.
The games listed above prove that you do not need to spend money to enjoy great multiplayer gameplay. Whether you prefer competitive shooters, fighting games, social deduction experiences, or chaotic survival games, there is something available for everyone.
If you are looking for new games to try with friends without spending anything, these five free multiplayer games on Steam are an excellent place to start.
And the best part is that you can download them right now and start playing immediately.
