If it’s the best free FPS games you’re looking for, then you’re in the right place. We’ve got a nice compilation of titles which bring action-packed combat with hours of playing. And you won’t be alone – Most of the additions we’ve listed below are MMO-based.
As you probably know, there are endless choices out there. So, to make things convenient, we’ve briefly detailed each title with the key features. The names on this lineup are mostly designed for PC, and there are some which are browser-based and support other platforms as well.
1. Warface:
From the makers of the acclaimed Crysis series comes the first-person shooter Warface which is based on Crytek’s CryEngine 3. The online browser-based title went live back in October and it’s currently accessible in North America, Europe and Turkey on GFACE. One of the key features here is the co-op mode where you and friends can complete various missions together.
Then there’s versus mode that tags along multiple types of matches like team death, free for all, plant the bomb and destruction. You can choose between four different character types, namely rifleman, sniper, medic and engineer. While the title is currently exclusive for PC, an early 2014 release is scheduled for the Xbox 360.
2. Arma 2 (A2F):
The standalone version of Arma 2 is one of the most enjoyable out there, especially with the numerous mods which bring in new campaigns and augment the overall experience. The A2F release was launched back in 2011 and it supports the same multiplayer experience as the original, albeit the single player campaign has been dropped along with support for HD visuals and user-made add-ons as well as mods.
Nevertheless, it’s yet one fine title to play. Like the original, this one sets to deliver an accurate recreation of the battlefield through a wide range of weapons and various modes like co-op and PvP. You’ll also be able to set up dedicated servers on Windows and Linux platform as well as create custom maps and missions with the script editor.
3. Battlefield Play4Free:
Abbreviated as BFP4F, this addition was introduced by EA back in 2011 and it’s based on the same engine which was used in Battlefield 2, although there have been a few modifications to deliver improved gameplay as well as deliver updated maps and vehicles. While it stays true to the first-person shooter genre, the developer has also implemented RPG elements such as character leveling and customization. Speaking of which, you can choose between 4 classes, assault, medic, engineer and recon.
With 8 maps currently available, you can battle it out with others in 32-player fights, all-out vehicular combat and more. The more you play and kill, the more money you earn which can be spent on customizations and buying weapons. There’s a micro-transaction store system in place as well.
4. Hawken:
Hawken is certainly one of the finest mech titles on the market and the fact that it doesn’t cost you a dime to play, makes it all the more alluring. It features highly detailed visuals and is based on the Unreal Engine 3. The gameplay here is fast-paced and you’ll also have to be on the strategic front to take the enemy by surprise and avoid being spotted.
Mechs here are of 3 types, light, medium and heavy, each having their own advantages and disadvantages. Also, you can unlock more models by leveling up your player. Being multiplayer only, you’ll have various playable modes to choose from, weapons to unlock and items to equip.
5. PlanetSide 2:
Sony Online Entertainment’s remake of PlanetSide showed up in 2011 and it’s based on a new game engine. The main story, however, is the same as the original where factions fight over territories of planet Auraxis. Unlike the others mentioned here, this MMOFPS has no limits to the number of players.
With a large number of people playing at the same time in an open environment, you’ll be able to control air and ground vehicles to do whatever it takes to overrun territories. The title is only available for Windows as of now, but you can expect it to hit the PlayStation 4 next year.
6. MechWarrior: Online:
MechWarrior: Online is a lot like Hawken. It was commercially launched back in September is based on the MechWarrior franchise. Here, you pilot BattleMech combat vehicles which can be equipped with armor, items and weapons. There are currently 2 gameplay modes available.
In Assault you take out the enemy’s base, while Conquest will have you capture multiple locations. Battles comprise of 2 teams, each with 12 players.
7. Team Fortress 2:
If you’re really looking for a good time with fast-paced combat, then look no further than Team Fortress 2. It wasn’t until 2011 that the game became free to play and to keep the revenue flowing, micro-transactions were placed for purchasing equipment. Here, battles are fought between two teams, RED and BLU, in multiple maps like Capture the Flag, Control Point, Payload, Arena and King of the Hill.
You’ll have 9 character classes to choose from, each having a different skill set as well as weapons. TF2 features rich cartoonish graphics and characters can be heavily customized with weapons and other equipment. This title is compatible with Windows, Mac and Linux.
8. Quake Live:
Quake 3 Arena is definitely one of the greatest and most enjoyable in the first-person shooter genre and to make it available for absolutely no cost, id Software has come up with an online solution dubbed Quake Live. Well, if you want added benefits like the ability to create custom servers and other premium features, you can opt for a paid subscription.
The title was originally launched as a browser game, but it will be available as standalone later this year. Like the original, you’ll get a plethora of weapons and various modes to play like FFA, Race, Duel, CTF and more.
Conclusion:
The best free FPS games aren’t going to cost you a single cent to play, but you can expect to find purchasable add-ons and exclusive items that will require you to shell out some hard cash, that’s if you’re willing to.