With everything going on these days, there are plenty of reasons to take a look at the free-to-play library on Xbox One. Whether you’re gaming on a budget, want to get together online with friends, or just want to try out something new, you’ve got a lot of options. That’s where we come in – here is a list of some of our favorite free-to-play Xbox One games, presented in alphabetical order for your reading pleasure. (As a reminder, you’ll need Xbox Live Gold to play multiplayer titles.)
After its surprise announce last year, Respawn Entertainment’s fast-paced first-person battle royale game has quickly become a gaming juggernaut, and continues to grow with frequent updates and unique special events. Unlike many other battle royale titles, Apex Legends features a hero-based combat system that depends on smart team composition nearly as much as quick reflexes. Perhaps not surprisingly given Respawn’s pedigree, it’s also got some of the tightest gunplay in the genre.
Embark on an epic journey across a seamless, vibrant online world and be tasked with battling (and surviving) vicious, lethal monsters that inhabit this untamed landscape. Choose from one of five classic classes, each with its own combo-driven combat experience, then gather your party to explore this richly detailed world of dangerous beasts and divine secrets. Get an in-depth overview of all the classes here in this Xbox Wire exclusive feature.
This intense fighting game combines cartoonish 2D visuals with deep gameplay as part of a genre that’s known as a platform brawler. This means that players are tasked with knocking their opponents off a platform by whatever means necessary, which is usually easier said than done. There are over 40 characters to choose from, each with unique movesets, signature abilities, stats, weapon combinations and flair to suit your chosen playstyle. The action can get pretty hectic, as Brawlhalla supports up to 8 local or online players (with full cross-play so you can battle against friends on a number of other platforms).
The newest entry in the battle royale genre, Warzone ups the ante in a number of ways. 150 players drop into the large Verdansk map, scavenge weapons and supplies, and do battle in increasingly smaller zones as the intensity ratchets up. That’s all fairly standard for the genre, but things get really interesting once you die. Once your health reaches zero, you’ll be captured as a “Prisoner of Warzone” and fight in the Gulag, a separate area within the Zordaya Prison Complex. Win the fight there and you’ll be redeployed back into the action. Lose and… well, you can probably guess.
Late last year, the team at renowned developer Bungie decided to try something new with their highly polished sci-fi first-person shooter: they made it free. Well, not the whole game, but they did give new players a chance to play the core, non-DLC content in Destiny 2 New Light. Yes, that includes everything from story missions and PvP to strikes and even multiple raids. It’s a ton of content that can keep you busy for hundreds of hours, especially since players with New Light can play with their friends who have the paid version of the game.
Unless you’ve been living under a proverbial rock for the last couple years, there’s a good chance you’ve already heard of Epic Games’ hugely popular third-person shooter. Combining a unique building mechanic with highly stylized (yet still skill-based) combat, Fortnite pushed the battle royale genre in exciting new directions. Best of all, the team has kept the game fresh thanks to frequent updates and additions, giving its dedicated fanbase plenty of reasons to keep coming back for more. And don’t even get us started on the mind-boggling array of skins!
While it’s not the biggest title on this list, we included this one on here because it’s a free-to-play favorite of multiple members of the Xbox PR team. Created by the team behind the hugely popular Puzzle Quest, Gems of War mashes together match 3 puzzle action with role-playing and strategy elements to create on glorious whole. As anyone who’s played a match 3 game knows, they are easy to jump into for a few rounds of fun, and Gems of War’s frequent updates give plenty of reasons to keep coming back for more.
Neverwinter / Star Trek Online / DC Universe Online
Whether you’re looking to jump into the realm of Dungeons & Dragons fantasy, take command of your very own starship and join Starfleet, or fight alongside some of the most iconic DC Comics superheroes, these free-to-play games are full of content and expansive worlds to explore. Each of these titles have been continuously supported over the years with free content expansions making them some of the most compelling MMORPGs to start playing today.
Wield a mix of guns and magic in a fantasy world full of ancient technology in this team-based shooter with strategy elements and deep character customization. Through a unique collectible card system, you can amplify and augment your character’s core set of abilities to suit your style of play across a variety of competitive multiplayer arenas.
Having recently launched on Xbox One, the long-awaited Phantasy Star Online 2 has been around for years in Japan and now more gamers can jump in and enjoy this premiere MMORPG. With procedurally generated environments, unexpected events, and raid quests, PSO2 aims to provide a never-ending adventure that is always filled with fresh surprises. Xbox Game Pass Ultimate members can get the Ultimate Perks Bundle and a Monthly Bonus to help start their adventure.
Part massively multiplayer online game, part game creation platform, Roblox is one of the most popular online titles in the world. The platform hosts a staggering amount of user-created games and virtual worlds that cover a wide variety of genres, from racing and role-playing games to job simulations and runners. While many of the games on the platform are rudimentary, Roblox is actually a great introduction to game development, allowing fans to experiment with everything from creating and fine-tuning game mechanics to designing virtual items.
Jump in to one of the world’s most popular MOBAs on Xbox One. Get up close and personal on the battlegrounds with a third-person action viewpoint and pick from more than 100 different characters to bring with you into the online arena. Xbox Game Pass Ultimate members can get started today with the Smite Starter Pass that includes five legendary, fan-favorite gods to play as.
Blending combat with exploration, TERA has been a long-running, combat-focused MMO on PC – where aiming, dodging, and timed-attacks are key — that has been completely retooled for console gaming. With a variety of races and classes, from brawler to ranged attacker, and a vast game world to explore with a tremendous online community to engage, the world of TERA is one that’s truly worth exploring.
Come, Tenno. You are being summoned to join one of today’s most exhilarating online worlds. This mix of melee combat, third-person shooter, and stealth action game wrapped inside one of the most unique sci-fi worlds in gaming is a blast to play. Pick from a variety of Warframes, each with different powers to harness, and level-up your character as you enjoy a wide breadth of content. Xbox Game Pass Ultimate members can get the Xbox Starter Bundle that includes a variety of boosters and in-game currency.
Going on six years strong on Xbox, World of Tanks is a fantastic tactical shooter covered in several tons of armor. With over 400 authentic vehicles to control, from nimble scouts to thundering heavy tanks, there is a role waiting for you on this competitive multiplayer battlefield. Xbox Game Pass Ultimate members can pick up the Ready for War Pack that includes $50 worth of vehicles, Gold, and Premium Time
Having just celebrated its first full year of service on Xbox, World of Warships: Legends tasks naval commanders with control of their own warship to take on the open ocean to engage in methodical multiplayer battles. Pick from a variety of destroyers, cruisers, or battleships – each with their own strengths and weaknesses – to lead your team to victory. Xbox Live Gold members can pick up the Jump Start and the Aurora Borealis warship content bundles for free to get started.