8 great free-to-play shooters to play in 2023: Overwatch 2, VALORANT & more

We've got all of the best free-to-play shooters that you can play right now in 2023, then we have you covered with a list that features everything from Overwatch 2 to VALORANT.

There is an assortment of shooters out there that can be played for free so that you can dive straight in alone or with a group of friends. While some provide your typical FPS experience, others have a colourful cast of characters for you to enjoy a unique playstyle.

We’ll be breaking down all of the best free-to-play titles that you should be jumping into in 2023 below – so make sure to read on to see all of our top picks.

• If you’re looking for some fantasy adventures, be sure to check out our list of the best games like Skyrim.

Best free-to-play shooters in 2023

#8 - Overwatch 2

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Overwatch 2 details & key features:

• Platforms: Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, PC, Nintendo Switch
• Release date: 2022
• Key features:
  • Expanding cast of recognisable characters
  • MOBA and FPS hybrid
  • Colourful action

Although Overwatch 2 may be seemingly overshadowed by various controversies with every update, its free-to-play model on release was a welcome addition that brought in a lot of new players, while also allowing existing players to continue their progress from the first title.

Unfortunately, the single-player content that was promised may not be seeing the light of day, but the existing modes still provide ample - albeit hauntingly familiar - matches with a cast of characters that continues to provide a variety of play styles, making this definitely one of the best free-to-play shooters you can pick up in 2023.

• If you're looking for something a little less frantic, be sure to check out our list for some of the best cosy games.

#7 - Apex Legends

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Apex Legends details & key features

• Platforms: Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, PC, Nintendo Switch
• Release date: 2019
• Key features:
  
  • Exciting hero abilities
  • Tense battle royale combat
  • Competitive ranked mode

Beginning life as an offshoot of Respawn’s Titanfall series, Apex Legends quickly overtook its progenitor to become a hit all of its own.

Taking the fast-paced action of Titanfall and placing it into a battle royale created a tense and exciting multiplayer shooter that instantly became among the best free-to-play shooters.

What is most impressive about Apex is the speed at which your characters will move around a map, with zip lines and slides that create a versatile environment and tactile battleground.

• If you're looking to game on the go, check out our list of some of the best games you can get on Steam Deck.

#6 - Destiny 2

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Destiny 2 details & key features:

• Platforms: Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, PC (Microsoft Windows)
• Release date: 2017
• Key features:
  • MMO-like raids
  • Impressive first-person gunplay
  • Vast narrative that spans multiple expansions

With every new update, Destiny 2 grows bigger and better, bringing a constant slew of new weapons, cosmetics and missions to embark on for new and returning players.

While technically free-to-play, it does require expansions and season passes to help decipher its dense plot and lore, but even without that you get one of the best feeling free-to-play shooters out there.

Even without it, you can engage in Strikes, take on other Guardians in the Crucible, and try your hand at a couple of raids - including the legendary Vault of Glass.

• If you prefer racing to shooting, be sure to check out our list of the best racing games for PS5.

#5 - Fortnite

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Fortnite details & key features:

• Platforms: Android, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Mac, PC (Microsoft Windows), Nintendo Switch
• Release date: 2017
• Key features:
  • So many exciting crossovers
  • Constant updates and new features
  • Easy to pick up and play for beginners

Fortnite has seen its fair share of ups and downs, but one thing that has remained certain is that its free-to-play model continues to draw in players.

With its combination of crafting and shooting, as well as an ever-evolving map, no match is ever the same, making this a perfect choice if you're looking for the best free-to-play shooter.

While the base game is free for anyone to hop into, the paid-for cosmetics and battle pass allows players to live out their fantasy battle royales, by playing as everyone from Spider-Man to the Xenomorph. And don’t be surprised if you get drawn into a spontaneous concert or event from time to time as well.

• If you're looking for more Nintendo Switch games, be sure to check out our list of the best Nintendo Switch games for adults.

#4 - PUBG Mobile

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PUBG Mobile details & key features:

• Platforms: Android, iOS
• Release date: 2018
• Key features:
  • Battle royale on the go
  • Available to so many more players
  • Tense action

While it may be just as easy to access the free-to-play console and PC versions of PUBG, the mobile version is where the title is currently thriving.

PUBG was one of the earlier titles to be released during the battle royale boom alongside Fortnite, and its mobile counterpart brought the action on the go.

While it could’ve been easy to write off PUBG as Fortnite’s more linear sibling, it has maintained its player base, with the mobile version only going on to increase its accessibility and gameplay options, making it a fantastic option if you're looking for the best free-to-play shooters in 2023.

• If you're after something spookier, take a look at our list of the best games like Dead Island 2.

#3 - Counter-Strike: Global Offensive

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CS:GO details & key features:

• Platforms: Linux, Xbox 360, Mac, PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 3
• Release date: 2012
• Key features:
  • Highly competitive action
  • Easy to understand but hard to master
  • Player-driven skin marketplace

With Counter-Strike 2 slated for a Summer 2023 release, now is the perfect time to jump into Global Offensive to get some practice in.

Often hailed as one of the greatest shooters of all time, Counter-Strike has maintained its popularity with every iteration, and CS:GO is perhaps the most recognisable.

CS:GO has remained near the top as one of the best free-to-play shooters for a long time, and undoubtedly Counter-Strike 2 will be doing the same.

• For a more relaxed experience, be sure to have a look at our list of the best games like Animal Crossing.

#2 - Call of Duty: Warzone 2.0

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Warzone 2.0 details & key features:

• Platforms: Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, PC (Microsoft Windows)
• Release date: 2020
• Key features:
  • Large-scale Call of Duty action
  • Bridges the gap between casual and hardcore
  • Huge player base

When it comes to reliability in the best free-to-play shooters, you should look no further than Warzone 2.0. Call of Duty has always been renowned for its multiplayer components, so having a free-to-play title dedicated entirely to it was a no-brainer.

Since its release, Warzone has only got bigger and better, with regular updates, considerations for new titles and an assortment of different playstyles (from teamwork to escaping the Gulag), there is plenty of content for new players to get stuck into.

• If you're looking for some great single-player experiences, check out our list of the best PS5 exclusive titles.

What is the best free-to-play shooter?

#1 - VALORANT

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VALORANT details & key features:

• Platforms: PC (Microsoft Windows)
• Release date: 2020
• Key features:
  • Merges Counter-Strike and the hero shooter
  • Requires high mechanical skill
  • Guaranteed support for years

Our pick for the best free-to-play shooter in 2023 is Riot Games’ VALORANT. Drawing inspiration from Counter-Strike, it has since gone on to incorporate several new elements from other free-to-play shooters that have allowed it to become the definitive experience.

While several other free-to-play shooters allow you to play solo queue and jump into battle alone, VALORANT emphasises the importance of working with friends and strangers in team-based combat.

VALORANT very much feels like the conglomeration of many of the previous shooters on this list, with ultimate abilities that can alter a match entirely a fast-paced action where you are encouraged to think on your feet, you’ll need to have a dynamic approach if you’re going to jump into this title.

That wraps up our selections for some of the best free-to-play shooters you should get stuck into in 2023. With this level of variety, you’re bound to find something to hop into without your wallet begging you to stop.

And if you’re after more lists, be sure to check out our dedicated homepage, as who knows what other games you may find along the way.