14 best free-to-play shooters in 2024, from Fortnite to XDefiant

There's an assortment of shooters out there in the wild that can be played for free alone or with a group of friends. While some provide your typical FPS experience - we're looking at you, Counter-Strike - others have a colourful cast of characters for you to enjoy a unique playstyle. 

So if you're looking for some of the greatest free-to-play shooters out there as of 2024, we have you covered with a list that features everything from Fortnite to THE FINALS.

How I chose the best free-to-play shooters

Right now, there is an abundance of free-to-play shooters around, with new ones releasing all the time - although many shut down before too long, due to a lack of players. 

The list below is full of games that made it past that rocky launch period, now boasting success and most importantly an active player base. The list is also varied and eclectic, so there should be something on there for everyone on all platforms. 

Best free-to-play shooters

#14 - XDefiant

XDefiant details & key features:

• Platforms: PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S
• Release date: 2024
• Key features:
  • Pulls together factions from other Ubisoft titles
  • First-person shooter
  • High streaming numbers

Originally purely part of the Tom Clancy franchise, XDefiant has quickly become something of a Ubi-verse, pulling in several factions from an assortment of Ubisoft titles, including Splinter Cell, Watch Dogs and Far Cry. With a variety of techniques and abilities to master, you can improve and unlock new characters and optimally customise your loadouts.

While it has been in development for some time and initially saw some server issues, some have said that XDefiant could even rival Call of Duty if it takes off. But as free-to-play shooters go, with more characters and maps promised in the Season 1 roadmap, it's well worth checking out.

#13 - PlanetSide 2

PlanetSide details & key features:

• Platforms: PC, PS4
• Release date: 2012
• Key features:
  • Some of the largest battles in gaming
  • Variety of playstyles
  • Set your own objectives

PlanetSide 2 is a very unque shooter due to its structure as an MMOFPS, where you can join servers of up to 1000 players to compete in large-scale battles on huge maps. You select one of three factions and compete in endless wars for control of various bases and points in the different maps.

With land and air vehicles, mechs, and classes with different weapons and equipment, there are loads of ways to play the game at your pace, while enjoying the type of gameplay that's fun for you. The game is getting older now and the servers aren't as populated as they once were, but when an organic battle between multiple factions arises, there is nothing else like in FPS gaming.

#12 - Warframe

Warframe details & key features:

• Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch
• Release date: 2013
• Key features:
  • Looter-shooter mechanics
  • Received constant updates for a decade
  • Procedurally generated levels

If ever there was a free-to-play shooter that's stood the test of time, it's Warframe. Now over a decade since its initial release on PC, it has subsequently been ported to every console generation since and received constant updates.

Despite middling reviews at launch, Warframe has gone on to become one of the most successful free-to-play shooters by combining procedurally generated levels with a variety of different mechanics. From your standard shooter to ethereal melee combat, no Warframe experience is ever the same.

#11 - Overwatch 2

Overwatch 2 details & key features:

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

Although Overwatch 2 may be 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. However, 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 one of the best free-to-play shooters you can pick up in 2023.

#10 - Halo Infinite

Halo Infinite details & key features

• Platforms: PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S
• Release date: 2021
• Key features:
  • Classic Halo multiplayer goodness
  • Plenty of modes and weapons to play
  • Training mode for newcomers

When it comes to multiplayer features, the Halo series has always been considered one of the most legendary. Halo Infinite has certainly had a few ups and downs since its release, but at the time of writing, it seems to be in a pretty good place, with plenty of players keeping the fire burning.

While initially starting with humble beginnings with limited modes and a lack of a progression system, the game has grown significantly and seen its fair share of polish. While we hope it will keep this up, only time will tell. But in the meantime, with it being free-to-play, it is worth jumping into.

#9 - Team Fortress 2

Team Fortress 2 details & key features:

• Platforms: PC, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3
• Release date: 2007
• Key features:
  • Classic Valve quality
  • Still receives updates for PC
  • Fun classes that are great for teamwork

When it comes to some of the most influential games of all time, Valve has you covered - it's not the last time you'll be seeing them on this list. But Team Fortress 2 is still to this day one of the most enduring multiplayer shooters and has remained consistently well-maintained.

Despite its age, TF2 receives frequent tweaks and updates on PC and has an array of classes you can pick up and play right from the get-go. You can still play it, and you absolutely should, because its influence and reach are still felt today in other entries on this list.

#8 - Apex Legends

Apex Legends details & key features

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

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.

#7 - THE FINALS

THE FINALS details & key features:

• Platforms: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S
• Release date: 2023
• Key features:
  • Goo weapons are versatile and unique
  • Inspired by The Hunger Games
  • Plenty of build potential

Despite its use of AI-generated voices, THE FINALS has quickly cemented itself as a fun, fast-paced free-to-play shooter that shouldn't be missed in 2024. With destructible environments, intense firefights, and Hunger Games-inspired gameplay, matches are always high-octane.

The standout mechanic in THE FINALS is without a doubt the Goo Guns. Like Prey's Gloo Cannon, this weapon allows you to create entirely new walls and platforms to help you and your team out, offensively and defensively.

#6 - Destiny 2

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

Destiny 2 grows bigger and better with every new update and expansion, 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.

#5 - PUBG Mobile

PUBG Mobile details & key features:

• Platforms: Android, iOS
• Release date: 2018
• Key features:
  • Available to so many more players
  • Battle royale on the go
  • 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 battle royale games to be released during the genre's 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 a new free-to-play shooter to dive into in 2024.

#4 - VALORANT

VALORANT details & key features:

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

Riot Games’ VALORANT draws inspiration from Counter-Strike, but 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 into 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.

#3 - Counter-Strike 2

CS2 details & key features:

• Platforms: Linux, PC (Microsoft Windows)
• Release date: 2023
• Key features:
  • Easy to understand but hard to master
  • Highly competitive action
  • Player-driven skin marketplace

Counter-Strike 2 serves as an upgrade and sequel to the iconic Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, with it picking up where its genre-defining predecessor left off.

Often hailed as one of the greatest shooters of all time, Counter-Strike has maintained its popularity with every iteration with frantic gameplay and great progression. While it has been somewhat divisive among the fanbase that has been playing CS:GO for over a decade, it still prides itself in being one of the best free-to-play shooters out there.

#2 - Call of Duty: Warzone 2.0

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:
  • Bridges the gap between casual and hardcore
  • Huge player base
  • Large-scale Call of Duty action

When it comes to reliability, 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 gotten bigger and better, with regular updates, considerations for new titles, and an assortment of different playstyles (from teamwork to escaping the Gulag), meaning there is plenty of content for new players to get stuck into.

What is the best free-to-play shooter?

#1 - Fortnite

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:
  • Constant updates and new features
  • Easy to pick up and play for beginners
  • So many exciting crossovers

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 recent updates seeing a return to the original map, a LEGO crossover, Rocket Racing, and even a Guitar Hero-inspired mode, Fortnite isn't just a shooter, it's an experience.

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 a free-to-play shooter.

While the base game is free for anyone to hop into, the paid-for cosmetics and battle pass allow players to live out their fantasy battle royales, by playing as everyone from Spider-Man to The Demogorgon or dancing and emoting to some of the most iconic songs in pop culture.

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 recommendations, be sure to check out our lists homepage for games like Assassin's Creed, Red Dead Redemption 2, and Baldur's Gate 3.