RPG is one of the most prevalent genres in gaming, with games like World of Warcraft leaving a massive cultural impact, way beyond the gaming community. But many great RPG titles, like Baldur’s Gate 3, Final Fantasy XV, and The Witcher 3, aren’t free to play. I decided to compile a list of the best free RPG games you can get in 2024 – from MMORPGs and JRPGs to single-player and indie titles.
Good to know: looking for the top free games? These are the best free PC games to play on Windows.
1. Warframe
Platforms: PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox One, Xbox Series S/X, Nintendo Switch
Subgenres: MMORPG, Action, Looter shooter, Story-driven, Future fantasy
Fans of Destiny 2 may scoff at it, but Warframe is genuinely worth your time. Set against the backdrop of an intergalactic story, the game lets you control and upgrade dozens of “Warframes” (combat suits), while you team up with your squad for exciting, brutal PvE combat.
For a free RPG game, Warframe offers players tons of fun: sprawling landscapes, ship battles in space, endless loot, weapon and vehicle crafting, and impressive freedom to customize the game’s look. There are great boos battles and interesting characters to further enhance your time in the game. You can also download it from Epic Games.
FYI: not sure of your gaming client of choice? Read through our Steam vs. Epic Games Store comparison.
2. RuneScape
Platforms: PC, Linux, macOS, Android, iOS
Subgenres: MMORPG, Fantasy, Open-world
RuneScape has been around since 2001 as a browser game. But don’t let that deter you away from this excellent MMO set in a fantasy world filled with magic, deep lore, and over two decades of world-building. It excels in letting you play the way you want: learn the skill you want; live a tranquil life, or become a wizard and battle monsters.
You’ll also find Old School RuneScape, a retro version that old-timers love. Whichever version you prefer, RuneScape has over 100 quests and dozens of boss fights to get lost in. You can access additional content, quests, skills, and areas with in-game currency. And you can buy, sell, and trade items with other players.
3. EVE Online
Platforms: PC, macOS
Subgenres: MMORPG, Space, Community-driven, Persistent, Sci-fi
EVE Online is one of the most unique games I’ve ever come across. An ever-evolving world that dates back over 20 years, a player-driven economy, and skill training even when the game is off. This space MMORPG may not be for all gamers, but everyone should enter its world at least once.
EVE Online’s shared universe has humble merchants, space pirates, legendary war generals, and all kinds of other players that you’ll come across. You can take control of massive spaceships, explore mysterious worlds, mine precious minerals, and be part of universe-changing events with hundreds of fellow explorers. While many stellar games never come to Mac, EVE Online is one of the best Mac games to play in 2024.
4. Grimm’s Hollow
Platforms: PC
Subgenres: Indie, Pixel graphics, Adventure
If you’ve often wished for RPG games to be short and sweet instead of grindy and painfully long, Grimm’s Hollow may be perfect for you. Created by Mahum Najam with a similar desire, this indie adventure sees Lavender wake up in the afterlife town of Hollow, looking for her brother and fending off ghosts left, right, and center.
Grimm’s Hollow aims to deliver a cute, whimsical, and most importantly, short RPG journey. You can finish off all of its multiple endings in three to five hours. But what it manages to achieve in that short time is an experience filled with enjoyable combat, a lovable art style, and a memorable story. It is definitely one of the best indie games to have come out in recent years.
5. WAKFU
Platforms: PC, Linux, macOS, Android
Subgenres: MMORPG, Turn-based, Tactical RPG, Isometric
This cross between a tactical and turn-based RPG is unique in terms of the rules of the world. WAKFU lets you choose between 16 different classes and defeat the monster causing havoc in the World of Twelve. Alternatively, take a different approach, explore the world, and stay away from the combat.
WAKFU relies on player input for things like resource replenishment and the political system. Every two weeks, a new player gets elected as the governor for each of the four nations in the game, and can set new rules as they deem fit. If you’re not averse to isometric MMORPGs, you’ll love WAKFU’s self-aware humor and strategic combat.
6. Genshin Impact
Platforms: PC, PS5, PS4, Android, iOS
Subgenres: MMORPG, JRPG, Fantasy, Open-world
You’ve probably heard of Genshin Impact, even if you’ve never played it. This incredibly popular fantasy JRPG caught the fancy of more than 70 million users across PC, mobile, and consoles. This is probably due to the sprawling world, elaborate story, and impressive character roster.
While a huge plus with Genshin Impact is the steady stream of updates and new content, it limits what you can do without paying. The brilliant visuals, character designs, enjoyable combat, and addictive open world make this one of the best free RPG games.
7. Theia: The Crimson Eclipse
Platforms: PC
Subgenres: MMORPG, JRPG, Fantasy, Pixel art, Turn-based
RPG Maker allows anyone to create their own free RPG games. Theia: The Crimson Eclipse is a surprisingly excellent JRPG created by RPG fan MissingSeven. Released on Itch.io – one of the best sites for free games – in 2019, this non-commercial RPG contains more than 40 hours of gameplay and 19 playable characters.
Theia manages to get a lot of things right, such as the combat, story, music, and even the adorable pixel-style graphics. Some JRPG fans even consider the game to be much better than many heavyweights of the genre. That’s high praise if you ask me.
8. Lost Ark
Platforms: PC
Subgenres: MMORPG, Action-adventure, Fantasy
Lost Ark famously became the biggest MMORPG on Steam during its launch in 2022. The isometric action RPG from South Korea features a huge world to explore, 24 unique classes (instead of the traditional DPS, healer, and tank) deep and satisfying combat, and tons of content.
In fact, the endgame of Lost Ark seems never-ending, as you team up with friends to set sail and choose what you want to do. You also have the freedom to finish a lot of the quests solo. The impressive visuals (despite Unreal Engine 3) and engaging action make this a great overall experience with a generic story.
9. Eternal Senia
Platforms: PC, Android
Subgenres: Single-player, Action, Anime, Indie
Eternal Senia is another RPG Maker, non-commercial, passion project created by a fan of the old MMORPG, Ragnarok Online. A single-player action RPG in the swarm of MMORPGs, Eternal Senia received a tremendously positive response from the community for its simplistic and relaxing gameplay.
If you’re looking for a break from hard-to-master RPGs with a barebones story, you’ll find this game a breath of fresh air: it has an emotional story, a lovable protagonist, and easy gameplay that just lets you experience the story. You can expect a decent soundtrack, simple visuals, and multiple endings.
10. Shakes and Fidget
Platforms: PC, macOS, Android, iOS
Subgenres: MMORPG, Strategy, Casual
There aren’t many RPGs taking a lighter approach to the MMO genre, but Shakes and Fidget is different. This award-winning satire is aimed at casual RPG fans. It began as a browser and mobile game and later came to Steam in 2016. You get to design your comic book-style hero and send them out in the world to complete quests and earn items.
Being more of an idle game than an active RPG, much of the action takes place off-screen. You can keep the game on and finish chores, a few online lessons, or some work, and come back to reassess things. While not perfect and certainly not innocent of money-grabbing tactics, Shakes and Fidget can be a fun side game as you devote most of your time to a more in-depth title.
Tip: need PC-like experience on mobile? Check out the best iOS and Android games with controller support.
11. Dauntless
Platforms: PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox One, Xbox Series S/X, Nintendo Switch, Android
Subgenres: Co-op, Action, Monster hunting
You may mistake Dauntless for a Monster Hunter: World ripoff, but that mistake would cost you a fantastic RPG experience. Dauntless aims to make action RPGs more accessible to a large audience. It’s easy for beginners to get into and offers veteran RPG players something to keep coming back to.
Dauntless encourages you to level up and defeat stronger and stronger behemoths, but it also doesn’t make the process convoluted. Crafting is simple, and loot boxes can be earned with in-game playtime. You can play with your cross-platform friends on PC, consoles, and mobile. This is one of those free RPG games that has the potential to become the next big thing.
Free-to-play RPGs are sometimes considered less worthy of adulation, but these titles prove that wrong. From decades-old heavyweights, with deep lore and systems, to relaxing and casual indie titles, there’s something for everyone. If you’re looking for free scares, though, the best free horror games on Steam are sure to keep you awake at night.
Image credit: Steam
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