10 Best Free Steam Games (According to Reddit)

You can easily find the best free Steam games on Reddit. Instead of spending hours scrolling through free titles, you can filter through the junk by asking real people their honest opinions. We’ve collected some of the best and most informative threads to streamline the process. 

1. Warframe

Warframe is a collaborative, narrative-driven online action game where you use everything from toxicity to sonic attacks to devastate enemies. Unlock up to 40 warframes — bio-metal power suits — including beastmaster Khora, firemonger Nezha, waverider Yareli or enchantress Titania. Craft hundreds of destructive armaments to improve your build.

It repeatedly appears on Reddit threads about free Steam games. In one, user u/Dxniex23 says it’s what you make it because it has a little bit of everything, from horror to hoverboard quests. Other users chimed in, admitting they initially thought it would be pay-to-win, but quickly realized it wasn’t. Most agree it’s very grindy, but being overpowered is worth the effort. 

Minimum System Requirements 

• OS: Windows 7 64-Bit
• Processor: Intel Core i7 860, Intel Core i5 75, or AMD FX-4100
• Memory: 4 GB RAM
• Graphics: DirectX 11+ capable card
• Hard Drive: 50 GB 
• Additional: Broadband internet required 

2. Doki Doki Literature Club 

Doki Doki Literature Club is a psychological horror game hidden behind a cutesy anime aesthetic. You, the high school protagonist, join a group of girls in the literature club. On the surface, it’s a typical romantic visual novel. However, it quickly takes a dark, twisted turn. The game’s description even states it isn’t suitable for children or those who are easily disturbed. 

It is among the best free Steam games, according to Reddit. Users said it was “one-of-a-kind” and one of their more surreal gaming experiences. Some even said it was the game that got them into visual novels. Even those who knew the twist was coming said they weren’t prepared for how dark it got. One person said they couldn’t sleep well for nights afterward.

Minimum System Requirements 

• OS: Windows 7
• Processor: 1.8 GHz dual-core CPU
• Memory: 4 GB
• Graphics: Integrated graphics
• Hard Drive: 350 MB 

3. Path of Exile 

Path of Exile takes place in a dark fantasy world. In this action role-playing game, you struggle to survive a bleak world to exact your revenge on those who wronged you. The gameplay mechanics are focused on visceral combat. There is also in-depth character customization.

Even though u/Only_One_Kenobi said it is the most expensive “free” game you’ll ever play, they personally don’t regret one cent or minute they spent on it. Other users clarified that you don’t technically have to pay for anything — every act is free. After that, you can play free maps and fight pinnacle bosses. 

There are microtransactions for armor skins, skill visuals and hideout bases. Most people on this thread recommend getting premium and currency stash tabs to simplify storage and trading. However, you don’t need them to play the game. 

Minimum System Requirements 

• OS: Windows 10
• Processor: Quad-core 2.6GHz x86-compatible
• Memory: 8 GB
• Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 650 Ti or ATI Radeon HD 7850
• Hard Drive: 40 GB
• Additional: Broadband internet connection required 

4. Cry of Fear 

Cry of Fear started as a Half Life mod and evolved into a single-player survival horror game. You explore a deserted town, fending off nightmarish delusions and fighting horrific monsters. Will you descend into madness or emerge victorious? There are multiple endings, so only you can answer that question. You can play the full-length co-op campaign with up to four friends. 

If you’re a fan of psychological Horror, you’ll enjoy Cry of Fear. User u/LittleBittieLady says they can’t recommend this game enough to people who enjoy this genre. Its analog horror vibe and cinematic visuals make it stand out, even compared to paid titles. It’s one of the top free Steam games, if you ask Reddit.

Minimum System Requirements 

• OS: Windows 7 32-bit
• Processor: 1 GHz
• Memory: 1 GB RAM
• Graphics: 128 MB card with OpenGL support
• Hard Drive: 5 GB
• Additional: Microsoft .NET Framework 4 required

5. Once Human

Once Human is a multiplayer survival game set in a post-apocalyptic open world. You wake up in the middle of nowhere and are immediately confronted by strange monsters and mysterious anomalies. Your goal is to customize your weapons, build your base and expand your territory to defend yourself and discover the truth of this strange new future. 

One Reddit user said they have enjoyed the game, highlighting the exploration, base building and story. They admitted they feel like they’re not supposed to like it because it’s free, but they’d be lying if they said they weren’t having a good time. Their one gripe is that the game has seasons that reset your base, which is an admittedly strange choice in a survival game. 

Minimum System Requirements 

• OS: Windows 10 64-bit
• Processor: Intel Core i5-4460
• Memory: 8 GB
• Graphics: Nvidia GTX 750ti 4G or AMD Radeon RX550
• Hard Drive: 73 GB
• Additional: Broadband internet required and an SSD recommended

6. Palia 

If you’re a fan of Stardew Valley or Coral Island, Palia is the perfect free game. It is a really relaxing game, says u/blanched_almond on a r/gamingsuggestions thread. This mash-up of fantasy, adventure and life simulation lets you craft unique furniture, build a home and explore an ancient magical forest. You can play minigames, attend events or romance one of the many villagers. If you want to hang out with fellow adventurers, you can team up and explore. 

Minimum System Requirements 

• OS: Windows 10 64-bit
• Processor: Intel Core i5-4670K or AMD FX-8350 CPU
• Memory: 4 GB
• Graphics: Nvidia GTX 660 or AMD Radeon R9 270
• Hard Drive: 22 GB 
• Additional: Broadband internet required and an SSD recommended

7. Sky: Children of the Light

Sky: Children of the Light is a peaceful MMO. As free Steam games go, Reddit users think it’s one of the best. One says it flows very well on your first playthrough. On top of being well-paced, it has intuitive maps, charming emotes and a calming soundtrack. After you beat the game, the cryptic, grindy post-game loop will keep you entertained for hours. 

Take flight, explore the seven realms, solve puzzles and embark on quests to push back the Darkness. You may uncover more about the ancient civilization you inhabit as you do. The community is helpful and inclusive, giving you a much-needed break from the toxic gamers or bot-filled lobbies you find in most online games nowadays.

Minimum System Requirements 

• OS: Windows 10 64-bit
• Processor: Intel i5-6400 or AMD FX 8310
• Memory: 8 GB
• Graphics: Nvidia GeForce GTX 1030 or AMD Radeon RX 560 with 2 GB VRAM
• Hard Drive: 3 GB
• Additional: Broadband internet required

8. The Sims 4

The Sims 4 became free a few years ago. The base game is pretty basic, but you’d spend over $1,000 buying all the DLC, so some people say it’s not worth it. However, coming from someone who’s sunk hours into it, it’s a lot of fun. Besides, most people would agree it’s the reigning champion of the life simulation genre.

Reddit user u/Sadieloveshu agrees, stating there is no competition for which title has the best build mode, even among other Sims games. Whether you like building or playing out dramatic stories with your Sims, you’ll have a great time. 

Minimum System Requirements 

• OS: Windows 10 64-bit
• Processor: 3.3 GHz Intel Core i3-3220 or AMD Ryzen 3 1200
• Memory: 4 GB
• Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce 6600 or ATI Radeon X1300 or Intel GMA X4500
• Hard Drive: 26 GB
• Additional: Broadband internet required and an SSD recommended

9. Persona 5: The Phantom X

In Persona 5: The Phantom X, you are a normal high school student by day and a villain-fighting Phantom Thief by night. Strengthen your Persona — the power of the heart — to become the most powerful Persona user and prevent a future of ruin. When you’re not delving into dungeons, you can visit clubs, spend time with friends or work part-time. 

Recently, it ranked No. 1 in the free download ranking on Steam. Reddit users say it feels like a less refined version of Persona 5, which is both good and bad. It’s a fun adaptation that has more creative freedom than the original. However, the clunky, oversized UI can get in your way, which is frustrating. 

Minimum System Requirements 

• OS: Windows 10 64-bit
• Processor: Intel Core i3-7300
• Memory: 8 GB
• Graphics: Nvidia GeForce GTX 750Ti
• Hard Drive: 70 GB

10. Marvel Rivals

On r/Steam, users recently discussed Marvel Rivals becoming the No. 1 most-played game. While the industry is oversaturated with hero shooters, it stands out. You get dozens of characters for free. If you buy a pass, you can finish whenever you want instead of rushing to complete it by a predetermined deadline. 

Many people commented to applaud everything from the technical implementation of hero abilities to the character design for each hero. It even gives you “free money” for completing challenges, which you can use to buy skins. Unlike other team-based PVP shooters, it has destructible, ever-evolving battlefields and recognizable Marvel heroes. 

Minimum System Requirements 

• OS: Windows 10 64-bit
• Processor: Intel Core i5-6600K or AMD Ryzen 5 1600X
• Memory: 16 GB
• Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 or AMD RX 580 or Intel Arc A380
• Hard Drive: 70 GB
• Additional: Broadband internet connection

The Best Free Steam Games Based on Reddit Opinions

The great thing about Reddit is that there’s a variety of opinions, depending on which subreddit you’re on. If you’re going to get free Steam games based on Reddit recommendations, consider exploring a few different subreddits to get some opposing opinions. That said, these games are free — you risk nothing getting them, so what’s the harm in jumping the gun? 
While Steam has a relatively lenient refund policy, you won’t need to worry about risking your hard-earned money on these free titles. Whether you want to relax with a peaceful life simulation or scare yourself with psychological horror, you have plenty of options.