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.
As an expert in the field of gaming and Xbox One, I can provide you with information related to the concepts mentioned in the article you provided. I have a deep understanding of the free-to-play library on Xbox One and can offer insights into the games mentioned. Let's dive into the details!
Apex Legends
Apex Legends is a fast-paced first-person battle royale game developed by Respawn Entertainment. It has gained immense popularity since its surprise announcement last year. The game features a hero-based combat system, which sets it apart from other battle royale titles. Team composition and strategy play a crucial role in Apex Legends, alongside quick reflexes. The game is known for its tight gunplay and frequent updates .
Bless Unleashed
Bless Unleashed is an epic online journey set in a vibrant and seamless world. Players are tasked with battling and surviving against vicious monsters in this untamed landscape. The game offers five classic classes, each with its own combo-driven combat experience. Players can gather their party and explore the richly detailed world of Bless Unleashed.
Brawlhalla
Brawlhalla is an intense fighting game that combines cartoonish 2D visuals with deep gameplay. It falls under the genre of platform brawlers, where players aim to knock opponents off a platform. The game offers over 40 characters with unique movesets, abilities, and weapon combinations. Brawlhalla supports up to 8 local or online players, with full cross-play functionality.
Call of Duty: Warzone
Call of Duty: Warzone is the newest entry in the battle royale genre. It features a large map called Verdansk, where 150 players drop in, scavenge for weapons and supplies, and engage in battles. What sets Warzone apart is the Gulag, a separate area within the Zordaya Prison Complex. When players die, they get a chance to fight in the Gulag for a chance to redeploy back into the game .
Destiny 2 New Light
Destiny 2 New Light is a sci-fi first-person shooter developed by Bungie. It offers a vast amount of content for new players, including story missions, PvP, strikes, and raids. While the core content is free, there are additional DLCs available for purchase. New Light players can also play with their friends who have the paid version of the game.
Fortnite
Fortnite is a highly popular third-person shooter developed by Epic Games. It introduced a unique building mechanic to the battle royale genre, combining it with stylized combat. The game is known for its frequent updates and additions, keeping the gameplay fresh for its dedicated fanbase. Fortnite offers a wide range of skins for customization.
Gems of War
Gems of War is a free-to-play game that combines match 3 puzzle action with role-playing and strategy elements. It was created by the team behind the popular Puzzle Quest. The game offers frequent updates, providing players with new content to enjoy. Gems of War is a favorite among members of the Xbox PR team .
Neverwinter / Star Trek Online / DC Universe Online
Neverwinter, Star Trek Online, and DC Universe Online are free-to-play MMORPGs (Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games). Each game offers a unique world to explore, whether it's the realm of Dungeons & Dragons fantasy, the Star Trek universe, or the world of DC Comics superheroes. These games have been continuously supported with free content expansions, making them compelling choices for players.
Paladins
Paladins is a team-based shooter with strategy elements and deep character customization. Players can wield a mix of guns and magic in a fantasy world filled with ancient technology. The game features a unique collectible card system that allows players to amplify and augment their character's abilities. Paladins offers a variety of competitive multiplayer arenas.
Phantasy Star Online 2
Phantasy Star Online 2 is a highly anticipated MMORPG that recently launched on Xbox One. It has been popular in Japan for years and now more gamers can enjoy this immersive online experience. The game features procedurally generated environments, unexpected events, and raid quests, providing a never-ending adventure. Xbox Game Pass Ultimate members can access exclusive perks and bonuses.
Roblox
Roblox is a massively multiplayer online game and game creation platform. It hosts a vast number of user-created games and virtual worlds across various genres. Players can explore racing games, role-playing games, job simulations, and more. Roblox also serves as an introduction to game development, allowing fans to experiment with creating their own games and virtual items.
Smite
Smite is one of the world's most popular MOBAs (Multiplayer Online Battle Arenas) on Xbox One. It offers a third-person action viewpoint and features over 100 different characters to choose from. Players can engage in online arena battles and strategize with their chosen gods. Xbox Game Pass Ultimate members can access the Smite Starter Pass, which includes five legendary gods.
TERA
TERA is a combat-focused MMO (Massively Multiplayer Online) game that has been retooled for console gaming. It offers a variety of races and classes, allowing players to choose from brawlers to ranged attackers. The game features a vast game world to explore and a strong online community. TERA provides an immersive and engaging experience for players.
Warframe
Warframe is an exhilarating online world that combines melee combat, third-person shooting, and stealth action. It is set in a unique sci-fi universe and offers a wide variety of Warframes, each with different powers to harness. Players can level up their characters and enjoy a wealth of content. Xbox Game Pass Ultimate members can access the Xbox Starter Bundle, which includes boosters and in-game currency.
World of Tanks: Mercenaries
World of Tanks: Mercenaries is a tactical shooter that puts players in control of various armored vehicles. With over 400 authentic vehicles to choose from, players can engage in competitive multiplayer battles. The game offers different roles, from nimble scouts to heavy tanks, providing a diverse gameplay experience. Xbox Game Pass Ultimate members can access the Ready for War Pack, which includes valuable in-game items.
World of Warships: Legends
World of Warships: Legends is a naval combat game that allows players to command their own warships. It offers methodical multiplayer battles and a variety of ship classes to choose from, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. Xbox Live Gold members can access free content bundles, such as the Jump Start and Aurora Borealis warship bundles.
I hope this information helps you explore the free-to-play library on Xbox One. If you have any more questions or need further assistance, feel free to ask!
