20 Best Online Games for PC You Can Play (Free and Paid)
1. PUBG
PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds, also popularly known as PUBG is the biggest and most popular battle royale game out there. There are numerous great battle royale games, but PUBG has stayed at the top because it offers great gameplay elements that are quite addictive and it’s also one of the best online PC games you can play right now.
This game focuses entirely on a large scale survival gameplay. You are stranded on a large island where you must start searching for loot. This includes clothes, shelter, weapons, etc. You can form alliances on the island, but beware anyone can kill you and loot your resources. So, go around searching for loot and start killing people that aren’t friendly with you. It’s all about survival in this exciting game.
Platforms: PC, Xbox One, PS4 (coming this December), Android, iOS
Pricing model: Paid
Download ($29.99)
2. Fortnite
Another online game you can play on your PC, Fortnite is a massive survival co-op game that includes a great battle royale mode. If you love battle royales and want to play with other people on a vast open-world where everyone is out to get each other then Fortnite is definitely the best game for you. Fortnite is full of colored characters and amazing action that’s quite over-the-top. You can also play the Players vs Environment mode where you get to team-up with other players and go against other computer controlled enemies.
It’s like a perfect mix of Minecraft’s resource gathering and PUBG’s survival based gameplay. If you want to enjoy a lighthearted survival co-op game then Fortnite is definitely the right game.
Platforms: PC, Mac, PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Android, iOSDownload (Free Battle Royale; $39.99 for Save the World Campaign)
3. Overwatch
One of the best first-person shooters of the recent years. Overwatch quickly gathered the attention of millions of players worldwide with its flashy gameplay and colorful graphics. Each character in the game comes with an amazing and deep backstory that tells you why they are doing, what they are doing.
Overwatch is a great mix of shooters and MOBAs that brings the best of both worlds together. You get the fast-paced gameplay of a shooter mixed with the elements from a MOBA where you get different abilities and powerful heroics to overpower your enemies.
In a 5v5 match, your goal is to kill all your enemies and complete the required objective of the game. It’s a fast-paced shooter that’s definitely worth a try.
Platforms: PC, PS4, Xbox One
Pricing model: Paid
Download ($49.99)
4. DoTA 2
Another one of the most popular online PC games right now. DoTA 2 is the sequel to the popular DoTA mod for Warcraft 3 and it’s one of the most popular MOBAs out there. DoTA 2 actually incorporates a deep strategic gameplay that might be a bit complex for the beginners, however, the game also offers in-game tutorials and guides to help newbies out.
It’s a simple MOBA where you as a team of 5 battle against another team of 5. The main objective is to destroy the Ancient of the enemy team. However, it’s easier said than done. You must carry out team-based plays and strategies to even get a shot at winning. Try out DoTA 2 as it’s entirely free.
Platforms: PC, Mac, Linux
Pricing model: Free
Download (Free)
5. CS: GO
Counter Strike has been one of the most popular first-person shooter games on PC. It started as a mod for Half-Life back in the days but quickly grew big enough to become a standalone game. Counter Strike: Global Offensive is the current incarnation of the game and carries a massive fan following. This game is highly competitive with a very big eSports scene backing it up. Counter Strike: GO is a traditional shooter where you get to join either the terrorists or counter-terrorists.
The terrorists have a bomb that they must plant in any one of the specific locations available on the map and the CT must try to either disable the planted bomb or keep the terrorists from planting it. It’s a battle of strategy and wits, and also quick aim.
While the full game is paid, there’s a free version available on Steam that you can try out before paying for the full game.
Platforms: PC, Mac, Linux, PS3, Xbox 360
Pricing model: Paid, Free version available with limitations
Download ($14.99)
6. Rocket League
If you mix an exciting racing game with some soccer than you get an adrenaline-pumping game that caters to both racing and soccer fans. Rocket League is an exciting game that’s highly addictive and fun. You get to team up with 1 or 2 other players and take on other players from around the world. You can also play alongside your friend in a split-screen multiplayer match and also enjoy the split-screen mode when playing online.
Customize your little toy cars and carry out some jaw-dropping, physics-defying moves in this exciting game. Score some screamers and take on the world in Rocket League.
Platforms: PC, macOS, Linux, PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
Pricing model: Paid
Download ($19.99)
7. Borderlands 2
Borderlands is a clown-fiesta that’s filled with extremely fun and exciting elements that make it a unique shooter. The game focuses on loot and grinds so much as if it were almost an MMORPG, but fortunately, it isn’t. Borderlands 2 brings all the amazing and exciting elements from the original game and polishes them up for even more excitement. You get access to a plethora of weird and hilarious weapons that are funny yet also powerful.
It does away with the serious element of traditional shooters and focuses on over-the-top action mixed with humor. It gives you some really amazing light-hearted action that you can enjoy without feeling any stress. Enjoy shooting swords out of your guns or enjoy playing with those pew-pew pistols, this game brings comedy into the shooter genre.
Platforms: PC, macOS, Xbox 360, PS3
Pricing model: Paid
Download ($14.99)
8. Path of Exile
If you were disappointed how Diablo III turned out to be at its launch then you don’t have to anymore because Path Of Exile is everything that Diablo III is not. It feels like the true successor to Diablo II and brings all the old memories back from amazing Diablo II days. Path of Exile plays and looks quite similar to Diablo II, however, it boasts much better graphics obviously.
The gameplay is set in a vast open-world that you can explore and loot. Go around killing monsters and collecting rare items. Explore large caves and dungeons that are filled with evil monsters and clear them to collect great treasures. The game also allows you to team up with other players to play in a co-op mode, but the real fun is when each player gets their own vast map to explore and journey through.
Platforms: PC, PS4, Xbox One
Pricing model: Free
Download (Free)
9. Titanfall 2
Electronic Arts’ Titanfall 2 may have been released in 2016, but it’s still a one of the best online PC games that you can play. In Titanfall 2, players control large robots (called Titans) with some incredible abilities including things like wall running among others. While Titanfall 2 does have a pretty solid single player campaign with a story mode that I would recommend you play through, the multiplayer mode in this game is probably even more exciting. There are a bunch of multiplayer modes supported by Titanfall 2, including Amped Hardpoint, Bounty Hunt, Pilot vs Pilot, Capture the Flag, and a lot more.
Titanfall 2’s multiplayer mode starts you off as players on a battlefield where you’ll use your skills and the various gadgets at your disposal to try and get as many kills as you can. Doing this fills up the Titan meter, and allows players to call in Titans (the giant robots that we mentioned earlier) — this means that ever Titanfall 2 multiplayer match almost always has a point where massive Titans fall down from the sky and wreak havoc on the battlefield. Titanfall 2 is a fun FPS game that you should definitely try.
Platforms: PC, PS4, Xbox One
Pricing model: Paid
Buy Titanfall 2 from Amazon ($19.93)
10. EVE Online
If you like space battles, EVE Online is a must-play game for you. The MMO space battle game is full of epic battles that you can be a part of. The game is old, having released in 2003, but it’s still well worthy of being on this list. Betrayal in space, massive battles, EVE Online has it all, and what’s even better — the game is free to play. There was a mandatory subscription model originally, but it was removed a while back and now anyone can download the game and play it for free.
That said, there will come a time when you’ll have to take up the optional subscription to get access to all of the skills, but even for free, EVE Online offers quite a lot of gameplay and you’ll find yourself immersed in it. So give it a try, it’s free to play so you’re not actually risking anything and if you like it, the subscription starts at $10.95 a month.
Platforms: PC, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS
Pricing model: Free to play with optional paid subscriptions
Download EVE Online from Steam (Free to Play; Optional subscriptions)
11. Rainbow Six Siege
Rainbow Six Siege is an online PC game that, at first glance, feels similar to Counter Strike. However, the game places a far higher importance on strategy and teamwork than most other online shooters you might have played. If you play this game with a squad of friends it can be highly interesting since you’ll have to learn the maps, and work in coordination with your team mates to beat your enemies.
If you’re still unsure of its potential as an online FPS title, here’s a bit of information that might change your thoughts: Rainbow Six Siege is an eSports title that is still going strong and has legions of highly skilled players and fans. The game has also received a ton of post launch updates since 2016 to add even more content including the latest DLC ‘Operation Grim Sky’ that was launched in September 2018.
Platforms: PC, Xbox One, PS4
Pricing model: Paid
Buy Rainbow Six Siege from Amazon ($59.26)
12. World of Tanks
Are you a lover of tank-fights? If so, World of Tanks is the perfect free online PC game for you. World of Tanks is a MMO war game that features 20th century armored vehicles including light armored vehicles, to heavy tanks and self propelled guns. While the game is free to play, unlocking stuff can be a tad difficult, which is where the freemium features come into play. However, those are completely optional features that you can choose to ignore if you’re okay with playing with just the free features.
World of Tanks is also an eSport title, and it has received multiple Golden Joystick awards as well, including one in 2018 for being a game that’s still being played.
Platforms: PC, macOS, Xbox 360, Xbox One, PS4, Android
Pricing model: Free to play with optional paid features
Play World of Tanks from the website
13. Hearthstone
Hearthstone is the most played online card game. It brings the goodness of physical trading games to the online world where you can battle other players in a 1v1 match. Be creative, craft your decks, and beat your opponents in this exciting turn-based strategy game. Hearthstone is a free game to play, but there are paid features here too. Similar to physical card games, Hearthstone lets you buy card packs that come with random cards.
Use these cards to build your collection and create multiple powerful decks to become a Legend. Hearthstone is quite simple yet very addictive. The amazing graphics and exciting animations add another great element to the overall gameplay and the random nature of the game makes it a very exciting one. If you have wanted to play a card game online then Hearthstone is undoubtedly the best game that you can play right now.
Platforms: PC, macOS, Android, iOS
Pricing model: Free to play with optional paid features
Download (Free)
14. Minecraft
Minecraft is the most popular survival game that sports some old-school blocky graphics. However, the gameplay is quite solid and very addictive. This game includes crafting, mining, building, and exploring, all in one. Minecraft gives you a very vast open-world to explore and travel. You must go around mining and crafting resources for yourself. You must build shelter for yourself before the night falls and the creeps come out to get you.
It’s all about creativity in this game. You can build anything that you desire. Build a castle, a home, or an entire kingdom full of people. You can do whatever you want in Minecraft. If you love building stuff and exploring vast maps then this is the game for you.
Platforms: PC, macOS, PS4, Xbox One, PS3, Xbox 360, Android, iOS, Nintendo Switch, Linux, Nintendo 3DS, Wii U, PS Vita, Windows Phone, Fire OS
Pricing model: Paid
Download ($26.95)
15. League of Legends
League of Legends is another one of the top MOBAs out there and it’s a direct competitor to DoTA 2. It’s a much less complex MOBA when compared to DoTA 2. League of Legends is another highly played game and has a very large esports scene backing it up which makes it another exciting game.
This game incorporates a lot of new and unique features to the MOBA genre that make it a bit unique than DoTA 2 and changes the whole gameplay a little. If you want a less complex and fast-paced MOBA then League of Legends is the perfect one for you. It’s pretty simple and straightforward once you complete the tutorial.
Platforms: PC, macOS
Pricing model: Free to play with optional paid cosmetic upgrades
Download (Free)
16. Starcraft II
Starcraft II is the most played online strategy games that tests your wits and the ability to outsmart your opponent. This game is all about gathering resources, building structures, and planning your attack against the enemy. Starcraft II offers a great story mode where you get to experience the ultimate showdown between the three main races in this universe. The Terrans, the Protoss, and the zergs.
You can play each race’s campaign to experience what they can do. The multiplayer mode is the best part because you can go 1v1 against anyone on the ladder and see who has the most strategic mind. The game is all about outsmarting your enemies and destroying their base. If you like strategy and a bit of competition then Starcraft II is the game for you.
Platforms: PC, macOS
Pricing model: Free
Download (Free)
17. Team Fortress 2
Overwatch wouldn’t have been a reality if it weren’t for Team Fortress 2. Blizzard probably won’t admit it themselves, but we all know that Overwatch was heavily inspired by Team Fortress 2 and its shenanigans.
Team Fortress 2 is a fast-paced over-the-top shooter with amazing gameplay and flashy characters. This game introduced the class based system in shooters which was then adopted by all other games in the genre.
This arena shooter brings a fast-paced gameplay that focuses on impeccable team play. If you really want an amazing game with exciting gameplay then this is the perfect game for you.
Platforms: PC, macOS, Linux, PS3, Xbox 360
Pricing model: Free
Download (Free)
18. Warframe
Yet another game that you should definitely check out if you’re looking for an online PC game, Warframe is one of those titles that, even though old, have consistently received updates and new content to keep the game fresh and exciting for both newcomers and veteran players alike. In Warframe, you control the members of a clan that have woken up from cryosleep to find themselves at war with multiple space-clans.
It’s a free to play game that offers microtransactions to get access to various in-game items. However, you can also unlock those items by playing the game and grinding. The game has received a number of updates with the latest update coming in this very year in November 2018. Plus, if you’re a Nintendo Switch owner, Warframe has just released on the Switch as well, so you can play it on the go.
Platforms: PC, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, PS4
Pricing model: Free to play with optional paid features
Play Warframe on the website
19. Terraria
Terraria is a perfect mix of everything, be it survival, crafting, mining, or platformers. It’s like a 2D take on Minecraft that adds extra interactivity to the gameplay. The retro graphics make it even more interesting and the game lets you mine, craft, build, and fight your way through levels in search of treasures and loot.
It mixes great RPG elements with Minecraft’s unique gameplay features and brings you a fresh new take on the genre. You get to explore danger filled caverns for rare loot and treasures.
However, the game focuses mainly on the building and crafting part while the action and adventure part is just on the side of it all. If you like a great platformer mixed with RPG and survival elements then Terraria is the perfect game for you.
Platforms: PC, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo 3DS, Xbox 360, PS3, PS Vita, Wii U, Windows Phone
Pricing model: Paid
Download ($9.99)
20. Tekken 7
Tekken is one of the best fighting game series out there. This game actually popularized the 3D fighting game genre even though it wasn’t the first. Tekken 7 is the most recent release in the series and brings an exciting gameplay along with highly impressive 3D graphics. Tekken 7 introduces a plethora of great characters that you can choose from.
The roster is quite diverse and you can choose any character that suits your fighting style. Tekken 7 offers a great story mode where you can learn the back stories of all the characters and how it all started while the multiplayer mode lets you test your skills against great players from all around the world and become the King of Iron Fist tournament. If you like challenging and competitive fighting games then Tekken 7 is definitely a must try.
Platforms: PC, PS4, Xbox One
Pricing model: Paid