5 Free RPGs That Are Actually Worth Your Time

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Games and consoles are getting more expensive, so many players are being careful about how they spend their money. This makes free-to-play games look attractive – they offer a way to try new things without a big upfront cost. However, a lot of free games aren’t very good. Some focus too much on getting players to spend money, and the gameplay suffers as a result. Because of this, many gamers are hesitant to try free-to-play titles, and it’s understandable why.

It’s true that some free games are designed to push you towards spending money, but not all of them are bad. There are actually a lot of good free-to-play games available, particularly in the RPG genre. Many free RPGs offer ways to spend money that aren’t annoying or required to enjoy the game, meaning you can have a great experience without paying a dime. If you’re looking for a new RPG and don’t want to spend any money, here are some of the best options that are genuinely worth playing.

5) Neverwinter 

Platform(s): PS4, Xbox One, and PC

If you enjoy Dungeons & Dragons and are looking for a new role-playing game, Neverwinter is a great free option, especially if Baldur’s Gate 3 is too expensive. This online multiplayer game is set in the Dungeons & Dragons world and has been available on PC since 2013, with console versions following later. The developers, Arc Games, regularly add new content, including a recent update inspired by the Red Wizards from the Honor Among Thieves movie.

You can experience most of Neverwinter without spending any money. However, some free-to-play players find it can be a bit of a grind, as the game encourages spending on items that help you level up faster. Getting strong enough equipment to complete the harder parts of the game can also be difficult without spending money. Despite these issues, Neverwinter still receives generally positive reviews on Steam, and it’s worth checking out if you’re a fan of Dungeons & Dragons thanks to its accessible and enjoyable content.

4) Lord of the Rings Online

Platform(s): PC

Lord of the Rings Online is a massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) based in J.R.R. Tolkien’s world of Middle-earth. First launched in 2007, it’s still enjoyed by many players today, and the game continues to receive updates with new events and areas to discover. Players create their own characters and can explore iconic locations like the Shire, the Mines of Moria, and Gondor.

Like most online role-playing games, Lord of the Rings Online lets you play for free up to a certain level, but offers extra content for purchase. You can enjoy the core game – all quests and areas – up to level 95 without spending any money. Beyond that, additional content and in-game items require payment. Despite this, many RPG players feel the amount of free content is substantial and makes the game worth playing. It still has a ‘Very Positive’ rating on Steam, which is remarkable for a free-to-play MMORPG.

3) Star Wars: The Old Republic

Platform(s): PC

If you’re a fan of Star Wars or looking for a great free sci-fi role-playing game, Star Wars: The Old Republic is worth checking out. This free-to-play online game lets you create a unique character and choose a class like a Jedi, Sith, or Bounty Hunter. It first launched in 2011 and became fully free-to-play a year later, and the developers have consistently added new free content to keep players engaged in the Star Wars universe.

Similar to other free role-playing games, Star Wars: The Old Republic lets you play through most of the main story without paying anything. However, to access the most challenging content and play with others, you’ll eventually encounter a paywall. Despite this, many players consider it one of the best free RPGs available. It has a ‘Very Positive’ rating on Steam, with players especially enjoying its engaging story and friendly online community. If you’re a fan of Star Wars or sci-fi RPGs, this is a great free game to check out.

2) Genshin Impact

Platform(s): PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Mobile

As a huge fan of anime and JRPGs, I can honestly say Genshin Impact is the free-to-play RPG to beat. What’s really cool is you can play it on almost anything – it’s not just limited to PC like a lot of other free games. It came out in 2020 and has quickly become one of my favorites because of its awesome stories and characters. Plus, the developers are always adding new stuff to do! And honestly, the best part for me is that it’s not a massively multiplayer online game. So many free RPGs go that route, but Genshin Impact lets you enjoy a great single-player story with a bit of optional multiplayer if you want it.

Genshin Impact lets you play a lot of the game without spending any money, and it mainly makes money through a system where you get random characters and items. You start with a complete team of characters and can finish most of the game without paying. However, the most powerful characters and weapons are obtained randomly, so it can be challenging to progress at higher levels if you don’t spend money. Despite this, it’s one of the best free-to-play RPGs available, particularly if you enjoy single-player games.

1) Path of Exile

Platform(s): PC, PS4, Xbox One

Even after more than a decade, Path of Exile remains incredibly popular on Steam, and it’s easy to see why. This free-to-play action RPG from Grinding Gear Games delivers a fantastic hack-and-slash experience. Set in a dark fantasy world, Path of Exile is consistently praised as one of the best free RPGs available. Remarkably, the original game continues to receive updates even with its sequel currently in development. While technically a massively multiplayer online role-playing game, a lot of the content is perfectly enjoyable for solo players.

Path of Exile is completely free to play, meaning you can experience the entire main story and core gameplay without spending any money. The developers, Grinding Gear Games, earn revenue by selling optional items like extra storage space and convenience features. While many players find these items helpful and improve the experience, they aren’t required to finish the game. It can become more challenging to stay completely free-to-play as you progress further, but you can still enjoy a significant portion of Path of Exile without spending any money.

Hey, if you’re into free RPGs like I am, I’d love to hear what you’re playing! Come share your favorites and chat with other fans over at the ComicBook Forum – let’s talk games!

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2025-12-02 22:16