Which free shooters are currently trending? We looked at the selection of free shooters and crowned 10 favorites that you shouldn’t miss. Have fun with our MeinMMO selection of the best free-to-play shooters of 2023.
How did we select? In selecting our top free-to-play games, we considered a colorful mix of genres. Therefore, you will find here coop games, arena shooters, tactical shooters as well as the ever-popular battle royale games.
We looked at the general opinion about the game, metascores, Steam ratings, and player numbers and selected 10 games that we recommend for various reasons based on these criteria. Further details are then provided for each game. The order of the list values diversity and does not represent a ranking.
Here are the best shooter games: In the following paragraphs, you will find our selection of free shooters. In addition to the basic information about the games, we also provide an assessment for each game, indicating who is best suited for it.
We added PUBG and Overwatch 2 and replaced Warzone with Warzone 2. Additionally, Splitgate was removed from the list as player numbers have significantly decreased, severely impacting matchmaking.
Warframe
Release: 03/25/2013 | Platform: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Switch | Genre: Coop | Developer: Digital Extremes | Download for the game: Visit the official Warframe website
What is Warframe? Warframe is a coop shooter where you play as a Tenno. This is a kind of space-ninja who uses a biomechanical “suit”, the “Warframe”, to take down hordes of enemies with rifles, pistols, and melee weapons.
For a look at the gameplay, we have included the trailer for the “The New War” expansion:
Highlights of Warframe are the fast-paced combat and the sheer number of weapons, companions, accessories, and Warframes. The frames are not just cool cosmetic items; they each represent a class. For example, the fire Warframe Ember can unleash flame attacks, while Nekros can resurrect dead enemies as undead.
There is also an original story that becomes more interesting with each free update. It revolves around gradually discovering who you actually are and what is happening in the solar system.
The plot features several strong twists and unexpected scenes. Additionally, you can explore large open-world areas in Warframe and even fight in space with massive battleships that you control as a team.
Who should play it? Warframe is ideal for all players who love coop action. Because Warframe is ideally played with friends. There is a large amount of grind to unlock all the many things in the game. However, the grind is worth it because those who like to optimize their gear or simply want to look cool can enjoy their hard-earned loot.
Apex Legends
Release: 02/04/2019 | Platform: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Switch | Genre: Battle Royale | Developer: Respawn Entertainment | Download for the game: Visit the official Apex Legends website
What is Apex Legends? Apex Legends is a fast-paced battle royale shooter. The game takes place in the world of the shooter Titanfall and revolves around the Apex Games, a sort of modern gladiatorial combat among participants known as “Legends”.
We are incorporating the launch trailer for the “Rescue” update here for an initial impression:
In the game, you embody one of these Legends. Unlike many BR games, Apex Legends actually offers different characters with unique powers to choose from. For instance, the hefty tank Gibraltar generates useful shields, while the drug freak Octane zooms around like crazy. Each character has different skills and can contribute to the team.
The gameplay of Apex Legends focuses on fast-paced action and definitely belongs to the speedier representatives of the genre. The same applies to the weapons. The gunplay relies on fast, wild skirmishes with upgradeable weapons. Each weapon has its own flair and through upgrades, they can play completely differently. For example, a shotgun can become an effective weapon at medium range through modification, and a typically poor gun can suddenly be optimal against unprotected targets.
However, some heroes and weapons can sometimes be too strong or too weak until the developers have enough data to provide a proper nerf or buff.
Apex Legends is regularly expanded with new seasons, heroes, weapons, game modes, and even maps.
Who should play it? Apex Legends is ideal for battle royale fans who find games like PUBG or Fortnite too slow. Because here, a proper tempo is part of the game, and the various weapons all play delightfully differently, requiring their own skill set.
Those who enjoy taking on a fixed role in a team will love the different heroes, as you can be a supporter, tank, or damage dealer depending on your preference. Additionally, the characters each tell a story that becomes more complex with each season. Story fans are getting something here too.
