Top 5 F2P Games On Steam

So you’ve finally been suckered in by the Steam Summer sales, a magical time when you can purchase hundreds of the latest games for less than a dollar. I joke, of course, but sometimes it doesn’t seem like much of an exaggeration. However you look at it, you’ve more spent your gaming allowance for this month (don’t worry, we all have) and you’re looking for another way to expand your library without getting in trouble with the significant other. Then you see the free-to-play option at the top and are met with a large collection of games to download that you don’t know anything about. Which should you start with? Are they all worth playing? We took a look at the top 5 free-to-play games on Steam so that you can decide exactly which are worth getting.

Blacklight Retribution

If you told people that they could play a Call of Duty-like game for free and that it was actually a fantastically fun, competent title, they’d probably laugh and laugh. It takes millions of dollars each year to build a Call of Duty, why would someone strip it down to the multiplayer and give it away for free? Well, the folks behind Blacklight Retribution have managed to make a really great shooter that’ll entertain you for hours. Built in the Unreal Engine, it looks fantastic and the futuristic theme is delivered beautifully. For a game you can play quickly and easily, with the addition of a friendly community, Blacklight Retribution is a must-play for anybody downloading free-to-play titles on Steam. Also see our Achievement guide for Blacklight Retribution too.

Find out more on Blacklight: Retribution in our review->

Lord of the Rings Online

Lord of the Rings Online is just shockingly good value. I’d be willing to place money on the fact that there’s no other free MMORPG - and hardly any paid MMORPGs – with as much base content as there is in LOTRO. There are literally thousands of quests, hundreds in each location, and exploring the lands of Middle Earth is unlikely to ever get old. If you ever do find yourself getting tired of The Shire, Bree and the other regions available from the get go, you can buy one of the expansions and again add to the already sizable content within the game. With an evolved battle system coming up and the ability to do battle from atop your mount, everything’s about to change adding even more value. If you’re looking to go the distance for a low price, Lord of the Rings Online is the only choice you can make.

Find out more on LOTRO in our detailed review->

Star Trek Online

If Middle Earth isn’t your scene, perhaps you’ve rather head into space, to step boldly where no man has gone before? Star Trek Online grants you the ability to explore the universe, fight ships in space and become a member of almost any race you can imagine. There’s enough variety in there that you’ll probably not get bored and a big enough community that you’ll never feel alone on the frontlines. With lots going on from the very start of the game and non-stop action throughout, those looking for a space opera they can participate in need look no further. This isn’t just a game for Trekkers, Star Trek Online is even enjoyable to people that don’t know anything about the series and is a perfect introduction to the worlds and locations.  Updates and expansions are available to further your quests, and there’s a subscription service in place with which to get bonus content first.

Find out more on Star Trek Online in our STO Review->

Champions Online: Free For All

Champions Online: Free For All is, again, an MMORPG with a difference. Build your superhero and save the city, a great opportunity to put yourself into the silly, over-the-top action of the comic book universe. A fantastic character build system allows you to create almost anything you’d like, along with a fairly deep set of powers at your disposal. It won’t be enough to play through the story and dungeons just once, you’ll want to keep coming back in an attempt to battle it out with every set of powers going. The graphics are colourful, the world massive and the community plentiful: what are you waiting for? With a little money you’ll be able to grow your character further, adding new power types and crazy new costumes with which to wow people around you.

Read our Champions Online for all the details on the game->

Stronghold Kingdoms

Stronghold Kingdoms is an MMORTS that lets you build and maintain your own castle. It’s more open than the average game in the genre, allowing you to make your own mistakes (and bask in your own successes) but there are also enough people playing that there’s always going to be people to help if you need it. Having a big community also helps when you plan to fight your way to dominance, although expect to have to put in a lot of time and effort if you want to take on the biggest lords in the land. There’s a great sense of belonging within Stronghold Kingdoms and I strongly suggest jumping in and having a look, if you enjoy the genre.

Stronghold Kingdoms review this way->

Final Worlds - Top Steam Games in 2012

There are nearly 35 free-to-play games on Steam, not all of them MMOs. An honourable mention must go out to Team Fortress 2, which is more than worth your time and effort. But if you’re looking for something a little deeper, something that will give you amazing value while never getting repetitive, there are plenty to choose from and you’ll be spoilt for choice. Some of the best examples of the MMORPG genre are available to download for free, with the advantage of it being part of your Steam library, and you’d be a fool not to at least look into them. With more being added constantly, you’d have an uphill struggle to play them all, so hopefully this list will help you prioritize some of our favourites, games that you’ll love and that you won’t have to ever pay a penny for.

by M. Growcott
© 2012 - DevilsMMO.com