It is safe to say that the ever-expanding free-to-play market is in a very healthy position right now with current generation consoles enjoying far more free-to-play titles than the previous generation ever did. With that in mind, it can be daunting to decide which ones to invest your precious time into. Thankfully, I have compiled a list of what I consider to be the Top 5 Free-to-Play Console Games. Without further ado…
5. Dauntless
We are kicking off the list with none other than the latest entry into the free-to-play market on console, Dauntless. The best way to explain this game is to compare it to Monster Hunter, specifically, the latest entry in the series, Monster Hunter: World. Like that game, you are tasked with hunting giant monsters called “Behemoths”. Incidentally, Dauntless made history as the first title to launch with full cross-platform capabilities, allowing players from PS4, Xbox One, and PC to play together simultaneously.
4. Apex Legends
If you haven’t heard about Apex Legends, then chances are you have been living under a rock. Apex Legends is the latest and greatest entry in the battle royale genre. It’s the first game to truly rival Fortnite thanks to the fact that the game is developed by Respawn Entertainment, the developers of the Titanfall series.
What does this mean for Apex Legends? Slick and quick movement, tight gunplay, and an array of abilities to enhance the traditional FPS formula. Apex Legends is a battle royale shooter where legendary characters with powerful abilities team up to battle for fame and fortune on the fringes of the Frontier. Master an ever-growing roster of diverse Legends, deep tactical squad play and bold new innovations that level up the battle royale experience—all within a rugged world where anything goes. Welcome to the next evolution of battle royale.
3. Path of Exile
Diablo III fans need look no further to satiate your hack and slash ARPG needs thanks to the free-to-play title Path of Exile. Heck, even if you aren’t a Diablo III fan, this is still a quality free-to-play game well worth your time. Path of Exile is an online action-RPG set in the dark fantasy world of Wraeclast. It is designed around a strong online item economy, deep character customisation, competitive PvP and ladder races.
The base game is stuffed with content for you to enjoy, but what makes this game even better is the ever-growing nature of development, with regular expansions coming to the game free of charge. With a focus on visceral action combat, powerful items and deep character customisation, Path of Exile is more than worthy of a place on this list.
2. Smite
Smite is irrefutably the best MOBA (Massive Online Battle Arena) game available on console, albeit by process of elimination as it’s practically the only game of this genre available to console players. That’s probably because MOBA games typically don’t map well to a console controller, but Smite’s unique third-person style fits perfectly with consoles, and thankfully we can all enjoy this competitive, high-quality MOBA completely free of charge.
Join over 30 million SMITE players! Wield Thor’s hammer, transform your foes to stone as Medusa, or choose from the other 100+ mythological icons. You’ll always have more to discover with free updates every two weeks. Enter the Battleground of the Gods!
And number one?
1. Warframe
There was only one game that could claim the crown of the best free-to-play game on console, and that is Warframe. This is a game I have enjoyed for years now across PC, Xbox One and PS4.
Warframe is a sci-fi hybrid MMO/third-person shooter, and it is perhaps the best free-to-play game across all platforms, let alone just consoles. The game spans many planets and offers a complex and vast array of content. Thanks to constant updates, the game packs a ton of content that most gamers would be hard-pressed to find the time to complete. However, thanks to the kick-ass ninja movement and action, this game always feels fun to play.
With more than 30 Warframes, each fully customizable with their own unique abilities, you can create the perfect Warframe for you. Katanas. Crossbows. Flamethrowers. Expand your arsenal with more than 300 diverse weapons, then modify each one to match your playstyle. Explore, discover, fight, and fly in massive, open landscapes within Warframe. You don’t have to work alone. Invite three friends or fight alongside the 38 million strong in the Tenno community.
So, there is my list of the top 5 free-to-play console games. Did a game you enjoy miss the list? Let us know by leaving a comment below.
