The F2P Revolution: 25 Killer Online Games You Can Play For Free

Age of Conan
At one time, Age of Conan was seriously thought to have a chance at dethroning World of Warcraft. That, of course, did not happen, and now Funcom’s low fantasy MMO is free to play. Combat’s a little more engaging than WoW’s, and the graphics still look great, so give it a try.
Free: 4 Classes, all pre-expansion zones, some raidas and dungeons
Pay: All classes, all content, siege warfare

Team Fortress 2
We don’t believe that there’s actually anyone out there who doesn’t know about Team Fortress 2, but just in case, it’s a fantastic, team-based shooter from Valve. It’s got a great art style, and some of the best gameplay available.
Free: All maps, all classes, complete access to the core game, ability to unlock all items
Pay: Immediate access to any item. Hats.

Allods Online
Technically a sequel to the barely-remembered Rage of Mages, Allods Online is a WoWish fantasy MMO with a couple neat improvements. Chief among these is the ability to build and pilot airships through space—definitely unique in the genre.
Free: Core Gameplay
Pay: Convenience and cosmetic items.

Atlantica Online
Another Korean fantasy MMO, but with a twist! In Atlantica Online, you have one main character and a team of fighters—combat plays out as a strategic, turn-based affair. It’s a fun change of pace, but it’s also a grind, and has some ugly pay-to-win PvP incentives.
Free: All core gameplay
Pay: Customization and convenience items, perks which grant a distinct advantage in PvP

Battlefield Heroes
We recommend Team Fortress 2 for your team-based shooting needs, but if vehicles are a must, you should check out Battlefield Heroes. The game’s recently gotten flack for making it very difficult for non-paying customers to compete on even footing.
Free: Access to core gameplay
Pay: Customization items, access to superior weapons.

BattleForge
A real-time strategy game with CCG elements, BattleForge is a refreshingly unique online game from EA. Collect cards to create your army, then take your deck into real-time battle against opponents around the world.
Free: All content and maps
Pay: Additional packs of cards to quickly strengthen your deck, card rentals for certain game types.

Forsaken World
Forsaken World is a free MMO from Perfect World, the studio behind (the creatively named) Perfect World and Rusty Hearts, and the parent company of Runic Games (maker of Torchlight) and Cryptic. Like many PW games, Forsaken World is a great looking MMO, but grindy and with an inelegant item shop.
Free: Most game content, all classes to max level
Pay: Convenience items, cosmetic items, buffs that provide an advantage in PvP.

Champions Online
A spiritual successor to Cryptic’s popular City of Heroes/Villains MMOs, Champions Online features faster-paced combat and the same amazingly in-depth hero customization. Champions Online has both subscription and F2P options.
Free: All core game content, a selection of character classes pre-created skillsets.
Pay: Additional “adventure pack” content, fully-customizable characters, access to additional skills

D&D Online
Another for-pay MMO gone free to play, Dungeons and Dragons Online is a dungeon-crawling MMO set in the world of Eberron. Game content is broken up into module-style “Adventure Packs.” By the same developer as LOTRO, so you can use “Turbine Points” currency in both.
Free: Basic classes and races, a selection of free adventure packs.
Pay: Cosmetic and convenience items, additional races, classes and adventure packs. More character slots.

Flyff
We’re not sure whether “Flyff” or the full “Fly For Fun” is a worse name for a game, and the graphical style is so anime it hurts, but the game does offer something most MMOs don’t. With real, free-form flight, and a surprisingly active player base, Flyff might be worth a look.
Free: Access to core gameplay
Pay: Customization items, convenience items.

Anarchy Online
Can you believe Anarchy Online is still going? It’s not as big a name as Everquest, but it’s almost as old and the first (and still one of the only) real Sci-Fi MMO. The game’s free to play now, and still has tons of content to explore, if you can get past the dated graphics.
Free: Original game content and classes
Pay: Access to the games three expansions, additional vanity items.

Free Realms
If you’re not a parent, Free Realms probably won’t have much to offer you that other games on this list don’t. If you ARE a parent, Free Realms’ family-friendly world could be a safe and fun way to do some online gaming with junior.
Free: Base gameplay
Pay: Extra classes, quests, and cards for an in-game CCG.

Global Agenda
Global Agenda is a team-based MMOFPS, similar to the older PlanetSide. In addition to PVP missions, the game includes tons of PvE content for you to team up and destroy.
Free: All classes, skills and zones.
Pay: Cosmetic upgrades, easier access to equipment.

Gunbound
If you like the turn-based, projectile combat of games like Scorched Earth and Worms, Gunbound might be the free online game for you. If you can get past the plentiful Engrish and the oddly-upbeat in-game music, you’ll find solid, tank-blasting action.
Free: Basic gameplay, all normal tanks.
Pay: Cosmetic upgrades which (in some game modes) give you a gameplay advantage as well. Faster XP and money gain in-game.

Heroes of Newerth
Another competitor in the MOBA/DotA genre, Heroes of Newerth features a less cartoony graphical style than League of Legends, and gameplay that’s slightly more true to the original DotA formula.
Free: All game modes and maps, a small subset of heroes that rotates every week, ability to permanently unlock heroes.
Pay: Immediate permanent access to heroes, cosmetic upgrades for heroes.

League of Legends
The most popular game in the emerging MOBA (or DotA) genre, LoL sees you controlling one of a gigantic roster of heroes in fast-paced, strategic RPG combat. It’s notorious for its steep learning curve, but if you can get past that it’s some of the best competition online.
Free: All game modes and maps, a small rotating subset of heroes, unlockable heroes.
Pay: Instant permanent access to heroes, cosmetic upgrades

Lord of the Rings Online
One of the first MMOs to successfully make the shift from a traditional subscriber model to a free to play system, LOTRO give you WoW-esque fantasy MMO gameplay with a grittier, Middle Earth flavor. By the same developer as DDO, so you can use “Turbine Points” currency in both.
Free: All basic classes and races, maximum level cap
Pay: Cosmetic items, premium classes, miscellaneous perks, extra character slots

Maple Story
A 2D sidescrolling action MMO, Maple Story will push your tolerance for cutesiness to the limits. If you don’t mind the style, and miss the days when Mario and Sonic ruled supreme, this might be the game for you.
Free: Access to the whole game
Pay: Lots of customization options, convenience items

PoxNora
PoxNora is another CCG-inspired hybrid, but unlike BattleForge, the action is turn-based, played out on a grid. You can play head-to-head online, or take on single player campaigns to expand your collection.
Free: Starter decks and campaigns.
Pay: Additional “runes” (cards) and campaigns.

Dofus
Dofus (where do they come up with these names?) is a sprite-based isometric MMORPG. The art style’s still a little cutesy, but the environments are lush, colorful and nicely detailed.
Free: Play in limited areas up to level 30
Pay: Full access to all areas and level, PvP gameplay.

Prius Online
No, this is not the world’s first hybrid car deathmatch game—it’s another Korean fantasy MMO. It features a unique 3-part combat system, and some fairly lush graphics.
Free: Core gameplay
Pay: Standard convenience and cosmetic items

Rusty Hearts
Part side-scrolling dungeon-crawler, part action brawler with frenetic, Devil May Cry-style combos, Rusty Hearts is a brand new F2P title. It only features three playable characters (a fourth is on the way) but tons of customization options let you make them your own.
Free: All classes, all game content to explore.
Pay: Cosmetic and convenience items.

Sword 2
Also known as Sword of the New World and Granado Espada, this Victorian-themed MMO’s gimmick is that you control three characters at a time, instead of just one. The gameplay won’t blow your mind, but the character models and costumes are top-notch.
Free: Basic gameplay
Pay: Cosmetic and convenience item, access to additional recruitable characters.

World of Tanks
If you’re more interested in hard-hitting strategic action than leveling up your umpteenth elvish ranger, check out World of Tanks. Play in online tank battles to earn money, train your crew and upgrade your tanks. If you’re patient, you can compete at high levels without paying a dime.
Free: Tons of tanks and weapons to unlock, all maps and game modes.
Pay: Additional tanks and weapons to unlock, faster progression.

Vindictus
Korean F2P powerhouse Nexon is behind quite a few games on this list, but few are as suited for western sensibilities as Vindictus. With gorgeous, dark graphics and fast-and-bloody combat, Vindictus is a great option for those who want to get their grind on for free.
Free: Primary game (with weekly dungeon limit)
Pay: Additional dungeon runs, stat boosting items. There’s no real PvP, so Pay-to-Win isn’t a concern.