If you’re looking for an adrenaline rush without spending any money, there are tons of great free action games available online. From shooter games to fighting games to high-octane racing games, you can get your action fix without emptying your wallet. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the best free action games you can play free action games right now in your browser or on your mobile device.
First-Person Shooters
First-person shooters (FPS) are one of the most popular genres in action gaming, putting you right in the middle of intense combat situations. Here are some great free FPS games to check out:
Counter-Strike: Global Offensive
Counter-Strike is one of the longest running and most popular FPS franchises of all time. The Global Offensive version offers updated graphics and gameplay while still delivering that classic Counter-Strike feel. Team up with other players in fast-paced objective-based modes like defusing bombs, rescuing hostages, and escaping enemy zones. Available on PC.
Valorant
From the makers of League of Legends comes this team-based FPS with a roster of unique agents with their own abilities. Valorant combines the tactical elements of CS:GO with the special powers of games like Overwatch. With a stylish look and polished gameplay, it’s become one of the hottest FPS games since launching in 2020. PC only.
Call of Duty: Warzone
Though not fully free-to-play, Warzone offers a top-notch battle royale experience based on Call of Duty’s signature smooth FPS gameplay. Up to 150 players parachute onto a massive map and scavenge for loot while fighting to be the last player standing. Squad up with friends or play solo in this heart-pounding survival shooter. Available on consoles and PC.
Third-Person Shooters
Third-person shooters give you a behind-the-back view of the action for a different perspective on mayhem and destruction. Here are some free games worth checking out:
Fortnite
One of the biggest gaming phenomena of the decade, Fortnite’s building mechanics and last player standing gameplay make for action-packed matches. Constant updates like limited events and new skins keep the game feeling fresh. Available across all platforms.
Destiny 2
After an initial purchase, Destiny 2 is now free-to-play with plenty of content like PvP modes, co-op missions, and expansive worlds to explore. Create your custom Guardian and amass an arsenal of weapons as you battle alien forces and other players. Available on consoles and PC.
Warframe
In the far future, you control an ancient exo-armor suit called a Warframe equipped with personalized weaponry. Embark on co-op missions or competitive PvP matches while upgrading your Warframe however you see fit. With an immersive world and deep customization, Warframe really lets you feel like a space ninja. On consoles and PC.
Fighting Games
Test your skills in close quarters combat with these adrenaline-fueled fighting games:
Brawlhalla
This free platform fighter features an ever-growing cast of over 50 characters based on historical and mythological figures. Battle it out against other players or AI in 1v1 and 4-player matches full of intense off-stage brawling. Available on all major platforms.
Tekken Revolution
While not the newest game in the series, Revolution is a free-to-play version of the revolutionary 3D fighter Tekken. Master the unique fighting styles of characters like Yoshimitsu, Paul, and Nina while executing stunning combo attacks. PC only.
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
The iconic mascot brawler lets Nintendo icons like Mario, Link, and Pikachu duke it out on stages based on classic Nintendo levels. While not fully free, it’s worth downloading just to play Kirby and Donkey Kong for free in 8-player chaos. On Nintendo Switch only.
Racing/Driving
These free arcade racing games let you take a spin behind the wheel of some seriously cool rides:
Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit Remastered
Revisit this classic NFS title with updated visuals and mechanics. Race across expansive open world tracks and public roads while avoiding spike strips, EMP blasts, and police barricades when playing as illegal street racers. Or play as cops chasing down racers while calling in road blocks and radioing helicopter backups. Available on PC, Switch, Xbox, and Playstation.
Asphalt 9: Legends
With over 60 unlockable supercars from brands like Ferrari, Porsche, Lamborghini, and more, Asphalt 9 is car porn for racing fans. Leave your opponents in the dust in high speed races across stunning locales. Available on mobile, Nintendo Switch, and Windows 10.
Rocket League
Who would have thought soccer with racecars would be so much high-octane fun? This unlikely merger delivers competitive matches, crazy customization, and outstanding physics-based gameplay. Team up with friends or match with random players online for heart-stopping goals and nonstop action. On all major platforms.
Action/Adventure
For an action-packed single player experience, check out these free action-adventure games:
Genshin Impact
This free-to-play open-world RPG feels like a high budget Breath of the Wild clone. Explore a beautifully rendered world inspired by anime while battling, questing, and collecting resources. Available on PS4, PS5, PC, iOS and Android.
Path of Exile
Blizzard perfected the hack ‘n slash RPG with Diablo, but this complex free-to-play alternative might even exceed it in depth and content. Explore dark twisted dungeons while hunting for epic gear and loot. PC, Xbox One, and PS4.
Destiny 2
Yup, Destiny 2 makes the action-adventure list too. Along with competitive FPS gameplay, Destiny 2 offers campaign missions ranging from taking on space pirates to defending humanity from alien invaders. PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S.
Battle Royale
The hottest gaming trend of the last few years, battle royale games drop players into a large map and force them to scavenge, loot, and battle until only one player or team is left standing. Here are some free options:
Apex Legends
Set in the Titanfall universe, Apex Legends innovates the genre with hero characters called Legends that give you access to special moves and abilities. Engage in tactical squad play while mastering mobility and verticality across a sprawling battleground. On all major platforms.
Cuisine Royale
This quirky battle royale game features characters fighting in their underwear and using household items like woks and rolling pins as weapons. The lighthearted twist on brutal last-man-standing gameplay is worth checking out for free. Available on PC, Xbox One, and PS4.
CRSED: F.O.A.D.
Another unconventional entry, this battle royale is set in a supernatural post-apocalyptic wasteland. Scavenge for weapons that look like they came straight out of Diablo and climb around dilapidated ruins in search of other players to take down. PC only.
MOBAs
Multiplayer online battle arenas see teams of players pick unique heroes and work together to defend their base and destroy their opponent’s. These free MOBAs offer all the strategy and intensity the genre is known for.
League of Legends
With over 100 highly unique Champions and fast-paced 5v5 matches, League of Legends is one of the essential MOBAs. Free to play with plenty of skins and extras to unlock by playing. PC only.
SMITE
Gods from ancient pantheons like Zeus, Thor, and Anubis battle it out in this fantasy MOBA. The third-person camera puts you right in the action as you unleash divine powers upon your foes. On PC, Xbox One, PS4, and Switch.
Heroes of the Storm
Blizzard throws iconic characters from across their games like Overwatch, Warcraft, and Starcraft together for unpredictable dream team matchups. Objective-based maps and unique mechanics like character mounts put a distinct Blizzard flavor on the MOBA formula. PC only.
Social Deduction Games
These multiplayer party games rely on lying, finger-pointing, arguments, and tenuous alliances to suss out who among the players might be a hidden traitor, assassin, or imposter.
Among Us
This surprise quarantine hit will test how well you can sniff out sus behavior. As crewmates complete tasks to keep their spaceship operational, 1-3 imposters work to sabotage and discreetly kill them. Available on mobile, PC, and Switch.
Town of Salem
Based on the party game Mafia, players are secretly assigned roles from a medieval village with competing motives. Sway votes to decide who gets put on trial and potentially executed while hiding your own alignment. Free browser game or paid apps available.
Skeld.net
Fans of Among Us should check out this free faithful browser recreation of the hit deduction game. All the mechanics of collaborating with crewmates and infiltrating as imposters are there without official accounts or fees. Just open the site and start playing!
MMO Shooters
Massive multiplayer online games let you team up with thousands of players worldwide to complete missions and take down intergalactic threats.
Destiny 2
Yep, Destiny 2 strikes again, this time for its massive online multiplayer modes like public events, raids, and sprawling social hub spaces. PC, current/last gen consoles.
Warframe
I already mentioned the great co-op PvE action in Warframe, but the game really shines when you join up with the thousands of other registered Losers controlling badass cybernetic warriors. PC, Xbox, PlayStation, and Switch.
There are so many more free action games across various subgenres and platforms, but these should give you a great start if you’re looking for heart-pumping entertainment without spending a dime. Just play free action games like these and get your adrenaline fix while exploring new titles and franchises. Whether you’re into shooters, brawlers, racers, or battlers, you’re sure to find plenty in the free-to-play space that deliver thrills and fun without emptying your wallet. Game on!
