Almost everyone loves video games, and those who love video games love free ones even more. With the price of new games approaching $70 or more and a lack of consistent regional pricing for markets with less powerful currencies, free games are becoming more and more popular as players try to cut back on costs. After all, why buy a game when free ones can often provide just as many, if not more, hours of fun? Here are 8 free games you should give a shot if you're looking for something fun and exciting.
Free iGaming Bonuses
iGaming is something that not many have heard of but is almost instantly recognizable to anyone who comes across it. It's all about bringing the fun and adventure of a physical casino right into your own home. While you typically need cash to iGame, some sites out there offer a free spins no deposit bonus that lets gamers play for virtually nothing. Load up your favorite slot or table game and have at it thanks to free spin and no deposit bonuses at iGaming sites.
Free Story-Driven Games You Need to Try
Story-driven games are often the most expensive, as they take a lot of time to make and even more time to make enjoyable and not just another cookie-cutter game. Indie game developers, however, have come up with some pretty spectacular story-driven games that everyone should try.
Doki Doki Literature Club
First on our list is one that often turns people away, especially if they don't like anime. That's the wrong move to make, however, as Doki Doki Literature Club is easily one of the best free games out there, period. This visual novel takes you on a journey through a seemingly innocent high school literature club; however, as the game progresses, dark and unexpected elements come forth. This turns the innocent anime vibe into something more gripping, dark, and unique.
Emily is Away
For those who grew up with AIM and other instant messaging services, Emily is Away will take you on a nostalgic blast to the past. The entire game is played through an old windows desktop where you, the player, chat with friends and a potential lover named Emily. The game explores themes of friendship, love, the passage of time, and even heartbreak.
Free Puzzle and Strategy Games
Puzzle and strategy games are a dime a dozen, the free ones even more so. That said, there are some standout free examples from recent times that you should try if you're looking for a fun, free way to play.
2048
2048 took the world by storm when it was released about a decade ago and is still a fun puzzle game to this day. The premise is simple: tiles appear on a 4x4 grid, and you must combine similar numbers to increase your score. The tiles start out at 2 and 4, but if you play it right, you can reach the ultimate tile of 2048 and beyond. The game is free on mobile and on your laptop or computer, making it an excellent option to play at home or on the go.
Chess.com
A fresh take on the ancient classic, Chess.com lets you play the age-old game of chess against bots or players from around the world. It even has instructional tools and various difficulty levels, giving you a chance to finally beat that person who always asks you to play chess. You can increase your rank by playing against other players but don't expect to reach the top unless you're the likes of Magnus Carlsen and other greats.
Plague Inc.
You might remember a popular flash game called Pandemic or other variants. If you enjoyed those games, you'd be happy to see Plague Inc., a modern take on the genre. You play as a virus, bacteria, or other infectious disease with one goal: World Domination. As your creation spreads throughout the world, you'll have to buy or sell various things like symptoms, heat resistance, and more. Be careful, though, because the world governments are watching, and they'll start working on a cure as soon as they detect a threat!
Casual Games You Can Play for Free
For more casual gamers, there are a variety of free options available. These games focus on being relaxing, something you can use to unwind at the end of the day and escape into a virtual world where time stands still. Casual games can encompass a wide variety of genres, from simple puzzle games to more complex ones like the first one on our list. Regardless, they're still great ways to have fun for free.
Stardew Valley
While the full version isn't free, there's a mobile version that offers a taste of what the full game has to offer — and it's just as fun as the paid version. The premise is simple, you've inherited your family farm in Stardew Valley and must now restore it to it's previous greatness. Plant crops, raise animals, and build relationships with the tens of other villagers as you enjoy the game at your own pace. You can even get married in-game, among a host of other things.
Minecraft Classic
While the full version does cost money, the free version is an excellent casual sandbox game where you can build to your heart's content. It's also a great way to decide if you want to purchase the full thing, which has even more building blocks, enchantable armor, items, enemies, resources, and an improved world generation.
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