Gaming has changed considerably over the last few decades. Not only is gaming bigger, bolder, and more expansive, but it is no longer constrained to the traditional business models of the retail sector. In the 1980s and 1990s, a game was a physical item that you bought and played on a console or PC. Now, it broadly follows the play anywhere, anytime concept, i.e., if you want to play a certain game, you can usually – console exclusives aside – go online and start playing.
The costs can add up, of course. The industry is relentless in marketing the next Call of Duty or Assassin’s Creed as something a die-hard gamer simply can’t live without. Yet, it is possible to enjoy a stellar gaming experience without spending a penny. It requires research, patience, and a little skill, but it’s not difficult. You won’t be able to play every game for free, but you can experience some of the very best games. This guide lays out some tips on how to do it:
Free Gaming Overview
To play games for free, it’s worth reiterating how the industry has changed. Many of the most important titles of the 21st century – Fortnite, Apex Legends, Among Us, and Genshin Impact, to name but a few – are free at the point of sale. They will make money from in-game purchases and other revenue streams, even advertising, but you are not obliged to spend. In some cases, games can be deliberately limited, i.e., you must subscribe to continue playing or explore other levels, but this is certainly not always the case.
The World of Freemium
Many of the major free games fall under the freemium category, meaning you can play for free but will be encouraged to make in-game purchases. Fortnite is well-known for this, but it should be stressed that the purchase is entirely cosmetic. The core gameplay remains free of charge. Now, Fortnite is very good at making players – especially younger players – buy those cosmetic enhancements, but there is no disadvantage when choosing not to buy them. Avoiding freemium purchases often takes willpower, but it makes little discernible difference in many games.
Platform Signups
Many gaming platforms will offer free games. This will vary from the hundreds of slots, such as the brilliant Epic Joker, that you can play for free at McLuck, to the expansive esports-style games like Dota2, which you can play on Steam. It costs nothing to join a gaming platform; you can simply switch around when you have tried all the games. Other ways to explore free games on platforms include trials. For example, Apple usually gives a three-month trial of Apple Arcade with any major Apple purchase. You may not have bought an iPad or iPhone in recent months, but perhaps a family member or friend has. They can sign it over, and you can play for free; just remember to cancel the subscription.
The App Stores
Mobile Gaming is massive right now. In fact, it dwarfs other genres in the industry in terms of revenues and the number of games. 
Both the App Store and Google Play have a wealth of free games, many of which require no in-game purchases. Some argue that mobile gaming is also at the forefront of creativity with indie developers. It might surprise you just how vast the scale of some mobile games can be, and the quality on offer.
The Grind
While as a free gamer, the goal is not to make in-game purchases; you can earn your way to better experiences by grinding for different rewards. For instance, some platforms will have daily quests, login bonuses, and other ways to earn virtual currency. You might also earn by watching ads. Forums and social media groups are also good sources of information about various promotions. Simply looking at gaming marketing material will also lead to opportunities. For example, Epic Games – perhaps the biggest name in game development – is currently offering a free PC game download every week. All it takes is a little research to find these offers.
Avoiding Scams
Finally, if you are someone who wants to play for free or game on a budget, then you are not alone, as many are in the same boat. Yet, scammers are also acutely aware of this, so you should try to be skeptical about anything that looks like it is promising too much. If you are struggling to access a premium game and then suddenly see some “cheat” to get it for free, be aware that it is most likely a scam. Only ever download and play from official platforms, lest you end up with malware on your device.
