Are you a fan of free shooter titles? Free-to-play games seem to be widely popular and common in 2022 and it’s no surprise why, as studios are pumping out quality titles left-right, and center. Larger games like Fortnite are taking the world by storm, while lesser-known titles are slowly making themselves known to the large shooter player base. If you are an avid gamer who enjoys trying out new games for no upfront costs, then check out these free-to-play shooters you should play in 2022 through to 2023.
SHATTERLINE (PC)
Shatterline is a new free-to-play, hero first-person shooter released into early access on Steam on September 8th and combines much of the more arcade-like gameplay of other shooters with some aspects from games like Overwatch and Valorant. The game features two main game modes, the first being the Expedition game mode and the second being a versus multiplayer mode.
Shatterline is available for early access on Steam
Expedition is a co-op roguelike experience where players embark on various missions which focus heavily on PVE combat with up to three players in total. In this game mode, players can choose between a range of different Operatives, which are characters that have their own gadgets and ultimate weapons, before embarking on their mission. Missions consist of progressing through linear levels with swarms of enemies, and throughout your playthrough, you will encounter various bosses. After defeating each boss, you will acquire blueprints and can decide on whether you want to head to an attraction point to secure your progress or push on further. These blueprints can be used to craft special weapons that can be used in the multiplayer mode.
Shatterline features a multiplayer versus experience with well-known game modes like Conquest, Team Deathmatch, Plant-the-Bomb, and Escort. Just like Expedition, players can choose between the same set of Operatives to determine what gadgets and ultimate they will use, whilst also featuring a create-a-class system where players can manage their equipped weapons and attachments. Featuring fast-paced gameplay and some unique mechanics, this multiplayer mode will surely be enjoyed by avid fps fans.
Shatterline is free-to-play on Steam, but the developers also plan on releasing the game to consoles in the near future.
VAMPIRE: THE MASQUERADE – BLOODHUNT (PC, PS5)
Bloodhunt is a free-to-play character-based battle royale game set within the larger universe of Vampire: The Masquerade. The game is known for its compelling movement mechanics, as players are capable of scaling walls, sliding, and hovering when aiming down sights in mid-air. As previously mentioned, the game is a character-based battle royal, featuring a variety of different vampire archetypes which each have their own offensive, defensive, and passive abilities. As you’d expect, when diving into Bloodhunt players will pick which area of the map they spawn at, loot the surrounding areas, and battle against other players until the last man/team standing.
Vampire The Masquerade Bloodhunt is Steam’s free-to-play battle royal.
For those who are looking for a more casual experience, Bloodhunt offers a Team Deathmatch mode which is perfect not only for getting used to the game mechanics but also to pass the time with some chaotic gameplay. Bloodhunt is free on Steam and PS5 for those who want to jump in.
THE CYCLE: FRONTIER (PC)
The Cycle: Frontier is a free-to-play looter shooter which takes many liberties present in Escape From Tarkov and brings them into an expansive Sci-Fi setting. In this game, players assume the role of Prospectors, who are individuals tasked with exploring, mining, and researching on a deadly new planet. When players first load up the game, they are presented with a tutorial that walks them through the basics. Upon completing the tutorial, they are then sent to the Prospect Station.
The Cycle Frontier is a looter shooter available for free on Steam
The Prospect Station acts as a central hub where players can take on jobs, interact with other players, craft or sell items, and purchase new pieces of equipment. When you are ready, then you are free to head into matchmaking on the planet Fortuna III. As of right now, there are two areas the player can pick, and upon dropping onto these areas they are free to do whatever they please. Harvesting valuable minerals, hunting wildlife, and gathering other kinds of items are just some of the many things you can do in The Cycle: Frontier, so ensure you take a backpack with you into matchmaking.
However, players must stay vigilant as they will encounter hostile wildlife, harsh storms, and other players that may just want to steal their loot. Die, and everything you carry that is not in your safe pockets will be lost. Make a successful extraction back to the station and you get to keep all your obtained loot, which can then be sold or used for crafting. The Cycle: Frontier is free-to-play on Steam or the Epic Game Store for those who want to drop into a new Sci-Fi adventure.
HIRED OPS (PC)
Hired Ops is a free-to-play multiplayer shooter developed by AbsolutSoft, who are mostly known for their browser-based shooter titled Contract Wars. Hired Ops takes many of the gameplay aspects from Contract Wars and brings them into an all-multiplayer shooter set within the world of Escape From Tarkov.
Hired Ops is a multiplayer shooter available for free on Steam
In this game, players can head into matchmaking and partake in a bunch of different game modes like Team Deathmatch, Domination, and Gun Game. Hired Ops is a slower-paced shooter which keeps in line with the old-school shooters of its time, by featuring a create-a-class system and also a CSGO system, where players can purchase equipment for their inventory with cash earnt throughout the course of their matches. The game even features an RPG-like skill tree system which allows players to unlock unique perks for their character.
Whilst the incorporation of supply drops and pay-to-win systems might not sit well with some avid gamers out there, Hired Ops is a great title for those who are looking for a more nostalgic first-person shooter. Hired Ops is free-to-play for PC players over on Steam.
POLYGON (PC)
Polygon is a free-to-play first-person shooter that takes many liberties from Battlefield and combines them with a more fast-paced style of gameplay, whilst also making use of a low-poly art style. In this game, players battle it out on large-scale maps, partaking in objective-based game modes like Conquest. Although the game is pretty fast-paced, players have a stamina system that prompts players to manage their movements effectively during their games. Players also gain currency during their matches, which is used to unlock new weapons and attachments.
Polygon is free-to-play over on Steam
Although Polygon offers very little content by featuring few maps, and game modes, and lacking weapon variety, the smooth and intense gameplay makes it quite an enjoyable title despite being made by a single developer. It also runs exceptionally well on lower-end PCs because of its low-poly assets. Polygon is available for PC players on Steam if you want to try it out.
The above aforementioned each offer a unique experience for players to enjoy. For those looking for an arcade-like experience, try out Shatterline and Polygon. Looking for a unique battle royal game? Then dive into Bloodhunt and battle in the city of Prague. Regardless, there are plenty of free shooters out there for you to enjoy. Comment down below what your favorite game is.
