Free-to-play (F2P or FtP) video games are games that give players access to a significant portion of their content without paying or don't require paying to continue playing. Free-to-play is distinct from traditional commercial software, which requires a payment before using the game or service. It is also separate from free games, usually referred to as freeware, which are entirely costless. Free-to-play's model is sometimes derisively referred to as free-to-start due to not being entirely free.
There are several kinds of free-to-play business models. The most common is based on the freemium software model, in which users are granted access to a fully functional game but are incentivised to pay microtransactions to access additional content. Sometimes the content is entirely blocked without payment; other times it requires immense time 'unlocking' it for non-paying players, and paying the fee speeds the unlocking process. Another method of generating revenue is to integrate advertisements into the game.
Free to Play (Video Game) +
![[PC, Steam] Humble Choice Sep - WWE 2K25, Destiny 2 Legacy Collection, Plucky Squire + More $20.95 @ Humble Bundle](https://files.ozbargain.com.au/n/18/922518.jpg?h=2d0de3ff)
![[iOS, Android] Free Max Particles @ Pokémon GO](https://files.ozbargain.com.au/n/02/920702.jpg?h=2697aef7)
![[iOS, Android] Free 2025 Worlds Championships Timed Researches @ Pokémon GO](https://files.ozbargain.com.au/n/24/920124.jpg?h=87188c16)
![[iOS, Android] Free 2025 Worlds T-Shirt Avatar Clothing @ Pokémon GO](https://files.ozbargain.com.au/n/30/919430.jpg?h=99050839)
![[Epic] Fortnite Account Preloaded with V-Bucks: 1600 A$5.66, 2000 A$7.16, 8800 A$29.87 @ Keyekey](https://files.ozbargain.com.au/n/75/918775.jpg?h=b30bdf40)
![[Android, iOS] Exchange 1 Trade Token for 1 Pack Hourglass (Max 60) or 10 Shinedust via The in-Game Shop @ Pokémon TCG Pocket](https://files.ozbargain.com.au/n/23/917423.jpg?h=e010c2fd)
![[iOS, Android] Free 50 PokéBalls In-Game Items @ Pokémon GO](https://files.ozbargain.com.au/n/22/916922.jpg?h=b0f4ab3f)
![[iOS, Android] Free - 24 Pack Hourglasses for TCG Pocket, 3 Day Limited Pass for Unite, 3000 Gems for Masters EX @ Pokémon](https://files.ozbargain.com.au/n/18/916918.jpg?h=8423f7e2)
![[iOS, Android] Free Gigantamax Pokemon Timed Research @ Pokémon GO](https://files.ozbargain.com.au/n/05/916605.jpg?h=8a6ff0cb)
![[PC, Steam] Destiny 2: Legacy Collection (2025) $12.63 @ Steam](https://files.ozbargain.com.au/n/90/916190.jpg?h=d3ac699b)
![[PS Plus] Free - Fortnite Emerald Gamer Pack @ PlayStation Store](https://files.ozbargain.com.au/n/01/915801.jpg?h=c004f7d5)
![[PC, Steam] Free DLC - World of Warships — Starter Pack: Dreadnought @ Steam](https://files.ozbargain.com.au/n/97/915297.jpg?h=9c306a17)
![[Android, iOS] Free - 24 Pack Hourglasses @ Pokémon TCG Pocket](https://files.ozbargain.com.au/n/19/913819.jpg?h=77908b8f)
![[Android, iOS] Free 12 Pack Hourglasses & 12 Wonder Hourglasses via Twitch Drops @ Pokémon TCG Pocket](https://files.ozbargain.com.au/n/74/912474.jpg?h=4ae65adc)
![[iOS, Android] Free Crowned Energy Used to Change Zacian/Zamazenta Forms @ Pokemon Go](https://files.ozbargain.com.au/n/37/912437.jpg?h=3b41e09b)