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) +
![[iOS, Android] Free Pokemon Presents X Unova GO Tour Timed Research @ Pokémon GO](https://files.ozbargain.com.au/n/22/895422.jpg?h=067a573a)
![[iOS, Android] Free - Completed Road to Unova: Raids Timed Research (+1 Extra for Ticket Buyers, 11 Legendaries) @ Pokemon Go](https://files.ozbargain.com.au/n/77/895277.jpg?h=ac89277f)
![[iOS, Android] Free Fusion Energy Used to Fuse Black/White Kyurem @ Pokemon Go](https://files.ozbargain.com.au/n/19/895119.jpg?h=ea18cbdb)
![[iOS, Android] Free Timed Research for Incarnate Forme Tornadus/Thundurus/Landorus @ Pokemon Go](https://files.ozbargain.com.au/n/20/894520.jpg?h=86d23223)
![[PC, Steam] 4 Free Wargaming DLCs - World of Tanks - White Hot Pack, World of Tanks Blitz - Smart Progress Pack + More @ Steam](https://files.ozbargain.com.au/n/42/894442.jpg?h=d93e88f1)
![[PC, Steam] Destiny 2 - The Story So Far Bundle 2025: 7 DLCs A$48.61 @ Humble Bundle](https://files.ozbargain.com.au/n/47/894347.jpg?h=57ef30c2)
![[PC, Steam] Free DLC - Apex Legends: Ash Free Unlock Bundle (Expired), Royal Quest Online - Hero Power @ Steam](https://files.ozbargain.com.au/n/76/893076.jpg?h=3db75b29)
![[PC, Epic] Free DLC - Apex Legends: Loba Free Unlock Bundle @ Epic Games](https://files.ozbargain.com.au/n/21/892321.jpg?h=dfc10a7c)
![[PC, Steam] Free Games - Necrosphere64, Square x Square @ Steam](https://files.ozbargain.com.au/n/75/891275.jpg?h=056bb264)
![[PC, Steam] Free - Towaga: Among Shadows @ Steam](https://files.ozbargain.com.au/n/80/889980.jpg?h=898ea891)
![[PC, Steam] Free - Tales Beyond The Tomb Episode 1 - Pineville Night Stalker @ Steam](https://files.ozbargain.com.au/n/41/889741.jpg?h=2f239df9)
![[PC, Steam] Free - Project Asteroids, TETRAGUN, Conduits @ Steam](https://files.ozbargain.com.au/n/23/888723.jpg?h=6e1bca79)
![[PC, Steam, VR] Free - Mythlink @ Steam](https://files.ozbargain.com.au/n/76/888476.jpg?h=1928a59e)