It’s summer time in the year 2023 and what better way to enjoy the outdoors than avoiding them entirely?
While there’s a plethora of good games being released this summer, trying to purchase them will weigh heavy on the wallet. If you want to find games to play with friends without breaking the bank, free-to-play is the way.
But free-to-play only solves half the problem; not everyone owns every console or has a wicked PC rig. So that means cross-platform is just as crucial.
We’ve compiled a list of the best free-to-play, cross-platform games currently available. Our only criteria for this list was:
- It has to be completely free to download and play, no hidden fees or anything like that
- It has to be cross-platform for all consoles (PlayStation, Nintendo Switch and Xbox) and PC (Windows.) That means a game like Rogue Company, which recently halted service for Nintendo Switch, is ineligible for the list.
Without further ado, let’s dive in!
The Best Free-To-Play Cross-Platform Games For Summer 2023!
1. Rocket League
It’s soccer but instead of playing as people, you play as cars that can destroy each other. How could it be better than that?
Rocket League was one of the earliest games to implement complete cross-platform gameplay, and it has been free-to-play since 2020. The epitome of “easy to learn, difficult to master,” Rocket League is a must-try multiplayer game.
2. Apex Legends
The FPS battle royale set in the Titanfall universe is one of the most popular multiplayer games around right now, having brought in over 100 million players.
Apex Legends is a team game, with squads consisting of either 2 of 3 players. The guns, character-specific abilities and movement options make this a fun game to learn with considerable depth.
3. SMITE
No list would be complete without a multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) title, and SMITE is the only one that offers the experience across all consoles and PC units.
The third-person perspective distinguishes this game from League of Legends and Dota 2. With hundreds of Gods to choose from, and a variety of game modes that appeal to casual and hardcore players alike, SMITE offers an appealing on-ramp to a genre known for its steep learning curve.
4. Overwatch 2
The sequel to the 2016 smash hit, Overwatch 2 continues as a team-based first-person shooter. This title has reduced the team sizes from six players per team to just five now.
Boasting a nice cast of characters, each with unique abilities, Overwatch 2 is all about each player picking the right build to contribute to the strongest possible team needed to complete the objectives in each match.
5. Fortnite
We almost thought about leaving this off the list because it’s so obvious, but that would be unethical.
Fortnite continues to be one of the most popular video games around, and the Battle Royale mode is available on all consoles and computer systems (and even mobile devices!) A third-person shooter with emphasis on looting, gathering materials, and building, it’s a game that can be played solo or in teams of up to four players. Assuming you have the right group of people, you cannot go wrong with Fortnite.
6. Realm Royale Reforged
A 2022 revamped update of the original 2018 game, Realm Royale Reforged combines the basic battle royale elements of Fortnite but sets it in a more medieval setting, with a focus on gathering and crafting weapons, armor and abilities. You can call a mount at any time to travel faster around the map.
Additionally, if you are KO’ed in Realm Royale Reforged, you are turned into a chicken where, if you somehow survive long enough, you will be revived. If that doesn’t entice you to try the game, I don’t know what will.
7. Warframe
The 2013 game Warframe had a slow start initially, but has since boasted a player base of over 50 million players.
This third-person shooter also brings RPG elements, melee combat and a lot of opportunity for exploration with its open world areas and procedurally generated levels for a very appealing experience. Having such a long lifespan, there is more than enough content for you to sink your teeth into.
On top of being able to complete missions solo, you can buddy up to play co-op, or queue up for some PvP in “Versus” mode. More than your money’s worth!
Know of any more free-to-play, cross-platform multiplayer games? Head over to our Facebook page and let us know!
