Believe us: you don't have to pay a hefty price to enjoy quality video games.
More and more developers, such as Valve and Electronic Arts, are releasing free-to-play games accessible to anyone with a working PC and internet connection. Plenty of these free-to-play games are more than worth your time. It's the kind of fun that money can't buy.
With that in mind, we've rounded up some of the best PC games you can check out at Steam this 2017. Some are classics, while some are new ones that might pique your interest.
Hearthstone: Heroes of Warcraft
This free-to-play online collectible game is a lot like the card game called Magic the Gathering. Developed by Blizzard Entertainment, Hearthstone: Heroes of Warcraft allows the player to use cards to summon creatures, sling spells, and command heroes in epic duels.
The game is quite easy to learn, and it lacks the overwhelming learning curve you would expect from most online fantasy card games. Its visual interface is casual and basic, so battles are easy to maneuver. Despite its accessibility, the game is still challenging, especially if your opponent is a skilled master of cards.
Dota 2
Dota 2 is one of the classic and most popular free-to-play PC games ever. Chances are, you or someone you know is already a pro in Dota 2, a game that attracts multi-million dollar prizes and tournaments. Steam provides a brief tutorial that points out the basics of Dota 2's sophisticated gameplay. Don't forget to invite some friends and you'll soon get hooked with this free-to-play online game.
League of Legends
Another classic, League of Legends is an amazing free-to-play game from the creators of Dota. The game's range of characters, automated match-making, and epic maps make the adventure well worth it. It's an aggressive game, but it does reward great team work and meticulous strategizing. It won't be long, you'll get used to its intensity and find yourself having fun. And like Dota 2, League of Legends is a staple in the world of e-sports. The tournament attracts many high-end players and offers prizes as high as $1.2 million.
Star Wars: The Old Republic
Are you both a video game nerd and a Star Wars geek? It's the best of both worlds with Star Wars: The Old Republic. This free-to-play game takes over from the original MMORPG Star Wars Galaxies. You can either choose to play as a Jedi Knight, a Bounty Hunter, or even an Imperial Agent. Great way to get those Sith kicks, right? And although the game is free, you can also choose to get subscriptions that could give you more in-game potential.
Tribes: Ascend
Ever dreamed of donning a jetpack and zooming into the sky? As the name suggests, Tribes: Ascend is a fast-paced, free-to-play game that takes you to the heavens. You can launch into epic battle across different places in your map, using weapons to attack your enemies. You have the choice of purchasing more weapons and perks for more fun, but you can still hold your own battles without the extra items.
Mobius Final Fantasy
Last but not the least is Mobius Final Fantasy, a game that lets you enjoy a full-on Final Fantasy RPG without the pricey purchase. Mobius Final Fantasy is first and foremost an episodic mobile game you can play on iOS and Android. Its fantastic storyline, which involves a prophecy that foretells a Warrior of Light that would prevent global demise, was written by Kazushige Nojima, the author of both Final Fantasy VII and X. It will come to the PC screen sometime this February.
