Best Free PC and Console Games to Claim in January 2024: A Treasure Trove Awaits
Forget resolutions, January 2024 bursts with incredible free-to-play options for PC and consoles. We’ve unearthed the hidden gems and top picks to fuel your gaming adventures all month long across platforms like Steam, Epic Games Store, PlayStation Plus, and Xbox Games with Gold.
The world of free gaming has exploded in recent years. Titles once requiring a purchase are now available for free download, opening gaming up to wider audiences. And the quality bar has never been higher, with many free games rivaling paid blockbusters.
In this guide, we’ll highlight can’t-miss titles across genres, uncover some hidden treasures, and provide tips to get the most out of free games. A new year awaits – let’s game on!
Top Free Games to Download and Play Right Now
Slay Undead Dragons in the Free and Fiery Action-Adventure Dauntless
Available on: Epic Games Store, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch
Living up to its name, Dauntless delivers thrilling action-adventure gameplay as you battle towering behemoths in a fantasy setting. With diverse weapon and armor options, seamless cross-platform co-op, and regular content updates, this monster hunting extravaganza has carved out a special niche.
Visually, Dauntless impresses with its vivid, colorful art style that pops on any platform. Each behemoth has a unique design and moveset to master. Combat feels weighty and impactful as you time dodges and unleash combos using axes, swords, hammers, and more. Progress unlocks new gear crafting options for customizing your slayer.
While similar to Monster Hunter, Dauntless offers a more accessible experience for casual gamers to enjoy. With quick hunts and easy matchmaking, it’s perfect for jumping in and joining friends. Frequent events and new behemoth additions give veterans fresh challenges. Download now and embrace your calling as a beast-slaying hero!
Puzzle Your Way to Freedom in the Mystical World of Path of Exile
Available on: PC, PlayStation, Xbox
Blizzard perfected the hack-and-slash RPG formula with Diablo 2 – now Path of Exile pushes the envelope even further as one of the most complex and rewarding free ARPGs ever created. With its gritty dark fantasy visuals and gothic labyrinths brimming with monsters, POE’s adventure will consume you.
POE shines through its massive skill tree and gem system that allows practically endless character build options to customize your playstyle down to the smallest detail. Pair fireballs with a trap that launches a spreading inferno. Summon an undead horde to overwhelm your foes. The combinations are staggering. Leveling also feels impactful, with new skills and gear unlocked regularly.
While POE has a steep learning curve, mastering its intricacies brings tremendous satisfaction. Joining public parties makes the journey easier. POE’s seasonal content updates add new challenges like endless dungeon gauntlets to test your skills. If you crave deep RPG systems and want to lose yourself in dark intrigue, download this free ARPG masterpiece now on any major platform.
Command and Conquer: Build Your Empire in the Thrilling Rise of Kingdoms
Available on: PC, Mobile
Rise of Kingdoms seamlessly blends the strategic base building and resource management of classics like Age of Empires with the political maneuvering and diplomacy of Civilization into one addictive free-to-play package. With 11 civilizations to choose from, vivid PvP battles, and a vast shared world to explore, it’s easy to get hooked on this time sink.
Early on, you’ll establish your city, research technologies, and manage resources like food, wood, and gold. Forming alliances with other players expands your influence. When armies and siege weapons are researched, the real-time battles begin! Coordinating with allies to take objectives and lay waste to enemy bases never gets old.
While Rise of Kingdoms employs some microtransactions, patient resource management allows you to be competitive as a free player. Join an active alliance for protection early until your empire is powerful enough to stand on its own. If you crave fantasy political intrigue mixed with hands-on base building and conquest, Rise of Kingdoms is a must-try free title.
Card Mastermind: Craft Your Deck in the Strategic Hearthstone
Available on: PC, Mobile
Who knew slinging cards could be so riveting? Don’t let the cartoonish visuals fool you – beneath Hearthstone’s friendly facade lies an incredibly strategic, addictive CCG worthy of mastering. With regular new card expansions and game modes, Hearthstone’s free-to-play model lets you compete without paying a dime if you wish.
Each hero class like mage, warrior or priest brings unique abilities that shape your deck building approach. Carefully crafting the synergies between your minion units, spell cards, and overarching strategy is key to creating a competitive deck. Matches come down to wits, timing, and how you respond to your opponent’s moves.
New players will benefit greatly from focusing on a single hero and gradually expanding their card collection over time. Solo adventures teach you the ropes while refined A.I. battles let you test decks. When ready, join the ranked ladder to face human opponents and continue climbing as your knowledge grows. For brilliantly designed CCG gameplay with untold depth, Hearthstone truly delivers.
PlayStation Plus Gems: Uncharted: The Lost Legacy and A Plague Tale: Innocence Await
As part of the revamped PlayStation Plus service, subscribers gain access to an expanding catalog of acclaimed PS4 and PS5 games. January sees two stellar additions that are easy recommendations.
Live Out Your Indiana Jones Fantasies in Uncharted: The Lost Legacy
Fans of the Uncharted series should play The Lost Legacy if they haven’t yet. This tale follows adventurer Chloe Frazer on a quest through India to recover an ancient artifact. All the cinematic storytelling, witty banter, puzzles, and white-knuckle action the franchise is known for is on full display. With lush jungle environments and customizable gameplay options, it’s a globetrotting joy.
Experience Medieval France During the Black Plague in A Plague Tale: Innocence
This dark, emotional tale follows siblings Amicia and Hugo as they attempt to survive the ravages of the Black Death in 14th century France. Gorgeous visuals and sound design create a believable plague-ravaged world. Heart-pounding stealth sequences evading swarms of rats raise tensions exponentially. An innocence lost coming-of-age story develops across a grim but beautifully realized setting.
Indie Gems: Concrete Jungle and What Remains of Edith Finch Await on PS Plus Extra
Beyond AAA titles, the PS Plus Extra catalog houses unique indie experiences like roguelike city builder Concrete Jungle and poignant walking simulator What Remains of Edith Finch. If offbeat games are your thing, these make fine additions to any backlog.
Xbox Games with Gold: Thrill Through Forza Horizon 5 and Survive the Wilds in Outward
Microsoft’s monthly free games for Xbox Live Gold subscribers continue to deliver fun and value. January’s highlights provide open-world action sure to keep your thumbs busy.
Experience Picturesque Vistas While Off-Road Racing in Forza Horizon 5
Quite possibly the pinnacle of open-world racing games, Forza Horizon 5 lets you tear through a gorgeously realized slice of Mexican landscapes in hundreds of drivable cars. Visually jaw-dropping, it squeezes every ounce of power from the Series X/S. Approachable physics and assist options allow casual players to enjoy the ride while gearheads can fine-tune settings for simulation. However you play, Forza Horizon 5 is a first-class ticket to racing paradise.
Brave the Wilds and Dungeons in the Survival Action-RPG Outward
Prefer your open worlds a bit more hostile? Outward delivers challenging survival gameplay in an imaginative dark fantasy setting. Navigate wild forests and frigid peaks while managing hunger and fatigue. Dungeon delving rewards treasure but remains fraught with danger. Outward incentivizes cautious, thoughtful play and learning from failure. With drop-in co-op and ever-present threats, Outward captures the feel of a treacherous adventure.
Hidden Gems on Game Pass: Telling Lies and Chivalry 2
Beyond Games with Gold, Xbox Game Pass subscribers gain access to underrated downloads like the investigative thriller Telling Lies and multiplayer medieval slasher Chivalry 2. Telling Lies has you piecing together clues from recorded footage to solve a mystery. Chivalry 2 captures epic medieval movie battles in 64-player matches. Both provide plenty of bang for no extra buck.
Beyond the Big Hits: Uncovering Free Games for Every Taste
Looking beyond the hottest free-to-play titles reveals underappreciated gems catering to more niche interests. Nearly every genre has quality free options worth checking out.