Top 10 AAA Games That Went Free to Play

While perhaps not quite as groundbreaking as the original “EverQuest,” 2004’s sequel was still a massive MMORPG that had ambition, high production value, and a ton of well-crafted content. Originally on a subscription model, a free-to-play version of “EverQuest II” was released in 2010, although paying for membership remained an option. While the free-to-play version comes with some serious restrictions, like only 2 character slots and limited access to the broker system, it allows pretty much full-access to “EverQuest II’s” sizeable base game and most of the expansions before the most recent ones.

J. R. R. Tolkien’s fantasy novels have inspired their fair share of games, but few compare to 2007's MMORPG. Originally set in Eriador but eventually expanding to other areas like Mordor, “The Lord of the Ring Online” delivers an epic adventure worthy of the license. While a subscription model remains available, “The Lord of the Rings Online” went free-to-play in 2010, offering access to four quest packs and most of the content in the base game. While the expansion packs still need to be bought and unlocking everything is quite a grind, the free version provides countless hours of gameplay and is more than enough to decide whether this is worth an investment.

Another MMO that went the free-to-play route, “Star Trek Online” sets itself apart by blending space and planetary combat, as the player-created character is given command of a ship and can eventually even form a fleet. Putting aside later expansions that focus on other species, the storyline – which is told through “episodic missions” – sees the United Federation at war with the Klingon Empire. For the most part, “Star Trek Online’s” free-to-play model is fantastic, providing unlimited access to all of the base content, with restrictions mostly coming in the form of inventory management and unlockables.

Building on its predecessor's solid foundations, "Guild Wars 2" is the definition of an epic MMORPG. Set in the world of Tyria, "Guild Wars 2" boasts an adaptive world, a great character-creation system, gorgeous environments, and a more personable story than most MMOs. The satisfying skill-based combat combines immediacy with elements of strategy. Going free-to-play in 2015, "Guild Wars 2" allows new players to try out the core game up to season 2, effectively providing access to three years of content. While the expansions do significantly improve the experience, "Guild Wars 2" was awesome from the start, so the free version is naturally great.

If there is any studio that can do justice to the "Star Wars" lore, it would have to be BioWare circa 2011. Within roughly a year of release, "The Old Republic" provided a free-to-play option, which includes access to all eight classes and their respective storylines. Anyone looking to play "The Old Republic" long term will eventually need to drop some cash, but the base game is still packed to the brim with engrossing quests, memorable characters, dungeons, and PvP options. While perhaps not the most innovative MMO ever released, "The Old Republic" makes the most of its "Star Wars" license.

The grandfather of 3D MMORPGs, “EverQuest” has somehow managed to remain relevant for over two decades. Due to its age, many aspects of “EverQuest” feel somewhat archaic in this day and age, but there is a reason the game has endured for so long, and that is because the core gameplay loop is engrossing. “EverQuest” went free-to-play in 2012, and the MMO is rather generous when it comes to content, with over 20 expansions being included. Along with just being all-around great, "EverQuest" is a genre-defining game that set the stage for many later titles in the genre.

As the successor to the fantastic “StarCraft,” “Wings of Liberty” retains its predecessor’s deep real-time strategy combat while delving deeper into the core conflict between the three central species. While multiplayer is a big part of the experience, "StarCraft II" is not exactly short in single-player content, with "Wings of Liberty's" campaign spanning roughly 26 missions, and there is even an element of choice that helps heighten replayability. Partially due to its prevalence in the esports scene, "StarCraft II's" base game went free-to-play in 2017, providing full access to "Wings of Liberty's" campaign and a slew of multiplayer options, although the Zerg and Protoss campaigns require picking up the expansions.

While Valve does not often release games, the studio's rare projects tend to be pretty special. Routinely topping Steam’s current players' charts, “Counter-Strike: Global Offensive” is a contender for the biggest multiplayer shooter of all time, one that pits two teams against each other in objective-based battles that tend to be pretty fierce. While the gameplay is easy to grasp, the focus on teamwork means there is a relatively steep learning curve. More than six years after release, "Global Offensive" went free-to-play, which includes the full game minus a couple of items and weapon cases.

Similar to its predecessor, "Destiny 2" is constantly evolving, with each season bringing new expansions, tweaks to the gameplay and modes, and new reasons for players to rejoice or shake their heads in disappointment. Taking into account Bungie's "Halo" pedigree, "Destiny 2's" gunplay is nothing short of superb, while the lengthy campaign sees the Guardians traveling across the Solar System's several striking planets. PvP, which mainly comes in the form of the Crucible and Gambit modes, is also quite robust and competitive. Surprisingly, Bungie made all of "Destiny 2's" Year One content and a few things from Year Two free for all, which is enough content to fill a few months.

"Team Fortress 2" is the quintessential free-to-play game. Even when it was bundled as part of "The Orange Box," Valve's game was a steal, as its colorful roster of characters, fun gameplay, and timeless art style instantly made "Team Fortress 2" the standard-bearer of team-based shooters. While there are a few restrictions and cosmetics can be purchased, "Team Fortress 2" can be played to its entirety without spending a cent, providing years of entertainment for free. "Team Fortress 2" is not only a brilliant game that has aged splendidly, but it remains perhaps the best example of how to transition to a free model.