2020 serves as a monumental year for video games. With most other avenues of entertainment closed down, public interest in gaming has skyrocketed. Despite all that has happened this year, more people are playing video games than ever before. Not only that, but the video game industry is one of the only avenues to not only survive but thrive in an almost completely remote work environment.

With so many full-retail releases hitting storefronts this year, it can be easy to forget about the free-to-play games that anyone can download and enjoy. These experiences offer interesting and innovative experiences while using non-essential purchases to fund development costs. 2020 has several excellent examples that fall into this category.

9 Ninjala

A Nintendo-exclusive free-to-play experience, Ninjala is an action-oriented multiplayer experience. With an aesthetic similar to Nintendo’s Splatoon, Ninjala pairs a lighthearted art style with a tight traversal system.

While Splatoon avatars use ink, the characters in Ninjala apply gum to aid them in battle. This free release boasts deep gameplay that requires patience and practice to fully understand. Those willing to put in the time will find a rewarding gameplay loop in this competitive multiplayer battle game.

8 Dauntless Reforged

For those looking for a cooperative game that they can enjoy with friends, Dauntless is an impressive entry to the monster hunting genre. Players team up to tackle massive beasts using a variety of different weapons types that can be chosen based on user preference. Similar to the Monster Hunter series, Dauntless introduces players to a game that prioritizes teamwork above all else.

While Dauntless may have released in late 2019, a massive expansion known as Dauntless Reforged debuted in 2020 to reinvigorate the game. Dauntless is available on Nintendo Switch, PS4, PC, and Xbox storefronts for download.

7 Rogue Company

For some, tactical gameplay is more enticing, and Rogue Company offers that in spades. A free-to-play game from Hi-Rez Studios, Rogue Company is a 4v4 team-based third-person shooter. Players will have to work together using the game’s unique characters, each equipped with their own abilities and weapon sets, to eliminate enemy teams.

With several different modes for players to enjoy, such as Demolition, Strikeout, and Extraction, Rogue Company allows for variation that helps keep the experience feeling fresh over extended periods of time. Rogue Company is available for download on Nintendo Switch, PS4, Windows, and Xbox platforms.

6 Pokemon Cafe Mix

The Nintendo Switch has been no stranger to excellent free titles in 2020. One example of this is the Pokemon Cafe Mix. Aspiring cafe owners can recruit a team of plucky Pokemon to help them run and maintain their very own restaurant.

Players will want to finish the puzzles quickly, as they’ll only have a limited time to complete each level. Completing these puzzles will let even more Pokemon join the staff. Those looking for an excellent puzzle game can check out Pokemon Cafe Mix on Nintendo Switch, iOS, and Android.

5 Spellbreak

A new contender to the battle royale genre, Spellbreak released on September 3, 2020. Unlike other entries in the genre, in Spellbreak, players use magic spells and gauntlets to target and eliminate enemy combatants on their journey to be the last caster standing.

Mixing and matching spells are key to keeping enemies on their toes, and plenty of combinations exist to keep the gameplay loop from getting stale. Spellbreak aims to further expand its player base by releasing on Steam later this month but can be downloaded directly from the Spellbreak website for Windows users now. It is also available on eighth-generation consoles.

4 Warframe (PS5)

With the launch of a large list of next-generation titles, it doesn’t come as a surprise that Warframe’s PS5 version went by a bit unnoticed. With over 50 million registered users, Warframe has become one of the most supported free-to-play titles on the market. Over seven years after its release, Warframe still sees consistent content updates that all players can enjoy, including new armor sets, bosses, and story content.

A recent patch sees performance and visuals improved further on the PS5 as well. While there are in-game purchases, they in no way block player progression, focusing instead on different armor sets, equipment, and entirely optional weapons. Warframe is available for download now on PS5.

3 Super Mario Bros. 35

While Nintendo has been scorned for some questionable business decisions in 2020, the company has released a few new games to capture their community’s hearts. One such release was Super Mario Bros. 35 on the Nintendo Switch. Naturally, Mario games are not hidden gems, but Super Mario Bros. 35 was a smaller release than typical for the franchise. As it came out shortly after Super Mario 3D All-Stars, Super Mario Bros. 35 was somewhat overshadowed; however, this is a game worth trying while it is still available.

In Super Mario Bros. 35, players compete against 34 other Switch owners in a race to see who can complete traditional Mario levels the fastest. Defeating enemies lets users send enemies to impede the process of their competitors as well. For fans of hectic competitive gameplay, this is an excellent free title. Super Mario Bros. 35 requires a Nintendo Switch Online subscription to play.

2 Worms Rumble (PS Plus)

With the release of their newest console, Sony has been making a push to offer brand new titles to early adopters. For those who were lucky enough to get their hands on a PS5, Worms Rumble is the latest free game afforded to PlayStation Plus subscribers. Worms Rumble offers a unique spin on the Battle Royale genre.

In Worms Rumble, worms battle to see who can be the last invertebrate standing. Picking up and finding weapons scattered around the map will be the key to victory. The latest iteration of this franchise forgoes the turn-based style of previous games in favor of real-time action. Sony is offering this title for free for the rest of 2020 on the PS5.

1 Bugsnax (PS Plus)

When Sony announced the PS5 in the summer, it’s hard to imagine the company anticipated Bugsnax being a major showcase takeaway. What’s even harder to picture would be that the PS5 would offer this title for free to PlayStation Plus users for the first two months after launch. Bugsnax’s strange premise might discourage some people from giving it a try, however, PS5 players should not miss out on the opportunity to play this game while it is free.

This surprising indie darling from the creators of Octodad is equal parts entertaining and hilarious. Exploring a world with edible bugs known as Bugsnax, players will unravel a mystery revolving around the creatures. Anyone who has the highly sought after system should act fast, as this title is only free until the beginning of January 2021.

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