Free-to-play games became increasingly popular on all gaming platforms, including the PS5. Best of all, these titles don't require PS Plus or have any other limitations. Usually, they don't limit your progress, as you can earn everything by playing. Thus, in an ideal case, they make money from cosmetic items. While most F2P games are battle royales, that isn't always the case. Therefore, you'll find something for yourself, especially if you enjoy multiplayer.

10. The Sims 4

Electronic Arts has a horrible reputation, but the company is trying hard to change that. Therefore, they offered The Sims 4 free of charge! There's no catch here, as you can play as much as you want. This is still an excellent sim, giving you an almost limitless way to control the lives of characters you've created. Luckily, the PS5 version is excellent, with a menu system well optimized for its controller.

So, why is EA doing this? Because they hope you'll also decide to buy one of a billion expansion packs! As some of them are often on discount, it can be tempting. Yet, some updates, like Infants, are still free. If you are interested in sim games, The Sims 4 is an excellent choice. However, if you get hooked, know that all expansions will cost you hundreds of dollars!

9. Dauntless

Dauntless adapts the Monster Hunter formula and makes it free to play. That implies you'll get an action role-playing game focused on taking down strong beasts solo or cooperatively. You go on hunts, bring the resources you've gathered back to the hub, craft better gear, and then repeat the process in an addictive loop. 

This is an engaging experience with a lot to offer, including various weapons to master and an endless supply of monsters to fend off. The PS5 version offers the best console experience thanks to updated visuals, increased framerate, and support for DualSense feedback.

8. Rogue Company

Rogue Company is a simple third-person shooter to satisfy your cooperative shootout needs. This more realistic free-to-play game from Hi-Rez Studios focuses on squad-based matches for up to 12 players. The same developers make it as SMITE and Paladins.

You will play objective-based rounds and tactical skirmishes while in control of Rogues, each with unique abilities, earning experience points and in-game money to level up and unlock better gear. It's worth trying out because it's reasonably simple and has good third-person action.

7. Genshin Impact

Genshin Impact made an estimated $2 billion in revenue in its first year, evolving into a cultural icon. The PS5 version of this wildly popular RPG, also available on mobile devices, has vibrant visuals and a quick refresh rate that truly realizes developer MiHoYo's vision.

Those not drawn into its gacha trap may complain about its expensive microtransactions and high investment requirements. However, this is undoubtedly a signature service game with a sizable and devoted fanbase.

6. Warframe

Warframe is now unquestionably among the most popular free-to-play games in the industry, even though it took several years to get there. The sci-fi action RPG's creator, Digital Extremes, has made it a true behemoth.

Warframe offers an enormous amount of content to savor, from co-op missions to full-on open-world exploration. Even though Warframe can be challenging for brand-new players, those who join the Tenno ranks are in for a galaxy's worth of adventure.

5. Kid A Mnesia: Exhibition

Always innovative, Radiohead set the bar high. They sort of invented some of the digital space and art that the majority of the world presently occupies and uses. Kid A Mnesia: The Exhibition goes beyond what is typically considered a game. However, it's definitely worthwhile to check out this interactive experience.

Whether you like Radiohead or not, this virtual journey through the band's music and visuals is a singular, unsettling journey through the obscure. We highly recommend it because it is only a few hours long, completely free, and unlike anything else on the PS5. Who knows, maybe we'll see Thom Yorke's skin in Fortnite one day.

4. Path of Exile

Diablo games will never be free, but Path of Exile is an excellent alternative. One of the best free Steam games is now on PS5, and it looks like a triple-A product. Furthermore, this is one of the rare free single-player PS5 games. Thus, you can spend hundreds of hours exploring and building your character. Yet, you can also form parties or join others in their quest.

Path of Exile offers incredible depth with an excellent choice of classes. Furthermore, there are many customization options and no real paywalls. You can still spend money, of course, which will speed up your leveling. Yet, even without it, the progress doesn't feel like grinding. Be aware that this is an incredibly complex title, making it frustrating for beginners. Just one look at the skill tree will make your mind explode! However, those with enough patience will be rewarded.

3. Destiny 2

There's no denying that Destiny 2 is challenging to master if you've never played Bungie's online shooter before. Still, it remains at the top of the heap regarding gunplay. It is still Destiny 2, for better or worse, showcasing smooth performance, striking visuals, and the best gunplay on the consoles. 

However, you'll discover a wealth of thought-provoking material if you dig in. It's a game that occasionally feels like it will burst with campaigns, cooperative missions, and competitive multiplayer. The action mentioned above is the thread that binds everything together.

2. Fall Guys

What if there was a platformer allowing up to 60 players to engage in simultaneous competition through chaotic obstacle courses? Fall Guys is a cracking online multiplayer madhouse, so this ridiculous idea is brilliant. As a jelly bean-shaped klutz, you compete against many other players in a series of randomly selected stages with various platformer obstacles.

The winner will be determined by a method of elimination, and success rewards you with lots of fantastic costumes and bragging rights. This hilarious game is suitable for players of all ages, whether you play alone or with friends. The best part? It's entirely free!

1. Astro's Playroom

Astro's Playroom is a model pack-in and one of the best games for the system. This PS5 short-form platformer introduced the capabilities of the DualSense controller. It was inspired by Team Asobi's critically acclaimed PSVR platformer Astro Bot Rescue Mission, first featured in The Playroom VR. 

You can literally feel the colorful world of the adorable character Astro at your fingertips as you explore it! This includes the feeling of ice on your fingertips and rain hitting the hero's hard, steel exterior. This would be enough to create a truly memorable experience, but the game also serves as a history lesson. Therefore, it examines many of the most notable events in the history of the PlayStation. Simply put, every PS5 owner must play this incredible 4-5 hour adventure.

On the PlayStation 5, there are appealing options for free-to-play games. Yet, in recent years, they underwent a significant change. Many games are switching to a free-to-play model in response to the exploding popularity of games like Fortnite and Genshin Impact. Thus, free-to-play games are here to stay.

Which PlayStation 5 free-to-play game is your favorite? Which games should also be included?

Cover photo: TopTens.fun/Midjourney