Free Difficult Games on Steam
Steam currently has 8,564 Difficult games available to download and play. Explore our list of the best free games ranked by popularity and ratings. Data for this list is calculated from reviews and player counts reported directly by Steam and will be updated in real-time. Free Difficult game rankings were last updated on 1/16/2026.
Looking for more? Explore other lists such as:
- Best difficult games on Steam
- Best difficult Steam Deck games
- Best difficult Steam games for Mac OS
- Best difficult Linux games on Steam
- Free Steam games
- Most played Steam games
- Best rated Steam games
1. Counter-Strike 2
For over two decades, Counter-Strike has offered an elite competitive experience, one shaped by millions of players from across the globe. And now the next chapter in the CS story is about to begin. This is Counter-Strike 2.
Counter-Strike 2 holds the #1 spot for "best free Difficult game on Steam" with a Player Score of 86. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 9,307,560 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 8,035,690 positive reviews and 1,271,870 negative reviews — making it "Very Positive" on Steam.
It can be played and ran on both Windows and Linux systems. At the moment, it is possible to play Counter-Strike 2 on the Steam Deck (though some functionality may be limited).
2. Dota 2
Every day, millions of players worldwide enter battle as one of over a hundred Dota heroes. And no matter if it's their 10th hour of play or 1,000th, there's always something new to discover. With regular updates that ensure a constant evolution of gameplay, features, and heroes, Dota 2 has taken on a life of its own.
Dota 2 has achieved a Player Score of 81, placing it in the #2 spot for the best free Difficult games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 2,652,161 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 2,154,526 positive reviews and 497,635 negative reviews — making it "Very Positive" on Steam.
It can be played and ran on Windows, Mac, and Linux systems. At the moment, it is possible to play Dota 2 on the Steam Deck (though some functionality may be limited).
3. PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS
PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS, the high-stakes winner-take-all shooter that started the Battle Royale craze, is free-to-play! Drop into diverse maps, loot unique weapons and supplies, and survive in an ever-shrinking zone where every turn could be your last.
PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS has achieved a Player Score of 60, placing it in the #3 spot for the best free Difficult games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 2,659,945 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 1,595,625 positive reviews and 1,064,320 negative reviews — making it "Mixed" on Steam.
It can be played and ran on Windows systems. At the moment, it is not possible to play or run PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS on the Steam Deck.
| Release Date | 12/21/2017 |
| Franchise | KRAFTON, Inc. |
| Developers | |
| Publisher | KRAFTON, Inc. |
| Steam App Id | 578080 |
4. Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six® Siege X
Rainbow Six Siege X is the reference in tactical team shooters, where elite strategy and execution triumph. Enjoy free access to Quick Match, Unranked and Dual Front game modes with a selection of operators.
Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six® Siege X has achieved a Player Score of 82, placing it in the #4 spot for the best free Difficult games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 1,472,413 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 1,217,479 positive reviews and 254,934 negative reviews — making it "Very Positive" on Steam.
It can be played and ran on Windows systems. At the moment, it is not possible to play or run Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six® Siege X on the Steam Deck.
| Release Date | 12/1/2015 |
| Franchise | Tom Clancy Franchise |
| Developer | Ubisoft Montreal |
| Publisher | Ubisoft |
| Steam App Id | 359550 |
5. tModLoader
Dig, Fight, and Build your way through the world of player-created mods on Terraria with tModLoader - this DLC makes modding Terraria a reality!
tModLoader has achieved a Player Score of 96, placing it in the #5 spot for the best free Difficult games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 349,304 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 339,283 positive reviews and 10,021 negative reviews — making it "Overwhelmingly Positive" on Steam.
It can be played and ran on Windows, Mac, and Linux systems. At the moment, it is possible to play tModLoader on the Steam Deck (though some functionality may be limited).
6. Banana
Banana is a clicker Game, in which you click a Banana! In Banana you click the Banana to gain even more Bananas! Every 3 hours, you get dropped a banana. Each banana is also made by the community in discord. Come hang out with us and let's grow into something awesome !
Banana has achieved a Player Score of 81, placing it in the #6 spot for the best free Difficult games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 94,948 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 77,800 positive reviews and 17,148 negative reviews — making it "Very Positive" on Steam.
It can be played and ran on both Windows and Linux systems. Valve has also verified it as playable on the Steam Deck and will run well.
| Release Date | 4/23/2024 |
| Developers | |
| Publishers | |
| Steam App Id | 2923300 |
7. Blender
Blender is the free and open source 3D creation suite. Free to use for everyone, for any purpose.
Blender has achieved a Player Score of 95, placing it in the #7 spot for the best free Difficult games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 82,049 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 78,920 positive reviews and 3,129 negative reviews — making it "Overwhelmingly Positive" on Steam.
It can be played and ran on Windows, Mac, and Linux systems. At the moment, it is not possible to play or run Blender on the Steam Deck.
| Release Date | 4/24/2015 |
| Developer | Blender Foundation |
| Publisher | Blender Foundation |
| Steam App Id | 365670 |
8. Albion Online
Albion Online is a fantasy sandbox MMORPG featuring a player-driven economy, classless combat system, and intense PvP battles. Explore a vast open world full of danger and opportunity. Grow your wealth, forge alliances, and leave your mark on the world of Albion.
Albion Online has achieved a Player Score of 78, placing it in the #8 spot for the best free Difficult games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 88,727 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 69,771 positive reviews and 18,956 negative reviews — making it "Mostly Positive" on Steam.
It can be played and ran on Windows, Mac, and Linux systems. At the moment, it is possible to play Albion Online on the Steam Deck (though some functionality may be limited).
| Release Date | 5/16/2018 |
| Developer | Sandbox Interactive GmbH |
| Publisher | Sandbox Interactive GmbH |
| Steam App Id | 761890 |
9. Aimlabs
Aimlabs is the aim trainer of choice for over 40 Million players, from beginners to esports pros. Our unique aim analysis optimizes your gameplay, targets your weaknesses & builds key skills for any FPS game! Time to warm up with our unlimited scenarios & rank up in-game!
Aimlabs has achieved a Player Score of 90, placing it in the #9 spot for the best free Difficult games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 131,737 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 120,770 positive reviews and 10,967 negative reviews — making it "Very Positive" on Steam.
It can be played and ran on Windows systems. At the moment, it is possible to play Aimlabs on the Steam Deck (though some functionality may be limited).
| Release Date | 6/17/2023 |
| Developer | State Space Labs, Inc. |
| Publishers | |
| Steam App Id | 714010 |
10. SCP: Secret Laboratory
Deep within a secure underground facility, a sudden containment breach allows many of the secured anomalies to escape from their chambers. Assist the Foundation in re-securing the facility, help the Insurgency in their goal to capture it, or wreak havoc as an SCP in a frantic bid to escape.
SCP: Secret Laboratory has achieved a Player Score of 90, placing it in the #10 spot for the best free Difficult games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 225,833 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 206,038 positive reviews and 19,795 negative reviews — making it "Very Positive" on Steam.
It can be played and ran on Windows systems. At the moment, it is possible to play SCP: Secret Laboratory on the Steam Deck (though some functionality may be limited).
| Release Date | 12/29/2017 |
| Developer | Northwood Studios |
| Publisher | Northwood Studios |
| Steam App Id | 700330 |
More Free Difficult Games
Explore even more rankings for the 100 best free Difficult games available on Steam.
| Image | Name | Actions | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1,270,682 | 8/21/2012 | 86 | Free | Steam Charts | |
| 707,406 | 7/9/2013 | 81 | Free | Steam Charts | |
| 325,577 | 12/21/2017 | 60 | Free | Steam Charts | |
| 50,779 | 12/1/2015 | 82 | Free | Steam Charts | |
| 36,791 | 5/16/2020 | 96 | Free | Steam Charts | |
| 17,314 | 4/23/2024 | 81 | Free | Steam Charts | |
| 12,892 | 4/24/2015 | 95 | Free | Steam Charts | |
| 11,798 | 5/16/2018 | 78 | Free | Steam Charts | |
| 5,913 | 6/17/2023 | 90 | Free | Steam Charts | |
| 5,174 | 12/29/2017 | 90 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 4,686 | 12/16/2010 | 73 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 3,090 | 8/17/2020 | 87 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 1,624 | 2/24/2016 | 92 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 1,120 | 2/20/2012 | 81 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 1,107 | 7/10/2012 | 91 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 1,022 | 2/12/2013 | 75 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 722 | 6/27/2018 | 93 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 612 | 5/19/2020 | 84 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 450 | 9/14/2021 | 87 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 399 | 11/30/2021 | 83 | Free | Steam Charts |
Soures & References
Steambase has best-in-class data powered directly by Steam, our data partners, and in-house experts. Player counts and rankings are enriched, analyzed, and updated in real-time to ensure we surface the most up-to-date insights. Learn more about the Steambase approach to data collection and our review methodology.
- Valve Corporation. (2026, January 16). Steam Store. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2026, January 16). Counter-Strike 2 on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2026, January 16). Dota 2 on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2026, January 19). PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2026, January 19). Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six® Siege X on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2026, January 14). tModLoader on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2026, January 17). Banana on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2026, January 19). Blender on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2026, January 13). Albion Online on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2026, January 19). Aimlabs on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2026, January 19). SCP: Secret Laboratory on Steam. Steam Store.