Free Difficult Games on Steam
Steam currently has 7,333 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 1/17/2025.
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 87. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 8,492,423 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 7,378,238 positive reviews and 1,114,185 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 2,413,633 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 1,969,619 positive reviews and 444,014 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
Play PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS for free. Land on strategic locations, loot weapons and supplies, and survive to become the last team standing across various, diverse Battlegrounds. Squad up and join the Battlegrounds for the original Battle Royale experience that only PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS can offer.
PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS has achieved a Player Score of 59, placing it in the #3 spot for the best free Difficult games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 2,488,881 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 1,470,541 positive reviews and 1,018,340 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. 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 82, placing it in the #4 spot for the best free Difficult games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 85,482 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 70,694 positive reviews and 14,788 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 |
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 292,237 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 283,826 positive reviews and 8,411 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. 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 #6 spot for the best free Difficult games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 79,465 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 62,853 positive reviews and 16,612 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 |
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 66,963 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 64,568 positive reviews and 2,395 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. 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 91, placing it in the #8 spot for the best free Difficult games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 120,453 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 111,543 positive reviews and 8,910 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 |
9. 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 91, placing it in the #9 spot for the best free Difficult games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 207,330 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 189,810 positive reviews and 17,520 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 |
10. Realm of the Mad God Exalt
Team up with dozens of players and battle through the Realm of the Mad God, Oryx. With a retro 8-bit style, Realm is an evolution of traditional MMO gameplay.
Realm of the Mad God Exalt has achieved a Player Score of 82, placing it in the #10 spot for the best free Difficult games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 46,185 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 38,426 positive reviews and 7,759 negative reviews — making it "Very Positive" on Steam.
It can be played and ran on both Windows and Mac systems. At the moment, it is possible to play Realm of the Mad God Exalt on the Steam Deck (though some functionality may be limited).
| Release Date | 2/20/2012 |
| Developers | |
| Publisher | Deca Games |
| Steam App Id | 200210 |
More Free Difficult Games
Explore even more rankings for the 100 best free Difficult games available on Steam.
| Image | Name | Actions | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 846,776 | 8/21/2012 | 87 | Free | Steam Charts | |
| 411,639 | 7/9/2013 | 81 | Free | Steam Charts | |
| 145,382 | 12/21/2017 | 59 | Free | Steam Charts | |
| 85,961 | 4/23/2024 | 82 | Free | Steam Charts | |
| 23,979 | 5/16/2020 | 96 | Free | Steam Charts | |
| 9,071 | 5/16/2018 | 78 | Free | Steam Charts | |
| 7,588 | 4/24/2015 | 95 | Free | Steam Charts | |
| 3,568 | 6/17/2023 | 91 | Free | Steam Charts | |
| 3,474 | 12/29/2017 | 91 | Free | Steam Charts | |
| 1,567 | 2/20/2012 | 82 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 1,215 | 7/10/2012 | 91 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 985 | 2/24/2016 | 81 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 642 | 11/30/2021 | 82 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 603 | 11/28/2018 | 47 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 590 | 5/19/2020 | 85 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 405 | 2/12/2013 | 74 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 390 | 8/18/2022 | 73 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 323 | 4/16/2008 | 88 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 274 | 6/7/2023 | 96 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 259 | 12/19/2017 | 62 | 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. (2025, January 17). Steam Store. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2025, January 17). Counter-Strike 2 on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2025, January 17). Dota 2 on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2025, January 17). PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2025, January 16). Banana on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2025, January 12). tModLoader on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2025, January 14). Albion Online on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2025, January 17). Blender on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2025, January 17). Aimlabs on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2025, January 17). SCP: Secret Laboratory on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2025, January 13). Realm of the Mad God Exalt on Steam. Steam Store.