Free Difficult Games on Steam
Steam currently has 8,773 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 3/9/2026.
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 9,444,713 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 8,151,158 positive reviews and 1,293,555 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 2,675,725 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 2,170,551 positive reviews and 505,174 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 2,682,492 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 1,613,391 positive reviews and 1,069,101 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
Rainbow Six® Siege 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 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 1,489,270 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 1,229,960 positive reviews and 259,310 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 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 359,554 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 349,220 positive reviews and 10,334 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 95,243 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 77,973 positive reviews and 17,270 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 83,944 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 80,722 positive reviews and 3,222 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 89,679 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 70,480 positive reviews and 19,199 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. EVE Online
Over 20 years of legendary space battles! Explore a massive living universe of danger and opportunity in a challenging and highly rewarding space adventure. Fight, trade, build, and connect with a universe driven and shaped directly by players.
EVE Online has achieved a Player Score of 73, placing it in the #9 spot for the best free Difficult games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 38,258 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 28,148 positive reviews and 10,110 negative reviews — making it "Mostly Positive" on Steam.
It can be played and ran on both Windows and Mac systems. At the moment, it is possible to play EVE Online on the Steam Deck (though some functionality may be limited).
10. 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 #10 spot for the best free Difficult games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 132,958 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 121,693 positive reviews and 11,265 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 |
More Free Difficult Games
Explore even more rankings for the 100 best free Difficult games available on Steam.
| Image | Name | Actions | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1,082,835 | 8/21/2012 | 86 | Free | Steam Charts | |
| 459,023 | 7/9/2013 | 81 | Free | Steam Charts | |
| 148,694 | 12/21/2017 | 60 | Free | Steam Charts | |
| 103,618 | 12/1/2015 | 82 | Free | Steam Charts | |
| 27,182 | 5/16/2020 | 96 | Free | Steam Charts | |
| 20,890 | 4/23/2024 | 81 | Free | Steam Charts | |
| 10,369 | 4/24/2015 | 95 | Free | Steam Charts | |
| 8,536 | 5/16/2018 | 78 | Free | Steam Charts | |
| 4,263 | 12/16/2010 | 73 | Free | Steam Charts | |
| 3,342 | 6/17/2023 | 90 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 2,617 | 12/29/2017 | 90 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 1,479 | 2/24/2016 | 93 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 1,360 | 8/17/2020 | 87 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 1,109 | 2/20/2012 | 81 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 1,007 | 7/10/2012 | 91 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 935 | 2/12/2013 | 75 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 708 | 9/14/2021 | 87 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 488 | 5/19/2020 | 84 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 424 | 11/30/2021 | 83 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 369 | 9/27/2018 | 87 | 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, March 9). Steam Store. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2026, March 9). Counter-Strike 2 on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2026, March 8). Dota 2 on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2026, February 11). PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2026, March 9). Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Siege on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2026, March 7). tModLoader on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2026, March 9). Banana on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2026, March 9). Blender on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2026, February 24). Albion Online on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2026, March 9). EVE Online on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2026, March 9). Aimlabs on Steam. Steam Store.