Free Tactical Games on Steam
Steam currently has 4,577 Tactical 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 Tactical game rankings were last updated on 5/2/2024.
Looking for more? Explore other lists such as:
- Best tactical games on Steam
- Best tactical Steam Deck games
- Best tactical Steam games for Mac OS
- Best tactical 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 Tactical game on Steam" with a Player Score of 87. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 8,025,308 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 7,001,556 positive reviews and 1,023,752 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).
| Release Date | 8/21/2012 |
| Developers | |
| Publisher | Valve |
| Steam App Id | 730 |
2. 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 58, placing it in the #2 spot for the best free Tactical games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 2,349,611 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 1,371,036 positive reviews and 978,575 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 |
| Developer | KRAFTON, Inc. |
| Publisher | KRAFTON, Inc. |
| Steam App Id | 578080 |
3. Apex Legends™
Apex Legends is the award-winning, free-to-play Hero Shooter from Respawn Entertainment. Master an ever-growing roster of legendary characters with powerful abilities, and experience strategic squad play and innovative gameplay in the next evolution of Hero Shooter and Battle Royale.
Apex Legends™ has achieved a Player Score of 78, placing it in the #3 spot for the best free Tactical games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 819,884 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 640,146 positive reviews and 179,738 negative reviews — making it "Mostly Positive" on Steam.
It can be played and ran on Windows systems. Valve has also verified it as playable on the Steam Deck and will run well.
| Release Date | 11/5/2020 |
| Franchise | Apex Legends Official |
| Developers | |
| Publisher | Electronic Arts |
| Steam App Id | 1172470 |
4. Team Fortress 2
Nine distinct classes provide a broad range of tactical abilities and personalities. Constantly updated with new game modes, maps, equipment and, most importantly, hats!
Team Fortress 2 has achieved a Player Score of 93, placing it in the #4 spot for the best free Tactical games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 1,042,032 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 977,541 positive reviews and 64,491 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 Team Fortress 2 on the Steam Deck (though some functionality may be limited).
5. Yu-Gi-Oh! Master Duel
Yu-Gi-Oh! MASTER DUEL is the ultimate free-to-play cross-platform strategy card game with fast-paced Duels, stunning HD graphics and a new, dynamic soundtrack! Get ready to challenge Duelists around the world!
Yu-Gi-Oh! Master Duel has achieved a Player Score of 75, placing it in the #5 spot for the best free Tactical games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 72,421 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 54,871 positive reviews and 17,550 negative reviews — making it "Mostly Positive" on Steam.
It can be played and ran on Windows systems. Valve has also verified it as playable on the Steam Deck and will run well.
| Release Date | 1/19/2022 |
| Franchise | Yu-Gi-Oh! |
| Developers | |
| Publishers | |
| Steam App Id | 1449850 |
6. THE FINALS
Join THE FINALS, the world-famous, free-to-play, combat-centered game show! Fight alongside your teammates in virtual arenas that you can alter, exploit, and even destroy. Build your own playstyle in this first-person shooter to win escalating tournaments and lasting fame.
THE FINALS has achieved a Player Score of 74, placing it in the #6 spot for the best free Tactical games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 159,370 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 119,769 positive reviews and 39,601 negative reviews — making it "Mostly Positive" on Steam.
It can be played and ran on Windows systems. At the moment, it is not possible to play or run THE FINALS on the Steam Deck.
| Release Date | 12/8/2023 |
| Developer | Embark Studios |
| Publisher | Embark Studios |
| Steam App Id | 2073850 |
7. World of Warships
Immerse yourself in thrilling naval battles and assemble an armada of over 600 ships from the first half of the 20th century — from stealthy destroyers to gigantic battleships. Change the look of your ship, choose upgrades to suit your play style, and go into battle with other players!
World of Warships has achieved a Player Score of 77, placing it in the #7 spot for the best free Tactical games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 138,384 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 107,164 positive reviews and 31,220 negative reviews — making it "Mostly Positive" on Steam.
It can be played and ran on Windows systems. At the moment, it is possible to play World of Warships on the Steam Deck (though some functionality may be limited).
| Release Date | 11/15/2017 |
| Franchise | Wargaming Group Ltd. |
| Developer | Wargaming Group Limited |
| Publisher | Wargaming Group Limited |
| Steam App Id | 552990 |
8. Aimlabs
Aimlabs is the aim trainer of choice for over 30 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 92, placing it in the #8 spot for the best free Tactical games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 110,735 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 103,597 positive reviews and 7,138 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 Aimlabs on the Steam Deck.
| Release Date | 6/17/2023 |
| Developer | State Space Labs, Inc. |
| Publishers | |
| Steam App Id | 714010 |
9. Eternal Return
Eternal Return is a free-to-play, 2.5D perspective Battle Royale game. Search, Craft, Hunt, and Fight using a variety of characters. Plan your strategy and become the last survivor on this eternal experiment.
Eternal Return has achieved a Player Score of 78, placing it in the #9 spot for the best free Tactical games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 55,773 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 43,928 positive reviews and 11,845 negative reviews — making it "Mostly Positive" on Steam.
It can be played and ran on Windows systems. At the moment, it is possible to play Eternal Return on the Steam Deck (though some functionality may be limited).
| Release Date | 7/20/2023 |
| Developer | Nimble Neuron |
| Publishers | |
| Steam App Id | 1049590 |
10. Magic: The Gathering Arena
Magic: The Gathering Arena empowers you to discover your strategy, meet the planeswalkers, explore the multiverse, and battle friends around the world. Start playing for free, challenge your friends, unlock cards, and feel the magic of the original fantasy CCG!
Magic: The Gathering Arena has achieved a Player Score of 65, placing it in the #10 spot for the best free Tactical games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 9,803 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 6,470 positive reviews and 3,333 negative reviews — making it "Mixed" on Steam.
It can be played and ran on Windows systems. At the moment, it is possible to play Magic: The Gathering Arena on the Steam Deck (though some functionality may be limited).
| Release Date | 5/23/2023 |
| Developer | Wizards of the Coast LLC |
| Publisher | Wizards of the Coast LLC |
| Steam App Id | 2141910 |
More Free Tactical Games
Explore even more rankings for the 100 best free Tactical games available on Steam.
| Image | Name | Actions | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 840,074 | 8/21/2012 | 87 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 306,848 | 12/21/2017 | 58 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 175,981 | 11/5/2020 | 78 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 49,150 | 10/10/2007 | 93 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 16,995 | 1/19/2022 | 75 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 8,655 | 12/8/2023 | 74 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 7,354 | 11/15/2017 | 77 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 5,696 | 6/17/2023 | 92 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 4,933 | 7/20/2023 | 78 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 3,157 | 5/23/2023 | 65 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 2,672 | 12/9/2022 | 76 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 2,668 | 4/6/2020 | 68 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 2,329 | 4/29/2021 | 84 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 2,121 | 12/1/2022 | 75 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 1,980 | 2/21/2024 | 49 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 1,623 | 7/21/2022 | 59 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 1,455 | 1/27/2023 | 87 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 1,391 | 2/19/2020 | 80 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 1,362 | 4/5/2021 | 77 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 1,235 | 6/20/2019 | 81 | 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. (2024, May 2). Steam Store. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2024, May 2). Counter-Strike 2 on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2024, April 30). PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2024, April 30). Apex Legends™ on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2024, April 22). Team Fortress 2 on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2024, May 1). Yu-Gi-Oh! Master Duel on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2024, May 1). THE FINALS on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2024, May 1). World of Warships on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2024, May 2). Aimlabs on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2024, April 30). Eternal Return on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2024, May 1). Magic: The Gathering Arena on Steam. Steam Store.