There's a stigma that because something is free or cheap, it lacks quality. However, that is far from being true, as some games made by an indie developer often have the best gameplay and a well-thought-out story. Just because a game isn't an AAA JRPG doesn't mean it can't have an amazing narrative; even the most basic of platformers can have that.
4:40 RelatedThe Best Free Nintendo Switch Games You Can Play Today
The Nintendo Switch is home to fantastic games like Super Mario Odyssey and Breath of the Wild, but there are some great free-to-play titles too.
PostsFree games are also a good choice when you want to try something a little bit different than your usual wheelhouse or more laid-back. In this list, you can find some of the best free games with amazing stories.
Updated April 23, 2025 by Jacqueline Zalace: Games seem to get more expensive each year. If you want to give your wallet a break, you're in luck! We've updated this list with a few more free games with great stories.
26 Star Wars: The Old Republic
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MMO Systems 10.0/10 Released December 20, 2011 ESRB T for Teen: Blood and Gore, Mild Language, Sexual Themes, Violence Developer(s) BioWare Publisher(s) Electronic Arts Engine HeroEngine Multiplayer Online Multiplayer, Local Multiplayer, Local Co-Op Franchise Star WarsWHERE TO PLAY
DIGITALIf you're a fan of the Star Wars franchise and have never tried The Old Republic before, rectify that immediately. It's an MMORPG where you can make a character in different classes, and each one has their own storyline for you to follow.
They fall under two umbrellas of either the Republic or Empire, so there are a lot of options for customization here. There are many planets on the map to explore and stories to uncover, all set in the Star Wars universe. The game has been running for a long time, so there's plenty of content to keep you entertained.
25 Doki Doki Literature Club
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Visual Novel Horror Systems OpenCritic Reviews Top Critic Avg: 87/100 Critics Rec: 83% Released September 22, 2017 ESRB e Developer(s) Team Salvato Publisher(s) Team Salvato Engine Ren'PyWHERE TO PLAY
DIGITALThis visual novel game is the definition of never judging a book by its cover. The title promises something akin to your typical high school story, but it is definitely more than that. The twists and turns in it will surprise you, although some of the narrative is dark, so be aware.
There is a paid version called Doki Doki Literature Club Plus, but the original is completely free on the developer's website. If you enjoy visual novels that go beyond the norm, it's definitely worth checking out.
24 Honkai Impact 3rd
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Action RPG Adventure Systems Released October 14, 2016 ESRB t Developer(s) HoYoverse (Formerly miHoYo) Publisher(s) HoYoverse (Formerly miHoYo) Engine Unity Multiplayer Online Co-OpWHERE TO PLAY
DIGITALWhile Honkai Impact 3rd was launched before the gacha boom, it's still considered to have one of the best stories in the genre. This game works a little differently as it puts you in a lobby where you can enter story scenes by taking part in different chapters, with each one having multiple acts.
The story itself has a slow buildup, but once it gets there, you'll be getting goosebumps every chapter. Honkai Impact 3rd has done a phenomenal job with character-building and immersion, making it one of the best stories you'll experience in a game.
23 Grimm's Hollow
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Adventure RPG Systems Released October 31, 2019 ESRB e Engine RPG Maker 2003WHERE TO PLAY
DIGITALIf you enjoy the style of an RPG game but don't want something that's very long, Grimm's Hollow is an excellent choice. The characters are written very well, and it has a good soundtrack and a really pretty color palette.
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A lot of great turn-based RPGs came from Japan. Here is a look at just a few of the best, ranked!
PostsYou follow the story of Lavender, a girl who passed on but was not able to go into the afterlife. Instead, she ends up in a place called the Hollow, where she becomes a reaper. She finds out that her little brother Timmy is somewhere in the Hollow as well, and goes on a quest to find him. It's really interesting to see the game's lore about the afterlife, which contributes to the great story.
22 Wuthering Waves
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Action RPG Open-World Systems 10.0/10 OpenCritic Reviews Top Critic Avg: 73/100 Critics Rec: 75% Released May 22, 2024 ESRB T For Teen // Suggestive Themes, Violence Developer(s) Kuro Games Publisher(s) Kuro Games Engine Unreal Engine 4WHERE TO PLAY
DIGITALWhen you first start playing Wuthering Waves, you enter a post-apocalyptic world where the Threnodians and Tacet Discords have brought humanity to the brink of existence. You play as Rover, a strong individual who seems to have strong ties with this world, but can't quite remember their past.
As you progress through the story, you get to know about various secrets while also meeting new characters every step of the way. Character and world design is one of the best in this game, and it makes you feel a lot more immersed in its story.
21 Honkai: Star Rail
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RPG Systems 3.5/5 10.0/10 OpenCritic Reviews Top Critic Avg: 83/100 Critics Rec: 90% Released April 26, 2023 ESRB T for Teen Developer(s) HoYoverse (Formerly miHoYo) Publisher(s) HoYoverse (Formerly miHoYo) Engine UnityWHERE TO PLAY
DIGITALGiving a new spin to the turn-based combat system, Honkai: Star Rail is a beautiful open-world gacha game that takes you through different planets as you ride the Astral Express through the stellar universe. Each planet has a story to tell, but the common theme between them is the Stellaron crisis caused by the Aeon of Destruction.
As you progress through the story, you meet various new characters, and if any of these pique your interest, you can even play as them by pulling for them at the right time! While Honkai: Star Rail's story has its downsides, it's still one of the most immersive and emotional stories you'll experience.
20 The Awesome Adventures Of Captain Spirit
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Adventure Systems 7.0/10 OpenCritic Reviews Top Critic Avg: 78/100 Critics Rec: 72% Released June 26, 2018 ESRB M for Mature - Use of Alcohol, Suggestive Themes, Strong Language Developer(s) DON'T NOD Publisher(s) Square Enix Engine Unreal Engine 4WHERE TO PLAY
DIGITALDeveloped by Square Enix, this game is part visual novel and part adventure. As the prequel to Life is Strange 2, it follows the story of a young boy named Chris who is using his imagination to cope with the death of his mother and his emotionally neglectful father.
We highly suggest playing Life Is Strange 2 first, as this gives you an introduction to Chris and his place in the overall story.
There's not a whole lot of in-depth gameplay here, but it is an endearing little emotional story that seems to frame the mind of childhood in the right way. It's really worth playing first if you are looking to get into the Life Strange games.
19 La Rana
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Adventure Casual Free To Play Systems Released December 7, 2018 Developer(s) Frog Paw Studios Publisher(s) SMU Guildhall Engine Unreal Engine Number of Players 1WHERE TO PLAY
DIGITALIf you enjoy puzzle games, this short adventure created by students from Southern Methodist University about a frog will please you.
In the story, an ancient temple is cursed, and everything is turned to stone except for one small guardian who takes the form of a little amphibian. They must go on a quest to rid the temple of its poison, save their guardian friends, and restore their neglected home to its former glory. It comes with a story worth visiting and is free to download on the Steam store.
18 Genshin Impact
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RPG Action Adventure Gacha Open-World Systems 11 8.6/10 OpenCritic Reviews Top Critic Avg: 81/100 Critics Rec: 87% Released September 28, 2020 ESRB T for Teen - Fantasy Violence, Alcohol Reference Developer(s) HoYoverse (Formerly miHoYo) Publisher(s) HoYoverse (Formerly miHoYo) Engine UnityWHERE TO PLAY
SUBSCRIPTIONFextralife Wiki
Powered by Expand CollapseGenshin Impact is an open-world free-to-play gacha title from Mihoyo that puts you into the land of Teyvat, where you must go on a quest to find out what happened to your twin sibling. Joining you on the adventure is your companion Paimon. Recruit other adventurers through both the gacha and story completion as you explore the world and participate in the game's plot.
Each character has their own high fantasy lore that adds a deep component to the story. There are updates and new content added to the game often, usually extending the main story arc. You can also participate in its free events. If you enjoy an open-world RPG with gorgeous graphics, Genshin is an optimal choice.
17 Guitar Girl
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Simulation Indie Casual Released November 6, 2020 Developer(s) Neowiz Publisher(s) Neowiz Number of Players 1WHERE TO PLAY
DIGITALThis is a really simple, relaxed game where you play a female character who is an aspiring musician. It plays out in a story similar to a slice-of-life genre anime - the girl is a high schooler who wants to cheer people up with her music. The better you level up your guitar skills, the more followers you get on social media.
The gameplay itself is really simple with just tapping on the screen to play the guitar. The story plays out through the messages your followers send you, the most memorable perhaps being a cat who is acting as a wingman for his owner who is your secret admirer.
