Since its inception, the Xbox Live online multiplayer experience quickly changed the way we interact with the platform. The paid subscription service unlocked access for the multiplayer component in titles with online modes, while offering other perks like free games. In the past, you would need Xbox Live for all online titles and certain applications, fortunately this policy has recently changed.
Microsoft recently decided to make all free-to-play (F2P) games on the Xbox One, Xbox Series S and Xbox Series X consoles no longer require an Xbox Live Gold membership to play online. Many gamers have been requesting this change, a move that would follow suit with more open platforms like the PC. In addition to free access to online multiplayer modes, the “Looking for Group” feature will also accessible to all users in the April 2021 system update. This allows players to send out a message to let friends online know that they are looking for someone to play with. Additionally, party chat will also be available at no cost for all free-to-play games on Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One.
Free-To-Play Xbox Games
Effective April 21, 2021 Free-To-Play games online functionality has been unlocked. It is now easier than ever to jump into the fun and experiment with titles at no extra cost. Below I have compiled a list of all 50 + free games, with more titles being added as free-to-play experiences are released on the platform. Of note, some of the most popular titles to date are completely free to play on Xbox, including blockbusters like Apex Legends, Call of Duty: Warzone, Destiny 2, Fortnite and more:
3on3 FreeStyle
Aegis Wing
APB Reloaded
Apex Legends
Armored Warfare
Battle Islands: Commanders
Bless Unleashed
Brawlhalla
Call of Duty: Warzone
Crackdown
Crackdown 2
Crimson Alliance
Crossout
CRSED: F.O.A.D.
Darwin Project
Dauntless
DC Universe Online
Dead or Alive 5 Last Round: Core Fighters
Dead or Alive 6: Core Fighters
Defiance 2050
Destiny 2
Doritos Crash Course
Dungeon Defenders II
Enlisted
Eternal Card Game
Family Game Night
Fishing Planet
Fortnite
Galaxy Control: Arena
Happy Wars
Harm’s Way
Hawken
Hyper Scape
Killer Instinct
Korgan
Minion Masters
Neverwinter
Outriders (Demo)
Paladins
Path of Exile
Phantasy Star Online 2
Phantom Dust
Pinball FX2
Prominence Poker
Realm Royale
Rec Room
Resident Evil Revelations 2
ROBLOX
Rocket League
Rogue Company
Skyforge
SMITE
Spacelords
Spellbreak
Star Trek Online
Techwars Global Conflict
TERA
The Four Kings Casino and Slots
Too Human
Trove
Vigor
War Thunder
Warface
Warframe
World of Tanks
World of Warships: Legends
Yaris
Xbox offers unparalleled next-gen value
The Xbox Series S offers next-gen power at a more budget conscience price point of $379.99 CAD. Now that Microsoft has also lifted the online paywall around free-to-play games, the device looks even more appealing as a budget option. This means that right out of the box the Xbox Series S (and Xbox Series X) can play a selection of award winning shooters, strategy games, fantasy MMORPGs and more at no additional cost.
The power of the Xbox Series S is no slouch either offering a great balance of power, functionality and value. The Series S is one of the most powerful Xboxes ever created, designed in a small, sleek all-digital package. The unit has no disc drive, meaning that all your games will need to be downloaded directly to the unit’s 512 GB SSD. The console delivers the speed and performance you’d expect from a next-gen console with a more accessible price point.
Upgrade to Xbox Game Pass
If you are looking to add even more games to your library in addition to the F2P titles, Xbox Game Pass paid subscription is one of the best values around. The Game Pass service includes over 100 high-quality games for your Xbox console and PC. You also get the benefits of Xbox Live Gold, and an EA Play membership all rolled into one package. Game Pass titles include blockbusters like NHL 21, NFL Madden 21, STAR WARS: Squadrons and many, more for one low monthly price.
X marks the spot for power and value
The Xbox Series S hardware, along with F2P games and no additional online multiplayer cost makes the package the most affordable entry into next-gen gaming. If you are looking to bolster your library on a budget the Game Pass subscription gives you access to over a hundred titles for a monthly fee. With so many different options, the Xbox platform offers great value and performance for all gamers and budgets.
Matthew has been involved in all things tech related since the start of the digital era. He shares his passion for technology in his day job as a teacher and via multiple media platforms. As a long-time veteran of the video game and tech industry, he's covered interactive entertainment and esports on the web, in video series, podcasts, and on international television. You can follow Matthew's tech-venture filled lifestyle on twitter, instagram @dapper_tux.
