Gaming subscriptions can offer incredible value, but not everyone wants to commit to a paid service right away. Fortunately, several platforms provide free gaming subscription options, allowing players to dive into expansive libraries without spending a penny. At freetrials.co.uk, we’ve thoroughly tested and reviewed the top free gaming subscription services available this year.
Our experts have spent countless hours exploring these platforms to bring you an unbiased, comprehensive guide. Whether you’re a casual gamer or a dedicated enthusiast, we’ll help you discover the best free gaming subscriptions that offer a wealth of titles, exclusive content, and community features. Get ready to elevate your gaming experience without reaching for your wallet.
Amazon Prime Gaming
Amazon Prime Gaming offers an impressive array of gaming perks for subscribers of Amazon Prime. This service provides a curated selection of free PC games each month, in-game content for popular titles, and exclusive game loot. Prime Gaming’s offerings span various genres, ensuring there’s something for every type of gamer.
The service also includes a subscription to Twitch.tv, allowing users to support their favourite streamers with a free monthly channel subscription. With its integration into the wider Amazon ecosystem, Prime Gaming provides excellent value for those already subscribed to Amazon Prime.
Key Features
- Free PC games every month
- In-game content for popular titles
- Exclusive game loot
- Free Twitch.tv channel subscription
- No additional cost for Amazon Prime members
Amazon Prime Gaming is included at no extra cost with an Amazon Prime subscription. The standard Amazon Prime membership in the UK costs £8.99 per month or £95 per year, offering a range of benefits beyond gaming, including free delivery, Prime Video, and more.
PlayStation Plus
PlayStation Plus is Sony’s premium subscription service for PlayStation console owners. It offers a tiered system with various benefits, including online multiplayer access, cloud storage for game saves, and a selection of free games each month.
The service provides access to a vast library of games through its higher tiers, allowing players to explore both current and classic titles. PlayStation Plus enhances the overall gaming experience on Sony consoles, providing value through its game offerings and online features.
Key Features
- Online multiplayer access
- Monthly free games
- Cloud storage for game saves
- Exclusive discounts on PlayStation Store
- Game Help feature for supported titles
PlayStation Plus offers a 14-day free trial for new subscribers, allowing them to experience the service’s benefits before committing. After the trial, pricing starts at £6.99 per month for the Essential tier, with higher tiers offering more features and games at £10.99 and £13.49 per month respectively.
Xbox Game Pass
Xbox Game Pass is Microsoft’s game subscription service, offering a vast library of games for Xbox consoles and PC. It provides access to a diverse range of titles, from AAA blockbusters to indie gems, with new games added regularly.
The service includes day-one access to all Microsoft first-party titles, making it an attractive option for Xbox enthusiasts. Game Pass also features EA Play integration, cloud gaming capabilities, and exclusive member discounts, creating a comprehensive gaming ecosystem for subscribers.
Key Features
- Large library of games for console and PC
- Day-one access to Microsoft first-party titles
- EA Play included with Game Pass Ultimate
- Cloud gaming on compatible devices
- Exclusive member discounts on game purchases
Xbox Game Pass offers a 14-day free trial for new subscribers, allowing them to explore the service’s extensive game library. After the trial, Xbox Game Pass for Console or PC starts at £8.99 per month, while Game Pass Ultimate, which includes both platforms plus additional perks, is priced at £12.99 per month.
Epic Games Store
The Epic Games Store has made a name for itself by offering a rotating selection of free games every week. This unique approach has attracted millions of users to the platform, providing them with the opportunity to build substantial game libraries at no cost. The free games range from indie titles to occasionally high-profile releases, offering a diverse gaming experience.
Beyond the free offerings, the Epic Games Store serves as a digital distribution platform for a wide array of games, competing with established services like Steam.
Key Features
- Weekly free game offerings
- Diverse selection of titles
- No subscription required
- Permanent addition to user’s library
- Regular store-wide sales and discounts
The free games on the Epic Games Store are available to all users without any subscription or payment required. Users simply need to create a free account to claim and keep the games permanently. New free games are typically released every Thursday and are available for one week.
Google Play Pass
Google Play Pass is a subscription service for Android users, offering access to a curated collection of apps and games without ads or in-app purchases. The service includes a mix of popular titles and hidden gems across various genres, providing a diverse range of entertainment options.
Play Pass removes the barriers of individual app purchases and in-game microtransactions, allowing subscribers to fully enjoy content without additional costs. The service is particularly appealing for families, as it can be shared with up to five family members under one subscription.
Key Features
- Ad-free access to hundreds of apps and games
- No in-app purchases required
- Family sharing for up to five members
- Regular addition of new content
- Offline access to downloaded apps and games
Google Play Pass offers a one-month free trial for new subscribers, allowing them to explore the service’s offerings. After the trial period, the subscription is priced at £4.99 per month in the UK, with an annual option available at a discounted rate.
Steam
Steam, Valve’s digital distribution platform, is a cornerstone of PC gaming, offering a vast library of games including a substantial selection of free-to-play titles. These free games span various genres, from competitive multiplayer experiences to single-player adventures. Steam’s free offerings often include popular titles with large player bases, ensuring a vibrant gaming community.
The platform also frequently hosts free weekends for paid games, allowing users to try full versions of games temporarily. Steam’s user-friendly interface, community features, and regular sales make it an attractive destination for gamers seeking free gaming experiences.
Key Features
- Large selection of free-to-play games
- Regular free weekends for paid games
- Community features and user reviews
- Automatic game updates
- Cloud saves for many games
Steam’s free-to-play games are available to all users with a free Steam account. While these games are free to download and play, some may offer optional in-game purchases. The platform also provides free demos for many paid games, allowing users to try before they buy.
Itch.io
Itch.io is a unique platform that focuses on indie games and creativity. It hosts a wide array of games, many of which are available for free. The platform is known for its diverse and often experimental offerings, ranging from short, artistic experiences to more traditional game formats.
Itch.io is particularly popular among indie developers and game jam participants, resulting in a constant influx of new and innovative titles. The platform’s open nature allows creators to easily share their work, making it a treasure trove for gamers looking for unique and often unconventional gaming experiences.
Key Features
- Wide variety of free indie games
- Regular game jams and contests
- Browser-based games available
- Direct support for indie developers
- User-friendly upload process for creators
Itch.io is free to use, with no subscription required. Users can browse and play many games directly in their web browser or download them for free. Some games on the platform use a “pay what you want” model, allowing users to support developers if they choose.
Game Jolt
Game Jolt is a vibrant platform that specialises in indie games and serves as a social space for gamers and developers alike. It offers a vast collection of free games, many of which are created by up-and-coming indie developers. The platform is known for its diverse range of genres and styles, from quirky experimental games to more polished indie titles.
Game Jolt also features a strong community aspect, with social features that allow users to interact, share content, and follow their favourite creators. This community-driven approach makes Game Jolt an exciting place to discover new and unique gaming experiences.
Key Features
- Large selection of free indie games
- Social features for community interaction
- Game jams and developer contests
- User-generated content and reviews
- Browser-based games available
Game Jolt is free to use, requiring only a simple account creation to access its features. The majority of games on the platform are free to play, with some offering optional donations to support the developers. Game Jolt also provides opportunities for developers to monetise their games through ads or direct sales.
GOG
GOG, formerly known as Good Old Games, is a digital distribution platform that has earned a reputation for its commitment to DRM-free games and preservation of classic titles. While primarily a storefront for paid games, GOG maintains a section dedicated to free games.
This collection includes a mix of classic games, indie titles, and occasional high-profile releases. GOG’s free offerings often come with additional goodies like soundtracks, artbooks, or wallpapers, adding extra value for users. The platform’s focus on older games makes it an excellent resource for experiencing gaming history at no cost.
Key Features
- Selection of free DRM-free games
- Mix of classic and modern titles
- Additional content like soundtracks and artbooks
- User-friendly client with optional offline mode
- Regular promotions and giveaways
GOG’s free games are available to all users with a free account. The platform occasionally offers limited-time giveaways of normally paid games, so it’s worth checking regularly. While the free games section is permanent, the specific titles available may change over time.
Ubisoft Connect
Ubisoft Connect, formerly Uplay, is Ubisoft’s digital distribution platform that offers a range of services for players of Ubisoft games. While it primarily serves as a launcher and store for Ubisoft’s paid titles, the platform occasionally offers free games to its users.
These free offerings can include older titles from Ubisoft’s catalogue, allowing players to experience classic games at no cost. Ubisoft Connect also features a rewards program where players can earn units through gameplay, which can be redeemed for in-game content, including some free games.
Key Features
- Occasional free game offerings
- Rewards program with redeemable units
- Cross-platform progression for supported games
- Community features and challenges
- Exclusive content for Ubisoft games
Ubisoft Connect is free to use, requiring only a Ubisoft account. While free games are not consistently available, the platform runs periodic promotions where games are given away for free. These promotions are typically time-limited, so users should check the platform regularly to take advantage of these offers.
How to choose the best free gaming subscription service for you
Assess available platforms and device compatibility
When selecting a free gaming subscription service, start by considering which platforms you primarily use for gaming. Some services are exclusive to specific consoles or operating systems, while others offer cross-platform support. Check if the service is compatible with your preferred devices, whether it’s a PC, console, or mobile device. This ensures you’ll be able to access and enjoy the games without any technical hurdles.
Evaluate the game library and content updates
The quality and variety of games offered are paramount when choosing a free gaming subscription. Look into the service’s game library, paying attention to the genres, titles, and developers represented. Consider how often new games are added and whether the service includes indie gems alongside AAA titles. Some services may focus on retro games, while others prioritise newer releases. Align the content with your gaming preferences to ensure you’ll find plenty to play.
Consider additional features and community aspects
Free gaming subscription services often come with extra perks that can enhance your gaming experience. Examine features such as cloud saves, multiplayer capabilities, and exclusive discounts on game purchases. Some services provide built-in streaming options or integration with popular platforms. Additionally, consider the community aspects, such as forums, player-matching systems, or social features that allow you to connect with other gamers. These elements can significantly impact your overall enjoyment and the value you derive from the service.
Which Free Gaming Subscription Service Is Best?
Amazon Prime Gaming offers excellent value for those seeking a well-rounded gaming experience. Included with Amazon Prime, it provides a selection of free games each month, in-game content, and Twitch benefits. This service is particularly appealing if you already have a Prime subscription, effectively making the gaming perks a bonus. We recommend this for casual gamers who enjoy a variety of perks beyond just games.
If you prefer console play, PlayStation Plus or Xbox Game Pass might be more suitable. Both offer free trials, allowing you to test their extensive game libraries and online multiplayer features. Xbox Game Pass is great for its day-one releases of Microsoft first-party titles. We recommend Xbox Game Pass for dedicated console gamers who want access to the latest releases.
The Epic Games Store is hard to beat for PC gamers. It regularly offers high-quality games completely free, often including AAA titles. This approach allows you to build a substantial library without any ongoing commitment, making it an excellent choice if you enjoy a variety of genres and don’t mind waiting for specific titles to become available. We recommend this for budget-conscious PC gamers who are patient and enjoy trying different types of games.
Frequently Asked Questions about Free Gaming Subscription Services
What are gaming subscription services?
Gaming subscription services are platforms that offer access to a library of games for a recurring fee. Many of these services provide free trials or include free games, allowing players to enjoy a range of titles without an upfront cost.
Are there any completely free gaming subscription services?
While most premium gaming subscription services require payment, platforms like Epic Games Store, Itch.io, and Game Jolt offer a selection of free games without any subscription. Additionally, Steam and GOG have free-to-play sections.
How long are the free trials for PlayStation Plus and Xbox Game Pass?
PlayStation Plus typically offers a 14-day free trial for new subscribers, while Xbox Game Pass usually provides a 14-day or one-month trial, depending on current promotions.
Do I need an Amazon Prime subscription to access Amazon Prime Gaming?
Yes, Amazon Prime Gaming is included as part of an Amazon Prime subscription. If you’re already a Prime member, you have access to these gaming benefits at no additional cost.
How often does Epic Games Store offer free games?
Epic Games Store typically offers one or more free games every week. These games are available to claim for a limited time and are yours to keep forever once added to your library.
What types of games are available on Itch.io and Game Jolt?
Itch.io and Game Jolt primarily feature indie games, ranging from small experimental projects to more polished titles. They offer a diverse selection of genres, often including unique and innovative games not found on larger platforms.
Can I keep the games I download during a free trial?
For subscription services like PlayStation Plus and Xbox Game Pass, you typically lose access to the games when your trial or subscription ends. However, games claimed from Epic Games Store or other free game offers are usually yours to keep permanently.
How does Google Play Pass differ from other gaming services?
Google Play Pass is specifically for Android devices and offers access to a curated selection of apps and games without ads or in-app purchases. It’s more focused on mobile gaming compared to console or PC-centric services.
Are the free games on these platforms of good quality?
The quality of free games can vary, but many platforms, especially Epic Games Store and Amazon Prime Gaming, often offer high-quality titles. Indie platforms like Itch.io and Game Jolt may have more experimental or niche games, but often feature hidden gems.
How frequently does Ubisoft Connect offer free games?
Ubisoft Connect occasionally offers free games as part of special promotions or events. While not as regular as Epic Games Store, they do provide opportunities to claim AAA titles for free from time to time.
