I. Introduction
Gaming can be an expensive hobby, and buying new games to add to your collection can quickly add up. Fortunately, there are several ways to score free games for your favorite console, PC, or mobile device, without breaking the bank. In this article, we’ll explore seven proven methods to get free games, as well as some sneaky tips to help build your gaming collection without spending a dime.
A. Explanation of the problem
Purchasing new games as soon as they drop is often challenging for budget-conscious individuals and gaming enthusiasts. Especially when the latest and most advanced games promulgate an intense budget line to an average citizen. It’s not surprising that people opt to look for ways to obtain games for free while satisfying their gaming needs.
B. Importance of finding free games
The cost of AAA games ranges between $60 and $100, and that’s only for newly released versions. Given the fact, it is a smart choice to sift through ways to get free games. Especially when you have the option considering the average salary and living standards. Doing so satisfies the gaming enthusiast’s thirst for gaming and also helps them save money.
C. Thesis statement
There are multiple methods, both tried-and-tested and lesser-known, to acquire free games for your choice of console or platform. These methods not only help the gamers save a considerable amount of money, but they also feed the need for the newest games without extending their expenses on the entertainment category.
II. 7 Proven Ways to Get Free Games for Your Favorite Console
Most gamers prefer playing on consoles. Here are seven methods for acquiring free games on your console:
A. Method 1: Joining Gaming Communities or Forums
Joining gaming communities and forums is one of the easiest ways of finding free games. These online communities offer users a platform to exchange ideas, and that includes the sharing of games. It’s not surprising to see an individual posting details of free or discounted games on these platforms. As such, signing up and becoming members of these forums could avail the opportunity to receive free games offered out of postings.
B. Method 2: Following Social Media Pages of Gaming Companies
Gaming companies are catching up with the essence of social media in building brand loyalty, and this could attract more gamers. Following these companies’ social media pages will not only get you informed with recent releases but also gain an understanding of giveaways of free games. Additionally, social media platforms may have information on how you can access demos or free games during promos.
C. Method 3: Participating in Giveaways and Contests
Gaming companies utilize social media pages to promote and offer giveaways and contests. These could range from free games for the winners to discounts of the games, especially for pre-ordering versions. It’s worth noting that there are several giveaways, and the chance of winning increases with more entries into the competition. Thus, keeping an eye on contests and giveaways on social media pages could avail of the opportunity to gain free games.
D. Method 4: Buying a Second-Hand Console
Acquiring a pre-owned console could be pricey than purchasing a brand new console. However, the good news is that it often comes with a library of games. Buying a second-hand console could be a win-win situation as the seller often parts with the console with games attached. This is more convenient when gamers are considering consecutive editions of a console. It often translates to obtaining a plethora of games on a budget.
E. Method 5: Renting Games from Local Libraries
Local libraries often offer games for rent. It’s an excellent way of saving money on games that you may not be particularly keen to purchase on their launch. Renting games afford gamers an opportunity to play recent games without necessarily buying. Additionally, gaming titles that may have been released a while back could be up for rent at the local libraries.
F. Method 6: Trading Games with Friends
Trading games with friends could be beneficial, especially when friends share similar interests in games. Often one may have a game that the other doesn’t have, and this avails an opportunity to trade games instead of buying. This not only helps with having someone to share your gaming interests but also creates a way of obtaining games for free.
G. Method 7: Using Free Trials of Gaming Services
Gaming services offer free trials that could range from a seven-day trial to a fourteen-day trial. These free trials offer an opportunity for gamers to play the newest titles for free before deciding to subscribe to their services. Thus, interfacing with these gaming companies may get gamers free games as part of a free trial sign-up.
III. The Ultimate Guide to Scoring Free PC Games
Switching from the consoles, let’s explore seven proven ways of getting free games for your PC:
A. Method 1: Joining Game Giveaway Websites
Several game giveaway websites should have access to free games for your PC. There are different categories of games, ranging from AAA titles to indie games, and new ones are released daily. Joining these websites could offer an opportunity to access these games at no cost.
B. Method 2: Signing up for Free Trials of PC Gaming Services
Gaming services such as EA, Origin Access, Gamefly, and many more offer free trials for home video games. The free trials often come with a long list of games added, and gamers could access the games for free while the trials run. In most cases, free trials could run for a week or even a month, giving gamers ample time to explore the available game titles.
C. Method 3: Scouring Gaming Community Forums for Freebies
Like the console games, gaming community forums could have gamers post details of freebies or gaming gigs such as tournaments or promos. Some games could be given as part of surveys, and a gamer who has adequately participated may gain access to free games. It’s crucial to stay abreast of any details surrounding freebies in these forums.
D. Method 4: Taking Advantage of Humble Bundle Deals
Humble Bundle often offers indie games for free, and these deals are worth checking out. As such, gamers should stay abreast of Humble Bundle deals for any free indie games that may interest them. They also have the “pay what you want” feature which also gifts gamers the opportunity to access some more sophisticated games at reduced prices.
E. Method 5: Joining Steam’s Community
Joining Steam offers gamers a community to belong to and share gaming experiences. Additionally, Steam often gifts out free games on their platform. It’s worth noting that these games may not be the newest released games but are often quality gaming titles worth playing.
F. Method 6: Finding Legacy Games for Free
Old games often get overlooked for newer titles, but they were just as fun as the new games. Finding old PC games could be an opportunity to relive gaming experiences or play authentic classics. Some websites offer old games that are no longer supported by the developers for free. Also, retro gaming communities share details on where to find these classic games.
G. Method 7: Following Gaming Companies on Social Media
They say it repeatedly in the console ways method, but following gaming companies on social media platforms can provide various benefits for gamers. Gaming companies often use social media to market and promote their games. By following them, gamers could be in the loop for new titles, beta versions, free demos, and other promotions.
IV. How to Build Your Gaming Collection Without Spending a Dime
This section is devoted to discussing methods to keep gaming on a budget and own an extensive gaming collection at no cost. Here are five ways that could help:
A. Method 1: Playing Free-to-Play Games
Exploring free-to-play games offer gamers the opportunity to play as many games without necessarily making any purchases. These games may not necessarily be AAA titles, but they could be fun and engaging for gamers.
B. Method 2: Using Freeware Gaming Applications
Applications like Unity or Unreal Engine have resources to create and play games. These free to use resources are an added advantage for gamers to make and share their games. These apps often come with tutorials on how to create and run your special game versions. Learning to create games could even be a stepping stone for the gamers to start building their careers as game developers.
C. Method 3: Participating in Beta Testing Programs
Beta-testing programs often offer an opportunity to test games before they release, and as such, the Beta testers could play the game for free. Additionally, participating in such programs affords an opportunity for gamers to bring forth feedback that could shape the future of such games.
D. Method 4: Using Virtual Machines to Play Legacy Games
Legacy games that could be either outdated or not supported on your current operating systems could still be played using virtual machines. These machines can run the older games with other compatible software, and gamers could play these games for free vs. purchasing new machines for compatibility.
E. Method 5: Playing Browser-Based Games
Browser-based games are often free to play, but they require an internet connection. In most cases, these games could be engaging and have features that other games may have. They are often of lesser graphics, but they are still be equipped for gamers’ entertainment.
V. 5 Sneaky Tips to Snag Free Mobile Games
Lastly, we proceed with methods to obtain free games for your mobile devices:
A. Method 1: Joining App Reviewing Communities
Apps are released on mobile platforms every day, and this is an advantage that offers plenty of choices for gamers. Reviewing communities often offer deals to review apps and also receive free games. It’s important to note that some of these deals may require the reviewing gamers to rate and share their experiences on these platforms.
B. Method 2: Trying Out Beta Versions of Games
Beta versions of games are designed to test and collect feedback from the players. Accessing these versions avails the opportunity to not only test games that aren’t released yet but also to play the games for free.
C. Method 3: Looking for Promotional Offers on Social Media
Gaming companies often use social media to promote new games or give out free games. Following these platforms closely may lead to opportunities to obtain free games for your mobile device.
D. Method 4: Playing Older Versions of the Same Game
Older versions of popular games often get released for free. Some of these games commenced as premium games that now have free versions for gamers. Finding older versions of games could be a cheaper alternative to purchasing new versions.
E. Method 5: Participating in Refer-a-Friend Programs
Some games or apps offer rewards like free coins, credits, or dollars for referring friends. The rewards awarded could either be monetary or access to newer editions or versions of the same game. These versions could range from unlocking missions or characters to playing full versions all for free.
VI. From Steam to Epic Games: How to Get Free Games on Your PC
Lastly, let’s explore five ways of acquiring free games on your PC:
A. Method 1: Using Steam’s Free-to-Play Section
Like the console methods, Steam’s platform contains a free-to-play section for gamers to explore. The platform offers games that are entirely free and often comes with multiplayer options. It’s worth checking out for free PC games without spending a dime.
B. Method 2: Adding Games to Your Epic Games Libraries
Epic games often offer free games to gamers on their platform. The free games offered are quality games that could sway a gamer from using other platforms. Once Epic releases the free games, it’s easy for gamers to keep them in their libraries and play them later. Thus, owning free games on Epic is a plus and a save on gaming budgets
