Free games for a limited time (and permanently) to cope with Coronavirus at home

  • Google Play and numerous other platforms offer paid games for free for a limited time, which, if you claim them in time, will stay in your library forever.
  • In addition to Android, there are extensive collections of free and discounted titles on PC (Steam, Epic, GOG, FX Store), consoles, and cloud services.
  • There are stable ecosystems of free-to-play games (battle royale, MOBA, MMORPG, cards, etc.) that allow you to play for thousands of hours without spending money.
  • During lockdown you can also take advantage of courses and educational content based on video games to learn to program or reinforce school subjects.

Free games for a limited time to help you get through the coronavirus

After the first week of confinement at home, caused by the pandemic of the CoronavirusPeople must stay indoors and only leave home when necessary. That's why we all need a hobby or form of entertainment to make the day more enjoyable, like watching TV series, playing sports, or spending time with family. In our case, we're going to propose... free games that Google Play has put on sale for a limited time, along with a huge list of Free and discounted video games on PC and consoles that different companies have released to help people cope better with isolation.

As always, we're going to analyze the most interesting or eye-catching titles from the entire weekly catalog offered by Google Play. While the quarantine lasts, these are games that can show us another way to spend the day at home, since several of them are very well-known within the Android community. We'll also be integrating Free games for PC, PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch and platforms like Steam, Epic Games Store, GOG, FX Store or Stadiaas well as a multitude of proposals free-to-play permanent ones that don't depend on a specific date and that you can enjoy whenever you want.

Featured free games on Google Play for lockdown

Free Android games for a limited time

Google Play usually offers temporary promotions where many paid games become free for a few days. The idea is that you can Add them to your library forever. They're free to download while the offer lasts. These games are perfect for passing the time during quarantine: there are options to play alone, with family, with children, or even for those looking for more "hardcore" experiences.

Sudoku Deluxe VIP

It is a typical hobby to use while at home. Times are changing, and we have gone from the paper version with those sudokus of magazines and newspapers, to a more digitized version. This game, in its most premium edition, removes ads, making it more attractive even if it doesn't have online modeTo compensate, it offers countless levels with varying difficulties, allowing you to train your mind every day during confinement and turn it into almost a daily routine of "brain exercise".

Furthermore, being a completely offline title, it becomes a perfect option for play anytime without depending on the connectionThis is ideal if several members of the household are using the network at the same time for teleworking or online classes.

Sudoku Deluxe VIP
Sudoku Deluxe VIP
Developer: ArtStorm
Price: 1,89 €

RFS - Real Flight Simulator

Without a doubt, one of the best simulators of the Android landscape. It has very detailed graphics and is pure realism, since it has the full experience of what it is to handle a real passenger plane. In its premium version, we have more options such as the creation of complex flight plans, changing weather, fuel control or real-time air trafficA real treat to enjoy, especially if you're drawn to deeper simulation.

During quarantine, this type of game allows “travel” without leaving homeExplore airports, routes, and flight situations that we might never experience in real life. It's also a fantastic tool for those curious about aviation and who want to better understand how commercial flights work.

RFS - Real Flight Simulator
RFS - Real Flight Simulator
Developer: BROKEN
Price: 0,99 €

Grow Spaceship VIP

Let us not be deceived by his retro styleIt's not an easy game at all, because aside from destroying ships and being involved in constant intergalactic battles, we have to take care of our own ship and try to upgrade it as much as possible. It features several combat modes and the ability to create a fleet to help us fight.

Their approach combines arcade action very direct with a certain component of management and progressionAs you progress, you acquire resources to upgrade your ship, unlock new weapons, and refine your fleet. This makes every gaming session during lockdown feel productive, as you're always making further progress in developing your space army.

Raising the spaceshipVIP
Raising the spaceshipVIP
Developer: pixelstar
Price: Free

Archery

On more than one occasion, we've seen the typical circus game where someone stands in the target with an object on their head, and an archer tries to shoot it through. Now we can recreate it in this title, but in a more extreme way, with long distance and obstacles that will make shooting much more difficult. Graphically, it's displayed at a high level of detail, but with very basic controls to provide a more comfortable user experience.

This game is ideal for short sessions between household chores or breaks from working from home: its mechanics can be learned in seconds, but mastering long-range shots requires practice. patience, precision and practiceIt is, in a way, a form of active meditation: it forces you to concentrate completely on each shot and forget about the news and stress for a few minutes.

Kingdom Rush Frontiers

On this occasion, we will be a great strategist and leader of an army to defend our territory against dragons and other mutant creatures. It's a tower defense game It features an upgrade system that will help us overcome the countless levels ahead. And that's not all, as its content is constantly being updated. daily missions and new game modes.

This installment is also one of the most highly regarded by the community for its variety of towers, heroes, and enemies. If you enjoy the genre, you'll love it. hours and hours of strategyTesting combinations of defenses, routes, and special abilities, it's perfect for those seeking a more tactical challenge during quarantine. It's also part of a series with other equally recommendable titles that have been free on mobile at various times.

Kingdom Rush Frontiers TD
Kingdom Rush Frontiers TD
Developer: Ironhide games
Price: 2,29 €

Missile RPG VIP

It is not the first time that we have found this free title in the store, but its content is so crazy and fresh that it should always be on sale. A game in which we must defend ourselves from waves of various creatures with all the weapons we have, and in which we can create our small army to defeat the final bosses of each level.

The game opts for a mix of continuous action and character progressionYou unlock new missiles, stat upgrades, strengthen your equipment, and experiment with different configurations to maximize damage. It's a fantastic option for those who want to unwind with explosions, numbers, and a frenetic pace as the hours of confinement fly by.

Super God Blade VIP

The iconic cartoon comes to life on Android with this Japanese game. Graphically, it closely resembles the design of the television series, featuring an item upgrade system and thrilling battles. It contains several game modes, with 1 vs 1 or 3 vs 3 duelsand boss fights to advance the story.

Its aesthetics and approach make it especially appealing to anime fans and those who enjoy fast-paced battles with a strategic pointThe key is to improve your character sheets, choose which skills to enhance, and know when to use them in each duel. During quarantine, it can become that go-to game you return to every day to progress a little further.

Super God Blade VIP
Super God Blade VIP
Developer: OK DONE
Price: 2,69 €

Animal Forest: Fuzzy Seasons

If the children are bored at home, this may be a possible solution. A children's game in which the smallest of the house must take care of an entire forest full of animals. Feeding them, putting them to sleep and playing with them will be some of the tasks to be done. The care will depend on the animal it is, it will not be the same if it is a panda than a cat.

Besides being entertaining, this title is a very good tool for to promote responsibility and empathy It's especially appealing to young children, as they quickly understand that their actions (or lack thereof) affect the well-being of animals. It's a very friendly, non-violent game, perfect for sharing moments as a family during isolation.

Animal Forest : SP Edition
Animal Forest : SP Edition
Developer: Fathermade
Price: 4,09 €

Stickman Ghost 2: Gun Sword

We immerse ourselves with Stickman in intergalactic battles to save the world. It's a hack and slash Full-fledged, with a system to evolve our character with better weapons and skills. In addition, this premium version, for which we do not have to pay a single euro, will provide us with more customization kits for this ninja warrior. Maybe we miss an online mode to compete with friends.

Even so, its campaign and individual game modes offer tons of missions and levels which gradually become more complex. The progression system encourages repeating stages to obtain extra resources to unlock and upgrade weapons. It's ideal for letting off steam with a very direct and spectacular action style.

Stickman Ghost 2: Gun Sword
Stickman Ghost 2: Gun Sword
Developer: Unimob
Price: 0,59 €

2 Player Quiz Pro

A game for the whole family that will be great for these days of staying at home. It consists of a series of questions to answer in the shortest possible time, or before another player responds. It is played on the screen of a single mobile, being able to participate in pairs simultaneously, with questions of all kinds, such as geography, culture, technology, etc.

This title transforms the mobile phone into a improvised trivia boardPerfect for cozy nights in with popcorn and laughter. Besides being entertaining, it helps keep your mind active and learn interesting facts naturally. It's a great alternative to traditional competitive games, fostering a more relaxed and educational atmosphere.

2 Player Quiz Ultimate
2 Player Quiz Ultimate
Developer: Simon Schubert
Price: 1,99 €

There is still more to prove

More free games during the coronavirus

With so much free time to play, it would be possible to give a chance to all the games that haven't been reviewed yet, but which are still available under the limited-time offer. Here are the rest of the free games, which They retain all their interest in spending the lockdown at home. and they are still highly recommended even though they are no longer on sale in the store:

Mini Metro
Mini Metro
Developer: Dinosaur Polo Club
Price: 1,19 €

rowrow
rowrow
Developer: wayway inc.
Price: 0,89 €
Dr. Panda School
Dr. Panda School
Developer: Dr panda
Price: 4,49 €
Dr. Panda and the House of Dodo
Dr. Panda and the House of Dodo
Developer: Dr panda
Price: 4,49 €
Dr. Panda in Space
Dr. Panda in Space
Developer: Dr panda
Price: 4,49 €
Dr. Panda Bath Time
Dr. Panda Bath Time
Developer: Dr panda
Price: 4,49 €
Hoopa city
Hoopa city
Developer: Dr panda
Price: 3,49 €
Epic heroes
Epic heroes
Developer: Unimob
Price: 0,59 €
Card crusade
Card crusade
Developer: Polly Wog Games
Price: Free
Kingdom Rush Origins-TD
Kingdom Rush Origins-TD
Developer: Ironhide games
Price: 3,49 €
Memory Game - Official
Memory Game - Official
Price: 0,99 €
Mental Hospital III Remastered
Mental Hospital III Remastered
Developer: AGaming +
Price: 0,99 €
Numerical - Math Cross Game
Numerical - Math Cross Game
Developer: Mind Lab Games
Price: 3,09 €
Bottom of the 9th
Bottom of the 9th
Developer: Handelabra games
Price: 1,09 €
Peppa Pig: Peppa's Party
Peppa Pig: Peppa's Party
Developer: Entertainment One
Price: 3,99 €
Sizzle & Stew
Sizzle & Stew
Developer: Cowy Owl Ltd
Price: 5,49 €
LETHAL JUDGMENT EX
LETHAL JUDGMENT EX
Developer: COOKIE DOT STUDIO
Price: Free
ABC Memory Match
ABC Memory Match
Developer: dodiapps
Price: 0,99 €
Emoji Match - A Sliding Puzzle
Emoji Match - A Sliding Puzzle
Developer: Eggs
Price: Free
Blossom Clicker VIP
Blossom Clicker VIP
Developer: IWG
Price: 0,89 €
MegaCapital
MegaCapital
Developer: Simsoft game
Price: Free
Ocean Go
Ocean Go
Developer: ST Studio Workshop
Price: Free
Sudoku: Cartoon
Sudoku: Cartoon
Developer: 크래 블루
Price: 0,89 €
marching order
marching order
Developer: SFB Games
Price: 2,29 €
Diana Adventure
Diana Adventure
Developer: Talk Mobile
Price: 2,00 €
Blue Exhaust Pro
Blue Exhaust Pro
Developer: ANATA
Price: 2,09 €
Night Survivor PRO
Night Survivor PRO
Developer: box game
Price: 1,59 €
Connect: cute monsters
Connect: cute monsters
Developer: AppSoGreat
Price: 0,89 €
Fit Toon - Series 1
Fit Toon - Series 1
Developer: RETRO BOX
Price: 0,89 €
Fit Tile
Fit Tile
Developer: RETRO BOX
Price: 0,99 €
Froggy Bands Music Games
Froggy Bands Music Games
Developer: TangibleFun
Price: 2,29 €
Superhero Fruit Premium
Superhero Fruit Premium
Developer: Zala Games
Price: 0,59 €
Slice Fractions School Edition
Slice Fractions School Edition
Developer: ululab
Price: 4,89 €
Slice Fractions 2
Slice Fractions 2
Developer: ululab
Price: 4,09 €

Many of these games are geared towards children and family public (like the titles Doctor Panda or Peppa Pig), while others opt for the strategy, puzzles, or even horrorThe variety is enormous, so it's worth exploring the list carefully and downloading everything that suits your home's tastes before the promotions expire when they reappear.

Solidarity initiatives for studies and PC platforms

Beyond Android, numerous studios and major platforms have launched waves of free games and very aggressive offers to keep us entertained during lockdown. Although many of these promotions were linked to specific dates, they serve as an example of the types of opportunities which is something to keep an eye on whenever there are periods of isolation or we're simply looking to save money on games.

RuneHeads and the thousands of free keys

The study responsible for Conglomerates 451 He launched an exemplary initiative: He shared a spreadsheet with thousands of game keys primarily for redemption on Steam. That list included not only their own titles, but also those from other developers and publishers that were added over time.

The process was simple: the studio published a link to a spreadsheet protected against malicious editing, which players could access. copy an unused key and redeem it on their corresponding platform. To prevent bots or users from abusing the system, common sense was requested, and it was advised that each person only take the keys they were actually going to use.

Among the most striking titles that appeared Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain, Shenmue I & II, games from studios like Sega or Capcom, as well as independent gems like Fez, Frozen synapse u Organ TrailRaiser Games, for example, participated by giving away game keys, such as the first episode of Song of Horror o Sports Life Tycoon.

Although the availability of these keys varies and many will already be sold out, this type of action demonstrates how The video game community can organize itself in a spirit of solidarity. In exceptional situations, it's interesting to keep an eye on the social media of independent studios, where they often announce similar initiatives.

Epic Games Store and the weekly free games

The Epic Games video game store has established itself as one of the most consistent sources of free pc gamesTheir policy involves offering, on a rotating basis, one or more full titles each week which you can claim for your library at no cost, with the only condition being that you have an account in the store.

Among the games that have been available for free on the Epic Games Store, we can find everything from indie games like The Stanley parable even big-budget productions like Watch DogsIn many cases, these are perfect titles for Enjoying long periods of time at home in peace and quietthanks to their elaborate stories or their large open worlds.

In addition to these weekly gifts, the store constantly highlights a selection of titles free-to-play that have no entry fee, such as:

  • Fortnite, the battle royale that you can also play on console and mobile.
  • Dauntless, a cooperative monster hunting game in the style of Monster Hunter.
  • Auto Chess, one of the pioneers of the autobattler genre.
  • Magic: The Gathering Arena, a digital adaptation of the legendary card game.
  • Battle breakers o The Cycle, among others.

The key to getting the most out of the Epic Games Store during quarantine is get used to going in every week and claim all the free games, even if you're not going to play them right away. That way, you'll gradually build a huge library without spending any money.

GOG and its DRM-free classic collections

CD Projekt's platform, GOG (Good Old Games)[Company Name] specializes in offering DRM-free games, many of them classics adapted to modern systems. During the lockdown, they released several batches of [games/games/etc.]. more than 25 free titles that could be added to the library simply by having an account in the store.

Among those games were true gems of adventure and role-playing, such as:

  • Hello Neighbor Alpha Version, to experience the curious proposal of infiltration and terror before its final version.
  • Lure of the Temptress, a classic-style graphic adventure.
  • Postal: Classic and Uncut, an extremely irreverent shooter.
  • Shadow Warrior Classic Complete, with the original game and its expansions.
  • Several installments of the saga Ultimaas the Last 4: Quest of the Avatar o Worlds of Ultima.

In addition, GOG always maintains a section of permanent free gameswhere you can find proposals such as GWENT: The Witcher Card Game and other PC classics that don't cost a penny. It's an excellent alternative for those looking for games without intrusive protections and compatible with relatively modest systems, perfect for low-end computers we have at home.

FX Interactive and its historical catalog

The Spanish publisher FX Interactive also joined the wave of solidarity, offering games from their catalog for free through their FX Store. One of the most notable promotions was the Real Warfare Anthology, a strategy game where we take command of large medieval European and Asian armies.

In this title we can direct light infantry, cavalry, archers, and other units to conquer fortresses and castles, also reviewing historical events, battles, and figures such as Alfonso of Castile or Edward I of England. The deluxe edition even included the expansion Real Warfare 1242.

Another initiative by FX Interactive was to gradually release games from their catalog week by weekas the Imperium 2 – The Conquest of HispaniaA classic real-time strategy game that recreates the conquest of the Iberian Peninsula from both Carthaginian and Roman perspectives. These kinds of deep and long-lasting titles work especially well as "quarantine games" because They offer very long campaigns that you can enjoy little by little over many days.

Steam and its enormous free-to-play ecosystem

Steam, Valve's store, is another cornerstone of cheap or free-to-play PC gaming. In addition to its famous periodic sales, it features a permanent section of free to play games with over two thousand titles. Here we find not only well-known bestsellers like Warframe o DOTA 2but also a multitude of independent and experimental proposals.

Steam's powerful search and filtering tool allows you to sort games, for example, by top user ratingby genre categories or by tags like "cooperative", "single-player", "roguelike", etc. This makes it very easy to find quality experiences even if you don't have a big budget.

During various periods of lockdown, some companies have released full versions of their games on Steam. Limited Time (Once claimed, they were kept forever). Notable cases have included:

  • Tomb Raider (2013 reboot) y Lara Croft and the Temple of Osiris, donated to expand the library.
  • drawful 2, the ideal digital “Pictionary” to play as a family.
  • Indies like Headsnatchers o deiland.
  • Games like Football Manager 2020, playable for free for a few days to hook football management fans.

In addition, many companies use Steam to organize free weekendsThese are free play offers where you can play a full game for several days without paying, keeping your progress if you later decide to buy it. This is a fantastic way to try out long games during lockdown and decide if they really interest you.

itch.io and indie creativity

Platform itch.io It is a true oasis of independent, experimental and highly creative gamesIt has a huge category of free games where you can lose yourself for days discovering strange, original or simply fun games.

Within that ocean, the following stand out, for example:

  • Porklike, a roguelike starring pigs with a very peculiar tone.
  • Aeroblaster, a frenetic platformer focused on air mobility.
  • Supper, a tiny, very atmospheric pixelated horror game.
  • Special selections curated by websites like Presura, which recommend independent games with a strong narrative component.

There have also been developers who, individually, have given away limited copies of their paid games, such as the veteran Terry Cavanagh with his VVVVVV y Super Hexagonor studies that have been put for a while Completely free premium mobile games, like the creators of Alto's Adventure y Alto's Odyssey.

Other studies and platforms on PC

Beyond the big stores, there are many interesting initiatives:

  • Ubisoft has even offered temporary free access to games such as Child of Light or free weekends for big titles like Assassin's Creed Odyssey o Ghost Recon Breakpoint, in addition to educational tools such as Rabbids Coding, designed to help young children learn basic programming concepts.
  • Nvidia GeForce Now It has included free trials of Ubisoft games such as Assassin's Creed Odyssey through its cloud gaming service, allowing you to play them on PC without needing a powerful machine.
  • In the realm of card games and digital strategy games on PC, titles such as [list of games] have become established as permanent free options. GWENT: The Witcher Card Game, Legends of Runeterra, Hearthstone o Auto Chess in its different variants.

All of this translates into an immense amount of Options for playing on PC without spending muchThis is especially valuable when the budget is allocated to more important priorities during a health crisis.

Large lists of free games by genre and platform

In addition to temporary offers, there is a stable ecosystem of free-to-play games and “lite” versions on virtually all platforms. These games are usually funded through cosmetics or optional expansions, but they allow you to play for thousands of hours without spending a penny, making them ideal for long quarantines or periods when you don't want to spend money.

Free PC games: shooters, MMOs and MOBAs

On PC we find some of the most popular online games in the world, spread across platforms such as Steam, Battle.net, Origin, and the game's own launchers or independent shops. Among the most prominent:

Competitive Shooters and FPS

  • Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (Steam): The classic Terrorists vs. Counter-Terrorists showdown, with bomb defusal modes and more. It's one of the most played competitive FPS games on the planet.
  • Call of Duty: War zone (Battle.net and consoles): Battle royale with up to 150 players, cross-play between PC and consoles, and a very intense gameplay pace. Perfect for long sessions with friends during lockdown.
  • Team Fortress 2 (Steam): A class-based shooter with over a decade of history and a still-active community, heavily focused on casual gameplay and humor.
  • Quake champions (PC): A frantic arena shooter for Quake nostalgics, focused on speed and skill.
  • Warface (PC, PS4, Xbox One, Switch): Cooperative and competitive FPS with different PVE missions and PVP modes.
  • Paladins (PC and consoles): first-person hero shooter with a card system to customize abilities.
  • Call of Duty Mobile (mobile and PC emulators): mobile version, with classic multiplayer and battle royale modes.

Royal Battle

  • Fortnite (PC, consoles, mobiles): one of the biggest phenomena in video games, with building, in-game events and a business model based on cosmetics.
  • Apex Legends (PC, PS4, Xbox One): Battle Royale from the creators of Titanfall, focused on heroes with unique abilities and very fluid movement.
  • PUBG Mobile (Android, iOS): Free adaptation of the most realistic battle royale, ideal for mobiles and tablets.
  • Free Fire (Android, iOS): a very popular mobile battle royale game, with short matches designed for modest devices.
  • Spellbreak (depending on the phase, on PC and other platforms): a fantasy version of the genre based on elemental magic instead of conventional weapons, where you combine spells of different elements to create devastating effects.

MMORPGs and persistent worlds

  • Destiny 2 (PC and consoles): A shooter with role-playing elements where you explore a galaxy full of activities, raids, and cooperative missions, with a very generous free base version.
  • EVE Online (PC): Huge space MMO focused on player economy, massive battles, and corporate politics.
  • Star Wars: The Old Republic (PC): MMO with well-developed stories set in the Star Wars universe, playable with a free account.
  • Neverwinter (PC and consoles): MMORPG based on Dungeons & Dragons with all the classic features of the genre.

MOBAs and competitive strategy games

  • League of Legends (PC): The quintessential MOBA, known for its huge community and professional scene.
  • DOTA 2 (PC): Valve's MOBA, with enormous depth and a truly free-to-play model.
  • SMITE (PC and consoles): Third-person MOBA starring gods from different pantheons.
  • Heroes of the Storm (PC): Blizzard's MOBA that brings together characters from all its franchises.
  • Auto Chess, Teamfight Tactics, DOTA Underlords (PC and mobile): games of autobattler where you place units on a board and they fight automatically.

Card games and other genres

  • Hearthstone (PC, mobile): Blizzard card game with many expansions.
  • GWENT (PC and mobile): cards set in The Witcher universe.
  • Legends of Runeterra (PC and mobile): card game based on the world of League of Legends.
  • Gems of war and other puzzle RPG (PC, consoles, mobiles): a mix of match-3 puzzles with character leveling and campaigns.
  • World of Tanks, World of Warships, War Thunder (PC and consoles): vehicular combat games focused on tanks, ships and planes, with a strong tactical component.

This offer is complemented by a multitude of Free narrative or experimental games , the Doki Doki Literature Club!adventures like The Awesome Adventures of Captain Spirit or pinball machines like Pinball FX3all of them available with no entry fee.

Free games for PS4

There is also a very robust ecosystem on PlayStation 4 of free-to-play and extended demo versions which allow you to play for hundreds of hours without spending money. Many of these titles are cross-play with PC and other consoles, making it easy to play with friends regardless of the device they have.

Some key proposals are:

  • Apex Legends, Fortnite y Call of Duty: War zone, which cover the spectrum of battle royale games with different gameplay styles and aesthetics.
  • Dauntless, a free and cooperative “Monster Hunter”.
  • DC Universe Online, superhero MMO based on DC comics.
  • Destiny 2: New Light, with the base campaign and open multiplayer modes at no cost.
  • Paladins y SMITE as hero shooter and MOBA, respectively.
  • Path of Exile, a deep and complex action RPG that many consider a "free Diablo".
  • Warframe y War Thunder, focused on space ninjas and vehicular warfare.
  • Brawlhalla, a Super Smash Bros-style fighting game perfect for quick matches.
  • Fishing PlanetFor those looking for a very complete fishing simulator.
  • Fallout Shelter, a vault management game set in the Fallout universe.

Added to this are extended demos and “LITE” versions , the eFootball PES LITEwhich allow you to enjoy part of the experience without having to buy the full game, and the usual promotions of PlayStation Plus, which adds two complete games to the library of subscribers each month.

Free Games for Xbox One

The Xbox ecosystem shares many of the free-to-play titles of PS4, with the added advantage of services like Xbox Game Passwhich, although it is a paid service, offers Hundreds of games for a very low feeSomething to consider if the lockdown is prolonged and you're looking for a lot of variety.

Among the most notable free-to-play games on Xbox One are:

  • Apex Legends, Fortnite, Call of Duty: War zone y Realm Royale within the battle royale genre.
  • Dauntless, Paladins, SMITE y Brawlhalla as cooperative and competitive options.
  • Warframe, War Thunder y World of Tanks: Mercenaries For fans of action with vehicles and space ninjas.
  • DC Universe Online, Neverwinter and other free-to-play MMORPGs.
  • Dead or Alive 6: Core Fighters, a free version of the fighting game with limited characters.
  • Destiny 2 with its free base version.
  • Fallout Shelter, Fishing Planet, Killer Instinct and other titles perfect for quick games or long sessions.

Microsoft has also given away backward compatible games on several occasions, such as Crackdown, Crackdown 2 o Too Humanwhich can be enjoyed on both Xbox 360 and Xbox One, many with cooperative support.

Free games for Nintendo Switch

The Nintendo Switch offers a more limited catalog of free games than other consoles, but it still has some very interesting options to enjoy during quarantine, many of them ideal for short gaming sessions in handheld mode:

  • Arena of Valor, a MOBA very similar to League of Legends, with 5v5 matches and distinct heroes.
  • Brawlhalla, perfect for playing locally or online with friends.
  • Dauntless, which allows you to hunt monsters cooperatively from anywhere thanks to portable mode.
  • DC Universe Onlinebringing the superhero MMO to the hybrid console.
  • Fallout Shelterwhich fits very well with short gaming sessions.
  • Fortnitewith cross-play support and the advantage of being able to play anywhere in the house.
  • Paladins y SMITE as hero shooter and MOBA, respectively.
  • Pokémon Quest, a small free-to-play ARPG with a cubic aesthetic.
  • Realm Royale, another battle royale with a colorful aesthetic.
  • Super Kirby Clash, a cooperative action-platform game for up to four players.
  • Warframe, which is surprising for how well it adapts to Switch despite its massive content.

The Nintendo eShop also frequently has promotions with games for less than 5 eurosAmong them are remastered classics such as Doom 64 or highly recommended indie games like Dead Cells, Overcooked! 2 o BlasphemousAlthough they are not always free, they often receive aggressive discounts that make them very attractive purchases for lockdown.

Cloud gaming platforms and temporary free subscriptions

During periods of isolation, the following have also gained prominence: cloud gaming platforms and digital subscriptions, which allow access to large libraries without investing large amounts of money in each individual game.

Google Stadia Pro and its free trial

Google has offered this on several occasions Stadia Pro free trial periods, its cloud gaming service. During that time, users can access a collection of games included in the subscription at no additional cost, taking advantage of the fact that processing is done on Google's servers and not on the local device.

Among the games that have been part of Stadia Pro are:

  • Destiny 2 The Collection
  • GRID
  • Gylt
  • SteamWorld Dig 2 y SteamWorld Quest: Hand of Gilgamech
  • Serious sam collection
  • PUBG
  • Zombie Army 4: Dead War, among others.

To enjoy these trial periods, it is usually enough to Register on the official website and download the app for mobile or using Google Chrome on a PC. It's an interesting alternative during quarantine if your computer isn't very powerful, but you have good internet connection.

Subscription services and special offers

In addition to Stadia, other services such as Xbox Game Pass, EA Play or specific offers of PlayStation Now have offered trial periods at a symbolic price or even free, allowing access to catalogs of more than 100 games with hardly any investment.

These types of services are especially useful in lockdown contexts because:

  • They avoid the high initial expense of a new game, spreading the cost over small installments.
  • They allow us to try genres that we wouldn't normally buy, broadening our horizon of tastes.
  • They make it easier for several people in the house to find something they like within the same subscription.

Learning and creating during quarantine: courses and educational content

It's not all just about leisure games: during quarantine, initiatives have emerged to make the most of the time by learning. to create video games or reinforce educational content through play.

Free courses on engines like Unity

Unity, one of the most widely used graphics engines in the world, has come to offer temporary free access to their premium training planThanks to this, many users have been able to learn the fundamentals of video game development, basic programming, level design, and the creation of interactive experiences.

These courses include guided projects for building everything from small 2D games to more advanced 3D experiences, and are a fantastic way to transforming a passion for video games into creative skillsIf you spend a lot of time at home, it's a great time to make the leap from player to creator.

Educational content in Minecraft and other games

Games like Minecraft They have also released educational content packages to support families and schools during school closures. These worlds include lessons in history, science, programming, or sustainabilityand allow children to learn through play in an environment they already know and enjoy.

In countries like Poland, they have even launched Official Minecraft servers as “virtual classrooms”, in which students participate in creative building competitions and activities overseen by the Ministry of Digitalization. This type of initiative demonstrates the potential of video games as pedagogical tools during quarantines.

Tips for organizing your gaming sessions at home

With so many options available, it's easy to feel overwhelmed and end up jumping from game to game without really enjoying any of them. Some tips for making the most of all these resources during lockdown are:

  • Combine long and short gamesReserve one or two extensive titles (RPG, MMO, strategy games) for deeper sessions, and several casual games for spare moments.
  • Switch between online and offline modesSingle-player games like Sudoku, puzzles, or narrative adventures are perfect when your internet connection is weak or you need to disconnect from social interaction.
  • Create family routinesFor example, a trivia game with 2 Player Quiz Pro after dinner, a battle royale game with friends on weekends, or learning sessions with educational Minecraft.
  • Take advantage of wish lists and remindersIn stores like Steam, Epic, or GOG, mark games you're interested in as favorites; this way you'll receive notifications when they drop in price or become free.
  • Controlling playing timeEspecially with children, it is advisable to establish clear schedules and alternate play with other activities such as reading, exercise, or schoolwork.

With minimal planning, the enormous amount of Free games and limited-time offers Available on Android, PC and consoles, it becomes a very powerful tool to make the Coronavirus lockdown more bearable, entertaining and, in many cases, even educational.


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