Games
This is a terminology guide, not a catalogue of game records. The current runtime catalog does not publish individual game pages, so names mentioned here are examples to investigate through their own publishers rather than listings that Freeware Catalog has reviewed.
Find your next favourite
DOSBox Staging
DOSBox Staging is a modern DOS emulator for Windows with accurate audio, CRT shaders and a readable configuration file for running classic DOS games.
DOSBox-X
DOSBox-X is a DOS emulator for Windows that also runs Windows 3.x, 9x and PC-98 software, with printing, disk images and a built-in debugger.
Luanti
Luanti is a free voxel game engine for Windows with a Lua modding API, downloadable games and mods, and built-in single-player and multiplayer servers.
MapTool
MapTool is a free virtual tabletop for Windows with fog of war, vision blocking, macros and a bundled Java runtime for online tabletop RPG sessions.
OpenMW
OpenMW is a free, open-source reimplementation of the Morrowind engine for Windows with better performance, controller support and a construction set.
OpenRCT2
OpenRCT2 is a free reimplementation of RollerCoaster Tycoon 2 for Windows with multiplayer, new ride types, a plugin API and quality-of-life fixes.
PCSX2
PCSX2 is a free PlayStation 2 emulator for Windows that plays your own disc images with upscaled rendering, save states and per-game profiles.
Playnite
Playnite is a free, open-source game library manager for Windows that unifies Steam, GOG, Epic and emulated games behind one interface and controller mode.
ScummVM
ScummVM is a free interpreter that runs hundreds of classic point-and-click adventure games on Windows using your own original game data files.
SuperTux
SuperTux is a free side-scrolling platform game for Windows with a story campaign, a level editor, add-on support and full gamepad controls.
Tiled
Tiled is a free, cross-platform tile map editor for Windows used by indie and commercial developers to build 2D levels for many game engines.
Warzone 2100
Warzone 2100 is a free, open-source real-time strategy game for Windows with a full campaign, unit design, base building and online multiplayer.
Freeware, Open Source and Free-to-Play
A game can be available without an upfront payment under several different models. Freeware generally means the publisher distributes a game at no charge, but the licence can still limit copying or commercial use. Open source describes code released under an open-source licence; the game may still rely on community hosting, optional donations or separate asset terms. Free-to-play usually describes a game that is free to start but may offer purchases, subscriptions or other paid services.
None of these labels alone establishes quality, safety, platform availability or the absence of purchases. Check the publisher's store page, licence and privacy information before creating an account or installing a game.
Questions to Ask Before Installing
- Is the publisher and download location clearly identified?
- Does the store page describe purchases, subscriptions or in-game currency?
- Which operating systems and hardware are currently supported?
- Does online play require an account or share data with another service?
For non-game software, return to the catalog home to browse the runtime software categories.
Good to know
Are there any truly free PC games?
Yes. The open source freeware games above are completely free with no in-game purchases. On Steam, the "free" tag mixes both categories, so check for microtransactions before installing.
What is the best free strategy game?
0 A.D. for real-time historical strategy and Battle for Wesnoth for turn-based campaigns, both free and both open source.
Can I play freeware games online with friends?
Yes. SuperTuxKart and Xonotic both include online multiplayer, and OpenTTD supports dedicated servers.