7 Sites to Download Free Video Games

Gaming can be a costly hobby. Many gamers find themselves spending significant amounts annually on equipment, game titles, and memberships. However, there are ways to minimize these expenses, particularly for those on a tight budget. Strategies such as borrowing games from friends, purchasing pre-owned titles, renting games, or taking advantage of library offerings are effective ways to save.

Additionally, you might explore another option: discovering free video games available online in the public domain. Just like books and films, some video games eventually become public domain content, making them accessible for free to everyone. (See also: 8 Inexpensive Methods to Enjoy Video Games)

While the collection of public domain video games is still limited, largely due to the youth of the gaming industry, there are several resources available for you to enjoy during this period. Here are seven excellent websites to access free video games.

1. Internet Archive

The Internet Archive serves as a vast nonprofit library filled with public domain material. Within its archives, you can find thousands of MS-DOS and classic PC games. These games can be played directly on the site through streaming or can be downloaded for offline play. Some classics you can find here are: Oregon Trail, Mario and Luigi, Pac-Man, Donkey Kong, and SimAnt.

2. RGB Classic Games

RGB Classic Games is dedicated to preserving vintage PC games, allowing them to be played on modern computers and tablets. The site features 548 games that were once sold commercially but are now available for streaming. Notable public domain titles include: Doom, The Lion King, Epic Pinball, Wolfenstein 3D, SimCity 2000, and Galactix.

3. Abandonware DOS

Abandonware DOS is a repository of older PC games, offering users access to 1,624 downloadable titles. Gamers should check each game’s availability for free downloads, as not every title is complimentary. The website lacks an efficient tagging system, so users may need to explore the site to find download options.

If you’re short on time, you can visit their dedicated section showcasing a selection of games available for online play, including Lakers vs. Celtics and the NBA Playoffs, Last Ninja, Prince of Persia (1990), and Star Wars (1998).

4. Game Oldies

Game Oldies offers an online emulator that enables gamers to enjoy classic titles. This platform includes games originally developed for systems like Sony PlayStation, Nintendo NES, Game Boy, Atari Lynx, and Sega Genesis. Popular games available here are: The Addams Family, Tekken 3, Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3, and The Amazing Spiderman.

5. Classic Games

Classic Games features a diverse array of retro and classic games you can play for free. The collection includes various renditions of Tetris, Pinball, Pacman, and Snake, along with numerous puzzle, board, and sports games. You can also experience stand-alone titles such as Ultimate Swish Sport and Space Invaders.

6. Classic Reload

Classic Reload operates as a game and software preservation site, hosting hundreds of classic games accessible via Firefox or Chrome. Some of the available titles include: Battleship, Volfied, Epic Baseball, and The Incredible Machine.

7. Free ’80s Arcade

Free ’80s Arcade presents an online platform for free-to-play arcade and Nintendo games, which can be enjoyed on both computers and mobile devices, including iPhones and Samsung Galaxy devices. Games available include classics like Paperboy, Joust, and Duck Hunt.