Recommended Free Tools
For PC players looking to avoid an upfront game purchase, Gizchina’s September 2, 2024 list highlights seven free-to-play options: Lost Ark, Warframe, Counter-Strike 2, Team Fortress 2, Rocket League, Genshin Impact and Path of Exile. They span team shooters, role-playing games, an MMO and car soccer. “Free” here means free to start, not necessarily free of optional purchases; the platform and monetization details below reflect the article’s 2024 snapshot, not a current compatibility check. Read the original Gizchina list.
How to choose among the seven games
Start with the kind of play you want, then check whether the game currently supports your device. The list mixes solo-friendly progression with games built around teams or competitive matches; its descriptions are not a consistent review scorecard or the result of documented hands-on testing.
| Game | Style described in the 2024 article | Platforms listed in the article | Spending note in the article |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lost Ark | Top-down MMORPG with quests, dungeon raids, character progression and endgame content | Windows PC | No specific spending detail noted |
| Warframe | Fast-moving third-person action RPG/shooter with Warframes, weapons and a mod system | PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S | Expanding inventory may prompt spending |
| Counter-Strike 2 | Tactical team shooter with bomb-planting and defusal rounds; no respawns during a round | Linux and Windows PC | No specific spending detail noted |
| Team Fortress 2 | Objective-based team shooter with nine classes | Linux, Windows, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 and Mac | No specific spending detail noted |
| Rocket League | Soccer played with rocket-powered cars | Linux, Windows PC, Mac, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S | No specific spending detail noted |
| Genshin Impact | Open-world RPG with party-based combat | Windows PC, Android, iOS, PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 | Includes a gacha system and the possibility of real-money purchases |
| Path of Exile | Isometric action RPG with deep character customization | Windows PC, PlayStation 4 and Xbox One | Sells microtransactions; the article characterizes them as not providing a competitive advantage |
All platform and spending details in the table are those reported by Gizchina on September 2, 2024. They are historical descriptions, not confirmation of present-day availability, compatibility, or monetization terms. Check the current store listing for your device before downloading.
Which game fits your preferred play style?
For a tactical, round-based team shooter: Counter-Strike 2
Choose this if you want coordinated bomb-planting and defusal rounds where players do not respawn until the round ends. Its 2024 platform list names Linux and Windows PC.
#1 Best Overall
- Compatible with Windows and Android.
- 1000Hz Polling Rate (for 2.4G and wired connection)
- Hall Effect joysticks and Hall triggers. Wear-resistant metal joystick rings.
- Extra R4/L4 bumpers. Custom button mapping without using software. Turbo function.
- Refined bumpers and D-pad. Light but tactile.
For class-based objective matches: Team Fortress 2
This is the option for players who prefer objective-focused team combat organized around nine classes. The article lists several platforms, but that list should not be treated as a current compatibility check.
For action-RPG combat and customization: Warframe or Path of Exile
Warframe pairs fast third-person movement with weapons, Warframes and mods. Path of Exile offers an isometric perspective and extensive character customization. The article specifically flags possible inventory-related spending in Warframe and microtransactions in Path of Exile.
Rank #2
- Supported Multi-Platform:Switch/Switch 2 (NO support wake-up function)/iOS/Android/Windows PC (Notice:Not compatible with Xbox, PlayStation or GeForce Now, For game platforms not mentioned, please consult customer service before buying）
- Connection modes:Wired/Bluetooth/Wireless Dongle(Connect to PC via Bluetooth : Select iOS (phone) mode, but it's not recommended; Dongle is more stable)
- 【Innovative Intelligent Interactive Screen】Manba One V2 wireless game controllers create a new era of controller screens; Equipped with a 2-inch display, no App & software needed, you can set the pc controller directly through the screen visualization, More convenient operation
- 【Micro Switch Button】Manba One wireless controller has Micro Switch Button and ALPS Bumper; The 6-axis gyroscope function makes switch games more immersive
- 【Customize Your Own Controller】The intelligent interactive screen allows you to easily set vibrations, buttons, joysticks,lights, etc., without the need for complex key combinations; 4 configurations can be saved to unlock your own gameplay for different games; The 4 back keys support macro definition settings, and you can activate the set character's ultimate move with one click
For a large world or MMO progression: Genshin Impact or Lost Ark
Genshin Impact is described as an open-world RPG with party-based combat, while Lost Ark centers on quests, raids, progression and endgame activities in a top-down MMO. The article notes the gacha system and possible real-money purchases in Genshin Impact; it gives no comparable spending detail for Lost Ark.
For a sports-like match with vehicles: Rocket League
If you want a familiar objective—scoring goals—with an unconventional twist, the article’s pick is soccer played with rocket-powered cars.
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Rank #3
- Tri-mode Connectivity: Wired for Xbox, 2.4G & Wired for PC, and Bluetooth for Android. The G7 Pro supports seamless connectivity across Xbox, PC, and Android. Effortlessly switch between modes using the convenient physical mode switch.
- TMR Sticks: The G7 Pro features GameSir's Mag-Res TMR sticks, combining Hall Effect durability with traditional potentiometer performance. This advanced technology delivers stable polling rates for smooth, drift-free gaming with low power consumption.
- Hall Effect Analog Triggers: The GameSir precision-tuned Hall Effect analog triggers provide unmatched smoothness and linear input for precise control. Featuring clicky Micro Switch trigger stops, gamers can easily switch based on their preferences.
- 1000Hz Polling Rate on PC: Experience ultra-responsive gaming with a 1000Hz polling rate on PC, available through both wired and 2.4G wireless connections. This ensures instantaneous input registration, reducing lag and optimizing your performance for the most competitive gameplay.
- GameSir Nexus App: The G7 Pro is compatible with the upgraded GameSir Nexus app, which brings a significant upgrade over the original. It introduces powerful new features such as gyro settings, stick curve adjustments, and button-to-mouse mapping, giving you deeper customization and more control than ever before.
What “free” means for this list
These recommendations are about avoiding an upfront game purchase, not a promise that every part of each game is free or that optional purchases are absent. Gizchina explicitly discusses potential spending or microtransactions for Warframe, Genshin Impact and Path of Exile. Its discussion of Path of Exile is the article’s characterization, not a current official policy statement. The article also makes no consistent comparison of monetization across all seven games.
Time is another cost: online progression, raids and repeated matches can demand a substantial time commitment. The article’s own reminder is that “your time remains a precious resource.”
Rank #4
- Multi-Platform PC Gaming Controller: Working with Switch, PC, Android, and iOS devices via Bluetooth, wired, and wireless dongle connections.
- Hall Effect Joysticks: Delivering enhanced recentering performance for smoother control and superior anti-drift capability. Plus, with anti-friction rings.
- 2-Way Trigger Lock: With trigger stops, gamers can toggle between short and long pull positions. Additionally, gamers can activate hair trigger mode by pressing M+LT/RT (triggers must be in the long pull position).
- 1000Hz Polling Rate: This ensures that your inputs are registered almost instantaneously, minimizing lag and maximizing your performance during competitive play.
- Mechanical Circular D-pad: Designed for quick reactions and accuracy in every direction, this D-pad elevates your gaming experience with superior responsiveness.
Check current platform availability before installing
The list was published on September 2, 2024, and its device information is a snapshot. It does not independently verify current availability, regional differences, cross-play, age ratings, system requirements or each publisher’s current monetization terms. Use the current store listing or publisher information for the exact device and region you plan to use; do not assume that every platform named in the 2024 article is still supported.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Platform Compatibility: This PC controller is designed for Windows PC, Steam, Switch, Android, and iOS. Xbox-style asymmetric stick layout for PC gamers. Three modes cover all your devices. Please check your device compatibility before purchase
- Three Connection Modes: 2.4G wireless, Bluetooth, wired USB-C. PC gets native XInput/DirectInput. Switch pairs via Bluetooth, no adapter. This gaming PC controller switches devices seamlessly. Stable wireless minimizes random disconnects during gaming
- Hall Effect Precision: Hall effect joysticks and triggers eliminate stick drift. This gaming controller for PC delivers smooth, responsive input with no dead zones. Built for FPS, racing, and action games. Long-term precision for competitive PC gaming
- Back Buttons & Battery: Two programmable back buttons map combos and shortcuts. Textured grips with dual vibration. 1000mAh battery delivers up to 20H playtime. RGB can be turned off. A solid PC controller for gaming with custom back buttons
- ABXY Layout Switch: Press B + Minus + Plus to swap between PC and Switch modes. Features: 1000Hz polling rate, RGB lighting, turbo. Note: designed without mic jack or gyro sensor
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
