Getting free PC games online can be tempting, but not all sources are safe or legal. Sites like SteamUnlocked may promise unlimited access, yet they carry hidden risks like malware, viruses, and potential legal trouble. Fortunately, there are trustworthy platforms that let you enjoy free games safely, legally, and without compromising your device.
In this guide, you will learn:
- The 7 best legal and safe alternatives to SteamUnlocked for free PC games in 2025.
- How each platform works, what types of games they offer, and who they’re best for.
- The pros and cons of every alternative so you can make an informed choice.
- Tips to maximize your free game collection without risking malware or copyright issues.
7 Best SteamUnlocked Alternatives for Free PC Games in 2025
- Epic Games Store
- Steam Free-to-Play Section
- GOG (Good Old Games)
- Itch.io
- Microsoft Store
- Humble Bundle
- Origin / EA App
Comparison Table
| Rank | Platform | Description | Pros / Cons | Best For | Price |
| 1 | Epic Games Store | Weekly free game giveaways, including AAA titles | Pros: Free AAA games, easy to claim. Cons: Needs Epic account | Casual & hardcore gamers | Free |
| 2 | Steam Free-to-Play Section | Hundreds of online and offline free titles | Pros: Large library, reliable updates. Cons: Mostly online/multiplayer | Online gamers | Free |
| 3 | GOG (Good Old Games) | DRM-free games, indie & classic titles | Pros: No DRM, retro & indie favorites. Cons: Limited new releases | Retro & indie lovers | Free / Discounted |
| 4 | Itch.io | Indie-focused platform with pay-what-you-want games | Pros: Unique games, often experimental. Cons: Quality varies | Indie & experimental gamers | Free / Pay-what-you-want |
| 5 | Microsoft Store | Free-to-play games for Windows and Xbox | Pros: Safe and verified. Cons: Smaller selection than Steam | Casual & console gamers | Free |
| 6 | Humble Bundle | Free games, discounted bundles, charity contributions | Pros: Legal, supports developers & charity. Cons: Limited-time availability | Budget-conscious gamers | Free / Discounted |
| 7 | Origin / EA App | EA games, free trials, and seasonal giveaways | Pros: Free promotions & trials. Cons: Mostly EA titles | EA fans | Free |
Epic Games Store
Epic Games Store has become one of the most popular platforms for PC gamers looking for free titles. Unlike sites like SteamUnlocked, it’s completely legal, safe, and backed by a major company. The platform is known for offering weekly free game giveaways, which often include AAA titles and popular indie games. Once claimed, these games are yours to keep permanently, even if you later uninstall the Epic Games Launcher.
The process is simple: create a free Epic account, browse the free games section, and click “Claim.” Epic then adds the game to your library, where it can be downloaded and played at any time. This ensures a secure and official download, reducing the risk of malware or corrupted files that can occur with unofficial sources.
Epic Games Store also includes features like automatic updates, cloud saves, and achievements, giving free games the same quality experience as paid titles. Popular free games have included Grand Theft Auto V, The Sims 4, and Control: Ultimate Edition. The platform also frequently runs seasonal promotions, meaning there’s almost always a new free game to claim.
Pros:
- Access to AAA games for free.
- Safe, official downloads.
- Permanent ownership once claimed.
Cons:
- Requires an Epic Games account.
- Selection rotates weekly, so some games may not always be available.
Best for: Casual and hardcore gamers who want legal access to high-quality games without spending money.
Steam Free-to-Play Section
Steam is one of the most trusted platforms for PC gaming, offering a wide variety of free-to-play titles for gamers of all types. Unlike SteamUnlocked, Steam guarantees safe, legal, and verified downloads, eliminating the risk of malware or legal issues. Its free-to-play section spans hundreds of games, including popular online multiplayer titles, indie hits, and even some offline games.
The platform is easy to navigate: simply download the Steam client, create a free account, and browse the free-to-play category. Steam provides detailed game pages, including reviews, system requirements, and user ratings, helping you choose the right game for your preferences. Many free-to-play games also feature optional in-game purchases, but they are not required to enjoy the core experience.
Notable free-to-play titles include Dota 2, Team Fortress 2, and Warframe. These games offer rich experiences with regular updates, community events, and active developer support. Steam also provides cloud saves, automatic updates, achievements, and community features, giving free games the same quality experience as paid ones.
Pros:
- Huge library of free games across genres.
- Regular updates and strong community support.
- Safe, legal, and verified downloads.
Cons:
- Many free-to-play games are online multiplayer, which may not appeal to offline gamers.
- Optional microtransactions in some titles.
Best for: Online gamers and those seeking a diverse selection of safe, free PC games backed by a trusted platform.
GOG (Good Old Games)
GOG, short for Good Old Games, is a unique platform that focuses on DRM-free games, offering both classic titles and newer indie releases. Unlike sites like SteamUnlocked, GOG is completely legal and secure, ensuring downloads are verified and free from malware. Its emphasis on DRM-free games means once you download a title, you own it outright and can play it offline without restrictions.
GOG offers a mix of free games and heavily discounted titles. While it’s best known for retro and classic games like Baldur’s Gate and The Witcher: Enhanced Edition, it also features indie gems and modern releases. Users can claim free games from the “Free Games” section, which is regularly updated. To start, simply create a free GOG account, browse the available free titles, and download them directly to your PC.
One of GOG’s standout features is its Galaxy client, which handles game updates, optional cloud saves, and an easy-to-use library system. However, even without the client, games remain fully playable offline. GOG also provides frequent sales and promotions, giving players access to premium games at a fraction of the cost.
Pros:
- DRM-free games, playable offline.
- Mix of classic, indie, and modern titles.
- Frequent free and discounted offerings.
Cons:
- Smaller library of new releases compared to Steam.
- Fewer multiplayer options.
Best for: Retro and indie game enthusiasts who value ownership, offline play, and a legal, secure platform for free and discounted PC games.
Itch.io
Itch.io is a popular platform for indie and experimental games, offering a huge variety of titles that you often won’t find on mainstream stores. Unlike SteamUnlocked, Itch.io is completely legal and safe, ensuring downloads are free from malware and unauthorized modifications. The platform’s unique appeal lies in its pay-what-you-want and free game model, allowing developers to share their creations directly with players.
Creating an account on Itch.io is free and optional for downloading free games. Once registered, you can browse categories such as adventure, puzzle, simulation, or experimental projects, and download games instantly. Many developers release early builds or experimental titles for free, giving players a chance to explore new ideas without spending money. The platform also encourages community interaction, with user reviews and ratings helping you identify quality games.
Itch.io stands out for supporting creativity and indie developers. Players can choose to pay developers if they wish, but there’s no obligation, making it an ideal way to enjoy innovative games safely. The site also hosts game jams, where developers create games in limited time frames, and many of these games are offered for free.
Pros:
- Wide selection of unique and indie games.
- The pay-what-you-want model supports developers.
- Safe and legal downloads.
Cons:
- Game quality can vary significantly.
- Some titles are experimental or unfinished.
Best for: Indie game enthusiasts and players looking for creative, free, and legal PC games outside mainstream offerings.
Microsoft Store
The Microsoft Store is a trusted source for free PC and Xbox games, offering a secure and legal alternative to sites like SteamUnlocked. All downloads are verified by Microsoft, ensuring your device stays safe from malware or corrupted files. The platform is especially convenient for Windows users, as it integrates directly with the operating system for easy installation and updates.
Microsoft Store offers a wide range of free-to-play games, from casual puzzle games to action-packed online titles. Popular examples include Forza Street, Asphalt 9: Legends, and Minecraft: Education Edition. In addition to free games, the store frequently features limited-time promotions, demos, and trial versions of premium games, allowing players to explore new titles without any financial commitment.
Using the Microsoft Store is simple: sign in with your Microsoft account, browse the free games section, and download your chosen games directly to your PC or Xbox console. The platform also provides cloud saves and automatic updates for compatible titles, ensuring a smooth gaming experience. While the free game library is smaller than platforms like Steam or Epic Games Store, it’s consistently reliable and safe.
Pros:
- Fully legal and secure downloads.
- Direct integration with Windows and Xbox devices.
- Free-to-play and trial versions available.
Cons:
- Smaller selection compared to Steam or Epic Games Store.
- Some free titles are limited-time promotions or trials.
Best for: Casual gamers and Windows/Xbox users seeking safe, legal, and easy-to-access free PC games.
Humble Bundle
Humble Bundle is a well-known platform for legal, discounted, and free games, offering an excellent alternative to SteamUnlocked. What sets it apart is its unique bundle system, which allows players to purchase multiple games at a fraction of the regular price or claim free titles during promotional periods. The platform is fully secure, and all downloads are verified, ensuring a safe gaming experience.
Humble Bundle frequently offers free games for a limited time, which can be claimed by creating a free account. Once claimed, these games are added to your library, often delivered as Steam or DRM-free keys, depending on the promotion. Beyond free games, Humble Bundle regularly sells bundles where a portion of the proceeds goes to charity, giving players a way to support developers and causes while building their game library affordably.
The platform covers a wide range of genres, including indie, strategy, RPG, and simulation games. Promotions are updated frequently, so checking the website regularly ensures you never miss free offerings. Humble Bundle also provides newsletters and alerts for upcoming deals and free giveaways, making it easier to claim titles legally and safely.
Pros:
- Free and discounted games with verified downloads.
- Supports developers and charitable causes.
- DRM-free or Steam-key delivery options.
Cons:
- Free games are often time-limited promotions.
- Smaller selection of AAA titles compared to Epic or Steam.
Best for: Budget-conscious gamers who want safe, legal, and occasionally free games while supporting developers and charitable causes.
Origin / EA App
Origin, now transitioning to the EA App, is Electronic Arts’ official platform for PC games. It’s a legal and secure alternative to SteamUnlocked, providing verified downloads of EA titles, free trials, and seasonal promotions. Players can safely download and install games without risking malware, while also enjoying features like cloud saves and automatic updates.
The platform occasionally offers free games through promotions such as “On the House” or seasonal giveaways. Free titles have included popular EA games like The Sims 4 and Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit Remastered. To access these games, users create a free EA account, browse the free section, and download the game to their library. Once downloaded, games can be installed and played legally, just like any paid title.
Origin / EA App also provides exclusive benefits for EA Play subscribers, including early access trials, discounts, and additional free games. Even without a subscription, the platform ensures a secure gaming experience for free and trial titles. Its library mainly focuses on EA-developed games, so it’s ideal for fans of franchises like FIFA, Battlefield, and Mass Effect.
Pros:
- Legal, verified downloads with secure installation.
- Free promotions and trial periods.
- Access to popular EA franchises.
Cons:
- Library mostly limited to EA titles.
- Free games are often time-limited or promotional.
Best for: EA fans and gamers seeking safe, legal, and occasionally free titles from major franchises.
How we chose these alternatives
Selecting the best SteamUnlocked alternatives required focusing on safety, legality, and accessibility. We prioritized platforms that:
- Provide verified and secure downloads, eliminating malware and virus risks.
- Offer free games consistently, either permanently or through weekly/monthly promotions.
- Have a strong reputation among gamers and developers, ensuring a trustworthy experience.
- Cater to a variety of gaming preferences, from indie and retro titles to AAA and online multiplayer games.
These criteria ensure that every platform listed gives players peace of mind while enjoying free PC games legally, unlike unofficial or cracked game sites.
Final takeaways
- Free games are accessible legally if you stick to trusted platforms like Epic Games Store, Steam, or GOG.
- Each platform offers unique benefits depending on your gaming preferences—retro, indie, AAA, or online multiplayer.
- Avoid risky sites like SteamUnlocked to protect your computer and personal data from malware and potential legal issues.
Conclusion
Exploring free PC games doesn’t have to involve risky downloads or illegal sites. The seven platforms outlined—Epic Games Store, Steam, GOG, Itch.io, Microsoft Store, Humble Bundle, and Origin/EA App—provide safe, legal, and high-quality options for every type of gamer. Start by creating free accounts on one or two platforms that match your interests, claim available games, and expand your library without spending a dime.
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