10 Free To Play Games With Great Cosmetics

Free-to-play games typically offer a wealth of content accessible without payment, but they devise creative methods to monetize their player base, often through eye-catching cosmetic items that are hard to resist. The allure of not wanting to miss out on these attractive additions can be quite chilling in a free-to-play game.

You don’t have to buy these cosmetics if you don’t want to, but imagine the fun of strutting your stuff while vanquishing enemies in the game! Why not flaunt your new gear and let everyone know how seriously you take this virtual world?

Games aren’t dependent on cosmetics, and while they can be quite appealing, remember that they are entirely optional for your gaming experience. However, they certainly do add a touch of elegance, so why not splurge a little bit of your savings to enhance your gameplay?

10. Rocket League

Pimp Your Ride

It’s not surprising that a thriving market for cosmetics exists within the game where you essentially play soccer using rocket-powered cars. With items like toppers, booster trails, and goal explosions, Rocket League, a free-to-play game, offers a vast array of eye-catching accessories to customize your car and make it stand out.

Showcasing your talent and getting hooked on the exciting game mechanics, it’s inevitable that you’ll wish to demonstrate your goal-scoring prowess, igniting a vibrant blast accompanied by eye-catching stickers and distinctive visual effects while fully geared up in the most dazzling attire.

In numerous free-to-play games, it’s usual for players to engage in trading items among themselves, allowing friends to swap stylish accessories or strike deals with others. Rocket League’s community particularly enjoyed this aspect. Regrettably, in 2023, the trading functionality was eliminated to fit Epic Games’ business model that revolves around an item shop.

It’s not surprising that many fans were displeased since they used to flourish in the market, and currently, the only means to grow your cosmetic collection is by purchasing Credits from the in-game store or acquiring them through Rocket Pass rewards.

Even though other skins may be available, it’s often the case that the top-tier ones are derived from collaborations between different properties. Examples of these include Lightning McQueen from Cars, the Batmobile, and even vehicles from real-world brands.

9. Counter-Strike 2

Flex Your Painted AK-47

Valve’s multiplayer games are particularly distinguished by their trading aspects, and that certainly applies to the upcoming game Counter-Strike 2. Originally named Counter-Strike: Global Offensive up until 2023, CS2 has gained notoriety for its players accumulating and swapping expensive pearlescent firearms and gold-plated karambits, often at high monetary values.

weapon finishes might originate through various channels, such as loot boxes, regular distributions, or achievements. Yet, an experienced player of Counter-Strike would advise prioritizing trading over these methods.

The intricate factors determining the scarcity of a CS2 weapon skin make trading quite intricate, as its scarcity is influenced by factors such as its design pattern, undisclosed values, and even the condition or wear of the weapon itself. This scarcity can drive up their worth to staggering amounts in marketplaces, reaching thousands of dollars.

As a devoted fan, I’ve noticed some enthusiasts are strategically employing unique weapon skins from CS2, viewing them as investment opportunities. They believe that the cosmetics they own now might appreciate in value or maintain their worth over time. What’s more, there are platforms specifically designed for facilitating trades among players, making it an intriguing secondary market within the gaming community.

As a player immersed in this virtual world, I get why folks dig the concept of swapping cosmetic gun designs. Yet, the mind-blowing sums of cash invested in these transactions leave me scratching my head in bewilderment.

8. Fall Guys

It’s A Cosplay Contest!

In a sea of intense battle royale games brimming with action-packed shooters, _Fall Guys_ offers a friendly challenge by adopting a whimsical, game show-like atmosphere. Here, you contend with numerous other players in obstacle courses reminiscent of Wipeout, leading to a wave of laughter-inducing antics.

In your pursuit of the golden crown, you might find yourself desiring beauty products that boost your standing as the top bean among all others.

In this sentence, “golden crown” refers to a symbol of victory or success, and “beauty products” are used metaphorically to represent status symbols or signs of prestige. The phrase “the one bean above the rest” is a humorous way of saying “the top dog,” emphasizing that the character is striving for the highest position or level of achievement.

Regularly updating its content with fresh seasons, Fall Guys introduces new gameplay modes and mapping options for players to explore, along with an array of costumes that can be acquired using in-game money or purchased from the store, as well as special, time-limited events and bundle deals.

Besides this, Fall Guys is one of the free-to-play games that offer collaborative skins. This means you can dress your jellybean character as various iconic characters from numerous Intellectual Properties (IPs). These range from video game personas such as Ghost of Tsushima, Astro Bot, and Destiny 2, to show and movie mascots like Invincible, Ultraman, and Doctor Who.

7. Apex Legends

Dress Up Your Legend

Without a doubt, Apex Legends is one of the sweatiest battle royale games I’ve ever played.

In this high-speed shooting game, they breathe new vitality into the somewhat revived Titanfall series by expanding its universe and adding additional playable characters, known as Legends.

In Apex Legends, there are currently 26 playable characters (Legends), and the count keeps growing, together with 29 distinct weapons. Each weapon boasts a variety of exclusive visual elements such as skins, effects, and even voice lines to taunt your opponents with.

As a passionate gamer, I’ve noticed that some of the coolest in-game skins are only accessible through purchases within the game or limited-time events like battle passes. However, it’s not all doom and gloom! Some of these skins can become permanent additions to my collection as I accumulate crafting metals from lootboxes that I earn just by playing the game.

6. Team Fortress 2

Trading Strange Hats

Similar to how Counter-Strike 2, Team Fortress 2 operates an economy based on trading and collecting aesthetics. The majority of TF2 players exchange items using currencies such as Refined Metal, Mann Co. Supply Crate Keys, and earbuds, which are often the least expensive items that can be bought with real money.

In Team Fortress 2, the economy isn’t solely focused on cosmetic goods. It also includes rare items that become exclusive due to the circumstances under which they were obtained by players.

These unique hats that produce particle effects, peculiar weapons with tally marks for kills, and antique weapons last seen prior to the Mann-Conomy update in 2010 are exceptionally scarce and greatly desired within the community.

However, much of this could be unfamiliar to numerous novice and returning Team Fortress 2 players. Back in middle school, I used to trade hats on the Steam marketplace. There were times when 14-year-old me would debate and argue unnecessarily over the value of my Unusual hat, even though buyers proposed a lower price than what I believed it was worth.

It’s been approximately ten years since I last engaged in playing or trading on TF2, so it came as quite a surprise and shock for me to learn that the majority of trades these days are being conducted through questionable websites filled with bots attempting to offer low-value deals.

5. Marvel Rivals

Oh No, They’re All Hot!

Due to its third-person perspective, Marvel Rivals is inherently more effective at marketing its cosmetic items compared to other hero shooters because players get a constant view of their entire character rather than just their arms or weapons.

Given the numerous costume transformations and variations Marvel characters have undergone over the years, it’s only logical to think there’s a potential, unexplored market for cosmetics tailored to each character in the Marvel Rivals universe.

As a devoted player, I can share that it’s possible to acquire all the in-game skins by tackling challenges, achieving milestones, and participating in exclusive events that reward in-game currency. However, if you’re eager to swiftly obtain the sensational Deadpool x Wolverine skin for Logan, you have the option to purchase Lattices with real money. Once acquired, you can exchange these Lattices for Chrono-Tokens and Units.

It’s fortunate that NetEase smartly monetizes their game by not just creating unique skins but also by faithfully representing (and sometimes enhancing) costumes similar to those seen in Marvel Cinematic Universe movies, other video games, and even obscure comic book references. This can leave you pleasantly surprised.

4. Destiny 2

Slay (Your Enemies)

In Destiny 2, there are numerous post-campaign activities like raids, dungeons, grandmaster nightfalls, and competitive multiplayer. However, for many players, including myself, achieving the perfect Guardian outfit becomes the ultimate goal, as it showcases each Guardian’s unique creativity.

Initially, I balked at Bungie’s choice to incorporate microtransactions in Eververse as a permanent feature back in 2015, feeling a lingering resentment. However, I can’t deny the allure of the captivating cosmetics they’ve introduced since then, which undeniably amplify the thrill of projecting an unmatched presence while vanquishing hordes of Darkness minions.

At first, I was against Bungie adding microtransactions in Eververse permanently in 2015. But now, I can’t deny that it’s brought some really cool cosmetic items that make me feel like a boss while playing Destiny!

Beyond this, it’s worth noting that some popular skins and cosmetic items have been inspired by other Intellectual Properties (IPs). A notable example is the recent partnership with Star Wars, which introduced three Star Wars-themed skins and emotes featuring lightsaber actions.

With Universal Ornaments and Shaders at your disposal, you have the freedom to completely personalize your Guardian, ranging from recreating popular characters such as Gundam or Spider-Man, to experimenting with an extensive array of colors, resulting in a unique and potentially eccentric Guardian design.

In Destiny 2, not only is the power fantasy found in battling for humanity as a super-soldier with space magic, but it also becomes a fashion show while saving the world. As you progress through the game, you’ll find that eventually, your concern shifts from conquering weekly featured raids and challenges to refining your stylish appearance.

3. Warframe

Fashion Frame As An Art

Credits (from left to right)
u/PrimeLabsInc, u/heyitsminerva, u/CephalonVashka, u/ALFANQUIT

Speaking as someone who’s been a fan of Destiny for quite some time now, it’s somewhat embarrassing to say that in terms of character customization, there’s another game that outshines Destiny – and that’s Warframe. What makes Warframe stand out is its impressive variety of over ninety unique characters, among which are the Primes. This game allows you an unprecedented level of customization, where you can tailor almost every aspect of your character to your liking.

It’s not surprising that Warframe shares resemblances with Destiny, given their common feature of extensive customization options for weapons and armor through adjustable sliders, and both games have players who view fashion as the ultimate goal or long-term objective within their respective communities.

In the game Warframe, there are numerous methods to exhibit your flair for fashion creatively. Some players in the r/WarframeRunway community transform their Warframes into breathtaking divine beings, while others design them as streamlined weapons, opting for a more minimalistic aesthetic.

In a manner similar to many free-to-play games, Warframe offers a perk where players can acquire cosmetic items primarily by playing and grinding, rather than spending money. Even when special events conclude, they sometimes return with reduced prices several months later.

Players can invest significant time refining Warframes and weapons into their “Prime” variants, which not only enhance gameplay but also boast more visually appealing designs.

2. League Of Legends

Amazing Skins With Stunning Splash Art

League of Legends is well-known for its intense competitive esports environment, its hit spinoff series Arcane, but above all, for its meticulously crafted skins and stunning splash artwork that go along with them.

Many of these character skins are linked to those of other champions, such as the well-known KDA skins, which depict characters Akali, Evelynn, Ahri, and Kaisa forming the popular Kpop group KDA in the storyline and creating music that’s heard in the real world. Additionally, there are skins like PROJECT or Star Guardians that showcase champions in alternative universes, where they must adapt to entirely different environments.

Indeed, these skins do come at a cost, and acquiring them without spending actual money isn’t an effortless process. You have a few options: you can accumulate resources and earn the skins through achievements, submit amusing artwork to gain some RP, or dive into Ranked mode, which could be more challenging than facing your own demons.

Purchasing RP to get League skins can be quite addictive, and playing the game itself is even more so. Veteran League players might advise you to steer clear of this game. However, you can still appreciate the game’s stunning artwork and related media without actually playing it.

1. Fortnite

The King Of Collab Cosmetics

Without a doubt, one game that boasts an unprecedented number of cosmetics is Fortnite. It’s not just about quantity though; each skin appears to be meticulously designed, reflecting the effort or currency required to obtain them. Some of the gliders are downright awesome to behold, and the stairway gliders exude an aura that’s hard to ignore. In fact, they look incredible!

I find myself especially attracted to the character costumes in Fortnite, because not only do the initial designs showcase exceptional character design and silhouettes, but the collaborative and celebrity skins seem perfectly fitting within the Fortnite universe, as their original concepts and outfits are skillfully adapted into the game.

Choose Hatsune Miku, one of the latest and widely recognized skins, as she can adapt to any environment seamlessly. What could be more victorious than using a Miku Beam in Fortnite?

As a devoted fan, I must admit that the appearance of celebrity cameos in this game doesn’t disappoint, especially when it comes to the Winterfest 2024 event. It’s nothing short of amazing how American singing legend Mariah Carey has graced us with her virtual presence! Her inclusion seems like a fitting tribute to her status as the beloved symbol of Christmas, making her an iconic figure in the festive season.

As a gamer, I can’t help but notice how Fortnite keeps expanding its universe with popular IP collaborations and star appearances. It’s like a badge of honor, seeing my likeness or the character I’ve crafted battling it out in a high-stakes battle royale game. And honestly, it feels pretty darn cool to be part of this ever-evolving gaming phenomenon!

2025-03-12 18:41