How I Built a Library of Free Games (Legally!)
"You got any games on your PC?"
If you've been following Prof. Rock’s Learning Arcade, you already know—I'm not cheap… but I am always on the hunt for a good deal. Let’s face it, video games are getting expensive. The Nintendo Switch 2 dropped at a $450 price point, and that doesn’t even include Mario Kart, which clocks in at a whopping $80. So yeah, saving a few bucks here and there? Totally worth it.
You might’ve already read my post about DekuDeals.com (and if you haven’t, go do that). I’m always on that site checking my wishlist, seeing what’s dropped below $20, and hunting for hidden gems. But that got me thinking—are there ways to get games completely free and still be legal about it?
Short answer? Yes. Long answer? Let me break it down.
🎁 Free Games—Yes, Actually Free
Look, I get it. There’s a lot of debate online right now about emulation and preservation—especially with stuff like the “Mig-Switch” tool that lets you make a legal backup of your physical games. While I do believe people should be allowed to preserve their games (especially with how fragile digital storefronts can be), there's a big difference between that and downloading games you didn’t pay for.
Some folks argue that it’s “okay” to download older games like NES or Sega classics, especially if they’re no longer for sale. And I understand that angle. But honestly? A lot of those games are available legally now—somewhere—so let’s try and support those when we can.
But if you’re looking for truly free, 100% legal games? I got you covered. Here’s how I’ve grown a huge PC game library for free—and how you can too.
🛍️ Epic Games Store: The Gold Standard of Free
https://store.epicgames.com/en-US/free-games
Every Thursday, Epic Games gives away at least one free game—and sometimes two! Some of these are smaller indie titles, and sometimes they drop huge games like GTA V or 2 Point Hospital.
I keep this link bookmarked on my browser and check it weekly. That’s how I scored 2 Point Hospital, a $30 game I’d had my eye on for a while. Just make a free Epic account, log in, and click “Claim.” That’s it—it’s yours forever. You can also download the Epic Games Store on your phone or tablet and get a free mobile game.
👑 Amazon Prime Gaming: The Hidden Treasure
Most people have Amazon Prime. What they don’t realize is that it comes with a bonus: Prime Gaming. All you have to do is connect your Amazon account to Twitch. Then, every time you visit Twitch, you’ll see a little crown icon at the top labeled “Prime Gaming Benefits.”
Click that, scroll down, and you’ll find free games ready to claim. For example, the week I’m writing this, there’s Golf with Friends, Station to Station, and even Chessarama. Some games you download through the Amazon Games App, while others might be codes for platforms like GOG or Epic.
Sure, Amazon Prime costs money—but if you're already paying for it, why not claim the extra games? Even if you don’t download all of them (like Mafia III or Saints Row, which aren’t really my thing), there are often cozy or strategy games worth adding to your collection.
💸 Honorable Mention: Humble Bundle
Humble Bundle doesn’t give away free games every week, but they do offer occasional giveaways—and their bundle deals are wild. You can pay $10–$15 for a stack of games that would otherwise cost you over $100. It’s an amazing way to support charities and grow your library without spending much.
⚠️ A Quick Word of Warning: Don’t Risk It
Before I wrap things up, I have to mention this: please don’t download games from sketchy websites.
I know the temptation is real. You search for a game, and boom—there’s some random site offering it for free. But here’s the truth: most of those places are either illegal, unsafe, or both. Best case scenario? You're breaking copyright laws. Worst case? You’re installing malware, viruses, or spyware that can seriously mess up your computer—or even steal your personal info.
You might think, “But I just want to play Mario Kart without paying $80!” I get that. Trust me, I do. But pirating or downloading cracked games isn’t the answer. It’s not just about ethics—it’s about protecting your devices and your data.
That’s why I always stick with verified sources like Epic Games, Prime Gaming, Humble Bundle, and GOG. These platforms are safe, legal, and legit. You can sleep easy knowing that you’re not putting your computer—or your personal info—at risk.
📨 Bonus Tip: Sign Up for Newsletters
Want to know when a game goes free? Sign up for newsletters from sites like Humble Bundle, Epic, GOG, or even indie publishers. Promotions pop up all the time, and if you’re paying attention, you can grab a freebie here and there just by being early.
Final Thoughts
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again—there’s nothing better than getting something for free. Especially when it’s legit, legal, and doesn’t make you feel like you’re doing something shady. Whether you're a teacher like me on a budget or just someone looking to save a few bucks, these sites can help you build a pretty solid game collection without spending a dime.
Got any favorite places for free games I didn’t mention? Hit me up—I’m always looking to share (and score) a good deal.
Happy gaming!
— Prof. Rock
I remember the childhood times where I never would've thought I would be able to own so many games. And indeed, a big part of them is now received for free and growing bigger every month 😀.