6 Years Later, This Free-To-Play Sci-Fi Shooter Still Manages 200k Daily Players

Over the years, a lot of different FPS games have come and gone, and as a percentage of how many releases there have been overall, very few make any impact at all. That said, the bigger developers and publishers do tend to have more of a chance, and for them, longevity is usually the best hallmark of success.

If you are looking to shoot some real-world enemies in multiplayer lobbies, there are quite a few options on the table that are worth your time in 2026. Of those, there are a few that are still going particularly strong, and one is arguably as good as it has ever been (depending on who you ask).

6 Years Later And This Free Steam Game Is Still Going Strong

Though it will likely need no introduction to almost all of you, it really is worth taking a moment to note just how well Apex Legends is doing, more than six years on from its original release. Developed by Respawn Entertainment, the beloved hero shooter still brings in more than 200,000 players per day on average.

That’s a genuinely remarkable achievement, and testament to just how tight the gameplay is on a minute-to-minute basis. The game’s real strength is its vast and varied roster of characters, which is now comfortably big enough to cater to everyone, regardless of their favorite playstyle in competitive shooters.

Though there is a lot to learn if you’re planning on being genuinely good at the game, the in-ramp is noticeably less steep than competitive releases in other genres, and it is possible to plug, play, and have fun. That said, understanding how to synergize your favorite picks with allies, and how best to counter specific enemies, is a rewarding experience.

Updates have also been relatively consistent, and though there have been some specific complaints from experienced players in recent times, it really is holding up very well in the face of the relentless passage of time.

Apex Legends Is Bigger And Better Than Ever

As a free-to-play game, there really isn’t too much risk in giving it a go, and if you are a fan of hero shooters, there really are very few examples that hit the same heights. Apex Legends is also doing very well from a financial perspective as well, so you don’t have to worry about all your progress being for naught if the game goes under.

Systems

Released

February 4, 2019

ESRB

Teen / Blood, Violence, Users Interact, In-Game Purchases (Includes Random Items)

Publisher(s)

Electronic Arts

Engine

Source on console/PC, Unreal Engine 4 on mobile