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Depending on which study you look at, somewhere between half and three-quarters of the British population enjoy playing games. The hobby has exploded in popularity in recent years as it has become easier than ever to get involved. Among users of The Money Shed, it’s a popular form of entertainment with many members taking part in gaming discussions.
In addition to the traditional consoles and computers that have been used to play video games over several decades, contemporary gamers can also choose to play on a smartphone, tablet, or virtual reality headset.
But gaming can very quickly add up if you’re not careful. Right now, you will struggle to find a new PlayStation 5 anywhere for much less than £450 for the entry-level device or £500 for the standard model. On top of that most games will set you back around £50-60, while the cheapest PS Plus subscription is £50 a year (or more if you choose to pay monthly).
PC gamers can be on the hook for even more cash, with a powerful computer to play all the latest titles in all their glory likely to cost thousands.
It doesn’t have to be this way, though. There are plenty of things that games can get for free to help them enjoy their hobby without breaking the bank.
Free Games
Of course, the holy grail of freebies for gamers is titles that are entirely free and the good news is that these are in an abundance today. Some of these free games are available at no cost all the time, while others are given away for short periods as part of a promotion.
Epic Games is a good source of these short-term freebies. Its store usually offers at least one game each week for free, with players able to download them and enjoy them just as they would if they’d bought them.
Free-to-play games are another way to enjoy gaming content without having to put your hand in your pocket. The model is a relatively new one, but it has quickly become an incredibly popular way to distribute and consume video games.
These types of game are free to download, install, and play, though players may be shown ads and/or given the opportunity of buying optional in-game items and customisations to enhance and augment their experience.
Epic Games also has one of the most popular free-to-play titles, Fortnite. This battle royale game has become a huge hit thanks to its fun mechanics, endearing graphics, near-universal compatibility, and regular stream of updates.
Free Guides and Walkthroughs
In years gone by, if you were a player who wanted to learn how to play a game or you were struggling to beat a particular level then you’d have to pay for a strategy guide. These were printed books that covered all the details of a game, for example, the Grand Theft Auto guides listed all the cars and weapons, provided walkthroughs for each mission, and identified the location of each Easter egg so you could reach 100% completion.
Today, however, all of this information is available for free on the internet. For each GTA title, the same help can be found in online guides at no cost, often with videos that make it easier to understand the instructions.
Similarly, rather than buying books that explain the rules of poker and different strategies that can be used during games, players can find resources online. For example, sites like PokerStars have resources that cover the basics like rules and mechanics as well as more advanced elements, all of which can be accessed for free.
Free Gaming Content
When you’re passionate about something, you want to immerse yourself in as much of it as possible and gaming is no exception. That’s why many players enjoy watching streaming content on sites like Twitch.
On these platforms, skilled players and talented entertainers broadcast themselves playing video games, talking to the camera, and interacting with the viewers and it comes at no cost to you.
Watching this content is a great way to learn more about a game’s community, find new tips and tricks for improving your own skills, and even to make new friends by interacting in the comments section.
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