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The Best Free Games to Play on PC

Fortnite Battle Royale


In the digital world we often see all manners of trends and fads. Yet, the popularity of online gaming shows no sign of disappearing. In fact, it’s constantly on the rise!

However, gaming can often be expensive. This is why we at FileHippo have decided to look at the best free games to play on PC. Multiplayer Online Battle Arena (MOBA) and Massively Multiplayer Online (MMO) games are on our radar this week.
These games are perfect if you’re into strategy and battle on a grand scale. Some of the games we’re going to look at in this article boast millions of followers. We hope that our suggestions will provide something for everyone.

FileHippo’s Best Free Games to Play on PC

Our list is in no way ranked or ordered. It contains a diverse mix of gaming opportunities. Whether you’re into fantasy or mid-20th century combat, you should find something here to suit your gaming desires!
Because we’re focussing on several games in this article, we’re not going to go into too much detail here. Fear not though, more information will be available on each game’s download and description page – linked under each title.
So, without further ado – here are ten popular games that Windows PC users can enjoy for free today.
Fortnite Battle Royale is one of the most widely played games out there right now. This 100-player, free-for-all shooter is a hit with both young and old.
With this light-hearted take on a classic game style you can enjoy novel weapons and fun characters. Fortnite’s active E-Sports community delight in building strongholds and forts. Staircases must also be built to infiltrate enemy bases.
So, if you’re looking for a game with a very large player base and extensive map, Fortnite is a great shout. The rules are simple; the last one standing wins.

Planetside 2 

This massively multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) is based around open-world territory and published by Sony Online Entertainment. It can feature large battles of up to 2,000 players per continent.
The Terran Republic, the New Conglomerate and the Vanu Sovereignty make up the three contesting factions. Planetside 2 also provides six distinct classes, with unique abilities and equipment.
Overall, there are few games that can match the scale of the battles enjoyed with Planetside 2. Like most of the games on this list, it is free to play but supported by in-game purchases. Users particularly enjoy the potential for battles with hundreds of other players, on land and in the air.

League of Legends

Also a prominent MMO, League of Legends sees two teams battle for control of each other’s base. Essentially, it is based around 3v3 or 5v5 player teams and offers many different game modes.
League of Legends is a hugely popular game pulling in around 40 million monthly players. The game’s community presence is just as strong, with constant leagues and E-Sports events held.
The game is constantly being updated. As of August 2018, there were 141 Champions that can be unlocked and played. Riot Games has worked hard to make this game accessible to beginners with easy to learn, yet hard to master, mechanics.
Overall, League of Legends is a very popular game with a massive player base and has topped its genre for years.

Path of Exile

Created by Grinding Gear Games, Path of Exile is set in the world of Wraeclast. The creators use algorithms to procedurally generate random areas and dungeons. This means there are a massive amount of variations when it comes to play experiences.
Path of Exile is regularly updated with extra content for players. Game expansions have also been regularly released, up to now there have been more than seven expansions.
Essentially, this game boasts a large online community, decent graphics and unlimited character customisation. The developer is also committed to the ‘Never Pay-to-Win’ mantra.
So, with Path of Exile you will be enjoying a deep and vast gaming experience with a large community and growing player base.

World of Tanks

Another MOBA, World of Tanks features its battles based around mid-20th century combat vehicles. This incredibly popular game allows you to join tankers from all over the world, fighting for victory in epic tank encounters.
As a new player you can find a bunch of helpful introductions and how-to guides from the community on the World of Tanks website.
Like League of Legends, World of Tanks has a very large player base and community following. Frequent tournaments are hosted by the game’s creators, who regularly update the game.
You can enjoy a bunch of achievements, awarded to players for exceptional performance in battle. This fun game comes with deep gameplay and great graphics, something scarcely expected from a -free-to-play offering.

Heroes of the Storm

Heroes of the storm free online gaming PC
Heroes of the Storm gives Windows users the opportunity to immerse themselves in a unique Blizzard universe. Along the journey you will get a chance to meet characters from games including Diablo, Starcraft and World of Warcraft.
Over 35 characters, all from a host of the best video games out there, appear and are separated into four classes – assassins, support, specialists and warriors. In fights, usually no longer than 15 minutes, several players dual in teams – all searching for victory which will give them more prestige.
Towns, both ‘allied’ and ‘mercenary’, can support teams and lend their swords to players respectively. The different settings will mean that events can be shaped by your choices, lending a completely diverse outcome based on different player’s preferences.
Overall, Heroes of the Storm provides an avenue of escapism and gaming enjoyability for diverse MMO fans. With a wealth of characters, weapons and game modes, you get a new experience every time you play, as well as the opportunity to interact with other like-minded gamers.

Rift

Set within the fantasy world of Telara, Rift – developed by Trion Worlds – attracts millions of players from across the world. If you’re into role-play, diverse game settings and escapism – this is a great shout.
At the start of the game each player must choose between four classes – cleric, mage, rogue or warrior. All can evolve as the player progresses through the ‘tree of souls’. Along the way you can also pick up more elements to personalise your character.
You will carry out a range of missions, defeating many enemies in your path. This can be done solo or with friends, you will also find battles between platers – the most effective way of gaining experience.
Overall, Rift provides a memorable gaming experience. Even though it is constantly being updated it retains its original charm and straightforward gameplay. With a far-reaching fantasy map and so many players each gaming experience will feel different.

Runescape

RuneScape is considered one of the most popular and in-demand virtual worlds out there. It is set in a fantasy terrain and has millions of players worldwide. Now it’s available for a Windows download and is updated twice a month, with fresh quests, challenges and content.
RuneScape’s creators promise that, whatever the gamers’ interests, their game offers something to suit everyone. Characters can get involved with fishing, crafting, cooking and farming as well as a wealth of other missions. Build and maintain your own house in this Tolkienesque setting.
Even today, RuneScape remains one of the most accessed and favoured virtual worlds. Gamers, usually between the ages of 11 and 18, can explore towns, dungeons, forests and intriguing building across a variety of landscapes and seascapes. With such a wide and open map, gameplay should never get old.
RuneScape’s reputation speaks for itself. With the brand having more than 200 million accounts set-up, it offers special memories for gamers of the past, present and future.
According to its loyal audience, that’s the main appeal of RuneScape; the escapism from the material world. Here gamers can create characters and personalities that they wouldn’t normally identify with.

Roblox

Created by Roblox Corporation, Roblox is a massively multiplayer online and game creation platform. In fact, it currently has over 15 million games created by its users and provides cross-platform play between PC, tablets, mobile and Xbox One.
Roblox players can buy, sell, and create virtual items through their online marketplace. Don’t worry, it comes with extensive parental controls aimed at keeping children safe online whilst playing the game.
There is a selection of chat options (no chat, chat with friends, chat with everyone), account age visibility (13+ or <13), an account PIN code feature, and an Account Restrictions setting that only allows children under 13 to access a curated list of age-appropriate games.
Essentially, Roblox is a fun, child-friendly game that also has educational aspects. It has a large active player base and vast community development projects. So, there is always something new to try out.

Elder Scrolls: Daggerfall 

The Elder Scrolls II: Daggerfall continues to be played by thousands and is still being updated regularly. The second instalment in the renowned role-playing saga is set in an open world and is a single-player action game.
Bethesda Softworks, the company behind the game, made sure that you will never be able to truly complete the game, as much of it is randomly generated. You don’t really need to play in quest or mission mode, you can just carry on at your own pace.
This edition of The Elder Scrolls is set in the Iliac Bay, where the protagonist – you – is sent by the Emperor at a personal request. You will have two objectives – firstly you must free a ghost from his earthly shackles and secondly you must work out what happened to a certain letter – but there’s lots more to do along the way.
The Elder Scrolls: Daggerfall, like the rest of the saga, continues to offer gamers freedom and enjoyment. With the downloadable game now over a decade old, it is still well played, offering a completely immersive space with countless areas to visit.

Final Thoughts

So, there you have it. Here’s ten captivating and impressive games you can start playing right now, all for free!
Of course, there are many more free gaming opportunities out there. If you enjoyed this article, let us know! That way we can shape our content to suit you and take another look at writing new gaming content.
In the meantime, be sure to check out FileHippo’s extensive range of games you can download for free today.
Thanks for reading, and happy gaming!

The Best Screen Recording Software for Windows


Are you looking for a top-class way to capture your computing activities in video or photo form? If so, you’ve come to the right place…

Screen recording software is more popular now than ever before. Also, it has become easier to use and acquire too! Several platforms will have built-in tools for screen capture these days.
But what can you do with screen recording software? Well, it brings a number of benefits to the table. Firstly, basic software will allow you to save content from a screen – either in video form or a simple screenshot.
This feature is great for saving online streaming videos or live video calls. Screen recording software can also be used to create product reviews or demonstrations, tutorials or reaction videos.
Moreover, advanced software of this kind will come with greater opportunities to enhance your content. This could include effects, different filming styles, editing tools and more diverse download capabilities.
So, to celebrate all the great screen recording software programs out there we’ve decided to create a Review article. During this post we are going to focus on four different pieces of screen recording software for Windows.
We’re well aware that people will have different screen recording needs. That’s why we’ve chosen our favourite solutions in four different areas.
We’ll look at the best free and advanced screen recorders, and the best for gaming and streaming purposes.
Don’t worry, we’ve put them all in a comparison table, just to highlight their pros and cons a little clearer!
 
APOWERSOFT FREE SCREEN RECORDER
MIRILLIS ACTION!
OBS STUDIO
CAMSTASIA STUDIO
Apowersoft free screen recorder logomirillis action screen recorder logoOBS studio streaming screen recorder logocamtasia studio screen recorder logo
Best for
Simplicity
Gaming
Streaming
Advanced Editing
Price
Free
See Price
Free
See Price
Webcam recording
Audio Capture
Built in video editor
Basic
Advanced
Advanced
Advanced
Effects library
Picture-in-picture capability
Livestream capability
🗙
Customisable
🗙
🗙
So, without further ado, let’s take a look!

Best for Simplicity: Apowersoft Free Screen Recorder

Key Features:
  • Incredibly simple screen recording.
  • Record the whole screen or custom region.
  • Multiple audio mode support.
  • Screen recording share support.
  • No limit on record time.
  • Allows webcam recordings.
  • Record picture-in-picture.
Apowersoft Free Screen Recorder is one of the easiest to use screen recorders out there. Not only has this robust application mastered the basics, it also has some standout advanced features too.
You can choose the audio input, take simple screenshots, annotate, add lines and arrows and much more. Users can then save and upload their content via FTP or YouTube and share it on your favourite social media platforms.
Apowersoft Free Screen Recorder can also export saved videos in a range of formats to suit your needs, including MP4, WMV, FLV, MPEG, VOB, ASF and GIF. It supports webcam recordings, and even allows the capture of audio alongside your video recordings.
Overall, Apowersoft Free Screen Recorder is a great screen recording tool that is simple to use. The application has a straightforward interface and even novice users will be able to get to grips with the layout and functions.


Best for gaming: Mirillis Action!

Key features include:
  • Greenscreen mode.
  • Live stream to popular streaming services.
  • Time-shift recording.
  • Audio recording.
  • Optimized video player.
  • Slow motion effects.
  • Free Android app.
This option is feature-rich, stylish and user-friendly. It’s a great screen recorder and game play recording software solution.
It allows the streaming and real-time recording of your Windows desktop, music recording, and screenshot captures in brilliant HD quality and has multiple features to include webcams and microphone commentary.
Mirillis Action! comes with a ton of features to make your streaming and recording processes quick and easy. Use hotkeys to save a screenshot directly to your hard disc without interrupting your work or game play, or to save your best game play actions instantly with time-shift recording.
It even includes a free Android app that allows you to monitor and control your game play and screen recordings, including options to check the frame rate or start, stop and pause recordings easily in real time.
For sound, Mirillis Action! provides the ability to add live audio commentary to your streaming and recording. It can even record everything you hear on your PC in real-time and allows you to adjust the sound levels to create the perfect audio experience for your videos.
Overall, Mirillis Action! is a popular, comprehensive screen recorder and game play recording software solution. It’s packed with great features and allows high performance streaming and high-quality recording of your screen and game play.


Best for streaming: OBS Studio

Key features include:
  • Video recording and live streaming software.
  • Completely free and open-source.
  • Allows plug-ins and scripts for customisation.
  • High performance video and audio capture and mixing.
  • Add live facecam or picture-in-picture.
  • Large transition library.
  • Set hotkeys for actions.
  • Studio mode.
  • Modular ‘Dock’ UI.
OBS Studio is a popular free and open source video recording and live streaming tool for Windows PC. It comes with a powerful range of features that allow you to create professional videos and live stream set-ups.
Scenes can be gathered from multiple sources including window captures, images, text, browser windows, webcams, capture cards and more. OBS Studio is especially loved by Twitch streamers because of its flexible setup capabilities and the ability to add facecam to your live streams. You can add an unlimited number of scenes switch between them seamlessly via custom transitions.
You can completely customize every aspect of your recording or broadcasting with the Streamline settings. OBS Studio also implements a modular UI that allows the user to rearrange the layout or open elements in their own window. This means you can create a fully customised setup that works exactly how you need it to.
OBS Studio is built for collaboration and customisation. It is equipped with a powerful API to allow plugins and scripts that allow you to use the software in a way that suits your unique needs. Because it is open source, it also allows you to work with community developers to create the features you need.
Overall, OBS Studio is a powerful and feature-filled program for video recording and live streaming on windows PC. It is open source, completely free, and allows you to unlock powerful customisation and functionality to suit your specific needs.


Best for advanced editing features: Camtasia Studio

Key features include:
  • Screen recording for Windows PC.
  • Webcam recording.
  • Simultaneously record video and audio.
  • Built-in video editor.
  • Add effects, transitions and animations.
  • Royalty-free music and audio library.
  • Add interactive quizzes to your videos.
  • Record and import presentations.
  • Create picture-in-picture videos.
If you’re looking for next level features, Camtasia Studio is a great all-in-one screen recorder and video editor for Windows PC. It is a simple to use application that allows you to record and create professional-looking videos with ease.
With Camtasia Studio, creating impressive presentations, YouTube videos, and tutorials has never been easier. Because it is so simple to use, it is a great piece of software for all users to create professional quality videos for a wide variety of purposes.
Camtasia Studio allows you to record everything on your Windows PC screen and webcam; it can be used to create endless types of content. The built-in video editor allows you to add various transitions, effects, animations, and captions to your videos, making it perfect for creating tutorial videos and guides.
Another impressive feature of Camtasia Studio is the built-in library of royalty-free music and sound effects. Simply choose an audio element to instantly upgrade your recording. It even includes audio editing features to ensure your video’s audio is as good as it can be.
Overall, Camtasia Studio is a useful all-in-one screen recorder and video editor for Windows PC. It is incredibly simple to use and includes some great features to help you create professional-quality videos easily.


Final Thoughts

So, there you have it. Four brilliant pieces of screen recording software, all excelling in different areas.
Hopefully this article has given you more of an insight of the benefits of screen recording, and the best software to achieve your personal needs.
Of course, once you’ve decided you’re going to need to find out how best to use it! Are you an avid gamer? Check out our tutorial on How to Record Video Games on PC for YouTube, which looks deeper at screen recording solutions.
At FileHippo we have a wealth of other Review and Comparison articles for you to enjoy. Maybe Great Video Editing Software for Mac to Download Today could be your next read?
Until next time, happy screen recording!

5 Free Messaging Apps for Windows 10


It has never been so easy to communicate via the internet. It’s getting to the point where the youth of today don’t know the difference between an SMS or MMS text.

That’s because there are so many free messaging apps for us to use when we want and how we want. To celebrate that fact, in this blog we are going to look at five of the best options for Windows 10 users.
Yes, it’s been difficult to only choose five of our favourites. Here at FileHippo.com we have an extensive catalogue of Chat and Messaging Software for you to discover.
Nevertheless, here we will examine only five. Making the list is Facebook MessengerDiscord MessengerSlackViber and, of course, WhatsApp.
For us, these choices represent the cream of all the free messaging apps for Windows 10 out there. However, you may disagree. That’s the beautiful thing about tech software, everyone will look for something different in a program. So, be sure to check out our full range too!
Free messaging apps open up a world of opportunities for free, safe and instant communication. As you would expect many of the best options come from the big names like Skype and Yahoo! Facebook and WhatsApp are also in that category, and their messaging apps make it on this list.
That being said, there is also an Aladdin’s cave of often underestimated apps from publishers that the average person hasn’t heard of before. As always, we would urge you to check them out as well as the famous names. You may just unearth a real gem hiding in the download lists!
So, without further ado, let’s look at five free messaging apps for Windows 10 that you can enjoy today.

Facebook Messenger

This is perhaps the most common and obvious free messaging option out there. Almost every one of us will have, or have once had, a Facebook account. If you do, you’re encouraged to download the Messenger app.
It works great on a mobile, connecting with all your media files and contacts. But the great news for Windows 10 users is that it works just as well on a PC – and you don’t have to be signed into Facebook on a browser either.
Key Features
  • Send photos and videos.
  • Make calls anywhere in the world.
  • Record voice messages.
  • Group chats.
  • Thousands of stickers to choose from.
  • Read status updates.
That’s right, you can respond to chats right from your desktop. So, whether you’re using another app or browsing other websites, you can stay connected without having to click away!
The app also has a built-in notifier that will keep you alert to new comments, photo tags and much more as well.
Overall, you’re sure to get a great overall experience with this free messaging solution. You can bet a lot of people will be using similar means too, so pretty much all of your friends and family will be contactable around the clock.

WhatsApp

Here’s our second well-known free messaging option. WhatsApp has been around for some time now and has become a renowned messaging service.
Windows 10 users will be delighted to know that WhatsApp launched a desktop app for PC, as well as its mobile service.
Key Features:
  • Send photos and videos.
  • Change settings.
  • Star Messages.
  • Group Chats.
  • Record voice settings.
People love the desktop version as it doesn’t need to take up any valuable storage space on your web browser. Essentially it works as an extension of your phone. So, it will mirror the conversations and messages found on your device.
Don’t worry, using the desktop version of WhatsApp is easy. As soon as you have downloaded and installed the app, you simply need to scan the QR code on the screen with your phone using WhatsApp (Open WhatsApp, click Menu and select WhatsApp Web). Then, as soon as it is recognised, the desktop app will be linked with your account.
Using the desktop version of the app comes with advantages including proper native desktop notifications and better keyboard shortcuts. You simply need WhatsApp installed and working on your phone and Windows 10 on your desktop.

Discord Messenger

Now, the average man on the street – depending on where you are – may not have heard of Discord Messenger as much as our previous solutions.
However, that doesn’t mean that it’s not a fantastic choice, especially for avid gamers. This massively popular communication platform allows the user to create channels and separate rooms within them. This way you can communicate with friends via text or voice.
Key Features:
  • Chat with small and large groups.
  • Send text and voice messages.
  • Set up different servers to chat with different groups.
  • Invite friends to server with unique invite link.
  • Runs in the background as you play games if you install app.
Don’t worry about any unwanted intruders coming in on your conversations either. Access restrictions can be set on individual channels that restrict entry to invited users only. So there’s no fear of people accidentally being added to a private chat! It’s almost fool proof!
But don’t worry if you’re not a gamer. Discord Messenger channels are not centred exclusively around gaming. Communities for pretty much any hobby, passion, or pastime can be found online.
Overall, Discord Messenger provides text and voice communication to a huge array of communities. Although it seems to have found a home predominantly with gamers, don’t let this put you off! There is something for everyone.

Slack

Slack is incredibly popular with working teams of all sizes. This online social messaging platform means people can collaborate on projects more effectively.
Users can create a team in Slack, and then log in to hold group or private chats, share data and links with each member of that team and discuss the project together. All of the communications that are held on Slack are grouped into different Channels, and everything that is created is searchable.
Key Features:
  • Project-friendly structure.
  • Collaborate with teams.
  • Create chat channels with their own permissions.
  • Add bots and auto moderators.
  • Integrate with other tools.
  • Share files.
  • Task list management.
Slack organises team conversations into open channels. The great thing about using channels is they can be utilised by everyone; all users have a transparent view of all its aspects. If you have sensitive information to discuss, users can create private channels and invite only the team members you choose.
A really useful feature of Slack is the file sharing capability. You can drag and drop files, documents, PDFs, images, and videos to share with anyone and get immediate feedback and discussion via comments. You can also star it for later reference, and all data is completely searchable.
Overall, Slack is a superb service that allows teams to communicate in real time together. It offers support for private groups and 1:1 direct messaging. So, no matter what device or platform a team member may be using, they are always able to keep up.
With advanced features including encrypted messaging, and over 100 integrations, with an open API to build more, it’s no wonder Slack is highly respected communications solution.

Viber

Our last, but in no means least, capable solution is Viber. This popular free Voice-over IP messaging service is often described as a Skype alternative. The Viber PC client takes the convenience of the mobile app and brings it to your PC so you can stay connected even when you don’t have your mobile phone.
A key difference between Viber and Skype is that with Skype you can’t communicate with all of your mobile phone contacts that are also using the service. With Viber you can. Voice call, chat, send SMS, pictures and videos for free to any of your phone contacts who also have the app installed.
Key Features:
  • Group calling.
  • Sharing contacts.
  • Exchange information.
  • Send files.
  • High protection.
  • Use of stickers.
Viber has really impressive video calling capabilities. You can even call up to 100 of your contacts at the same time! A simple UI tops off the package nicely.
To use Viber on your Windows PC you will first need to install Viber on your mobile phone (Android, iPhone, Blackberry, Symbian and Windows Phone apps available).
Next install the Windows desktop client on your PC and sign in to synchronize your contacts across the two devices. Then you’re done, call and chat to your heart’s content at no cost.

Final Thoughts

So, over the course of this article we have examined five incredibly efficient and enjoyable software messaging solutions.
As in all of our Software Comparison articles, we always stress that everyone will have different preferences when it comes to choosing software.
If these options aren’t exactly what you’re looking for, be sure to check out our extensive range of Chat and Messaging Software options to find one that suits you.
Is there a program that you’re using that’s not on our list? Be sure to let us know!