Paladins

Paladins is the game that fills a specific gap: a free hero shooter with broad crossplay that works when your group wants something light and nobody wants to spend money first. It is not as polished as Overwatch 2 or Marvel Rivals, and the player population has shrunk from its peak, but matchmaking still finds games and the loadout customisation gives it a layer the bigger competitors do not have. I have used it as a fallback option at sessions when something else was not cooperating, and it does the job. Do not expect a revelatory experience. Expect a functional, accessible hero shooter that costs nothing and mostly gets out of your way.

Paladins is here as a reference point, not a recommendation. It fails the fundamental requirement for this list: its co-op mode amounts to a versus-AI training option, not a supported co-op PvE pillar. The core game is a PvP hero shooter, and that's what it's built around. On top of the co-op disqualification, Hi-Rez Studios has significantly reduced development investment in recent years, and the live service health in 2026 is uncertain. If you're looking for a free team-based shooter on PS5, the PvP-forward games that were explicitly excluded from this list (Apex Legends, Overwatch 2) are healthier options for that specific use case. Paladins doesn't serve the co-op audience this article is written for.

Paladins offers an easy entry to hero shooters with accessible champion unlocks and a broad roster, but its dated visuals and mechanics place it behind modern free alternatives. With Overwatch 2 now free-to-play, Paladins fills a niche for players needing lighter hardware requirements or preferring a more casual, relaxed take on objective-based team play. It's solid for lower-spec PCs and casual sessions.

Paladins brings deep hero customization through its unique card loadout system, letting you tailor each champion to your playstyle. With crossplay support, a generous roster unlock pace, and fair monetization that keeps power out of the shop, it's a reliable pick for squads wanting team-based shooter action without spending a dime. The playerbase is smaller than newer competitors, but matchmaking stays healthy.

Paladins brings ability-driven team fights to low-end PCs with stable performance on older hardware and integrated graphics. The card-based loadout system adds depth, while fair progression rewards steady play without forcing purchases. Regular updates and events keep matches fresh, though the install is larger than most budget titles and champions unlock over time. Best for players wanting hero shooter depth without taxing their rig.

Paladins delivers hero shooter gameplay on hardware that struggles with Overwatch 2. Built on UE3, it scales cleanly to 720p Low on integrated graphics like UHD 620, hitting 60 FPS without sacrificing responsive gunplay or ability timing. The ~30GB install and modest bandwidth needs make it practical for budget laptops. Regular updates add some download overhead, but it remains the best free hero shooter for low-end machines.