I've been on a bit of a kick lately, finding and downloading all the free rulebooks I can find.

My top 3 so far have been this.  Again, they're all free to download.

1.  Mini-Six Bare Bones Edition.  This is Star Wars D6, but simplified to be only 30 pages, nerfed a bit where it really needed it, and yet also has two sets of rules for easier/faster combat or traditional D6 combat, and two different ways to track damage.  Also, this set of rules can be used for other settings like Fantasy, or Steampunk, or any Sci-Fi universe you want to play in, but the draw for me was Star Wars.

2.  Basic Fantasy RPG.  I've bought and read D&D books before, but I can't say I like the rules from any of them that much.  Even the free set of starter rules from their website, D&D basic Rules 2018.

However, this game looks like it would be easy to play.  It also impressed me with now much other stuff it packed into the book, like minions and castle siege rules.  None of my other games have that, and I own a few.

3.  Pocket Fantasy RPG.  Now this is taking the idea of reducing a game to is most basic level to an insane degree, in this case to just 4 pages long.  All dice rolls are just a 1D6.  Characters only have 2 stat numbers, their weapon skill and their hit points, determined by their class.  They also get a few race and class abilities.  Re-rolls play a big part of the rules as well.  It may be just enough to play a game, but good games are fun because of the story made by the players and GM, not by the math and lots of rules you have to remember.

For me I think Mini-Six Bare Bones Editiion is my favorite right now.  It rekindled my love for Star Wars RPGs, its compatible with all their old books, but the rules just make a lot more sense.

Which games do you like that are free?

Not exactly what you mean by free but I really like Dragon Warriors and the PDF is pay what you want (so effectively free).

https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/90926/Dragon-Warriors?term=Dragon+Warrior

SWN and Godbound

Searchers of the Unknown. Minimalist old school compatible ruleset that you can memorize or put on a character sheet, with a clever mechanic. Great for pick up games.

Old School Hack:

http://www.oldschoolhack.net/

GURPS Ultra-LITE.

Quote from: Rhedyn on November 05, 2020, 08:10:49 PM
SWN and Godbound

Seconded.

Quote from: weirdguy564 on November 05, 2020, 04:54:47 PM
2.  Basic Fantasy RPG.  <snip> this game looks like it would be easy to play.  It also impressed me with now much other stuff it packed into the book, like minions and castle siege rules.  None of my other games have that, and I own a few.

Agreed. BFRPG is a solid game, well organized, and a lot of fun to play.

Quote from: weirdguy564 on November 05, 2020, 04:54:47 PM

1.  Mini-Six Bare Bones Edition.  This is Star Wars D6, but simplified to be only 30 pages, nerfed a bit where it really needed it, and yet also has two sets of rules for easier/faster combat or traditional D6 combat, and two different ways to track damage.  Also, this set of rules can be used for other settings like Fantasy, or Steampunk, or any Sci-Fi universe you want to play in, but the draw for me was Star Wars.

I really dig Mini Six too though I haven't actually played it much.

I enjoy Low Fantasy Gaming.  The free version is actually better than the Deluxe version (which is not free).  I can't think of another game I'd put in that category.

Basic Fantasy is good

As is Delving Deeper

Quote from: Vidgrip on November 06, 2020, 04:17:57 PM
I enjoy Low Fantasy Gaming.  The free version is actually better than the Deluxe version (which is not free).  I can't think of another game I'd put in that category.

LFG is my favorite freebie as well.  The players pretty much use the free version for playing unless someone really wants an option out of the deluxe or the companion. 

I use my deluxe copy and the companion since I am the DM, that way the players don't have to bother with the extra bits.

Another vote for Mini Six. Distilled my favorite system into an even more user friendly package AND made it free.

I also had some good times with Dungeonslayers. Rules-lightish class based fantasy rpg with an older D&D feel. I think the site is gone but the pdf is still floating around out there.

Have to go with BFRPG as well, for the sheer amount of material out there for it.

EABAnywhere.

Mini Six is my favourite, and I'm GMing a Mini Six campaign. Campaign page at https://simonsprimevalthule.blogspot.com/2020/01/the-valley-of-scorn-palace-of-silver.html may have something useful for you.