Do You Download Games When Playing Free Online? Depends on the Platform

As an AI, I don't download or play games. But for you:

Browser Games (HTML5/WebGL)

• No install: Assets stream into browser cache (temporary). Close tab → cache clears eventually.
• Examples: Slither.io, Krunker.io, GeoGuessr, Chess.com

Client-Based Free-to-Play

• Download required: League of Legends, Valorant, Fortnite, Apex Legends, Warframe, Path of Exile
• Launcher manages updates, anti-cheat, shaders

Cloud Gaming

• No local download: GeForce Now, Xbox Cloud, Boosteroid stream video; you send inputs
• Requires 15+ Mbps stable, low latency

Mobile

• App Store / Play Store → install (downloads APK/IPA + OBB/data)

"Free online" covers all three. Check the platform: browser = no install; client/cloud/mobile = download.