The prices of video games have been steadily increasing, making gaming an increasingly costly pastime for console and PC aficionados alike. Many players, whether devoted to Steam or nostalgic for classics on GOG (Good Old Games), often find themselves waiting for discounts or curbing their purchases. While numerous games deliver outstanding value, there are times when you’d rather indulge in gaming without the stress of hefty expenditures.
Current market trends reveal that a typical console title can cost up to $80, with projections suggesting that the highly anticipated GTA6 may even reach $100. Meanwhile, brand-new AAA PC games are priced around $60, although smaller indie titles usually retail between $20 and $40. Considering the combined expense of gaming consoles, high-end PCs, and game purchases, it’s no wonder that gamers are seeking alternative methods to expand their libraries without overspending. Fortunately, there are various avenues for snagging exceptional titles at minimal cost.
Claim Your Free Games Today
Discover Weekly Deals and Weekend Previews
Numerous platforms offer completely free games, genuinely no strings attached. While it may sound unbelievable, there are places where you can download and enjoy a variety of games at no cost.
Epic Games releases a free game every Thursday at 8 a.m. PT. These titles are yours to keep indefinitely, provided you have an Epic account and access them through the Epic Games PC platform (with even more options available on their mobile store). The range of free games varies from indie gems like Cat Quest and Dredge to blockbuster titles such as Jurassic World and Castlevania. Be sure to check back frequently, as Epic occasionally offers multiple free games simultaneously.
In addition, GOG (Good Old Games) and Steam boast substantial collections of free games. GOG often features classic titles like the original Postal, Ultima, and Elder Scrolls, while Steam offers a broader selection that includes newfound favorites. Notably, some iconic Steam releases, such as Doki Doki Literature Club and A Date with Death, began as free games. One of my top picks is Heroine’s Quest: The Herald of Ragnarok, a unique Norse adaptation of the classic 1989 Sierra adventure game, Quest for Glory.
When browsing Steam, it’s essential to note that it doesn’t distinctly categorize fully free games compared to those that are free-to-play (typically featuring online multiplayer or microtransactions) or free-to-try (such as demos or first chapters). This means you may need to spend some time searching for true free offerings.
Moreover, Steam presents free weekend promotions that allow you to play specific titles without charge over the weekend. While this doesn’t grant you permanent access, it’s a fantastic opportunity to test various games before deciding on a purchase. Current free weekend offerings can be found on the Steam platform or through SteamDB.
Another excellent source for free games is itch.io. This platform is ideal for both current and aspiring developers looking to share their projects at no cost. However, always read reviews when trying out these games, as they’re not reviewed by any third party. Itch.io is a great space for discovering experimental games while supporting up-and-coming developers. Some notable mentions include the nostalgic rhythm game Friday Night Funkin’ and the popular horror golfing game, Greener Grass Awaits.
Explore the Best Platforms to Win Free Games
Find Giveaways for Games Big and Small
The platforms mentioned previously constantly offer free games, but additional options abound for gamers eager to score free titles through community generosity. Here are some active Discord and Reddit communities that host game giveaways:
The Steam Game Swap subreddit is particularly useful for those with extra Steam keys from bundles or previous giveaways. Users can post their available games in exchange for titles they desire, creating a valuable trading community.
Additionally, indie developers often visit gaming Subreddits to offer complimentary copies of their games to gamers willing to provide feedback. Stay alert in communities such as IndieGames for potential giveaways from independent studios seeking players’ insights.
If you’re fortunate enough to acquire a free game from an indie developer and enjoy it, consider leaving a review on Steam or the platform where it is hosted. While not obligatory, your feedback can be instrumental in helping the developer reach a broader audience.
Finally, for an expansive collection of deals—spanning both free games and significant discounts—head to the GameDeals Reddit page, where enthusiasts share free and heavily discounted titles. The IsThereAnyDeal website is another fantastic resource for finding free and discounted PC titles and checking if your wishlisted games are on sale across various platforms. With these resources at your fingertips, you’ll build an impressive library of free PC games in no time.
Source: Epic Games, Steam, GOG, SteamDB, itch.io, Steam Giveaways/Reddit, Random Acts of Gaming/Reddit, Steam Game Swap/Reddit, IndieGames/Reddit, GameDeals/Reddit, IsThereAnyDeal