There are many excellent free games onSteam, but the trick is knowing how to find them. Steam has plenty of titles in its “Free to Play” section but most of them are either MMOs likeDoTA 2or have microtransactions and additional content packs for sale, likeThe Sims 4.
Truly free titles do exist, but they’re not always easy to spot amid Steam’s thousands of offerings, especially since there’s no separate tag for them. It may take some digging around among the “free” games on the Steam platform, but it’s worth it.From creepy experimental horror experiences to hilariously branded dating sims, some Steam titles are not only fantastic and well-made but also truly, completely, 100% free.
10Dr. Langeskov, The Tiger, and The Terribly Cursed Emerald: A Whirlwind Heist Is Short But Excellent
Developed And Published By Crows Crows Crows
Two years after William Pugh worked onThe Stanley Parablealongside Davey Wreden, his studio Crows Crows Crows created this free Steam gem.Dr. Langeskov, The Tiger, and The Terribly Cursed Emerald: A Whirlwind Heistisonly about 15 minutes long, meaning that it might take you longer to say the game’s name than to play it.
Evidence of the game’sdeadpan brand of humorcan be seen before you even download or open the game, in a Steam description that gives up halfway through and becomes a rant about underpaid writers having to work in the wildlife preparation department, and “everybody knows that working for wildlife preparation is mostly about trying very hard not to be eaten by the tiger.” All you have to do is enter the game through the door and… wait, what’s that? Someone’s already playing it? Well, then, you’ll just have to go backstage, instead.
9Aperture Desk Job is A Quick Dive Into The Portal Universe
Developed And Published By Valve
Even the biggest fans of thePortalgames might not know that this game exists. The free title is only about half an hour long and ismore of a tech demo for the Steam Deck than a full game, hence its nonexistent price tag. Even so, it’s a chance to revisit the “modestly popular Portal games,” as the Steam description calls it, with all the humor and excellent writing fans have come to expect from thePortalgames.
I’ve Just Discovered This Hilarious Half-Life Trick Valve Used To Boost Sales, & Honestly, More Games Should Try It
Half-Life was apparently a trailblazer for a marketing trend that has become a staple of the video game industry, but the idea was so simple.
In this playable short, you’re greeted by the robot Grady, who informs you thatyou’re a product inspector. Your job is to sit at your inspection desk and test items like toilets, ovens, and other appliances. Failure to thoroughly test the products may have…explosiveconsequences. As Grady glibly puts it, “You think your job is bad? Huh. Your jobisbad.“It’s noHalf-Life 3,butAperture Desk Jobis agreat quick dip back into thePortaluniverse.
8Mandagon Is A Beautiful Game Inspired By Tibetan Philosophy
Developed And Published By Blind Sky Studios
AlthoughMandagonis technically a platformer, you won’t be completingCeleste-style maneuvers here. Instead, the beautiful pixel game is aslow and contemplative experiencewith minimal stressors and no way to die. This allows you to take in the environment as you make your way throughBardo, the Tibetan version of limbo, a space between death and rebirth.
You play a simple cube, exploring this space and navigating the intricately decorated landscape at your own pace. Thehand-crafted worldofMandagonwas clearly designed by someone with a lot of love for the project. The free title is the only project by Blind Sky Studios, which is a real shame as the game is a truly unique experience. If you love the art and music of the game, the artbook and OST are also available completely free on Steam.
7The WereCleaner Is A Cute 2D Cleaning Game That Hides Some Secrets
Developed By Howlin' Hugs And Published By USC Games
Kyle is a janitor who works the night shift at a totally ordinary office building.Kyle is also a werewolf, which makes it understandably difficult to get through the night. Play as the adorable pup Kyle as he cleans up the messes left by the daytime workers at the office, all the while trying to avoid, trick, or kill the stragglers left behind during the nighttime.
One Of My Favorite Games Of 2024 Mixes Animal Crossing’s Cuteness With Gory Body Horror
One of my highlights of 2024 so far has been a charming indie stealth game, The WereCleaner, that’s currently free to play on Steam.
The office seems to have its own secrets it doesn’t want uncovered, which are revealed slowly throughout the game. As Kyle cleans upincreasingly concerning messes, the story of what’s really going on is revealed. By the end of this cute little stealth-horror-comedy game, being a werewolf may end up being the least of Kyle’s troubles.
6Heroine’s Quest: The Herald of Ragnarok Is A Norse Take On A 1980s Classic
Developed And Published by Crystal Shard
Full disclosure: The 1989 Sierra gameQuest for Gloryis my favorite game of all time. I’ve never found another game that so perfectly combines all the elements I love about adventure games and imbues it wholly with a cheeky humor that still makes me laugh.Heroine’s Questmanages tocapture the essence ofQuest for Gloryand put a Norse mythology twist on it.
Heroine’s Questallows you to play as a warrior, sorceress, or rogue as youembark on a journey to end the eternal wintercreated by the last of the Frost Giants. Each class has its own way of approaching things, allowing for completely different playthroughs depending on who you play as.
I have a personal soft spot for the Crystal Shard team: When I managed to soft-lock the game back around 2018 (my own fault, not the game’s), not only did they send me a fixed save file, but they even made sure to give it a name based on the save I had sent them.
From the pixel art style to the dialogue and humor, this free Steam game is theperfectnostalgic trip back to the heyday of adventure games. If you’d like to support the developers, you can purchase theHeroine’s Quest: Developer Appreciation Packageversion of the game at a mere $2.99.
5An Arcade Full Of Cats
Developed And Published By Devcats
An Arcade Full of Catslets you play a game about cats made by cats. Well, not really—but the Devcats studio lists only the developers' six furry companions as the creators of this and a number of similar games. There are hundreds of “find the hidden image” games on Steam, and most of them are mediocre at best. TheX Full of Catsseries is a delightful change from the norm, featuring adistinct style that’s pleasing to look at and fun to search through.
Most of the other games cost a few dollars, butAn Arcade Full of Catsis completely free. In this installment of the series, the kitties Leo and Fofiño hop into their DeLorean and travel back in time through the different eras of the video game arcade, from 1980 to 2000. Players mustfind cats hidden amid arcade machines and even inside some of the games. The game is packed full of Easter eggs and cat puns in a celebration of the history of video games and the joy of rescuing cats in need of a good home.
4I Love You, Colonel Sanders! A Finger Lickin’ Good Dating Simulator Is Exactly As Advertised
Developed By Psyop And Published By KFC
No, you’re not reading that wrong and yes, it isthatColonel Sanders. This official dating sim stars none other than the mascot of the fried chicken fast food chain, KFC. This freeSteam visual novelstars a dreamy anime version of the Colonel, who’sjoined by a quirky cast of characters,including the esteemed Professor Dog. The game features hours of playtime, secret endings, cooking battles, and a chance to “earn a degree from a fictional culinary school.”
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The title describes itself as “the most delicious dating simulator ever created” and encourages players to try and win the heart of Colonel Sanders. If you play your cards right, you might just find the Colonel willing to whisper sweet nothings in your ear (but don’t hold out hope for that secret 11 herbs and spices recipe).
3Doronko Wanko Is An Adorable Puppy Game From The Makers Of Elden Ring
Developed By Bandai Namco Studios And Published By Phoenixx
It’s hard to believe that the same studio that created the dark and incredibly challenging 2022 game of the year,Elden Ring, is also responsible for this adorable game about Pomeranian pups. Developed by Namco Bandai,Doranko Wanko is a delightful game about pomenanians getting dirtyand partaking in shenanigans.
You get to play as a fluffy cloud-dog, getting into messes and spreading mud and dirt around the house. Splashing dirt in certain locations canreveal the way to the legendary “Good Smell Room"that the pup is definitely not allowed in, and certainly not after it’s bathed in muck. As you play, you’ll rack up cleaning bills and make an all-around mess, but it’s okay because you’re a cute Pomeranian, and no one can stay mad at that adorable face!
2Yume Nikki Is A Surreal Horror Experience
Developed By Kikiyama And Published By PLAYISM
Made in RPG Maker 2003,Yume Nikkiis a great example of horror done well without needing to have the most advanced graphics. The game centers around a girl named Madotsuki, who is unable to leave her home. Instead,Madotsuki spends her time exploring her ethereal dreams and collecting “Effects"which change her appearance. Though certain cutscenes and events can be triggered, the majority of the game is spent simply walking and exploring the dreamy settings that Madotsuki finds herself in.
The game plays out like a fever dreamand might be called an experience rather than a “game,” since there’s no true goal or gameplay. The creepy atmosphere is enhanced by disturbing visuals that leave you feeling unsettled.Yume Nikkihas earned a place as a cult classic, paving the way for a followup titledYume Nikki: Dream Diaryin 2018. Asan experimental title, the unconventional design won’t be everyone’s cup of tea, but at the unbeatable price of $0, it’s worth a try.
1Doki Doki Literature Club Is A Horror Game Disguised As A Dating Sim
Developed And Published By Team Salvato
Doki Doki Literature Clubmight be the most famous free Steam game, taking the internet by storm when it launched in 2017. On the surface,the game resembles a traditional cutesy dating sim visual novel,where the nameless protagonist gets to interact with and romance the four members of his school’s literature club. The gameplay is split between having conversations with the girls and a minigame whereplayers have to compose a poem.
“This game is not suitable for children or those who are easily disturbed.”
The first indication that something isn’t quite right in the world ofDDLCis the content warning, which warns players that the game is not suitable for “those who are easily disturbed.” As you make your way through the game,things take a turn for the disturbing, touching on complicated topics and completely turning the idea of the dating game (and games, in general) on its head.
A paid version with additional content calledDoki Doki Literature Club Plus!was released in 2021, but the free version is still available to download and play for anyone who’s interested. If you’ve somehow managed not to spoil yourself on this free gem, and even if you’ve heard about it but never played it, this excellent mind-bending experience is well worth a playthrough, and one of the best freeSteamgames on the platform.
