Pernithia Galnith 
Keeping track of all the great games that are coming out on PC can be time-consuming – and pretty costly, at that. If you’re on a budget, Steam sales have your back, as they can dramatically decrease the price of an indie gem or a triple-A masterpiece. The Summer and Winter sales tend to last for two weeks, while the Spring and Fall sales usually run for a week. If you’ve missed the opportunity to claim the most profitable deals, there are just as many games you can play for free. So, let’s dive right into some top-tier free games on Steam, covering as varied genres as graphic novels and first-person shooters.
The Sims 4
The Sims 4 remains a must-play until its much-awaited successor drops sometime in 2025 or 2026. And the base game is now entirely free to play. Whether you’re nostalgic about your teenage years or looking for an entry point into the franchise, you’ll probably sink hundreds of hours into this iconic life sim, building the perfect home for your Sims and landing their dream job – or making their life hell.
As it was released ten years ago, there is ample additional content for you to browse. You can buy expansion packs to send your Sims to college, take them mountain climbing, or welcome a pet into their family. If you have no cash to spare on add-ons, you might download mods to try new gameplay features and improve some of the lacklustre aspects of the vanilla game.
Doki Doki Literature Club!
On the surface, Doki Doki Literature Club! Seems no different than your run-of-the-mill dating sim. This visual novel follows a high school student who joins the after-school literature club, where he can seduce cute girls or trap them in the friend zone. You might feel like this free-to-play game isn’t for you if you usually give anime-style romance a pass.
As Polygon puts it, however, Doki Doki Literature Club! It isn’t what it looks like. Beneath its seemingly ordinary pretenses lies a far more mature and unsettling narrative. While you’d better not dig too much into its plot to keep the experience spoiler-free, know that this hidden horror story will linger in your mind long after you’ve switched off your computer.
Fallout Shelter
Released on Prime Video to critical acclaim, the Fallout show put the franchise on the map for many non-gamers. If you find Fallout 4 or Fallout 76 too daunting for your beginner skills, Fallout 3 is probably the simplest place to start digging into the series’ lore.
You may also explore Fallout Shelter for free. This addictive management and construction game expands on the Fallout universe, placing you in control of an underground Vault you need to protect from the dangers that lurk around the Wasteland. From crafting useful items out of worthless junk to building comfortable living quarters where your dwellers can socialize, it is up to you to create a safe haven for your community to prosper.
Prominence Poker
Prominence Poker is an MMORPG that puts a fresh spin on Texas Hold ‘em, all with no hidden paywalls to hinder the experience. You can choose one of many modes, such as a solo career that pits you against the shady henchmen of Prominence City’s four factions, before you face the mysterious Mayor. If you prefer sitting down with real opponents, daily tournaments and challenges are available in multiplayer.
As fun as this free poker game may be, real card sharks may tire of grinding for fake money. In which case, they may explore sites like CasinoBonusCA to kickstart their gaming journey.
Hundreds of casino deals await for users to boost their bankroll, including no-deposit bonuses. Industry experts go in detail into the pros and cons of each offer. Plus, clear instructions make it easy to redeem these promotions.
Counter-Strike 2
Counter-Strike 2 had the daunting task of replacing the most popular competitive FPS ever, and it did so brilliantly. This free upgrade to Counter-Strike: Global Offensive takes the best of its predecessor and elevates it with fresh mechanics and vibrant worlds to rip into.
There’s a reason why the most recent chapter in the long-running CS history has enthralled millions of players, including esports champions and a wealth of celebrities like NBA superstar Nikola Jokic and football idol Neymar Jr. Those new to the Counter-Strike scene might want to hone their skills in casual mode before facing fiercely competitive players, though.
