Steam should absolutely be the platform of choice for those who want to build an entire library of free games. Developers frequently release entire games for free, ranging from triple-A masterpieces to humble indies with big and bold new ideas, or discount existing ones by 100% for a limited time. These titles aren’t just the live service gacha games typically associated with the free-to-play genre, but genuine games well worth your time and investment.

Recently, Steam dropped six games completely for free, allowing users to add them to their libraries with absolutely no catch. The only difficulty is the time to grab them is rather short: just 24 hours. Fortunately, for those who are fast enough, they’re worth the very minor hassle of opening the Steam app, hitting add to library, and then downloading them. Below you’ll find all six and what you can expect from each of them.

The first game available during the free weekend event on Steam is Metal Gear Solid – Master Collection Version. This is just the first Metal Gear Solid game in the collection and not the whole collection itself, but it is nevertheless worth downloading, especially for those who want to give it a try before committing to buy all of the games. It does also come with the original two Metal Gear games, alongside the VR and Special missions for Metal Gear Solid, alongside some digital goodies, so it is a fairly packed release.

As one of the greatest stealth games ever made, Metal Gear Solid is worth playing at least once. This is easily one of the very best free Steam games in a while, especially considering the caliber of the release, although you’ll only have until July 27 1pm ET to play it, as that is when the free event ends. For those interested, they can download it for free via its official Steam store page, and pick it up for 50% off if they decide they want to keep playing it beyond the free event.

5

Icarus

Icarus is a survival PvE game that sees up to eight players descend upon a planet and attempt to navigate through its harsh conditions, dangerous wilderness, and ferocious creatures as they attempt to find resources and complete missions. There are three different modes, each of which offers a completely unique experience, and they can be played solo or with friends cooperatively. The first is a mission-based mode, that sees players race against the clock to complete objectives before leaving the planet safely. It’s tough, fast-paced, and perfect for those looking for bite-sized experiences.

The second is an open-world mode that chains together missions for those looking for longer sessions. In it, players can still build their own bases, fight creatures, discover resources, and work their way through the narrative without the time restrictions of the mission-based mode. The final option is a creative mode that allows players to simply build bases and scavenge for resources without the lingering threat of wildlife and harsh weather conditions beating them down.

Icarus is available for free until July 27 at 1pm ET, which only gives players a little bit of time to see if they like its survival-based gameplay. However, for those who are enamored by it and want to keep playing it, it is currently experiencing a sale of 80% off on Steam until July 30, which brings it down to just $6.99. Those completely invested can also pick up its DLC, which is also on sale until July 30.

4

Killing Floor 3

Killing Floor 3 is the most recent entry in Tripwire Interactive’s beloved horror co-op first-person shooter series. It sees up to six players take on hordes of zombies in a futuristic setting while using a plethora of gadgets and weapons. There’s the classic selection of sci-fi-themed assault rifles and other assorted guns, but Killing Floor 3 also lets you tear zombies and terrifying bosses apart with more stylish and over-the-top weapons that play into its futuristic theme.

Killing Floor 3 is only available for free until July 27, so fans won’t have long to get completely stuck into it if they want to try everything else as well. While it isn’t necessarily one of the best multiplayer games available on Steam, it is definitely worth giving a shot, especially for fans of Call of Duty Zombies and Left 4 Dead. It’s fun and definitely a good choice while it is free, although for those who enjoy it and want to keep playing, it also has a 50% discount on its official Steam store page until August 6.

3

Firefighting Simulator: Ignite

Firefighting Simulator: Ignite is exactly as it sounds. It puts you in the shoes of a firefighter as you attempt to quell dangerous fires in the American Midwest. There is, of course, a lot more to it in practice, with numerous different scenarios available for players to deal with, as well as four-player co-op to make things a little easier. You have a range of tools that you’ll need to utilize effectively in each sandbox environment, as well as a number of different fire trucks to drive to the emergency in.

Firefighting Simulator: Ignite is seen as one of the best co-op firefighting simulators on the market, in part thanks to its gorgeous visuals. Its realistic simulation, plethora of missions, modding scene, and detailed trucks and tools make it a must-play for firefighting enthusiasts or simply those looking for a fun co-op experience. It is free until July 27 at 1pm ET, but also has 40% off on Steam until that time too, for those who end up deciding they want to buy the full game.

2

Unrailed 2: Back on Track

Unrailed 2: Back on Track is the sequel to the critically acclaimed co-op title Unrailed!. It builds upon the chaotic co-op railroad construction gameplay of its predecessor with a host of improvements and new features, which makes it the perfect choice to play during this free Steam event for those who loved the first game. Of course, for those who missed out, Unrailed 2: Back on Track still offers an incredibly fun co-op and competitive experience that is well worth playing with friends.

Players must attempt to build a railroad in real-time as the train chugs along by finding and placing tracks along the procedurally generated path. There are numerous biomes to build in, gameplay-breaking mechanics, and a whole host of novel ideas that help make the entire experience feel utterly chaotic in the best possible way.

It can be played alongside friends in the base co-operative experience, or against them in a competitive team-based mode that sees players desperately try to out track one another. Unrailed 2: Back on Track is free on Steam until July 27 at 1pm ET, and has a 40% off sale until August 3.

1

Wild Assault

Wild Assault, which was released back in May 2026, is a third-person hero shooter with anthropomorphic characters. In Wild Assault, players attempt to capture enemy strongholds and defend their territory in a massive 20 v 20 mode as any of the game’s vast range of unique heroes, each with their own special abilities that need to be utilized in order to gain the upper hand against the opposing team.

Of course, this is the perfect multiplayer experience for those with a penchant for anthro characters, but it could also be plenty of fun for players simply looking for a fun time with friends. Wild Assault is free until July 27 at 1pm ET, much like the other games on this list. For those who end up thoroughly enjoying it and want to continue blasting enemies in Wild Assault’s vast Unreal Engine 5 environments, it also has a 55% discount on Steam, bringing its price down to just $6.74.

Brand

Valve

Original Release Date

September 12, 2003