Steam users have a short window to dive into four high-profile PC games without paying a cent. As part of its latest free-to-play promotion, Steam is offering full access to Fallout 76, Deep Rock Galactic, Dead by Daylight, and Grounded 2—but only for a limited time.
These aren’t permanent giveaways. Once the trial periods end, access is removed unless the games are purchased. Still, it’s a rare chance to explore big multiplayer titles and recent releases with no upfront cost.
The four free games you can play right now
During the promotion, players can download and play the following titles directly from Steam:
Each game represents a different genre, from cooperative shooters to survival sandboxes and horror multiplayer, making this one of Steam’s more varied free-play lineups.
Fallout 76 headlines the event
The biggest name in the promotion is Fallout 76, which has seen a dramatic turnaround since its troubled 2018 launch. Bethesda has steadily rebuilt the game with years of updates, and recent content tied to the Fallout TV series has helped renew interest.
The free-play window runs slightly longer for Fallout 76 than the other titles, making it an ideal entry point for players curious about the modern state of the game.
Why Deep Rock Galactic stands out
Among the four, Deep Rock Galactic is arguably the most critically acclaimed. The co-op shooter boasts Overwhelmingly Positive user reviews on Steam, with players praising its teamwork-focused gameplay, procedural missions, and long-term replayability.
For anyone who enjoys cooperative games with friends, this free weekend is one of the best ways to see why the title has maintained such a loyal fanbase.
Dead by Daylight and Grounded 2 offer very different experiences
Dead by Daylight, despite launching back in 2016, continues to attract tens of thousands of concurrent players thanks to constant updates, licensed horror crossovers, and live-service support.
Meanwhile, Grounded 2 is the newest title in the lineup. Still in Early Access after its 2025 launch, it has already earned Very Positive reviews, suggesting the sequel is building on the strengths of the original backyard survival concept.
How long the free access lasts
Deep Rock Galactic, Dead by Daylight, and Grounded 2: free until February 2
Fallout 76: free until February 5
After that, the games will lock unless purchased.
Big discounts if you want to keep playing
Steam is pairing the free trials with steep discounts:
Fallout 76: 80% off
Dead by Daylight: 60% off
Deep Rock Galactic: 70% off
Grounded 2, as a newer Early Access title, is not discounted during the promotion.
A reminder that PC gaming doesn’t have to be expensive
Steam’s free-play events continue to be one of the easiest ways to explore major PC games without financial commitment. While these trials aren’t permanent, they let players test full versions of popular titles before deciding whether they’re worth buying.
And Steam isn’t alone—other platforms, including Epic Games Store, continue to offer weekly free-to-keep titles, giving PC gamers plenty of low-cost ways to expand their libraries.
If you’ve been on the fence about any of these four games, this weekend might be the perfect time to jump in.