Steam adds free games with varied deadlines

Steam has announced several free games, including indie titles and two large downloadable content (DLC) packages with a combined value of 50 euros. Most of these offers will expire on specific dates, and users are encouraged to claim them before the deadlines. The Valve platform continues to offer three free games, including Core Keeper, an indie hidden gem, and Squad 44, a game compared to Wardogs, a current hit on Steam. Another indie game, Pony Island, can be permanently added to a user's collection.

DLCs and extended free periods

Two large DLCs are also available for two popular games. However, users must act quickly, as most of the offers will expire on October 12, 2026, with some extending to October 22, 2026. Last week, users could play ARC Raiders for free to celebrate its major new update. This free period ends on October 12, 2026, at 10 o'clock. However, several free games from last week remain on Steam, including Core Keeper, an indie game that combines cooperation, survival, exploration, and a cozy experience.

Pony Island and its unique appeal

The last free game on Steam is Pony Island, an oddly addictive puzzle game that blends retro and psychological horror elements. Users can keep Pony Island for life, similar to what the Epic Games Store offers weekly. Additionally, users can claim two large DLCs for World of Warships and Gear.Club Unlimited 3. The first is a pack containing a playable ship worth 10 euros, while the second is a complete DLC normally priced at 40 euros, offering new features.

Expiry dates and game details

Core Keeper is playable for free until October 12, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. Squad 44 is playable for free until October 13, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. Pony Island is a free game that can be kept until October 12, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. The DLC Gear.Club Signature Pack, worth 40 euros, is free until October 22, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. The DLC Ning Hai, worth 10 euros, is free until October 13, 2026, at 3:00 a.m.

Pony Island's unique gameplay and future

Pony Island is described as a strange game, in the vein of Inscryption, released in January 2016. Under its cute retro appearance lies a formidable puzzle game tinged with psychological horror. Trapped in limbo and a failing arcade machine, users must repair corrupted game code to escape, but challenges extend beyond that. The game offers many surprises, some quite unexpected. Pony Island is fully translated and dubbed in French and has very positive ratings on Steam. It is available on PC until October 12, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. Additionally, the game is such a success that it will have a sequel. Pony Island 2: Panda Circus is currently under development and will be released by April 27, 2027.