Steam Makes 4 Critically Acclaimed Games Completely Free Until May 18

2 weeks ago 23

Published May 15, 2026, 5:23 AM EDT

Known as 'Cyberpunk 2077's' biggest fan, Angharad is a Welsh games writer who thrives in anything related to digital storytelling. If a video game explores the intricacies and horrors of womanhood, she is there.

Thanks to previous work at GAMINGbible, GameByte, The Loadout, Game Luster, Angharad has built a strong understanding of both the digital world and what fans want from it and is eager to share her thoughts and expertise with readers.

The weekend is finally upon us once more and what better way to celebrate than by getting stuck into a critically-acclaimed game? Well, there is something better, and that is getting stuck into a critically-acclaimed game for absolutely free and that is now possible courtesy of Steam. For the upcoming weekend, the PC storefront has made a whopping four games absolutely free to play for a limited time, giving you plenty of time to experience all that the games have to offer, without spending a single penny.

Including an action roguelite, a co-op survival, an open-world vampire survival, and a chaotic multiplayer party game, these four games offer something for everyone, so without further ado, let us take a look at the Steam freebies up for grabs over the weekend.

First up is action roguelite and hack-and-slash title, Astral Ascent, which currently sits at an 'Overwhelmingly Positive' rating on Steam. Released back in 2023, players will choose one of four heroes and explore The Garden, an astral prison guarded by 12 powerful bosses known as the Zodiacs. With dozens of unique spells and friends by your side, you will have everything you need to take them on in "this platform roguelite with lightning-fast combat." Now, Astral Ascent is free to play until 18 May.

Next is MISERY, a co-op survival game for 1-5 players. Released in 2025, you will see if you have what it takes to survive in a nuclear disaster zone. Gameplay consists of searching radioactive ruins for resources, building your bunker, crafting weapons, and most importantly, exploring a procedurally-generated world alongside friends. However, with anomalies, bandits, and monsters stalking your every move, survival does not come easy. Boasting a 'Very Positive' rating on Steam, MISERY is now free to play until 18 May.

One that I have actually played myself and can wholly recommend is V Rising, a vampire-based survival game set in a vast open world. Released back in 2024, V Rising will see you take on the role of a vampire who must hunt and regain their strength, and most of all, stay out of the scorching sun. With multiple bosses to fight, castles to build, and allies to meet, this multiplayer survival game puts a unique spin on the vampire genre. As you defeat bosses, you will unlock new devastating powers in your arsenal, but in a world where vampires are not welcome, you will have more than the sun to contend with in V Rising, which is free to play until 18 May.

Image shows gameplay from V Rising including a vampire in their candle-lit castle

Last, but by no means least, is Make Way, a chaotic multiplayer party game where groups of friends can come together to "speed around loops, dart through train crossings, drift around helter-skelters, and unleash wacky weaponry." In a modern take on the classic top-down racing games, there is a twist in Make Way: you will have to build your own tracks. So, as you can expect, this will lead to all manner of chaotic creations, but also guarantee hours of fun for you and your friends. Released back in 2023 and still maintaining a 'Very Positive' rating on Steam, Make Way is now free to play until 18 May.