PC freebie: beloved Steam classic free for PC gamers now, no catch

Now more than ever, it's important to save money where we can as energy prices soar during the current cost of living crisis. Yet, it’s important to look after our mental health too and video games offer a distraction from our worldly woes more so than any other form of entertainment. Unless we’re talking about The Lords of the Rings: Gollum. Seriously, that game needs to remain in the hellfires of Mount Doom.

So, what is the free video game that we speak on today that is most certainly worth your attention, I hear you ask? The game in question is the real-time strategy title on PC called Homeworld: Deserts of Kharak.

“A ground-based RTS prequel to the classic Homeworld games. Assemble your fleet and lead them to victory on the shifting sands of Kharak in this compelling strategy game,” reads the description of the game. “Crafted by Blackbird Interactive, a studio founded by veterans of Homeworld and Company of Heroes, Homeworld: Deserts of Kharak takes players to the deserts of Kharak where danger lurks over every dune.”

On Metacritic, Homeworld: Deserts of Kharak has very respectable scores of 79 from critics and 8.0 from users. “Homeworld: Desert of Kharak is a great game and a fantastic spin-off for the Homeworld franchise,” said user Monolith12. “Fantastic game. Epic campaign. I'm in love with this game. A faithful recreation for a new generation of Homeworld fans," exclaimed atalhaderici.

Over on the Steam user reviews, Homeworld: Deserts of Kharak has currently earned the accolade of “Very Positive”. Steam user alexandr.basan explained: “For some reason this game brings me more Dune vibes than original Dune itself,” with heinrichdzerbe adding, “I love it. The chatter. The story. The gameplay is refreshingly different, yet a lot of elements and designs are visible from the previous Homeworld renditions.”

This beloved Steam classic is available now via the Epic Games Store at no cost. However, be sure to act fast to avoid disappointment. Homeworld: Deserts of Kharak is only available for free until 31 August 2023.