Steam drops 12 free games you can download and keep right now, zero subscription needed

Gather around, Steam users. If you’ve put yourself on a game buying ban or if you’re just simply looking to save a few pennies this month, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve rounded up 12 games that won’t cost you a thing to play. With a mixture of full releases and delightful demos, let’s dive right in.

First up, there’s a brand new demo for upcoming action roguelike Defenders of the Omniverse. Developed by Babushka Entertainment, Defenders of the Omniverse is inspired by 80s cartoons like He-Man and the Masters of the Universe, so it’ll likely scratch a nostalgia itch for quite a few players. Set in a world between realities, you’ll be tasked with defeating the Dark Wizard Umbros who’s attempting to take over the omniverse. There are multiple heroes to choose from and it looks like a hoot.

Take a look at Defenders of the Omniverse in action below.

Next up, we have White Pig Games’ Plane Accident. In this first-person puzzler, you’ll be tasked with gathering evidence in order to solve a mystery involving a, you guessed it, crashed plane. It’s the prologue that’s playable, so this should allow you to decide whether you want to purchase the full game which is due to launch on 22 February.

If single-player top-down shooters are more your jam, you may want to check out the prologue of Intravenous II. Developed by Explosive Squat Games, you’ll assume the role of Gideon, a cold-hearted mercenary who kills “for money without any moral principles”. The prologue includes a full mission giving you a taste of the game which is due out at some point this year.

Moving on to Bitty Knight by unklnik. This is another top-down game but this time, we shift to the roguelike genre. With randomised levels and over 30 power-ups, Bitty Knight promises players that no two playthroughs are alike, offering endless hours of fun. This one is totally free-to-play and you can hop in now. Elvera is also free-to-play, albeit in early access. In this PvP action game from solo developer Martin Musil, players will join the fight of two warring factions. You can influence these factions using the game’s unique Manifestation and Twinbytes mechanics, setting Elvera apart from similar titles.

Skylor Beck’s Pocket Pusher is one for arcade game fans. You’ll essentially rely on ball-dropping and coin-pushing in order to bag your in-game prize. It’s totally free-to-play during early access which is on right now. Next up, we have the single-player shooter Galacticverse. You know the drill by now. It’s free-to-play and in early access, and this game sees you hunt down a mysterious threat in a Star Wars-esque futuristic metropolis.

Bloodsong is one for your rhythm fans. Developed by Three Owls in a Trench Coat, you play as punk rock siren princess Mari who must match her movements to music in order to escape her mother’s underwater lair and watchful eye and reach her concert. It’s free-to-play and available now. As is Dream Team Basketball. Developed by Dream Team Games, it’s not too hard to guess that this one is based around basketball. It’s a turn-based card battler, so you’ll need to use logic - more so than physical prowess - to best the opposing team.

Infinite Interactive’s Warlords Battlecry: The Protectors of Etheria is also available now. This one began life as mod for Warlords Battlecry 3 but devs say its a standalone experience that doesn’t need the original game to run. “A terrible threat long foretold rises to finish a war waged in prehistory, throwing Etheria into chaos. Will you save or lose your kindred?” the synopsis teases.

We’ve almost reached the end folks. Starlight Games brings us Kings Call, a free-to-play trading card game that’s playable via browser. You’ll assume the role of the Lord of Silver Heron Ridge who wants to obtain as many creatures and spells as possible to defeat his lands’ monsters. Finally, ArcaNova has launched Moi Moi Heroes. I may have saved the best until last. Perfect for fans of classic platformers, this third-person 3D indie platformer sees you transform into an Easter Island head figure who must help return King Moi Moi’s crown. It looks like heaps of fun and is free-to-play in early access. Hopefully, something here appeals to you.