Steam surprise free game hailed as 'the next big thing' you need to play

Sometimes when we recommend free games being given away on Steam, there are caveats.

If I'm being brutally honest, not every free game is going to be a masterpiece on par with The Last Of Us or Ocarina Of Time. But where would the fun be in that?

Fortunately, the freebie we're here to highlight this week appears to be a certified hidden gem.

And to be very clear, this free game is completely free. No need for a subscription service like PlayStation Plus or Xbox Game Pass.

Today, we're here to talk about a super interesting looking indie called The Local, which is 100 percent free on Steam right now.

Developed by Tobey Gronow, The Local is an open-world parkour game with a distinct visual style and a "large, playground-like world".

In the past week the game has had well over 100 positive reviews - an incredible feat for a Steam game with zero marketing, regardless of how much it costs.

"Given that it's free, this is easily one of the best hidden gems I've got the pleasure to come across," one fan enthused.

Another wrote: "I desperately want to be good at this game, it gives me Quake 3 strafe map vibes, CS surfing, Mirrors Edge. Just fun and fast parkour. That having been said I am going to spend a good amount of time in remedial class of advanced movement before I will feel confident."

"I played this game for one hour and the zen mode is peak," a third review wrote. "This is the type of hypnotising gameplay that you can see on TikTok (just like the subway surfers gameplay). And this is free. Pls try it this is for sure the next big thing fr."

High praise indeed, so be sure to check it out when you get a chance!