How to get free steam games? If you’re a gamer, you probably spend some time and money on Steam. But what if you could get free Steam games without spending anything? Sounds too good to be true? It’s not. There are real, legit ways to grab free Steam games, and I’m about to show you how.
I’ve played free games on Steam using these methods, and I still use them today to access more free titles — so I speak from experience.
This guide breaks down proven methods that don’t involve hacks or shady sites. Whether you’re a casual gamer or a die-hard collector, you’ll find something here to boost your steam games library without hurting your wallet.
Steam Games Are Given Away for Free!
Game developers and publishers give away free games for multiple reasons. Understanding the “why” behind these giveaways helps you know where and when to look.
Many game devs give away free games as:
- A marketing strategy to build hype for sequels or upcoming releases
- A way to test out servers or game mechanics (like in beta testing)
- A way to increase game visibility and to attract user reviews
- A goodwill gesture to celebrate milestones, holidays, or anniversaries
It gives their game initial boost and exposure that they look for. Think of it like free samples at a grocery store — if you like it, you’re more likely to buy more. Right?
Where to Get Free Steam Games (Legit Sources)
Let’s dive into where you can reliably find free Steam games. These ways are legit and used by thousands of gamers worldwide.
Steam Store Itself
Sometimes Steam Store offers free games as part of promotional offers. These promotions usually appear on the homepage or under the “Free to Play” and “Specials” sections on Steam store.
Look out for:
- Time-limited giveaways (e.g., “Free until Sunday!”)
- Free weekends for premium games
- Permanent giveaways for indie titles or older games
Example: Games like Crusader Kings II and Company of Heroes 2 were once free for a limited time. I’ve often seen games appear on Steam as a prologue or demo at first, only to become paid titles once they’re fully released. In many cases, the demo or prologue is removed from the store after the full version launches.
Epic Games Store
We all know Epic because of Fortnite, right? While it’s not Steam, Epic often gives away Steam keys as part of special events. You can claim them and add to your Steam library. It’s worth checking their weekly free game drops.
Reddit and Gaming Forums
Subreddits like:
- r/FreeGamesOnSteam
- r/GameDeals
- r/SteamGiveaways
These communities post active giveaways and hidden gems you might miss otherwise. But reddit communities are fragile. Reddit may delete any community anytime for no reason.
Game Giveaway Sites
Some websites specialize in tracking free games and bundles, such as:
- IsThereAnyDeal.com
- GG.deals
- IndieGala
- Humble Bundle (Free Promotions Section)
Bookmark these and check regularly. They often list Steam keys or direct links to free downloads.
Participate in Giveaways and Contests
Online giveaways are another great way to get free Steam games, especially if you’re active on social media or Discord.
How to Spot Real Giveaways
Legit giveaways usually come from:
- Game developers or publishers’ official accounts
- Influencers and YouTubers with active audiences. Follow @aPrincessPlays and @MJKHPlays on YouTube. They play Steam games, many of which are provided by game developers for promotional purposes and exposure.
- Gaming communities or streamers on Twitch
Tips to increase your chances:
- Follow smaller streamers or gamers on YouTube — less competition — more chances of getting free stuff
- Engage with content creators (likes, comments, shares). They notice genuine followers.
- Join Discord servers hosting Steam key drops
Think of it like a raffle — the more you participate, the better your odds.
Use Reward-Based Platforms
If you don’t mind doing small tasks, you can earn points and trade them for free Steam keys.
Platforms That May Work:
- Idle-Empire – Earn by watching videos, answering surveys, and more
- TremorGames – Known for a good selection of Steam rewards
- Mistplay – Primarily for mobile, but sometimes offers Steam gift cards
- Swagbucks – Complete offers and use earned points for gift cards
Pro tip: Set a daily goal. Even 10-15 minutes a day can stack up over time.
Play and Earn Platforms
Some services reward you just for playing games. Yes, seriously.
Get Paid to Play (and Redeem for Steam)
- Buff Gaming – Earn Buff points while gaming and redeem for Steam credits
- Gamehag – Complete in-game tasks and missions to win Steam keys
- GamerHash – Uses your computer’s idle resources to generate rewards
While not everyone’s cup of tea, these options do work for many users looking for passive ways to build their game collection.
Bundle Sites and Promotions
Bundle sites often include Steam games in their packages, and occasionally they throw in free titles too. Following sites may offer freebies:
- Fanatical
- Humble Bundle
- Green Man Gaming
Sign up for their newsletters. They often email exclusive free offers and early access to giveaways.
Steam Game Devs Often Give Away Game Keys
Here’s something most gamers overlook — reach out to indie developers. Seriously. Go to the game page on steam and contact developers directly.
If you follow a small game studio on Twitter or Discord and show genuine interest in their game, they might send you a key. Especially if you offer to leave a review or share their game with your friends and on social media. Think of it like supporting your local coffee shop. That kind of love gets noticed.
Keep Track of Steam Events and Sales
Steam regularly holds massive events like:
- Steam Summer Sale
- Steam Next Fest
- Winter Sale
During these times, tons of games are temporarily free or offered with trials. Make sure to add them to your wishlist on steam — Steam sends notifications when prices drop or promotions begin.
Bonus: Keymailer.co
Keymailer is one of the platforms where content creators can receive free Steam game keys directly from developers and publishers. If you’re a YouTuber, Twitch streamer, or TikTok creator, this is a solid way to build your game library without spending money.
Detailed Article: How to Get Free Steam Games from Game Developers
Tips to Get Free Steam Games Without Risks
Before we wrap up, here are some last tips to keep it safe and effective.
- Avoid shady websites offering “free Steam games” that ask for sensitive info
- Use a separate email for giveaway accounts to avoid spam
- Keep an eye on game expiry dates once claimed — some keys need to be activated fast
- Join communities to stay updated — the gaming world moves quickly
Ready to Build Your Free Game Collection for Free?
Getting free Steam games isn’t a myth or secret — it’s just about knowing where to look, staying consistent, and being part of the community.
Whether you’re collecting classic games, trying out indie games, or just gaming on a budget, there’s always a new opportunity around the corner. You have to just stay connected with the relevant community.
Have you scored a great free game lately? Which platform or method worked best for you? Got any personal tips or hidden sites to share with others? Let’s talk in the comments or share your gaming wins!