Steam Officially Makes 2 Classic Games Completely Free Until November 9

Steam gamers have until November 9 to get their hands on two games completely free of charge. Granted, there’s a chance most of you are spending your entire weekend playing The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, but if you don’t have a Nintendo Switch 2 console and want to avoid serious FOMO, this could be the answer.

There are always plenty of new free games to play on Steam, but while some stick around forever, others are only free to claim for a very limited time. These two games fall into the latter category, so you’ll want to move fast and decide which one is worth investing more time in.

From now until November 9, Payday 3 is officially free to download and play as part of a special weekend promotion. To be clear, you do not get to keep the game after the free weekend is over, but any progress you make will carry over. It’s also heavily discounted (by 70%) until November 12, so you could get it for a steal.

For those who might not know, Payday 3 is a multiplayer heist sim. You plan crimes, and then do those crimes. You may be vaguely aware that the game suffered a disastrous launch in 2023, and many still prefer to play Payday 2. However, it’s worth noting the game has been consistently updated over the years and has gotten substantially better. Better than Payday 2? Try the free weekend and see, I guess.

“With over 3 years of content updates and improvements, there is plenty for heisters new and old to explore in the Payday 3 Base Game,” reads an official announcement from the devs. “And with Starbreeze Nebula Accounts no longer being a mandatory requirement, it’s never been quicker and easier for your friends to start heisting in the world of Payday. All game progress made during the Free Weekend will remain after the event has ended, so you’ll be able to pick up where you left off, even if you purchase Payday 3 at a later date.”

If Payday 3 isn’t quite what you’re looking for, you also have until November 9 to try out Age of Wonders 4, a turn-based strategy RPG set in a fantasy world. Very different games, but it’s nice there’s something for everyone. Again, though, you probably won’t be able to dedicate time to both games this weekend, so pick one.

“Rule a fantasy realm of your own design,” teases the game’s official synopsis. “Explore new magical realms in Age of Wonders’ signature blend of 4X strategy and turn-based tactical combat. Control a faction that grows and changes as you expand your empire with each turn.”

Like Payday 3, Age of Wonders 4 is heavily discounted (until November 18), so you can pick it up if you decide you enjoyed what you played. Personally, I’m going to spend my weekend like it’s 1998 and sit in my pajamas playing Ocarina of Time, but it’s nice that Steam gamers have a few other options that won’t break the bank.