The weekend is looking generous for PC players: Payday 3 and Age of Wonders 4 are free to try on Steam, while Flotsam is available to claim at no cost on the Epic Games Store. Three worlds to explore without opening your wallet!
The weekend kicks off with a great trio to explore on PC: two games to try for free for a few days and a third to add permanently to your library. On the menu: co-op heists, fantasy strategy, and a floating city to rebuild. Plenty of ways to pick your mood without spending a thing. Just keep an eye on the deadlines and, for some titles, round up a few friends.
The platforms offer different kinds of deals: temporary access to two games, as well as a full game to claim and keep. It’s worth taking a closer look at this distinction before starting the download. Offers like these change regularly, as do Steam promotions, a selection of which you can find in this guide to the best deals in the big sale. For this weekend, here are three experiences worth checking out.
Payday 3: pull off a heist without risking your budget
On Steam, Payday 3 is free to play until November 9. Invite your crew, plan a heist, and see if your teamwork holds up when everything goes wrong. The game had a rough start, but it’s making a comeback, and some players are already noticing improvements. This free trial is a chance to form your own opinion without paying to join the action. Co-op fans have a good reason to get the gang back together. And if you like the feel of it, you can decide afterward whether this adventure deserves a permanent place in your collection.
Age of Wonders 4: build an empire and wage war
Age of Wonders 4 is also free to access on Steam until November 9. This strategy game combines empire-building, fantasy, and tactical battles. You can take your time developing a city, then move on to battles where every decision matters.
The game should appeal to anyone who enjoys growing a kingdom as much as maneuvering their units on the battlefield. Its pace leaves room for planning without skimping on combat. A PC equipped with an Nvidia GeForce GTX 670 or better graphics card is recommended to enjoy it.
Flotsam: rebuild a refuge in the middle of the waves
On the Epic Games Store, Flotsam is free to claim until November 12. No raids or conquests here: the adventure invites you to build a floating city after a disaster. You’ll need to collect debris, welcome other survivors, and figure out how to gradually get society back on its feet. Its colorful world gives this rebuilding effort a gentle atmosphere, despite the post-apocalyptic setting. Once claimed, the game stays in your library, unlike the two temporary Steam trials.
This management adventure focuses on exploration and steady progress. Skill trees unlock new possibilities, while the resources you collect help you develop your refuge. It’s a great option for anyone who prefers to design, organize, and watch their little community grow.
The contrast between the disaster at the heart of the story and the bright art style is part of its charm. The game usually sells for around $25, which makes this deal especially appealing. If you’re in the mood for a calmer experience after a heist or strategy session, this title could be just the thing.
More ways to add games to your library
If you want to keep exploring beyond these three titles, video game news has plenty of interesting stories to offer, too. The weekly gaming roundup looks at Pokémon Champions and the renewed interest in Starfield, among other things. A good way to discover other worlds to follow between games.
Players keeping an eye on the games offered each month can also check out Prime Gaming and its free PC games. Available titles change over time, so it’s worth checking the offers regularly and reviewing the terms associated with your subscription.
Epic is also no stranger to discussions about digital storefronts. One article tells the story of how the publisher poked fun at Steam with a deliberately slapdash store, in a tale that’s as strange as it is funny: the launcher built “by feel”. An oddball read while Flotsam downloads.
And if gaming accessories interest you as much as new releases, check out this Doom-inspired Xbox controller, with its spiky look and bloody aesthetic. It’s an option for fans who like to show off their passion in their gaming gear.
Finally, current deals can help you add to your collection on a budget. To compare PC promotions and keep up with new discounts, take a look at our tips on Steam deals. Catalogs change quickly: a few minutes of checking can sometimes turn up a pleasant surprise.
The weekend opens like a secret door to three very different worlds, with no ticket required. Whether you’re in the mood to pull off a heist, build a fantasy empire, or rebuild the world on the water, these free games offer a chance to refresh your library and your evenings. One quick reminder before you dive in: Payday 3 and Age of Wonders 4 are free to access until November 9, while Flotsam can be added to your collection until November 12.
First up, Payday 3 invites you to round up some friends and prepare for high-stakes heists. The game had a difficult launch, but its developers are continuing to improve it. This trial period is the perfect opportunity to check out its missions risk-free and decide for yourself whether the experience has found its rhythm. Still, it’s best to have a crew: the boldest plans are rarely easier when everything rests on one person.
If you prefer kingdoms to vaults, Age of Wonders 4 blends empire management, fantasy, and tactical combat. Shape your people, develop your cities, and lead your troops into battles where every decision matters. You may still run into a few technical issues, especially in multiplayer, but strategy fans have a great opportunity to try this adventure at their own pace.
Finally, Flotsam offers a gentler interlude after the collapse of civilization. Aboard a floating city, you’ll collect debris, welcome other survivors, and gather the resources needed to rebuild a community. Colorful and soothing, the game also comes with a valuable perk: once you claim it in time, it’s yours to keep.
Three moods, three ways to spend a few hours, and no need to choose your next adventure at random: pull off a heist, build a kingdom, or set sail.
