Getting a game for nothing used to feel like a once-in-a-blue-moon deal. Not anymore. Stores, streamers, and even small indie devs are tossing freebies around to build hype. If you’re paying attention, you can build up a backlog without touching your wallet.
Here are some of the more practical, and occasionally odd, ways people get free games in 2025.
Weekly Store Giveaways
Epic Games Store has made weekly free games its signature feature since 2019. Every Thursday, they release another title at no cost, ranging from indie gems to major AAA releases. Past offerings have included Control, Cities: Skylines, and Grand Theft Auto V. The games are yours to keep permanently once claimed.
Steam takes a different approach with free weekend events. These let you play premium titles for 2-3 days without charge, often coinciding with sales if you decide to purchase. While you don’t keep the games permanently, it’s a solid way to test expensive titles before buying.
Extras Hiding in Subscriptions
Plenty of people pay for subscriptions and forget the perks. Prime Gaming hands out games each month, often ones that would typically set you back a decent amount. Game Pass Ultimate throws in permanent copies now and then, on top of the rental-style library.
If you already pay, you may as well take what’s included. Otherwise, you’re leaving games on the table.
Gaming Contests and Mystery Box Platforms
Contest aggregation sites like bestcompetitions collect gaming giveaways from across the internet, saving you time hunting through individual websites. These platforms track everything from single game keys to complete gaming setups.
Mystery boxes have gained popularity as an alternative way to acquire games and hardware at reduced costs. While not always free, many sites offer promotional entries or heavily discounted boxes containing gaming consoles, game bundles, or accessories. The element of chance appeals to many gamers, though it’s worth setting limits on how much you’re willing to spend.
Betas and Test Runs
Studios run beta tests constantly. Sometimes you get a free weekend, and that’s it, but other times the access sticks. Even when the full game doesn’t carry over, early players often end up with in-game rewards or discounts.
Follow Discord and newsletters if you’re interested. These spots fill fast.
Indie Freebies and Mods
Itch.io is overflowing with full releases set to “free.” These aren’t demos. They’re complete indie games from small teams or solo devs who just want people to play their work. Mods push it even further. Whole campaigns, total conversions, entirely new stories built on old engines.
Some of the best indie games started this way, shared for free before blowing up into cult hits. It’s proof that some of the most creative experiences in gaming cost nothing because they’re made for passion, not profit.
Social Media Code Drops
Twitter threads, Reddit posts, Twitch chats. They all drop codes if you’re watching. Streamers do it to reward viewers, and publishers use it to spike engagement. Luck plays a role, sure, but active communities like r/FreeGameFindings help you catch drops quickly. Check often, grab fast.
Charity Bundles
Humble Bundle and similar events blur the line between free and almost-free. A couple of dollars can net dozens of games, with proceeds going to charity. On top of that, many charity streams drop codes during events to keep viewers engaged.
It feels good to support a cause and walk away with something to play.
Libraries and Community Swaps
Some public libraries now lend out games. Not just board games: full digital or console titles. Add to that, local Facebook groups and community forums often have swap chains. People clear shelves, you pick up a new favourite.
It’s low-key and surprisingly effective if you’re willing to share.
Brand Tie-Ins
Companies keep tying game codes to products or events. Buy a snack, scan a code, unlock a game. Watch an anniversary livestream, get a Ubisoft title dropped in your account. These promos usually last a week or two and then vanish.
Blink and you’ll miss them.
Old Games Made Free
Plenty of classic titles are released for free as part of anniversaries or preservation projects. RTS staples, retro shooters, forgotten cult hits. You can find entire back catalogues sitting as no-cost downloads.
For anyone who missed the “golden era” of PC gaming, these free classics are a time machine. And for younger players, they’re proof that good design doesn’t age, even if the visuals do.
