The market for free games is always growing. There are various reasons why some creators will opt to make their game available for free. Some just want to share their work with the world without cost. Some start with a free game or shorter prologue chapter in order to bring publicity to a following paid title.
Other developers offer the base game for free, with optional paid DLC to purchase. This is where caution is needed. This game list will generally avoid games that are pay-to-win, as that is not a truly free game. Ideally, any paid DLC will not prevent players from enjoying the full game experience. Buying skins, vanity items or bonus mission packs are great ways for developers to allow fans to support them. Here are the best free games released on Steam during January 2023.
8 Handshakes
This is a free Sokoban puzzler designed as an appetizer for the upcoming full paid release. The gameplay adds an interesting perspective to the genre, with two disembodied hands starting at opposite ends of the level, but they succeed by meeting and shaking.
There are a number of well-planned game dynamics which add a sense of progression and will certainly require a bit of brain taxation for most gamers. Try this bite-sized but satisfying puzzler, and it will help you to know whether to wishlist the next title.
7 Evacuation
OK, so this isn't technically a full game, but rather a free community-made mod for Half Life 2. It covers an alternate story viewpoint from the main game, playing as a rebel who crashes into a forest and must escape by both intelligence and force.
Although there are a still a few minor bugs being worked out, it still delivers a thrilling and highly enjoyable experience. Since it is the lovechild of fans who adored Half Life 2, you know the motivation is not to get players' money, but to show them a good time. Jump in and give it a whirl!
6 WooLoop
This is very much a game on the side of pure, mindless relaxation. No reflexes, no quick thinking, just the very gentle concept of replicating the art style of winding colored wool in between pins to create an image. In this case the pins are already placed, so the player simply needs to wind the wool at their own pace.
The free gaming model is a commendable one, as the entire base game is free, so players will not need to buy anything to complete or enjoy the entire game. For those who enjoyed the concept, the developers are releasing a few low-priced DLC with extra content. This is a model that more game developers should consider.
5 Empty Shell: Prologue
This is a top-down Action Roguelite which is distinctive for its mostly monochromatic visual style. Being a survival horror title, the visuals really aid the scare-factor, as players can never see their surroundings with absolute clarity, which adds an extra layer of nervous suspense.
The enemies can be surprisingly dangerous and agile, meaning players will certainly die a lot, but they will also learn better techniques for survival each time. The game is designed as a free prelude to attract publicity to the paid game that will be released in 2023, but it is still a very enjoyable experience in its own right.
4 I Commissioned Some Bees 0
This is a simple but strangely enjoyable concept. It is simply a hidden object style observation game, where you get to find a ton of bees hidden among a series of 10 pretty cool paintings. It will only take a few hours to complete, but is very relaxing and oddly compelling.
The game is free to draw attention to the other titles made by the creator, who has over 10 more bee-finder titles listed on Steam, all using funky art from different styles of artist, as well a bunny-finder game. All the titles are low-priced, so try the free one out to see if it scratches an unknown itch.
3 Gum Ball Run
Imagine Fall Guys, but with gum balls and a bit more fast-paced. This could give you a very rough idea of what this game aims for, fast-paced running and jumping races through tracks that are littered with obstacles. Gamers can play single player, or online in lobbies of up to 15 players. It is fast-paced, frantic fun, and great for a laugh with friends. The obstacle tracks are also procedurally-generated, meaning players cannot get an advantage by learning the track in advance, but rather everybody starts with the same handicap.
There is an in-game shop where it is possible to use real money to buy skins, effects, etc., but these don't give any competitive edge at all over free players. Just be aware that the game is still in Early Access, so the developers are still refining things and ironing out some glitches. But they seem very diligent and focused, so this may certainly be a title to try out and watch the progress of.
2 Postmouse
This cute game with an adorable titular avatar is about a mouse that is a postman. He delivers mail to the local animal inhabitants within the environs of an old abandoned 19th century mansion. A small mouse in a very big world. There are several challenges the Postmouse will come across as he navigates through the beautiful level, facing puzzles and tests of agility.
The game is made by a student collective from Denmark, and they released the game for free just because they wanted to, and because it showcases what they are capable of. The production values are surprisingly high, and the story told is very touching. An unhesitating recommendation!
1 KartRider: Drift
Sometimes gamers don't need brand-new content, sometimes they just need familiar content done well, for the current era. This game is basically a modern version of Mario Kart, but with vast potential for customization and a load of tracks that can be raced locally and online. There is also cross-platform support, meaning it is possible to play with or against players on the PC, Xbox, PlayStation and handhelds.
There is an in-game shop where gamers can use real money to buy characters, decals, etc, but these do not aid performance. So a free player has the same chance of winning as somebody who has bought things from the shop. KartRider: Drift doesn't redefine the kart-racing genre, but it polishes and updates it for 2023. Definitely worth a try!
A few more free Steam releases worth mentioning:
I Won't Forget Hue
The Director's Disorder: Pilot Episode
Squirrel Launcher (This one is just nuts!)