Two free games on Steam: Sandbox MMO and retro Shoot-'em-up
Looking to expand your Steam library this holiday season? Two games are currently available for free. Here’s what you can expect from each title.
Black Desert
Black Desert is a sandbox MMORPG known for its impressive graphics and highly detailed character editor. Players can choose from races like humans, shai, and giants, along with 25 unique classes. Alongside warriors and mages, the game offers unique options like ninja and dark knight. However, not all classes are available for every race and some are even gender-locked.
Combat in Black Desert features a dynamic system that emphasizes combos and strategic attacks. Yet, the game isn’t solely about fighting. It offers a wealth of sandbox elements, including trading, crafting and a deep economic system. Players can purchase houses, hire workers and even establish a trading empire. Normally priced at $10, the action MMO doesn’t require a subscription, though it does include various DLCs and in-game purchase options like pets, cosmetic items and XP boosts.
Reviews for the MMO, developed and published by Pearl Abyss in 2017, are mixed. On Steam, Black Desert holds a 74% positive rating from 83,000 reviews, while on Metacritic it has a Metascore of 76 and a User Score of 5.9. Critics mainly point to a weak main story and pay-to-win aspects, such as convenience and boost items in the in-game store. If these issues don’t bother you, it’s worth a try and it’s free on Steam until January 6, 2025.
Distant Space 2
Distant Space 2 is a shoot-'em-up inspired by the retro charm of classic 80s arcade games. Players pilot a spaceship, battling enemy fleets across 26 levels, with some featuring bosses that demand unique strategies. Along the way, enemies’ weapons can be collected, adding plenty of variety to the gameplay. Paired with its nostalgic soundtrack, the game is sure to delight arcade fans and retro enthusiasts alike.
Distant Space 2 was developed by PixelMouse, an indie studio known for its popular titles like the original Distant Space and Minimalism. Normally priced at $1, the game has received positive reviews from 84% of roughly 250 players. Until December 24, it’s available on Steam for free.
Prices are subject to change. The offer was available at the time of publication of the article, but may be limited in time or quantity. All information without guarantee.
Source(s)
Steam (Black Desert / Distant Space 2)
