5 More Free Games Worth Checking Out
It's been a while since I've sat down to binge-play a bunch of short, free games from Steam, and I wanted to revisit this world. Same deal as always: high-quality games, a nonexistent price tag, low PC hardware requirements, all on Steam.
The Local
Released 27th February 2025
Developed by Tobey Gronow
Starting off, I played 'The Local' and I sunk a couple more hours into this than I should've for what was supposed to be a "quick binge session". Addictively fast, the gameplay is rooted in this speedrun-movement with rail grinding, wall running, bunny hopping, air strafing and sliding. Launching yourself across the map in a speedy frenzy and through its incredibly well-stylised environment was beyond satisfying, and while I'm not great at it, this will definitely hit the spot for all the leaderboard-topping enthusiasts, as there is a connected leaderboard and multiplayer modes to further rival other players' speed. The only problem is that there aren't enough players on the servers at the moment to make the most of the multiplayer, but there is always a Zen mode that lets you freely jump around in a flow state for hours.
If you want to check out this game, click here for its Steam page.
Last Slice
Released 20th April 2022
Developed by Shattered Journal Games
I love 'Hotline Miami'. I was quite intrigued when I saw on Steam that there was a pizza-fied version of the game. That's where 'Last Slice' comes in. Did it satisfy my intrigue? Yes. Fast-paced with a simple yet effective combat system of punching, throwing and picking up weaponry. And instead of a violence-psycho-mindbend of a narrative, the story stringing up its 10 levels is fairly entertaining as pizza has been outlawed across the nation and you and a colourful cast of characters are planning on running a pizza empire, Breaking Bad style. The pixel graphics make the colours pop out radiantly, while the soundtrack nicely connects together all the action. The only problem is that one annoying stealth level. Besides that, if you play this, you get a solid hour of fun.
If you want to check out this game, click here for its Steam page.
Duck Simulator 2
Released 22nd November 2021
Developed by Orius Games
While 'Last Slice' didn't have that mindbending element, 'Duck Simulator 2' does. On the surface is a basic clicker with some hilariously poor stock photos and drawings of ducks involved. Spend more than 5 minutes playing it, and it turns into this exciting ARG-esque experience, taking no longer than 30 minutes. Without spoiling too much, the surrealism provided is both comedic and entertainingly smart, with a strong sense of identity I haven't seen in a while.
If you want to check out this game, click here for its Steam page.
Swallow the Sea
Released 3rd September 2021
Developed by Talia bob Mair & Nicolás Delgado
Continuing on this train of enigma, next was 'Swallow the Sea', a pixelated deep dive into the ocean as you slowly consume the smaller lifeforms around you to grow yourself. Clocking in at around 20 minutes, this 'agar.io' style was so peculiar to experience, but in all the right ways. From the same people who made the excellent ‘Perfect Vermin’, the unnervingly strange designs of the environments continues onto the sea creatures, mixed with a fairly unorthodox colour palette making for a greatly pleasant time, with its imagery and sound effects forming something unforgettable.
If you want to check out this game, click here for its Steam page.
Sheepy: A Short Adventure
Released 6th February 2024
Developed by MrSuicideSheep
To finish off my binge of short, free games, I wanted to relax with a more mellow-feeling, and I came across 'Sheepy: A Short Adventure'. What I got is possibly one of the best games I've discovered while doing these "mini-reviews"—top-tier scenery and animations courtesy of the excellent sprite work. The atmosphere here is so beautiful with masterful work on the environment's lighting, music and overall serenity and intensity. This platformer isn't just great visually, but also serves to be a treat mechanically. The double jump, speed boost and flying ability you unlock merit for some great platforming moments that further make the most of the art style. It's smooth and responsive with controller support, and I cannot stress just how gorgeous this game was. 45 minutes to complete, if you have the time, play this.
If you want to check out this game, click here for its Steam page.
With all that said, I'm going to keep looking for free games to scratch my itch, who knows what I'll find?
