A free-to-play game offers a free base-game license. A free-to-keep promotion lets you claim a permanent license within a deadline. A free weekend gives you temporary access that ends with the event.
| Steam offer | What you receive | What the deadline means |
|---|---|---|
| Free to Play | Free access to the base game | Usually no promotional claim deadline |
| Free to Keep | A permanent license for the offered product | Claim before the promotion closes |
| Free Weekend / Play For Free | Temporary access to the base game | Free access ends |
| Demo | A separate trial version | Check the demo’s own availability |
Does free to play include everything?
Not necessarily. Developers can sell in-game items and DLC alongside a free base game. The free label does not mean every character, cosmetic or expansion is included. Check the base game and any optional purchase separately. Steamworks explains free-to-play licenses and paid content.
The games in our free-game catalog have a verified free entry point. Their detail pages link directly to Steam so you can review the current offer and platform requirements.
Can you keep a free-to-keep game?
Yes, claiming the offered product during its promotional period grants a permanent license. The claim deadline determines when you can add that license; it is not a free-weekend play deadline. A publisher’s promotion may have limitations, so read its wording on Steam. Steamworks documents the free-to-keep mechanism.
See free-to-keep offers for dated checks and official claim links.
Can you keep playing after a free weekend?
Free access ends with the event. Continuing requires a license for the full game. A game remaining installed on your computer does not extend the temporary license. Steam distinguishes this access from a demo, which has its own App ID and build. Steamworks explains free weekends.
Check the product, not just the price
A free demo, soundtrack or DLC is a different product from a free full game. Check the title, product type and promotion wording before claiming. Our claiming guide walks through those checks.