If you are a fan of PC gaming, chances are you are familiar with the popular gaming platform Steam. Considered the largest digital game distribution platform in the world, Steam is home to countless popular titles and has a huge community of avid gamers. Steam is a digital distribution platform for PC gaming that was developed by Valve Corporation. It functions like an online shop and a community portal combined, making it one of the most popular gaming platforms out there. According to MarketSplash, in 2024, it had an estimated 33 million active players, and this number continues to grow by the day. Aside from providing a vast library of games for purchase and download, Steam also serves as a social platform where users can chat with friends, share their gaming progress, and join communities of gamers with similar interests. Its multifaceted nature, combined with its extensive range of games, has contributed significantly to its popularity among gamers worldwide. But most games on Steam, especially popular titles, can be expensive. So how do we go about securing some of these top titles for free? In this guide, we will go over methods to get free Steam games legally. We'll also introduce IFTTT as your new gaming partner, and the best way to get notified of when Steam games go on sale. In this guide, we will go over how one can legally get free Steam games. Other methods, such as pirating games, are not legal and will not be discussed in this article. We do not condone piracy in any form, as it is considered illegal and unethical. Moreover, pirating games can also lead to malware or viruses damaging your computer or compromising your personal information. As a rule of thumb, if a game is posted as free by the publisher, then it's legal to download. However, if a game is meant to be sold and you obtain it through questionable means, it could potentially be illegal. From an ethical standpoint, downloading paid games for free without the consent of the publisher can be considered theft. It deprives the game developers of the profits they deserve for their hard work and creativity.The legality and ethics of free games
With all of these considerations in mind, there are many instances when a publisher offers discount codes or lists a game for free on purpose. Let's get into some of the ways you can get your hands on these free gems.
Legitimate ways to get free Steam games
There are several legitimate ways to get free Steam games:
Reddit communities: Certain Reddit communities like r/freegamefindings and r/gamedealsfree regularly post about free game deals and giveaways. You can also engage in game trades on the r/SteamGameSwap subreddit. A game trade means giving up one of your games for another, which is agreed on between two parties.
Steam store deals and giveaways: The official Steam store often has deals and giveaways where you can get games for free. There is also a "Free to Play" category in the Steam launcher where you can find purpose-built free games.
Online retailers: Online retailers, such as Humble Bundle, occasionally offer free Steam games.
Reward sites: Platforms like GrabPoints offer tasks that you can complete to earn points, which can then be used to redeem free Steam games.
Crafting Steam badges: Crafting badges on Steam can sometimes reward you with games. Badges can be acquired for getting certain achievements, playing new games, and more.
Remember, while these methods can help you get free games, they require time and patience. Also, always ensure that you are obtaining games through legal and ethical means to support game developers.
Exploring external sites for free games
Gamesbolt
Gamesbolt is a platform where players can earn points, known as bolts, by completing various quests. These quests can range from simple tasks like visiting a website or watching a video, to more complex missions such as playing a certain game for a specified amount of time.
Once enough bolts have been accumulated, they can be exchanged for Steam game keys. This allows players to legally obtain games for free, while also supporting the developers who create these games.
Gamehag
Gamehag is another platform that rewards gamers with free games. Similar to Gamesbolt, users on Gamehag can earn points, or "souls", by completing tasks, playing games, and participating in community events.
These souls can then be exchanged for a variety of rewards, including free games, gift cards, and game accessories. The variety of rewards available, combined with the numerous ways to earn souls, makes Gamehag a popular choice among gamers looking to get free games.
Free Steam games with IFTTT
What if we told you that you can be notified about free Steam games without having to check all the individual subreddits, points sites, and giveaways? With IFTTT, our automation platform, scooping up the best Steam deals has never been easier.
Read on to hear about our mission and our top picks for Steam marketplace automations.
What is IFTTT?
IFTTT, an acronym for "If This Then That," is our free web-based service and mobile app designed to boost productivity by automating tasks. It works by creating connections between popular apps and services, allowing them to work together seamlessly.
The basic idea behind IFTTT is to create "applets" or sets of instructions that trigger when certain conditions are met. This can be turning on the lights automatically when you enter your house, for example.
Founded in 2011, IFTTT has been used by over 25 million individuals to automate both business and home tasks, saving time and increasing efficiency. It's commonly used to connect disparate services and systems, making all products and services work well together in a way that instills user confidence. Best of all, it's free and only takes a couple of minutes to set up.
Top free Steam Applets with IFTTT
Mail me free games with Steam keys posted to /r/gamedeals
One of our most popular automations, this Applet will send you emails summarizing what is new on r/gamedeals. This way, you can find exactly what free game you are looking for.
Never miss a Steam sale again!
When there is a Steam sale, this Applet will notify you. By connecting a Twitter bot and your notification system, you will know exactly when your next big purchase comes down in price.
Steam Holiday Sale Notification
Don't let the Holiday sale pass you by this year! This Applet will send you an email on a specific date to remind you to check out what is being offered on a discount.
To enable these Applets and millions more, try IFTTT today for free!
