When does the Steam Free Games Weekend promotion end?

The promotion runs from October 8 to October 13, 2026, though individual game trials and discount windows have varying expiration dates between October 12 and October 22.

Do I keep the free trial games after the promotion ends?

No, games accessed through the temporary free weekend trials require a purchase to continue playing, except for Pony Island, which is free to keep permanently if claimed before the deadline.

Steam Offers Free Access and Discounts on ARC Raiders, Core Keeper, and Squad 44

Valve has launched its latest lineup for the Steam Free Games Weekend promotion, running from October 8 to 13, 2026. Established outlets VICE and Clarín reported on the multi-game event, which gives players temporary access to major multiplayer and survival titles alongside permanent giveaways and purchase discounts.

What games are featured in the promotion?

Four distinct titles anchor the October 2026 Steam promotion, spanning extraction shooters, sandbox survival, tactical military combat, and psychological puzzles.

ARC Raiders: Developed by Embark Studios, this PvPvE extraction shooter is set in a post-apocalyptic wasteland. The free weekend coincides with the "Frozen Trail" update, allowing newcomers to jump straight into the "Pendola Pass" map by joining players who have already unlocked it. Free access ends on October 12, 2026, at 1:00 AM PT / 4:00 AM ET. A 50% purchase discount is available through October 15, 2026.
Core Keeper: Pugstorm’s underground sandbox supports solo play or groups of up to eight players for mining, building, farming, boss raids, and exploration. Save data carries over if purchased. Free access concludes on October 12, 2026, at 10:00 AM PT / 1:00 PM ET. The game is discounted by 40%, dropping the price to $11.99 from $19.99, with the deal running through October 22, 2026.
Squad 44: Formerly known as Post Scriptum, this tactical World War II first-person multiplayer shooter from Offworld Industries focuses on communication and coordinated attacks. Free access expires on October 13, 2026, at 10:00 AM PT / 1:00 PM ET. A 70% purchase discount drops the price to $5.99 from $19.99 through October 15, 2026.
Pony Island: Daniel Mullins Games offers this sinister psychological puzzle adventure involving a corrupted arcade machine as a bonus permanent giveaway. Unlike the temporary trials, claiming this title adds it to accounts permanently with a 100% discount, provided it is claimed before the deadline.

How does temporary free access work on Steam?

Free weekend access on Steam is temporary, meaning downloading a trial game does not grant permanent ownership. VICE and Clarín noted that users must purchase the base game to continue playing after the promotional trial concludes, distinguishing these temporary periods from free-to-keep claims like Pony Island.

When do the free access periods and discounts expire?

Free access for ARC Raiders and Core Keeper expires on October 12, 2026, with Pony Island's claim window closing at the same time at 10:00 AM PT / 1:00 PM ET. Free access for Squad 44 ends on October 13, 2026, at 10:00 AM PT / 1:00 PM ET. Post-trial purchase discounts extend past the free play windows, running through October 15 for ARC Raiders and Squad 44, and through October 22 for Core Keeper.