Steam drops 8 free games you can download and check out this weekend

In this economy, the concept of try before you buy is very important.

Let’s face it, many of us have to watch our pennies. You don’t want to spend your hard-earned money on a game only for it not to be your cup of tea.

Thankfully, that’s rarely an issue on Steam as the storefront is home to hundreds of demos that allow you to see whether a particular title is for you.

Of course, you can browse at your own leisure but I’m here to highlight eight of the newest additions that are worth your attention.

Let’s start with Level Zero Extraction. Developed by DOGHOWL Games, this one’s an extraction horror with tactical FPS combat. Think Resident Evil meets Call of Duty.

“Test your survival skills against rival players and AI enemies during intense raids for valuable loot. Or play as an alien monster that can only be killed with light and make sure no mortal escapes alive,” the synopsis teases.

For a complete change of place, let’s hop on over to A Bonnie Odyssey. This one’s a first-person puzzle mystery created by Astrodreamer Studio.

“This open world sci-fi adventure in the Scottish wilds tells the tale of a father and daughter separated by time, unravel the secrets of your past, and meet odd little friends along the way,” reads the description.

Next up, we have The Alters - a sci-fi base builder from 11 bit studios.

We had the opportunity to go hands-on with this one, writing, “Hopefully The Alters delivers on its promises of challenging survival gameplay and a narrative that keeps you motivated and guessing, but after playing the opening chapters, I’m confident the full game will impress.”

Take a look at The Alters in action below.

If you want to keep things wholesome, nemodev’s 100 Dogs has you covered. This is a hidden object game where, you guessed it, you have to locate 100 dogs.

For those who enjoy open world RPGs, then allow me to highlight Teenage Wasteland.

Developed by Cyberwaste, Teenage Wasteland is a pixel graphics open world RPG set within the 2000s. It’s somewhat of a Bully-esque game, taking you back to the world of high school.

“With over a hundred perks, dozens of cliques to help/harass, and hundreds of choices, you can be the teen YOU want to be,” it teases.

I haven’t forgotten about roguelike fans. ChaoticGames’ Cat Survivors ticks that box. Think Vampire Survivors but with … cats: “This bullet hell roguelite pits you against waves of ferocious demons, where strategic upgrades and dynamic builds are your keys to survival. Can you outlast the demonic onslaught and emerge as the ultimate Cat Survivor?”

Into horror? Nomade Games’ Morgman might be one to keep on your radar. This first-person horror sees you travel to a dark forest and abandoned mansion - two horror classics.

What unknown evil haunts these locales? Well that would be spoiling the fun but let’s just say that evil is “waiting for you in the most unexpected places”.

I’ll round out this list with A44 Games’ upcoming Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn. This one’s a souls-lite where Gods and guns collide.

“The Door to the Great Below has been opened unleashing the Gods and their armies of the Dead. The lands of Kian are besieged, the city of Dawn is on the brink of destruction. It’s time for the Coalition army to fight back. Embrace vengeance, gunpowder and magic as you embark on an epic journey to defeat the Gods, close the door and retake the world,” the synopsis reads.

All of the eight demos mentioned here are available to enjoy on Steam now alongside hundreds of others. There truly is something for everyone.