Steam Free Weekend: Arc Raiders, Core Keeper, and Squad 44 are Free, Pony Island is Yours to Keep Permanently

If you're looking for something to play this weekend, you won't have to spend a dime: On Steam, no fewer than four free events are currently underway. The star among them is Arc Raiders, one of the biggest multiplayer shooter hits from last year. Also available are Core Keeper, Squad 44, and the horror puzzle game Pony Island.

What Games Are Free on Steam This Weekend?

• Arc Raiders: Extraction shooter, free to play until October 12, 10 AM.
• Pony Island: Horror puzzle game, until October 12, 7 PM – and yours to keep permanently if you add it to your library by then.
• Core Keeper: Sandbox adventure, until October 12, 7 PM.
• Squad 44: Tactical World War shooter, until October 13, 7 PM.

Please note: Apart from Pony Island, these are time-limited free weekends. After the free period, you'll need to purchase the games if you wish to continue playing.

Why Is Now a Good Time to Jump Into Arc Raiders?

Arc Raiders sends you, either solo or with friends, to the surface of a post-apocalyptic world. Your goal is to collect valuable loot and try to get out alive. The dangers aren't just giant killer robots, but also other players who are after your gear.

The timing is excellent: A major update called „Frozen Trail“ was just released on October 8. It introduces a new map, additional enemies, and fresh equipment, among other things. If you want to continue playing after the free period, the game is currently available with a 50 percent discount for 20 Euros.

What's the Deal with Pony Island, Core Keeper, and Squad 44?

Pony Island comes from Daniel Mullins, the acclaimed developer behind Inscryption. You find yourself trapped inside a devil-manipulated arcade machine and must outsmart its programming. Over 95 percent of its more than 14,000 Steam reviews are positive.

Core Keeper blends elements of Terraria, Minecraft, and Stardew Valley: You'll explore a massive underground world, mine resources, build bases, farm, and defeat bosses – all with up to seven friends. Squad 44 offers a stark contrast to the hectic action of Call of Duty: it features realistic World War II battles where communication and teamwork are paramount.

Our Recommendation: Which Game Should You Play First?

From our perspective, the order is clear. Play Pony Island first, as it's the only one you get to keep, and it only requires an evening or two to complete. Then move on to Arc Raiders while it's still free: A free weekend is the most risk-free way to see if extraction shooters are your thing. And if you're playing with friends, you should definitely try Core Keeper or Squad 44 together, as both truly shine when played as a team.

Source: GameStar

Which of the four games will you try out? Let us know in the comments!