Free Steam Games Guide (AU): Best Deals for December 2025

Looking for a way to expand your PC game library without breaking the bank? You’re in luck! Steam, the massive digital storefront for PC games, is packed with opportunities to grab top-quality games for absolutely nothing. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from limited-time giveaways you can keep forever to the best free-to-play titles available right now, all with a special focus on the massive deals happening in December 2025.

Steam Free Games This Week: Limited Time Offers to Keep

One of the best things about Steam is the regular giveaways, but it’s crucial to understand the two main types. The most common is the “Free Weekend,” which lets you play a game for a few days before it locks again. The real prize, however, is the “100% Off” promotion. When you see this, you can add the game to your library, and it’s yours to keep and play forever, just as if you’d paid for it. These are often offered by big publishers like Sega, Ubisoft, and Epic Games (on their own store, but they often partner with Steam publishers too) to promote a new sequel or DLC.

Here’s what’s on offer to claim permanently right now:

• Amnesia: The Dark Descent (100% Off until 15th December): A classic horror game that’s perfect for the long summer nights. Grab it now to keep the spooks going all year.
• Warhammer 40,000: Gladius – Relics of War (100% Off until 18th December): A deep and complex 4X strategy game set in the grimdark universe of Warhammer.

To claim these games and make sure they stay in your library, follow these simple steps:

1. Log in to your Steam account.
2. Go to the store page for the game that’s 100% off.
3. Instead of “Buy,” you’ll see a green button that says “Add to Account.”
4. Click it! The game licence is now permanently tied to your account. You can download and play it whenever you like.

Make sure you act fast! These offers are only for a limited time, so once they’re gone, the game goes back to its regular price.

Best Free Games on Steam (Free-to-Play) to Download Today

Beyond the limited-time giveaways, Steam is home to a massive library of “Free-to-Play” (F2P) games. These are games that are always free to download and play, often supported by optional in-game purchases for cosmetic items or shortcuts. We’ve curated a list of the absolute best ones that offer hundreds of hours of fun without needing you to spend a single cent.

Top Multiplayer & Shooters

For Aussies, a good connection is key. These shooters are massively popular down under, meaning you’ll always find a match with low latency on local servers.

• Counter-Strike 2: The gold standard of competitive tactical shooters. It’s a game of sharp reflexes, deep strategy, and pure skill. A must-play for any FPS fan.
• Apex Legends: A fast-paced, character-based Battle Royale where teamwork is everything. With a diverse roster of Legends and slick movement mechanics, it’s incredibly addictive.
• Destiny 2: While it has paid expansions, the base game offers a huge amount of content, including a compelling story campaign, cooperative strikes, and intense PvP modes.

Best RPGs & Strategy Games

If you prefer deep systems and strategic thinking, these F2P titans offer incredible value and thousands of hours of gameplay.

• Path of Exile: Often called the true successor to Diablo II, this Action RPG features one of the most complex and rewarding character customisation systems ever created. It’s a theory-crafter’s dream.
• Dota 2: One of the biggest games on the planet, this Multiplayer Online Battle Arena (MOBA) is a game of immense strategic depth. It has a steep learning curve but is endlessly rewarding.
• The Sims 4: The base game for the iconic life simulator is now completely free. You can create unique Sims, build their dream homes, and control their lives without spending a cent.

Hidden Gems & Indie Freebies

Don’t overlook the smaller titles! These games are made by passionate developers and offer unique experiences you won’t find anywhere else.

• Warframe: Play as a space ninja in this incredibly slick co-op action game. The movement is fluid, the combat is satisfying, and the amount of free content is staggering.
• Brawlhalla: A free-to-play platform fighter that feels a lot like Super Smash Bros. It’s easy to pick up, hard to master, and great fun with mates.
• Unturned: A blocky, open-world zombie survival game. Don’t let the simple graphics fool you; it’s a deep and engaging survival experience.

Steam Free Games December 2025 & Christmas Events

December is the most exciting time of year for Steam users, and 2025 is shaping up to be massive. The annual Steam Winter Sale is the main event, bringing huge discounts, but it’s also a prime time for giveaways and other freebies.

During the sale, you’ll also be able to participate in the Steam Awards. By voting for your favourite games in various quirky categories, you can earn free community items like trading cards and profile stickers. These can be crafted into badges or sold on the Steam Community Market. While you’re grabbing deals, you’ll want to be careful with how you pay. Using trusted payment methods or digital gift cards is a great way to keep your financial details secure.

How to Find Free Steam Games & Track Sales

Why wait for articles to tell you what’s free? With the right tools and know-how, you can become a master deal-hunter yourself. Here’s how you can find every freebie on Steam.

Using SteamDB

SteamDB (Database) is an essential third-party tool. Its “Free Promotions” section tracks every single game that is temporarily free to keep. Sometimes, games are made free by mistake, and this is the fastest way to find and claim them before the error is fixed.

Steam Store Search Filters

The most direct method. In the Steam store, go to the search page, and on the right-hand side, use the filter “Sort by” and select “Price: Low to High.” This will show all the F2P titles and any 100% off promotions right at the top.

Wishlist Notifications

The simplest way to track games you already want. Add any paid game to your Steam Wishlist. If that game ever goes on sale, including a 100% off giveaway, Steam will automatically send you an email notification. You’ll never miss a deal on a game you’re waiting for.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Are “limited time” Steam free games free forever?

Yes, but only if it’s a “100% off” promotion. During the promotional window, you must click the “Add to Account” button on the store page. Once you do that, the game is permanently added to your library, just like any game you’ve paid for. This is different from a “Free Weekend,” where access to the game expires after a few days.

When is the next Steam Sale?

Steam has four major seasonal sales every year: Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter. The next big one is the Steam Winter Sale, which usually starts in the third week of December and runs into early January. You can find precise countdown timers for all upcoming sales on the SteamDB website.

Can I get Steam games for free legally?

Absolutely. The three main legal ways are through the official “Free to Play” category on the Steam store, claiming games during official “100% off” publisher promotions, and earning community items through events like the Steam Awards. You should never use third-party “key generator” websites or shady key resellers, as these are often illegal and pose a security risk. Stick to the official store; it’s the best way of getting your games safely and legally.

Do free Steam games include achievements and trading cards?

It depends. Games that are permanently claimed during a “100% off” giveaway usually function exactly like the paid version, with full access to achievements, trading card drops, and all other features. For “Free to Play” games, achievements are always included. However, trading card drops are often disabled until you spend a certain amount of money on in-game purchases (usually around $9 USD) to prevent bot farming.