If you’re a more casual gaming enthusiast or simply on a budget, here are some recommendations for free games to try this weekend that won’t cost you a dime, even if you decide to indulge in in-game purchases later on.
1. Destiny 2: This long-running online shooter from Bungie has experienced its share of ups and downs, but now might be the perfect time to give it a try if you haven’t already. Bungie has generously made three of its expansions free to all players until June 3rd, ahead of its upcoming major update, The Final Shape, in June. This includes Shadowkeep, Beyond Light, and The Witch Queen, which boasts Destiny 2’s most captivating story campaign. Additionally, players will have access to all Year 6 seasonal content for free. While this open access period may not fully prepare you for The Final Shape’s launch, it will provide you with a solid understanding of the game and help you decide if you want to invest in it further.
2. Slice & Dice: Introduced to me by friends, Slice & Dice is a clever roguelike that incorporates dice rolling to determine your party members’ attacks and defensive strategies. Similar to Slay the Spire, players must strike a balance between offense and defense, but instead of building a deck, they rely on Yahtzee-like dice rolls. This game tests your strategic prowess and challenges you to utilize your dice wisely. While there’s a paid version available on Steam for $9, the free mobile version offers an ideal way to experience the game. Its dice-selecting gameplay is ideally suited for touchscreens, making combat more tactile, and its run-based nature is perfect for brief bursts of entertainment. The free version offers plenty of content, but if you’re hooked, you can opt to unlock the full version for longer runs.
3. Sky: Children of the Light: When I first encountered Sky: Children of the Light, an enchanting MMO from the creators of Journey, when it debuted on mobile devices in 2019, I was captivated by its serene flying gameplay and unique social interactions. Since then, the game has expanded to platforms like Nintendo Switch and PlayStation, and with its recent PC release on Steam in early access, it’s clear that developer Thatgamecompany has ambitious plans for its future. The developers intend to enhance the MMO’s social hub, introduce a new quest system, and host more in-game events. This is a significantly more ambitious vision than the version I played in 2019, and if you’re interested in being a part of the studio’s ongoing development, you can download Sky: Children of the Light for free on Steam or any of the other platforms it’s available on.
