Steam has launched another Free Weekend promotion, giving PC players the opportunity to experience two major games without spending anything. This time, Payday 3 and Age of Wonders 4 are available to play for free until November 9, 2026.
Both games are also receiving substantial discounts, allowing players to purchase them at reduced prices if they decide to continue playing after the promotion ends.
The Free Weekend concludes on November 9 at 10:00 AM PT / 1:00 PM ET. Once the promotion ends, players must purchase the games to retain access.
Payday 3 Is Free to Play With a 70% Discount
Payday 3 is one of the featured games in Steam’s latest promotion. Developed and published by Starbreeze Entertainment, the cooperative first-person shooter originally launched on September 21, 2023.
The game puts players in the shoes of professional criminals carrying out dangerous heists across New York City. Up to four players can work together to complete objectives, steal valuables, and escape before law enforcement overwhelms them.
Players can approach missions quietly through stealth or rely on weapons and aggressive tactics when things go wrong.
Despite its ambitious concept, Payday 3 struggled to satisfy players following its release. The game currently holds a Mixed rating on Steam, with approximately 45% positive reviews from around 32,000 players.
However, recent reviews paint a more encouraging picture. Around 77% of recent reviews are positive, suggesting that updates and improvements have helped restore some confidence among players.
The Free Weekend offers an opportunity to experience those changes firsthand.
Players who enjoy the game can purchase Payday 3 at a 70% discount, reducing its price to $8.99. The discount remains available until November 12.
Age of Wonders 4 Offers a Completely Different Experience
Players looking for something more strategic can try Age of Wonders 4, a fantasy-themed 4X turn-based strategy game developed by Triumph Studios and published by Paradox Interactive.
Originally released on May 2, 2023, Age of Wonders 4 focuses on building powerful empires, exploring fantasy worlds, and commanding armies through tactical battles.
One of its standout features is extensive faction customization. Players can create unique civilizations and shape their development through magical research, political decisions, and military expansion.
The Tome of Magic system plays an important role in progression, allowing players to unlock powerful abilities and transform their factions over time.
Unlike Payday 3, Age of Wonders 4 has maintained a strong reputation among Steam users.
The game currently holds a Very Positive rating, with approximately 82% positive reviews from more than 11,000 players.
Its campaigns can easily provide more than 20 hours of gameplay, making the Free Weekend a useful opportunity to explore its mechanics before committing to a purchase.
Age of Wonders 4 is also discounted by 60%, bringing its price down to $19.99 until November 18.
Steam Has Additional Free Content Available
Alongside the Free Weekend promotion, Steam is offering additional content that players can permanently add to their libraries.
The Classic American Hunter DLC Pack for Hunting Simulator 3 is currently available through a free-to-keep promotion.
Unlike temporary Free Weekend access, free-to-keep promotions allow players to retain claimed content after the offer expires. However, DLC generally requires ownership of the corresponding base game before players can use it.
Another giveaway involving downloadable content for World of Warships is reportedly scheduled for December 2026.
Players interested in expanding their libraries should keep an eye on these promotions, as availability and deadlines can vary.
A Good Opportunity to Try Before Buying
Steam’s latest Free Weekend provides two very different gaming experiences.
Payday 3 focuses on cooperative action, teamwork, and high-risk criminal operations. Meanwhile, Age of Wonders 4 offers a slower experience built around strategy, empire management, and tactical decision-making.
Both games normally require a purchase, making their temporary availability particularly attractive to players who have been considering either title.
The discounts also provide an incentive to continue playing after the trial period ends.
However, players should remember that the Free Weekend only provides temporary access. Although game progress may remain saved, continued access requires purchasing the relevant game.
With the promotion ending on November 9, interested players have only a few days to experience both titles without paying.
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