Video games coming to Steam and Epic Games in 2026

The start of January 2026 is shaping up to be a real feast for PC gamers.On one hand, Steam and the Epic Games Store are giving away several very interesting titles, and on the other, the release schedule points to a year packed with blockbuster games coming to both PC and consoles. If you play on PC, this is one of those times when it's wise to have your library well-prepared.

In the following lines we will review, on the one hand, the six video games which you can get for free on Steam and the Epic Games Store These days, we'll cover both the big releases coming soon, which will also be available on PC via Steam and/or Epic. We'll talk about strategy, horror, action, open world, racing, and even major franchises like GTA, Fable, and Gears of War, all explained in detail and with some gameplay tips to help you get the most out of them.

Free video games on Steam and Epic Games: six titles that will stay forever

The first mandatory stop is the Free game promotions on Steam and Epic Games StoreDuring the first few days of January, both platforms are jointly offering a total of six video games that you can add to your account for free. Some are permanent free-to-play titles, while others can only be claimed for a few days before the promotion ends.

In all cases, the process is very simple: Log in to the corresponding store with your account, claim the game, and add it to your library. How to install games on Windows with SteamYou don't have to install it right away; simply link it to your profile and it will be saved forever, even after the offer ends. It's a very convenient way to expand your catalog without spending a penny.

Free games on Steam: four new permanent additions

Steam has strengthened its free-to-play repertoire with Four titles that can be downloaded for free and kept indefinitely.These aren't just demos or temporary trials: these are full games that become a permanent part of your account. Also, if you have any doubts about compatibility, it's a good idea to check the Steam compatibility with your system.

Heist Royale It is perhaps the most appealing to those who enjoy lighthearted action. In this shooter multiplayerThe games revolve around Quick heists, chaotic shootouts, and team clashes to see who gets the loot. The pace is fast, the maps are designed to push players into constant combat, and the fun lies in coordinating well with your teammates to execute attacks that are as effective as they are spectacular.

For those who prefer something darker, Dark Chronicles: Reawakening of Evil bet on a RPG with a strong narrative focus and a very pronounced horror toneThe atmosphere is bleak, with unsettling environments, disturbing creatures, and a story that unfolds gradually as you explore and make choices. It's the kind of game best played with headphones and the lights off if you want to fully immerse yourself in its atmosphere.

In a rather different register is Journey to Shambhala, an adventure centered on the exploration and the search for a mythical place inspired by oriental legendsThe game focuses on exploring exotic locations, solving small challenges, and immersing yourself in its mystical atmosphere. It's ideal if you're looking for something less frantic and more contemplative, with a narrative that draws from Asian mythology and mysticism.

The fourth person in this dispute is The Backrooms Deluxe 2A perfect suggestion for fans of psychological horror. It draws inspiration from the popular concept of the Backrooms, those infinite and disturbing liminal spaces where nothing seems to fit and everything feels familiar yet strange at the same time. Here, the tension doesn't come so much from cheap jump scares as from the constant unease of getting lost in endless corridors, empty rooms, and corners where you sense something is wrong even if you can't see it.

What's interesting about these four games is that, once you claim them on Steam, They remain linked to your account indefinitely.You can download them today, tomorrow, or months from now; they'll still be there waiting for you. They're a great way to try out different genres without spending a penny: from multiplayer heists to psychological horror, dark role-playing, and exploration adventures.

Epic Games Store: Historical strategy and PvPvE action for a limited time

Epic Games Store is not far behind and has put on the table Two high-caliber games that can be obtained for free until January 8thIf your PC is running on fumes, keep in mind that Epic Games Launcher consumes a lot of resourcesWe're not talking about small independent projects here, but premium titles that, under normal circumstances, have a considerable price tag.

The first is Total War: Three Kingdoms, one of the highest-rated installments in Creative Assembly's strategy saga. It takes us to the China during the Three Kingdoms periodA turbulent period in which different warlords fight to unify the territory and seize power. The game combines a turn-based campaign map phase with real-time tactical battles with hundreds of units on screen.

Epic's second gift is Wildgatea multiplayer shooter with a focus PvPvE (player versus player and environment)Here you face not only other human teams, but also AI-controlled threats, as you compete to complete specific objectives. Its modes include artifact battles, large-scale fleet battles and plundering expeditions with extractionwhere the challenge is not only to get the loot, but also to escape alive.

Just like on Steam, the procedure for taking advantage of these offers is incredibly simple: You go to the Epic Games Store, claim the game, and link it to your account.Once you've done this, the full versions of Total War: Three Kingdoms and Wildgate will remain in your library forever, even if you don't download them immediately. However, if you miss the January 8th deadline, you'll lose your chance.

All of this makes the Boot of the year at a perfect time to Expand your PC game collection at no cost. Four downloads Permanent releases on Steam and two top-tier titles on Epic make for a great weekend for those who want to try new things without spending a fortune.

Basic tactical guide for Total War: Three Kingdoms

Among the games that Epic gives away, Total War: Three Kingdoms deserves a special mention Because it's a deep, complex, and multi-layered game. It's not the kind of game you can master in a couple of afternoons, so having a solid grasp of the basics helps a lot in avoiding feeling lost in the first few hours.

The structure of the game is divided into two main blocks: on one hand there is the turn-based campaign map, where you manage your empireAnd on the other hand there are the real-time battles, where you command your armies on the battlefieldBoth aspects are closely interconnected: winning wars is of little use if your economy collapses, and amassing a fortune is of little use if your troops flee at the first clash. If you play in Linux, Can Configure Proton on Steam for Linux to improve compatibility.

When starting a game, the first thing to do is choose a leader, such as Cao Cao, Liu Bei or Sun JianEach player has their own play style, bonuses, and approach to the campaign. Long-term success depends on... Build and upgrade buildings in your settlements, and manage key resources like gold and food effectively. and maintain internal stability to avoid revolts. If you exploit your population too much or neglect security, you may face internal uprisings that ruin your expansion plans.

Diplomacy is another pillar of Three Kingdoms. Direct war isn't always the best course of action; sometimes it's better to avoid it. to seal alliances, sign vassalage pacts, or negotiate trade agreements that give you an economic or military respite. There's a fairly elaborate system that allows you to forge coalitions, break agreements, or even use espionage to destabilize your rivals from within.

In this area, espionage is particularly lucrative. You can infiltrate agents into enemy factions to sabotage their plans, steal technological advances, provoke conflicts, or weaken their diplomatic relationsUsed well, it can be the difference between a strong enemy and one that comes to war weakened and surrounded by internal problems.

When you move on to the combat section, the game lets you choose between two main configurations: the mode "Romance" and the mode “Records”In Romance, generals are little short of legendary heroes, with almost supernatural abilities capable of single-handedly turning the tide of a battle. In Records, the approach is more sober and prioritizes historical realism, with less “superpowerful” commanders and a more down-to-earth tone.

The positioning of troops on the ground is crucial. Formations such as Infantry walls serve to protect more vulnerable unitsWhile cavalry can shatter flanks if it manages to charge from the sides or rear, understanding when and where to launch a charge, when to hold a firm line, or when to retreat in time makes the difference between a narrow victory and a painful defeat.

Another characteristic element is the duels between generalsYou can challenge or accept one-on-one challenges between leaders of both sides. Winning or losing these duels has a direct effect on troop morale: seeing your general fall demoralizes your soldiers, while seeing the rival hero on the ground can unleash a wave of confidence in your ranks.

The synergy between characters and units also adds a lot of depth. Combining, for example, A strategist with archers to improve his ammunition or effectiveness This can give you a significant tactical advantage. The same applies to commanders designed to enhance heavy infantry or cavalry, so it's wise to carefully review each general's abilities before forming your army.

As basic guidelines to get off to a good start, it is recommended to control food and money management down to the millimeterAvoid expanding too quickly (because you could become diplomatically overwhelmed or unable to defend all your territory) and use the game's built-in help, accessible with the F1 key, to clarify any doubts about specific systems. Although strategists may not be the most brilliant in close combat, their importance in overall planning is enormous, while champions excel in duels and more direct situations.

Big video games coming to Steam, Epic and other platforms in 2026

Beyond the year-end promotions, 2026 is shaping up to be one of those years packed with powerful releases for virtually all platformsMany of these titles will also be coming to PC via Steam, the Epic Games Store, or other retailers, and it's worth keeping an eye on them. Xbox integration with SteamSo it's worth reviewing the most prominent names.

The activity starts to pick up in January, but things really heat up in February. The good thing is that there's a bit of everything: Reimagined classic JRPGs, sequels to demanding action sagas, new installments of renowned horror, and big-budget open-world productionsIf you like to plan your purchases (or your wish list), take note.

Dragon Quest VII Reimagined: A Classic Reborn

The launch is scheduled for February 5th. Dragon Quest VII Reimagined to PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch 2 y Xbox This series has very high expectations among fans of traditional JRPGs. It's about A complete reconstruction of the original 2001 title, this time with modern 3D graphics and a presentation much more in line with current times.

The plot puts us in the shoes of a young man from a fishing family who dreams of discovering What lies beyond their small island?That adventurous impulse leads him to embark on a journey that grows in scale until it involves new friends, powerful enemies, and even travel in Therewith the fate of the entire world ultimately depending on their decisions.

In terms of gameplay, it maintains the classic turn-based combat from the sagaBut it introduces a revised skill system that offers more customization options and different strategies depending on the party you form. The characters once again bear the unmistakable mark of Akira Toriyama in his artistic designMeanwhile, the settings opt for a diorama style, as if they were carefully detailed models, which gives it a very particular visual charm.

are also added new voices and a better-done dubbingThis greatly helps to bring the main and supporting characters to life. Overall, it's an opportunity for those who missed the original to discover it in an updated version, and for veterans to revisit the adventure with a significant facelift.

Nioh 3: demanding action in a fantastical feudal Japan

The next day, February 6, he arrives Nioh 3 for PS5 and PC (Steam), the new offering from Team Ninja. If the first two Nioh games were already known for their difficulty and for blending Japanese history with supernatural elements, this third installment goes a step further with a world openly dominated by demons.

The protagonist, Takechiyo TokugawaIt takes place in a fantastical feudal Japan ruled by demonic creatures. Its objective is overthrow these beings and restore their status to shogunThis won't be a walk in the park. To achieve this, he will have two distinct fighting styles: one more direct, heavy, and forceful, in the style of a samurai, and another more agile and elusive, centered on ninja arts.

Los Guardian spirits once again play a key role both inside and outside of combatThey not only provide special attacks and very powerful abilities, but also offer additional mobility options around the world, helping you move through seemingly inaccessible areas or face difficult encounters from a more advantageous position.

Furthermore, Nioh 3 is betting on a cooperative online component which allows you to share the experience with other players. Given the series' usual level of challenge, having extra help can be a blessing in certain missions or against particularly tough bosses.

Resident Evil Requiem: a new stop in the horror saga

The launch is scheduled for February 27th. Resident Evil Requiem for PS5, Nintendo Switch 2, Xbox Series and PCThis became the ninth main installment in Capcom's horror franchise. This time, the story focuses on two protagonists with their own but interconnected paths: Grace Ashcroft, FBI analystand the now legendary Leon S. Kennedy, known since Resident Evil 2.

The plot begins with the appearance of a corpse in an abandoned hotel in the Midwestern United StatesThis starting point gradually becomes more complex and promises to provide answers about the original zombie incident in Raccoon City. This connection to the saga's origins is one of the biggest draws for longtime fans.

In terms of gameplay, the title allows switch between first-person view and third-person view at any timeThis is unusual within a single installment and allows players to tailor the experience to their preferences. This duality applies to exploration, combat, and puzzle-solving.

The promise is to offer a balance between the tension typical of classic survival horror and modern actionWith areas for leisurely exploration, puzzle-solving, resource management, and intense encounters with infected creatures, Requiem presents itself as an important piece in the overall narrative puzzle for those who have followed Resident Evil since the 90s.

Crimson Desert: role-playing and action in an open fantasy world

After some delays, March 19th is circled in red for the launch of crimson desert, a new open-world action role-playing adventure set in a universe of high medieval fantasyThe protagonist, Kliff, has seen most of the members of his warrior clan fall in a devastating battle, and from there he will begin a journey to rebuild the Gray Manes.

A little over a year ago we were able to see and test part of its combat system, characterized by a very frenetic pace, full of particle effects and truly challenging encountersThe idea is that boss fights shouldn't be a formality, but rather genuine tests of skill against enemies like giant turtles, spiritual beings, or witches of immense power.

Another of the game's strengths is the size of the world of Pywel, a vast scenario that can be travel on mounts as striking as giant wolves or even dragonsThese types of movement options not only provide visual variety, but also influence how missions, combat, and exploration are approached in general.

GTA VI, Onimusha, Lords of the Fallen II, Forza, Fable and Gears: what's coming without a firm release date

Beyond the dates already confirmed, 2026 is full of Big names are expected throughout the year, but without a definitive release date.Some have suffered delays, others simply don't have a more precise window, but all of them are making waves within the community.

The most high-profile case is, without a doubt, Grand Theft Auto VIAfter several changes to its schedule, it is expected to arrive on November 19th. PlayStation 5 and Xbox SeriesAfter being pushed back from an initial late 2025 date to 2026, the game will be set in Vice City, a metropolis inspired by Miami, and players will control... Jason and Lucia, a criminal couple on the run after his last attempt went terribly wrong.

The adventure will offer an open world full of drug traffickers, conspiracy theories and all kinds of gangsterswith the freedom of action typical of the GTA saga and an atmosphere full of excess, neon lights and extreme situations, as seen with GTA V free on Epic Games Store.

In a very different tone, Onimusha: Way of the Sword It is also planned for 2026 on PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC (Steam). The action takes place in Kyoto, during the beginning of the Edo period and the Tokugawa shogunateBut with a strong layer of dark fantasy. We will embody the samurai. Miyamoto Musashi, who uses the Oni gauntlet to unleash supernatural powers and confront all kinds of infernal beings.

Another title on the radar is Lords of the Fallen IIwhich will arrive sometime this year on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC (via the Epic Games Store). The game maintains the style of role-playing game with action combat in the style of “Souls”In a world divided between the realm of the living and the realm of the dead, the lamp's mechanism, which allows one to jump from one plane to another at a cost, opens the door to... tackle combat and exploration from different equipment configurationsoffering variety in how you face both common enemies and colossal bosses.

In the field of driving, Forza Horizon 6 It's shaping up to be another of the year's biggest hits for Xbox Series X/S and PC. After the fifth installment, set in Mexico, this new entry takes us to Japan, with its varied landscapes and motor cultureThe proposal once again opts for a completely open world and a spectacular arcade approach, with high-end cars, all kinds of tests and a very marked sense of speed and freedom.

In the realm of role-playing and action, Fable This could mark the return of a beloved saga, also for Xbox Series and PC. In this new vision, we return to the fairytale kingdom of Albionwhere the protagonist will have to confront a dark threat that puts the entire world at risk. It is expected to maintain the spirit of role-playing and action games, with bustling towns, grand palaces, and that characteristic touch of humorHowever, concrete details are still scarce.

Lastly, Gears of War: E-Day It is also planned for 2026 on Xbox Series and PC, functioning as prequel to the sagaThe story takes place on Emergence Day, the day the Locust emerge to ravage the surface, and puts us back in the shoes of Marcus Fenix ​​and Dom SantiagoThe game will continue to bet on Third-person action, cover mechanics, and non-stop shootingAll of this is based on the Unreal Engine 5, which suggests a significant visual leap compared to previous installments.

Looking at the whole set, among the Free introductory games from Steam and Epic, the arrival of deep titles like Total War: Three Kingdoms and the avalanche of releases to come with Dragon Quest VII Reimagined, Nioh 3, Resident Evil Requiem, Crimson Desert, GTA VI, Onimusha, Lords of the Fallen II, Forza Horizon 6, Fable and Gears of War: E-Day, This year is shaping up to be a very attractive time to play on PC.Whether taking advantage of promotions to expand their library for free or preparing their wallets for major releases on Steam and Epic, gamers have a very tempting schedule ahead.

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Isaac

Passionate writer about the world of bytes and technology in general. I love sharing my knowledge through writing, and that's what I'll do on this blog, show you all the most interesting things about gadgets, software, hardware, tech trends, and more. My goal is to help you navigate the digital world in a simple and entertaining way.