Steam's Year-End Surprise: A Fresh Batch of Free Games Hits the Platform

Some of the newly spotted free games over a hundred of player reviews already. Pictured: an edited screenshot from The December Job.

Just as 2025 was winding down, Steam delivered an unexpected holiday treat to its massive user base: another round of free-to-claim games. This late-December drop, landing right before the January 2026 rush, has added a fresh wave of titles to the platform's ever-growing "Free to Play" section. As with many of these surprise updates, the new additions are a mixed bag—some are hidden gems already earning player acclaim, while others are unrated newcomers waiting to be discovered.

While it's always wise to approach unrated freebies with cautious curiosity, several titles in this batch have already managed to impress early adopters. We've sifted through the list to highlight the ones boasting "Very Positive" or "Overwhelmingly Positive" ratings from the Steam community. If you're looking to expand your library without shrinking your wallet, these are the standouts worth a closer look.

Top-Rated Freebies to Claim Now

Leading the pack is The Silence After, a chilling first-person atmospheric horror released on December 4. It's not just jump scares; players are praising its interesting gameplay mechanics. With over 45 reviews and a stunning 97% positive rating, it's clearly doing something right. You can check out the eerie atmosphere for yourself on its Steam store page.

For puzzle enthusiasts, Mahjong Realms offers a serene yet brain-teasing experience, described as a matching tiles game with puzzles. Its 92% positive rating from around 30 reviews suggests it's a quality take on the classic formula. Find your zen here.

The narrative-driven casual game Not For You has achieved a perfect score so far. Released on December 3, it holds a 100% positive rating based on 16 reviews, making it a intriguing short story experience. See if it's for you here.

Action RPG fans should look at HANEHOLO!, a jump-action title released on December 12 with proper controller support. It's a great match for a pad like the 8BitDo Ultimate 2C wireless controller (currently $25.49 on Amazon). The game has garnered 60 reviews, with a solid 75% being positive. Leap into the action via its store page.

A notable mention is Inotia 4, a single-player fantasy RPG with charming pixel graphics. Since its December 8 release, it has amassed over 300 player reviews, with 79% rating it positively. It's a substantial free offering for fans of classic 2D adventures. Begin your quest here.

More Highly-Rated Standouts

The early access title Fracctal TCG is drawing comparisons to Pokémon and has captivated players enough to earn an 88% positive rating from over 30 reviews. Build your deck by visiting its Steam page.

If you prefer mystery and logic, Blackthorne's Manor combines FPS gameplay with puzzle-solving in a thriller package. Released December 10, it also sports a flawless 100% positive score from its first 16 reviews. Investigate the manor here.

For horror with a side of stealth, The December Job is a first-person experience that's currently sitting at a 93% positive rating (from 30 reviews). Plan your stealthy approach here.

In a fun twist, Tackle Box: The First Catch offers fast-paced fishing with retro visuals. It's hooked a 90% positive rating from its first 20-something reviews. Cast your line here.

Finally, Clockwork Cleanup is making a huge impression. This auto-battler with roguelike elements has already received over 160 reviews, and a whopping 99% of them are positive. It might be the sleeper hit of the bunch. Start your automated battle here.

The Verdict

Steam's latest free game infusion is a fantastic way to kick off the new year. While many new additions lack ratings, the community has quickly identified a strong cohort of worthy titles across genres—from horror and RPGs to puzzles and card games. As always, "free" on Steam means free to own forever once claimed. So dive in, explore these highly-rated options, and you might just find your next favorite game without spending a dime. Remember to leave your own review to help guide fellow players!