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| Battle Simulator: Counter Stickman generally goes for $2.99 when not on sale. Pictured: an edited screenshot from the game. |
The "Free to Keep" promotion on Steam is usually a cause for celebration among gamers, a chance to expand libraries without spending a dime. However, the recent shift of Battle Simulator: Counter Stickman to a permanently free title has been met with unexpected skepticism and caution within the community.
The indie action simulator, published by GrabTheGames, is currently free to claim on Steam until January 22, 2026. Yet, the most upvoted review on its Steam page casts a long shadow, leveling a serious allegation: that the game contains spyware. This claim has sparked discussions far beyond Steam, particularly on forums like r/FreeGameFindings, where users often share these limited-time offers.
The situation is murky. While some players report that their antivirus software flagged the game, others are quick to point out that these are likely false positives, a common occurrence with smaller, Unity-based projects like this one. As of now, there is no concrete, publicly available technical evidence to substantiate the spyware claim, leaving players in a frustrating gray area.
Beyond the security concerns, the game itself has drawn criticism for being a low-effort "asset flip"—a title quickly assembled using pre-made assets from online stores. The visuals are basic, and the scope is limited. Yet, even its detractors admit that beneath the粗糙的外表 lies a surprisingly addictive combat loop. The simple stickman-versus-stickman battles can offer a few hours of mindless, mildly entertaining fun, assuming one gets past the initial hesitation.
Performance won't be an issue for most. The low-quality visuals ensure Battle Simulator: Counter Stickman runs smoothly on almost any modern PC, even on compact systems like a barebone Minisforum UM890 Pro (currently $439.90 on Amazon).
You can check out the game and its controversial reviews for yourself on its Steam page.
The game's review score reflects its divisive nature. With just over a dozen user reviews, it holds a "Mixed" rating at 66% positive. When not offered for free, it typically retails for a modest $2.99.
So, what's the verdict for the cautious gamer? Given the unresolved concerns, a pragmatic approach has emerged in community discussions: claim it now while it's free, but hold off on installing it. Wait for clearer analysis from the technical community. If the spyware fears are ultimately debunked, you'll have a harmless, quirky time-waster in your library. If not, you've lost nothing.
For players specifically interested in the stickman combat genre but seeking a more polished and reputable free experience, the community strongly recommends Boring Man - Online Tactical Stickman Combat. This well-reviewed Steam title offers deep, tactical gameplay and a passionate player base, proving that great free stickman action doesn't have to come with a side of anxiety.
Source: Steam