How to Claim Free PC Games and Keep Them

Free PC games come in several forms, and only some of them are yours to keep. This guide explains the common types, how claiming works and how to avoid the usual mistakes.

Free to keep, free weekend and free to play

These three labels sound alike but mean very different things:

• Free to keep (a giveaway). For a limited time the price is $0. If you add the game to your account before the offer ends, it stays in your library permanently, even after the price goes back up. This is what GameSavr’s Free Now section lists.
• Free weekend or free trial. You can play for a few days, but access ends unless you buy the game. Some stores let you keep your progress if you purchase later.
• Free to play. The game is always free but may sell in-game items. There is no deadline, so nothing is “claimed”.

How claiming usually works

1. Open the offer from the listing and check the store, price ($0.00 or “Free”) and the end date.
2. Sign in to your account on that store (Steam, Epic Games Store, GOG, itch.io and so on).
3. Click the button that adds it to your library, often labelled “Get”, “Add to account” or “Claim”. On some stores you must go through a zero-dollar checkout.
4. Confirm that the game now appears in your library. Installing it can wait; owning it is what counts.

Tips so you do not miss out

• Claim early. Countdowns on this site are based on the end time reported by the source, and stores sometimes end offers early or run out of keys.
• Check requirements. Some giveaways need a launcher, a newsletter sign-up or a particular region. Read the store page instructions.
• Bundles. Large free bundles are usually DRM-free downloads or keys from a single store and may ask you to confirm “no payment” steps. Take your time with each page.
• Region and age limits. A game can be free in one region and unavailable in another.

Stay safe

A real giveaway never asks for your password outside the store’s official login page, card details or remote access to your computer. Be wary of social media posts offering “free keys” through unfamiliar sites. See our guide on buying PC games safely for more.

Ready to claim something? Browse the current free games, sorted by those ending soonest.