# Steam gaming promotions and free access offers

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/steam-gaming-promotions-and-free-access-offers
> Updated: 2026-10-08T04:00:00.000Z. Sources: 7. Developments: 2.

Steam has implemented various gaming promotions involving free access and discounts. In mid-September, the platform offered a selection of eight games for users to add to their libraries permanently, alongside a weekend VIP pass to trial major titles such as Borderlands 4 and F1 25.

By October, the platform continued these promotions with a free weekend offering for Squad 44 and Core Keeper. The Squad 44 promotion included a subsequent discount period, allowing players to purchase the title at a reduced price following the free access window.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-08: Steam offers free weekend access to Squad 44 and Core Keeper

Steam is offering free weekend access to Squad 44 and Core Keeper, with Squad 44 available at a discount through October 15.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/steam-offers-free-weekend-access-to-squad-44-and-core-keeper

### 2026-09-10: Steam offers free games and weekend VIP trials

Steam is offering a weekend VIP pass to trial major titles like Borderlands 4 and F1 25, alongside eight free games that users can keep permanently until September 14.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/steam-offers-free-games-and-weekend-vip-trials

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Cite as: Steam gaming promotions and free access offers. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/steam-gaming-promotions-and-free-access-offers