Steam’s Free-to-Keep promotion is a low-profile system that usually goes live without any prior announcement. Thanks to SteamDB’s backend data, we already know some of the free content coming in October 2026. The latest addition is Fireside Feelings, a cozy game focused on story and dialogue.

How Does Free-to-Keep Work?

Unlike the Epic Games Store’s weekly free game program, Steam’s Free-to-Keep isn’t a centralized or scheduled event. Publishers launch these short-term campaigns at their own discretion, typically lasting less than a week. If you claim a game during this period, it’s permanently added to your Steam library—just like a purchase, you can download and play it anytime. This is different from “always free to play” games like Fortnite or Counter-Strike 2. Here, a normally paid game or content becomes completely free for a limited time.

Confirmed for October

The three cosmetic packs on the list are launch day rewards released alongside new games. For example, with MXGP26 launching on October 1, the Scrubdesignz Liveries pack will be free for a few days for early adopters. Fireside Feelings, on the other hand, is a full game—not just a cosmetic add-on.

Exact Dates Still Unannounced

The tricky part about Free-to-Keep promotions is that the exact start dates are rarely announced in advance. While SteamDB’s backend data shows these items are coming in October, publishers usually kick off these campaigns with last-minute announcements and little fanfare. The best way not to miss out is to check Steam regularly or follow SteamDB’s upcoming free games page.

This Isn’t an Isolated List

These four October confirmations follow a similar pattern from September, when full games like Crystal Crisis (a Tetris-style fighting game) and the sci-fi exploration/strategy title Space Menace were also offered as Free-to-Keep. This pattern confirms that Steam’s low-key but regular free game system is still going strong.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Free-to-Keep games permanently added to my account?

Yes. If you claim a game during the promotion, it stays in your Steam library forever—just like a purchase.

When will Fireside Feelings be free?

No exact date has been announced yet. SteamDB’s backend data suggests it will arrive sometime in October 2026, but the publisher hasn’t revealed the specific date.

Do I need to own the base games to claim these cosmetic packs?

Yes, the cosmetics for MXGP26, Gear.Club Unlimited 3, and Hunting Simulator 3 are launch day bonuses for players who already own or purchase the main games at release.