PC players looking to add to their digital libraries before the year ends have a short window to claim several significant titles for free. Valve’s storefront is currently offering two different experiences, Rat Quest and The Deed: Dynasty. Both games can be kept permanently if claimed by December 25 at 12:00 PM CST. While Steam giveaways often go unnoticed compared to the flashy marketing of other platforms, these two selections provide a distinct contrast in gameplay styles for those willing to look beyond the mainstream.
Rat Quest is a tough test of patience for fans of challenging platforming. It is a 2D game where precision is essential; a single mistake can lead to a complete loss of progress, placing it in the “tough-as-nails” subgenre that has become popular in recent years. In contrast, The Deed: Dynasty offers a more thoughtful, albeit darker, experience. This narrative-driven RPG challenges players to plan a murder and navigate the investigation by framing other characters. Despite its 2016 release, the game has a “Very Positive” rating on Steam, appreciated for its branching paths and cynical writing.
The holiday competition is intense as the Epic Games Store continues its yearly tradition of daily mystery gifts. After giving away popular titles like Hogwarts Legacy earlier this month, the platform is now highlighting independent gems. At the time of writing, the open-world investigation game Paradise Killer is available for a 24-hour period. This “one-and-done” format requires more attention from users than Steam’s multi-day window, but the quality of titles—including recent additions like Blood West and Eternights—has made it a daily staple for the PC community.
While social media has been filled with “leaked” lists suggesting that big titles like Red Dead Redemption 2 would show up this final week of December, these rumors have mostly been proven wrong by the actual game rotation. Experienced players are encouraged to ignore the speculation and focus on the confirmed schedule. They should log in before the midday refresh to secure these licenses. Between Steam’s permanent additions and Epic’s daily offerings, the last week of 2025 is shaping up to be one of the most generous times for PC gaming in recent memory.
