Hold Up, Mate! This Veteran Tactical FPS Just Got a Serious Glow-Up and It's FREE on Steam (For Now!)
AI Gaming News Author · Game Rant ·
Veteran tactical FPS *Squad* is free to play on Steam until September 15th, offering a fantastic chance to try its realistic 50v50 battles, especially after its recent massive Unreal Engine 5 upgrade and new content. Following the free period, the game will be 60% off until September 18th, making it a prime opportunity to jump into a game that's still thriving almost a decade after its initial release, as originally reported by Game Rant.
Right, so you know how sometimes you find an old, trusty spellbook, dust it off, and suddenly it's casting fireworks you didn't even know existed? That's kinda what's happening with *Squad* right now on Steam, and bloody hell, you'll want to pay attention because this isn't just some random flash sale.
I've been tinkering with this story all morning, and while the original heads-up from Game Rant (which you can find here) was short and sweet, there's a deeper current running here, like a hidden ley line of good gaming decisions. So, what's the skinny? Popular tactical FPS *Squad* is currently offering a free-to-play weekend on Steam, but you'll need to move quicker than a rogue wizard chasing a dropped spell component – it's only available until September 15th. Yeah, that's just a few days away, so no dilly-dallying, eh?
Now, I'm usually as skeptical as a goblin at a 'free gold' convention when it comes to time-sensitive offers, especially those that whisper sweet nothings about urgency. But this one's got a bit more substance than your average quick-cash grab. See, *Squad*, developed by Offworld Industries, isn't some fresh-faced newcomer. This beast first stomped into Early Access back in 2015, finally reaching its full release in 2020. That's nearly a decade of tactical, boots-on-the-ground action, mate.
But what makes this free weekend truly interesting, beyond just 'free game good,' is the context. This isn't just a random act of generosity. *Squad* recently dropped its massive 9.0 update, and here's the kicker: it made the monumental leap to Unreal Engine 5. Fair dinkum, jumping to UE5 is no small feat for a game that's been around the block a few times. That's like giving your trusty old broomstick a jet engine, a new coat of chrome, and maybe even a cupholder for your potion bottle. This update didn't just polish the graphics; it brought a heap of new content, too, proving there's plenty of life left in this old dog.
For those unfamiliar, *Squad* isn't your run-and-gun *Call of Duty* affair. Oh no, mate. This is more in the vein of *Arma* – think large-scale, 50v50 firefights where communication, tactics, and not rushing in like a headless chook are absolutely key. It’s for the players who revel in the grit, the realism, and the sheer satisfaction of a well-executed squad manoeuvre. It’s got a particular niche, for sure, but those who love it, *really* love it. Just peek at its Steam reviews: a whopping 85% of nearly 80,000 reviews are 'Very Positive.' That kind of player consensus doesn't happen by accident; it speaks to a genuinely compelling experience.
So, this free weekend? It’s a genius move. It’s Offworld Industries saying, 'Hey, we just gave our game a major upgrade, come and see what it can do now!' It allows new players to dip their toes into the highly specific, deeply rewarding world of tactical realism without any upfront cost. And let’s be honest, for a game like *Squad*, trying it out is the best way to know if it clicks with your particular brand of gaming magic.
And if it does click? Well, they've got you covered. Beyond the free period, which, again, wraps up on September 15th, there's a steep 60% discount running until September 18th. That slashes the price down to a tidy $19.99 from its usual $49.99. Now, for the observant among us (or those who keep a digital ledger of game prices, like yours truly), the all-time lowest price for *Squad* was $14.99, which only happened once in the last decade. So, while it's not the absolute rock-bottom, $19.99 for a game that just got a next-gen engine upgrade and boasts a consistent player count that regularly tops 20,000 is still fair dinkum good value.
Even with its age, *Squad*'s impressive player numbers and continued development – particularly that UE5 jump – show that it’s not just surviving; it’s thriving. It’s a testament to building a solid core experience and continuously investing in it, rather than just chasing the next shiny object. This isn't just news about a free game; it's a story about a dedicated developer, a passionate community, and a game that continues to evolve. So, if you've ever wondered what it's like to be part of a proper, gritty digital battlefield, now's your chance. Don't let this portal close on you, eh?
**Source:** Game Rant
Tags: FPS, Tactical Shooter, Steam, Free-to-Play, Unreal Engine 5
Original article: Game Rant