Well-reviewed Steam PC game Nocturnal is free right now

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For a limited time, Steam users can download the side-scrolling action-platformer Nocturnal for free. The 2023 indie PC game is available completely free until April 26 at 10 a.m. PDT/1 p.m. EDT, thanks to Steam’s free-to-keep promotion.

While Steam’s rotating free-to-keep games can be hit or miss, Nocturnal has been well-received by critics and players. The PC game has a “very positive” Steam user review rating, with more than 420 reviews. On Metacritic, Nocturnal has an average metascore of 81, or “generally favorable” assessment, while on OpenCritic, the game boasts a top critic average of 76. Normally, Nocturnal costs $16.99, so getting the PC version for free is a very good deal.

Nocturnal was developed by Sunnyside Games and published by Dear Villagers. The side-scrolling game gives players a flaming sword with which to dispel a dynamically generated Mist that spawns evil creatures. Here’s how the developer describes Nocturnal:

Nocturnal is an action game where you play as Ardeshir, a soldier of the Enduring Flame, returning to his homeland, Nahran, after many years of absence. Following the appearance of a mysterious Mist, the island has recently fallen into chaos, and Ardeshir must wield his flaming sword and use powerful abilities to confront its mysteries and free Nahran.

Nocturnal is a streamlined experience centered around a singular concept, its creators say, and takes around three hours to complete.

Steam suggests that fans of games like Hollow Knight, Celeste, and Planet of Lana check out Nocturnal.

Claim Nocturnal FREE on Steam

Nocturnal is available on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X as well, but only the PC version is free right now, and only through Steam. Sunnyside Games is giving its side-scrolling action game away for free right now to promote a sequel, Nocturnal 2, a new Metroidvania-style game that will be released in 2026. So if you enjoy Nocturnal, you can wishlist the sequel, try out its demo, or reward the developer by buying Nocturnal‘s soundtrack and art book.