Steam is currently giving away three games for free, with Age of Mythology Retold as the star of the show. This game typically costs $14.99 and boasts an impressive 89% positive rating based on nearly 11,000 reviews.
Developed by Forgotten Empires, this remaster of the 2002 real-time strategy classic launched through Xbox Game Studios. It has managed to maintain a solid player base, with 3,225 concurrent players logged at the moment. This free claim opportunity allows hesitant players to add it to their libraries without any risk.
The timing is crucial, especially after some recent challenges. Age of Mythology Retold experienced player dissatisfaction in early April 2026 due to new paid features released with its latest DLC. This controversy created enough buzz to spawn several news cycles. Offering a free promotional window can help rebuild goodwill and expand the player base before any further monetization efforts.
Steam hasn’t specified the other two games included in this free offer at the time of writing. However, it’s important for players to check whether each title is a permanent addition or just a free-play period. Knowing the difference between keeping a game and a 72-hour trial can make a big difference in value.
As of April 2026, Age of Mythology Retold also introduced crossplay, enhancing its multiplayer experience across both PC and Xbox. This feature, along with the free entry point, aims to attract players who may have overlooked the remaster upon its initial release.
| Steam Review Score | 89% Positive |
| Total Steam Reviews | 10,893 |
| Standard Price | $14.99 |
| Current Concurrent Players | 3,225 |
| Developer | Forgotten Empires |
Overall, community feedback on the remaster has remained positive, despite the controversy surrounding the April DLC. One reviewer mentioned, “Age of Mythology Retold returns the way a classic should — polished, confident, and clearly built with respect for what made the original special in the first place. This feels less like a simple visual upgrade and more like a genuine reimagining.” This enthusiasm seems to resonate with long-term fans, indicating that the core game is still well-regarded, even though some monetization choices faced criticism.
What To Watch
- Permanent vs. timed claims: Check if all three games are permanent library additions or just free-play weekends. Steam often uses similar wording, and this distinction impacts long-term value.
- Post-promotion player count: Keep an eye on whether Age of Mythology Retold’s concurrent player numbers increase significantly after the free claim ends. A rise would suggest a healthy conversion from library additions to active players.
- DLC and monetization response: Forgotten Empires still hasn’t fully addressed the backlash from April regarding paid features. Their response — whether through rollbacks, free content, or silence — will influence community trust for future updates.
Marcus Webb
Marcus Webb covers esports, competitive gaming, and community stories for Explosion.com. A former semi-professional Counter-Strike player, Marcus transitioned to journalism 5 years ago and has since covered major tournaments including The International, League of Legends Worlds, and the Valorant Champions Tour. He brings a player's perspective to competitive gaming coverage and is known for his data-driven analysis of player performance and meta shifts.



