A game called Grit the Dark World, which previously sold for around $4.99, has switched to a completely free-to-play model on Steam. At this point, it could be argued that removing the price tag to attract more players is becoming a trend on Steam, as Grit the Dark World is far from the first game to make the switch this month.
Since June 2026, at least two other titles have joined Steam’s growing list of free-to-play games after originally launching with a price tag. For example, the 2025 2D platformer Greenhouse: Schism recently went completely free-to-play. Another is the realistic 3D puzzle game Ellingboy House, which announced it would no longer charge players and is now available for $0.00. Grit the Dark World has now followed the same path.
Grit the Dark World Used to Be a $5 Game on Steam, Now It’s Free
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Image via EdgeStudios -
Image via EdgeStudios -
Image via EdgeStudios
Solo developer Fareed announced in a Steam Community post that Grit the Dark World will no longer be a paid game. Explaining the decision, Fareed said, “The main reason for this change is that I’d like to hear from more players.” According to SteamDB data, the game originally launched at $4.99 before its price was reduced to around $1.99 and, eventually, made completely free to play on Steam.
Grit the Dark World Gameplay Features
- Endless waves of procedurally generated enemies
- 30-minute chapters culminating in massive boss fights
- Different spell chains and combos
- Build-crafting options and permanent upgrades
- Multiple stages with distinct map designs
- Top-down gameplay
- Non-violent visuals
Grit the Dark World puts a wave-shooter spin on the survival horror genre. According to developer Fareed, it can also be described as a top-down roguelite with RPG elements. At the same time, its gameplay loop and bullet hell combat make it a natural fit alongside games like Vampire Survivors on Steam.
Fans should keep in mind that Grit the Dark World is a small indie game and may not be as polished as some of the genre’s bigger releases. Even so, its free-to-play status and modest PC requirements make it an easy game to try. More importantly, the developer is actively looking for player feedback and constructive criticism, making it a good opportunity for fans of survivor-like games to share their thoughts. Fareed explained, “I want honest feedback about what’s working, what isn’t, and what I can improve. The more people who play, the more I can continue refining and expanding the experience.”
For those looking for more freebies, Glitched Out is a horror game on Steam that is set to be delisted soon, but players can keep it permanently by adding it to their libraries. Another game facing delisting is The Lonely Helmet, a 2D platformer. Just like Glitched Out, fans can keep The Lonely Helmet in their libraries if they claim it before the delisting occurs. On the official free-to-keep front, Steam users should keep an eye on two games that could receive the 100% discount treatment soon: The Life and Suffering of Sir Brante and Yet Another Zombie Defense HD.
