Steam Users Have Until February 16 to Try RPG Maker for Free

RPG Maker MZ, one of the most powerful and user-friendly RPG creation engines on the market, is currently free to try on Steam through February 16. Normally priced at $79.99, RPG Maker MZ has become a go-to platform for hobbyists and indie developers alike thanks to its intuitive drag-and-drop design and deep customization options. The Steam software empowers anyone — from longtime RPG fans to total beginners — to build stories, worlds, and combat systems without ever needing to write a single line of code.

For any gamers who have ever fantasized about building their own turn-based epic or crafting the next generation of retro-inspired RPGs, Gotcha Gotcha Games and KADOKAWA Yoji Ojima are literally handing out the tools to do it, free and only for a limited time. For many aspiring developers, RPG Maker has long served as a gateway to game design. Its philosophy — “what if anyone could make an RPG?” — has helped creators bring personal projects to life without being throttled by the steep learning curves demanded by the industry.

Through 10 a.m. PST on February 16, Steam users can add RPG Maker MZ to their library at no cost as part of the ongoing RPG Maker Festival 2026 celebration. This isn’t a watered-down demo or a teaser with locked features. During the free period, players can access the full engine, digging into the same map editors, character generators, event scripting systems, and asset libraries that thousands of indie creators use to turn ideas into playable games — or even RPG Maker remakes ala Legend of Dragoon. The event also features sales on related titles and DLC, making it easier than ever to pick up additional music packs, tilesets, and plugins if players fall in love with the engine during the free week.

Image via Gotcha Gotcha Games

Whether imagining a sprawling fantasy saga with branching dialogue or a quirky pixel-art adventure rooted in personal storytelling, MZ offers the freedom to make that idea real. The engine’s event system handles everything from NPC interactions to quest triggers, while its character generator lets users craft the heroes, villains, and townsfolk they want to bring to life from customizable components. And while the software’s traditional turn-based battle system is a staple of the genre, MZ also supports plugins that let creators push beyond JRPG norms into experimental territory — potentially giving life to other systems like deck-based combat, real-time action extensions, and more.

It’s important to note that once the free period expires, Steam will remove access unless users choose to purchase the software. That said, any progress made during the trial remains available to build on if RPG Maker MZ is purchased later on. Even with that caveat, providing this tool for free, even temporarily, will open a door for a new wave of creators trying their hand at indie game development.

Image via Gotcha Gotcha Games

This type of full-access promotion is rare for a game development tool of MZ’s caliber — especially one with a feature set that rivals many paid engines. Since its release in August 2020, RPG Maker MZ has built a reputation for balancing simplicity with depth, offering everything from layered map tools and an expansive database system to built-in music and character assets that enable world-building immediately. Even if the RPG Maker game never makes a debut on Steam, it’ll still serve as a valuable, free experience.

Rearrange the covers into the correct US release order.

Easy (5)Medium (7)Hard (10)

Start

Rearrange the covers into the correct US release order.

Easy (5)Medium (7)Hard (10)Start

For anyone who’s ever wanted to bring their dream RPG to life, or even just try their hand at game development for the first time, it doesn’t seem that there will be a better time than now. RPG Maker MZ is free to try on Steam until February 16, but once that window closes, the opportunity vanishes.