Free Steam Game Now Available For A Limited Time

The acclaimed strategy game Crusader Kings II is currently free on Steam for a limited time. And to be clear, this isn't a "free play weekend" kind of thing. If you download it now, you get to keep and play it forever.

This is a good thing, because Crusader Kings II happens to be terrific. Released in 2012, this colorful game puts you in charge of a European kingdom in the Middle Ages and asks you to expand your power in any way you choose. You can advance your position using war tactics, diplomacy, scheming, or a combination of all three.

From our Crusader Kings II review: "After you choose a starting point somewhere between 1066 and 1337, you play as any head of state from the ruler of the Holy Roman Empire to the king of a tiny territory long since absorbed by a larger nation. Each has its advantages and disadvantages: picking a powerful empire grants you more military and financial resources, but it also saddles you with a collection of barons, dukes, and counts whose ambitions aren't always aligned with your own."

You also have to pay attention to your family members, because this is a multigenerational affair. Once one leader kicks the bucket, you take control of the heir to the throne. With so many things to keep in mind, Crusader Kings II is a complicated game that can take some time to wrap your head around. "But," as our reviewer concludes, "if you allow that fact to scare you off, you'd be doing yourself a grave disservice. Crusader Kings II makes it an absolute delight to rewrite history one small step at a time."

A number of expansions have been released over the years, but they're not included with the free download. You can even find some Game of Thrones mods if you dig around. Regardless, you can't beat getting a good game for free. It's unclear when the deal will end, so grab Crusader Kings II for free on Steam now.