Local Co-Op Games on Steam: Permanently Free?
The short answer is no: no specific local co-op game on Steam is permanently free as a blanket statement, but there are several genuinely free-to-keep local co-op games available right now, and Steam regularly offers limited-time free promotions. This article clarifies the difference between “free forever� and “free for a limited time,� lists real examples, and explains how to find and keep them.
What “Permanently Free� Actually Means on Steam
When people ask if a local co-op game is “permanently free,� they usually mean one of two things: a game that is free to download and play forever (free-to-play), or a game that was temporarily free and stays in your library after the promo ends. On Steam, a game can be free-to-play (F2P) with no upfront cost, or it can be a paid game that becomes free for a short period—often during a sale or a special event. Once you “purchase� a free promo, it remains in your library permanently, even if the game later goes back to its normal price. However, the game itself is not permanently free for new users after the promo ends.
Examples of Free Local Co-Op Games on Steam
Several local co-op games are free-to-play and have been for years. These are not temporary promotions—they are designed to be free forever, often monetized through cosmetic items or optional DLC. Here are a few well-known examples:
- Brawlhalla – a platform fighter that supports up to 4 players locally and is free-to-play.
- Warframe – a cooperative third-person shooter with local co-op (though it is primarily online, it has a local co-op mode on some platforms; on PC, it is online-only, but it is still free).
- Dota 2 – a MOBA that supports local co-op with bots, free-to-play.
- Team Fortress 2 – a class-based shooter with offline practice modes, free-to-play.
- Path of Exile – an ARPG that can be played co-op, free-to-play.
These games are permanently free in the sense that you can download and play them anytime without paying. However, they are not all local co-op in the traditional same-screen sense—some require separate PCs or online connections. For true couch co-op (same keyboard or controller), games like Brawlhalla and Duck Game (which is often on sale but not free) are better examples.
How to Get Paid Local Co-Op Games for Free Temporarily
Steam frequently gives away paid games for free for a limited time. These are often AAA titles or indie hits, and they are typically available for 24 to 48 hours. To get them, you simply click “Add to Account� during the promotion window. After that, the game is yours forever. Here are steps to catch these deals:
- Check the Steam store page daily or use third-party trackers (like SteamDB) to see current free promotions.
- Follow Steam’s official social media channels—they announce major free weekends and giveaways.
- Enable email notifications for your wishlist—Steam sometimes sends alerts for free promotions.
- Visit the “Free to Play� section on Steam, but also check the “Special Offers� page for temporary freebies.
Recent examples of local co-op games that have been temporarily free include Trine (the first game in the series) and ibb & obb. These are not permanently free, but if you grabbed them during the promo, they are permanently in your library.
Why Some Games Are Free Forever vs. Free for a Limited Time
Developers choose different business models. Free-to-play games rely on microtransactions, battle passes, or cosmetic DLC to generate revenue. They are free forever to attract a large player base. On the other hand, paid games that go free temporarily are often doing so for marketing—to build hype for a sequel, to increase player count, or to generate goodwill. Once the promotion ends, the game returns to its normal price. This is a key distinction: “permanently free� usually refers to the game’s business model, not a temporary promotion.
How to Find Local Co-Op Games That Are Free Right Now
If you want to find local co-op games that are currently free, use Steam’s search filters. Follow these steps:
- Go to the Steam store and click “Games� then “Free to Play.�
- In the left sidebar, check “Co-op� and “Local Co-op� under “Features.�
- Sort by “Top Sellers� or “Most Played� to see popular options.
- Also check the “Special Offers� tab—sometimes free weekends appear there.
You can also use the Steam tag “Local Co-Op� combined with “Free to Play� to narrow results. As of now, there are about a dozen games that match both tags, including Brawlhalla, Duck Game (not free), and Pummel Party (not free). Always check the store page for the current price—it can change.
Common Misconceptions About Free Games on Steam
One common misconception is that if you download a free-to-play game, you own it forever. That is true, but the game can still be taken down or shut down by the developer. For example, some online-only free games have been discontinued, making them unplayable. Another misconception is that free promotions are scams—they are not, but you must click “Add to Account� during the window; if you miss it, you cannot get it later. Also, some games are free to play for a weekend, but after the weekend, you must buy them to continue. That is different from a permanent freebie.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a local co-op game for free and keep it forever?
Yes, if it is free-to-play or if you claim it during a limited-time free promotion. Once you add it to your account, it stays in your library permanently, even if the game later becomes paid.
How do I know if a game is permanently free or just on sale?
Check the store page: if it says “Free to Play� or “Free,� it is permanently free. If it shows a price with a strikethrough and a “100% off� tag, it is a temporary promotion. The store page will also show the end date of the promotion.
Are there any local co-op games that are free forever and have no microtransactions?
Very few. Most free-to-play games have some form of monetization, but some are completely free with no in-game purchases, like Dota 2 (though it has cosmetics). For a truly free, no-MTX local co-op experience, you might look at open-source games on other platforms, but on Steam, most free games have optional purchases.
What happens if I miss a free promotion?
You can wait for the next one—Steam often repeats giveaways during major sales (Summer, Winter, Lunar New Year). You can also wishlist the game and enable email notifications to be alerted if it goes free again.
Can I play free local co-op games with friends online?
Some free games support online multiplayer, but local co-op means same-screen or same-network play. For online play with friends, look for games that specifically mention “Online Co-op� in addition to local. Many free games like Warframe are online-only, so they don’t have local co-op.
Do I need a controller for local co-op on PC?
Not always. Some games support keyboard and mouse for multiple players (e.g., Brawlhalla allows multiple keyboards). However, most local co-op games are designed for controllers, and you may need at least one controller for a smooth experience. Check the game’s store page for “Local Co-op� and “Shared/Split Screen� details.
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