2 Steam Games Are Free to Play This Weekend, Including Civilization VII

Steam users can play two paid games for free this weekend, with Sid Meier's Civilization VII and First Class Trouble both opening temporary free-play periods.

The promotions do not give players permanent ownership. First Class Trouble is available to play for free until September 7, while Civilization VII has a longer window running through September 10.

Sid Meier's Civilization VII is the standout game in the current promotion, giving PC players several days to try Firaxis Games' latest entry in the long-running strategy series.

The turn-based 4X game puts players in control of an empire across multiple Ages of history. Campaigns revolve around expanding settlements, researching technologies, building Wonders, managing diplomacy, fighting wars, and pursuing different paths to victory.

Unlike earlier entries, Civilization VII separates leaders from civilizations and allows players to shape how their empire develops across the Antiquity, Exploration, and Modern Ages. Players can continue with a Time-Tested civilization, evolve into another civilization as a new Age begins, or use hybridization to combine elements as their campaign progresses.

The game supports single-player and online multiplayer, with cross-platform multiplayer also available. Steam currently lists the free-play period as ending on September 10.

Players who decide to continue after the trial can also buy the standard edition at 50% off during the current Steam promotion, with that discount scheduled to remain available until September 17.

First Class Trouble gives the weekend a very different multiplayer option, replacing empire building with social deduction aboard the luxury space liner ISS Alithea.

Players are divided between human Residents attempting to shut down the ship's rogue C.A.I.N. artificial intelligence and hidden Personoids trying to sabotage the group without revealing themselves. Matches revolve around communication, deception, cooperation, and identifying which players cannot be trusted.

The free weekend also comes after Invisible Walls released its major Among the Stars update earlier this year. The update added a new Planetarium map and expanded custom games to support between four and 12 players, alongside additional content and improvements.

Invisible Walls originally announced the free weekend for September 3 to September 6, while Steam's live storefront currently lists free access until September 7.

The confirmed free-play lineup is:

• Sid Meier's Civilization VII - free to play until September 10
• First Class Trouble - free to play until September 7

Both are temporary free-play promotions rather than free-to-keep giveaways. Once their respective trial periods end, players will need to purchase the games to continue playing.