Accessing Free Video Games Through Local Libraries: A 2026 Guide
Learn how local library systems serve as a gateway to free video games in 2026, offering an alternative to paid subscription services like Game Pass.
The Library Is
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Starsand Island Joins Xbox Game Pass Premium in August 2026
Starsand Island joins the Xbox Game Pass Premium library in August 2026 alongside a major update ending its early access period.
Splinter Cell Chaos Theory: Reflecting on the Original Xbox Classic
A retrospective look at Splinter Cell Chaos Theory, examining why the Ubisoft Montreal title remains a benchmark for the original Xbox library in 2026.
Steam Users Can Claim The Walking Dead: Season 1 for Free
For a limited time, Steam users can claim the 2012 narrative adventure game The Walking Dead: Season 1 at no cost. Here is how to add it to your library.
Square Enix RPG Available Free on Xbox Game Pass
A 10/10 Square Enix RPG is currently available to play entirely for free within the Xbox Game Pass library, offering subscribers a classic title.
Bejeweled 2 and 3 Now Available on Xbox Game Pass
PopCap Games' classic match-three titles Bejeweled 2 and Bejeweled 3 are now playable on Xbox consoles via the Xbox Game Pass library.
Sony Allocates $63 Million to Boost Original Character Development
Sony has committed $63 million toward expanding its original character library. The initiative aims to address long-standing feedback regarding original IP.
Deponia is Currently Free to Keep on Steam
The hand-drawn comedy adventure game Deponia is free to claim on Steam until August 20, 2026. Here is how to add it to your library.
Deponia Available to Claim for Free on Steam for Limited Time
The classic 2010s adventure game Deponia is currently available for free on Steam. Learn how to claim this title permanently to your library.
Super Mario Sunshine Joins Nintendo Classics Library for Switch 2
Super Mario Sunshine is now available on Nintendo Switch 2 via the Nintendo Classics app. The game's soundtrack has also been added to the Nintendo Music app.
Xbox Releasing Mandatory Bug Fix Following Recent Server Outages
Xbox is rolling out a mandatory client bug fix starting August 10, 2026, to resolve library enumeration and license check failures following July's server outage.
Survival Game Nettle Available for Free on Steam
Steam users can currently claim the 2024 survival title Nettle for free. Find out how to add the game to your library during this limited-time offer.
Sam Barlow's Steam Library: What Her Story Creator Is Playing
Half Mermaid director Sam Barlow shares a look inside his Steam library, detailing his time with Michael Brough's roguelike 868-BACK and other PC favorites.
Hell Is Us Sees Player Resurgence Following Xbox Game Pass Arrival
Rogue Factor's action game Hell Is Us has reached one million players after its July 2026 addition to the Xbox Game Pass library.
Steam Users Can Claim Dungeon Crawler for Free Until August 9, 2026
PC players can add a dungeon crawler title to their Steam library for free. The offer expires on August 9, 2026, ahead of its sequel's September launch.
Brigandine: The Legend of Forsena and the PS1 Strategy Library
Explore what made Brigandine: The Legend of Forsena stand out among PlayStation 1 strategy games that are fun from the start.
Spirit City: Lofi Sessions - Magical Library DLC Gets August Release Date
Mooncube Games has announced the release date for Spirit City: Lofi Sessions - Magical Library DLC, bringing new spirits, outfits, and activities to PC.
Xbox Rumor Points to Continued Physical Game Disc Support
Unconfirmed reports suggest Microsoft may continue physical game disc support on upcoming Xbox hardware to ensure backwards compatibility with your existing library.
Microsoft Reportedly Bringing Xbox 360 Library to Project Helix and PC
Leaked documents suggest Microsoft is planning to bring Xbox 360 backward compatibility to Project Helix consoles, PCs, and handheld devices starting in 2027.
Steam Deck Floppy Disk Support: Experimental Plugin Detailed
A Reddit user has developed a Steam Deck plugin allowing players to use floppy disks as physical triggers to launch games from their library.
Super Mario Sunshine Coming to Nintendo Switch Online This Month
Super Mario Sunshine is joining the Nintendo Switch Online library this month, according to the latest updates from the Pure Nintendo Podcast.
Ogre Chambers DX: How to Claim the Roguelike Before It Is Delisted
The bullet hell roguelike Ogre Chambers DX is being delisted from Steam. Here is how you can claim a free copy to keep in your library before it disappears.
Super Mario Sunshine Arrives on Switch 2 via GameCube Classics
Super Mario Sunshine joins the Nintendo GameCube Classics library on Nintendo Switch 2 for Expansion Pack subscribers starting August 13, 2026.
Unreleased Virtual Boy Games D-Hopper and Zero Racers Arrive August 4
Nintendo will add two previously unreleased Virtual Boy games, D-Hopper and Zero Racers, to the Nintendo Switch Online library on August 4, 2026.
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Five Free Open-World Games Added to Steam in August 2026
Steam has released a new selection of five free-to-play titles featuring expansive open worlds. Here is how to access these games and keep them in your library.
Top Budget PC Games Under $20: What to Play in 2026
Looking for the best cheap PC games under $20? We break down the current standout titles, from indie horror hits to cozy simulators, available for your library.
How to Request a Steam Refund in 2026
Requesting a refund on Steam is straightforward. Follow this guide to submit your request via the Steam library, Big Picture mode, or your Steam Deck.
Best Gaming Laptops for Students: 2026 Buying Guide
Looking for a gaming laptop for school? We break down the best slimline RTX 50-series models for balancing heavy workloads and Steam library gaming in 2026.
The Library Is Updates
More The Library Is Updates
Starsand Island Joins Xbox Game Pass Premium in August 2026
Starsand Island joins the Xbox Game Pass Premium library in August 2026 alongside a major update ending its early access period.
Super Mario Sunshine Joins Nintendo Classics Library for Switch 2
Super Mario Sunshine is now available on Nintendo Switch 2 via the Nintendo Classics app. The game's soundtrack has also been added to the Nintendo Music app.
Steam Users Can Claim Dungeon Crawler for Free Until August 9, 2026
PC players can add a dungeon crawler title to their Steam library for free. The offer expires on August 9, 2026, ahead of its sequel's September launch.
Spirit City: Lofi Sessions - Magical Library DLC Gets August Release Date
Mooncube Games has announced the release date for Spirit City: Lofi Sessions - Magical Library DLC, bringing new spirits, outfits, and activities to PC.