Ethan Crossfield 
If you like retro-style RPGs, this is one Steam freebie you can act on now: Mystic Depths: The Corrupted King has been made completely free to download and keep. Here’s what changed, who should care, and what other free-to-keep options may be coming soon.
What changed on Steam: an $11.99 RPG is now free to keep
A developer has flipped the switch on Mystic Depths: The Corrupted King, a newly released retro-styled roleplaying game on Steam. The title was previously priced at $11.99, and the developer François Duchesne had already reduced the price in June. As of July 23, the game is available permanently at no cost, and the source indicates this does not appear to be tied to a limited-time promotion—meaning players can download it and keep it in their libraries for free.
For context on how Steam’s free-to-keep model works, PC players often have opportunities to claim games before they leave the storefront. The source also highlights a separate example: Arena of Trophies, a gladiator combat game, will be removed in October, but anyone who claims it before then can keep it permanently.
Who should play Mystic Depths: the retro CRPG checklist
Mystic Depths: The Corrupted King is positioned for fans of old-school RPG presentation and world design. Visually, it uses top-down pixel art and includes exploration-focused level design. The combat is turn-based, and the game also features build-crafting with permanent buffs.
The RPG includes a medieval-themed story and dynamic day/night cycles that affect gameplay. The source estimates around 30 hours of playtime, and the game is listed as single-player.
On the “feels like the classics” front, the visuals and soundtrack may remind some players of early Final Fantasy-era aesthetics, with Final Fantasy 4 specifically mentioned. However, the source cautions that the combat and progression systems are not as complex as the Final Fantasy series—while still presenting the game as a worthwhile option given it’s now free.
What comes next for Steam freebie hunters (and what to watch for)
After a slower July for freebie hunters—where very few free-to-keep promotions were available on Steam—the source suggests August may bring more. At the moment, only one Steam giveaway is described as confirmed: Moonlighter, which SteamDB data indicates will be free to keep sometime during August.
Moonlighter is described as a cozy roguelike RPG with a pixel art style. Meanwhile, the Epic Games Store is noted as currently offering narrative card game Foretales for free, with additional free titles planned for July 30: OTXO and Sol Cesto.
So if you’re deciding whether to play now or wait, the immediate recommendation is straightforward: claim Mystic Depths while it’s available at $0, then keep an eye on Steam’s August schedule for Moonlighter.
What players should know
- Mystic Depths: The Corrupted King is now free to download and keep on Steam.
- It was previously priced at $11.99, with a price reduction already happening in June.
- The source indicates the free-to-keep change is not presented as a limited-time promotion.
- The game is single-player, turn-based, and built around exploration and build-crafting with permanent buffs.
- If you’re also collecting other Steam freebies, remember some titles can leave the storefront—example given: Arena of Trophies in October.
Expert View
Making Mystic Depths permanently free is a strong signal for players who want retro presentation with turn-based combat, especially since the source frames it as approachable rather than overly complex. The main question is fit: if you’re chasing deep progression systems comparable to classic JRPG giants, the source suggests you may find it simpler. But at $0, it’s an easy claim—particularly for anyone who enjoys top-down pixel art, exploration-heavy design, and day/night gameplay effects.
