Ethan Crossfield 
Limited-time ownership offers remain a major draw for PC players, especially when they involve smaller games that could otherwise slip beneath the Steam storefront’s busiest releases. Radiant Exodus, a compact survival horror FPS from developer Horrawr, can currently be added to Steam libraries at no cost. That access window is due to close on November 17, 2026, when the game is set to return to a paid model.
A short free window before the pricing change
Radiant Exodus originally launched on Steam on May 24, 2025, priced at $4.99. Horrawr later switched the game to free-to-play in August 2026, saying the move was intended to make the experience available to more players without requiring a purchase. The studio has now confirmed that new players will need to pay for the game again beginning November 17, 2026. Players who add it to their Steam library before that change will retain access permanently, even after the price returns. Horrawr has not announced the new price or explained the reason for restoring the paid model.
What Radiant Exodus offers
The game is a first-person shooter built around horror and survival pressure rather than competitive multiplayer. Players follow Sarah, a former military trooper caught in an outbreak connected to a failed experiment involving superhumans. Combat is paired with resource management, requiring players to keep track of ammunition and other essential supplies while facing unusual creatures. Its structure is linear, with designed encounters rather than open-ended systems or procedurally generated runs. That approach makes it more suited to players looking for a focused, story-driven FPS than a game designed for repeated long-term sessions.
Strong early feedback, but a modest commitment
Radiant Exodus has roughly 50 Steam user reviews, with more than 90% rated positively. That is a promising reception, although the relatively small review sample means it should be viewed as early community feedback rather than a broad consensus. Players have also indicated that the campaign can be completed in under an hour. The short runtime may limit replay value, but it also makes the game an easy addition for anyone seeking a brief horror shooter between larger releases. For players who miss the deadline, the game will still be available on Steam, but its cost after November 17 remains unconfirmed.
Key points
- Radiant Exodus is currently free to add to a Steam library.
- The game is scheduled to become paid again on November 17, 2026.
- Anyone who claims it while free will keep it after the pricing change.
- It is a linear survival horror FPS with a campaign reported to last under an hour.
Radiant Exodus at a glance
| Item | Confirmed detail |
|---|---|
| Platform | Steam |
| Developer | Horrawr |
| Original release | May 24, 2025 |
| Current offer deadline | November 17, 2026 |
| Format | Linear first-person survival horror shooter |
Expert View
Radiant Exodus highlights how smaller developers can use a temporary free-access period to build visibility and collect player feedback before reassessing their pricing. The permanent-library promise gives Steam users a clear reason to claim the game now, while the planned return to paid access may help Horrawr test whether its improved awareness can translate into sales. Its brief, single-player format also separates it from free multiplayer shooters competing for ongoing player engagement.
