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Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →The Forest and Ravenswatch are both available on Steam, but a permanent free offer is not established. The official Steam listings describe normal game releases and, in the information available for this article, do not identify a free weekend, giveaway, qualifying region or promotion end date. Treat “free on Steam” as a temporary-offer claim that must be checked on the live store page before you download or plan a session.
What the two games are
The Forest: crash-survival horror
The Forest begins with a passenger-jet crash. You play the lone survivor in a mysterious woodland while trying to stay alive against cannibalistic mutants. Endnight Games Ltd. developed and published the game, which released on April 30, 2018.
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Its first-person survival loop combines exploration, resource management and construction. You chop trees, scavenge food, craft tools and weapons, explore caves, build shelters or larger fortresses, and defend what you have made from hostile mutants. The game supports single-player and online co-op, making it suitable for either a solitary horror experience or a shared survival campaign.
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Ravenswatch: run-based dark fantasy action
Ravenswatch is a top-down roguelike action game from Passtech Games, published by Nacon, and released on September 26, 2024. Its heroes come from tales and legends, reimagined for battles against nightmarish creatures.
#1 Best Overall
- Strategic 2-Player Trick-Taking: Master the art of winning just enough tricks without overcommitting, using clever card play and tactical decision-making to outmaneuver your opponent
- New Module Variations: Three game modules (special cards, goal cards, poison cards) offer endless strategic combinations, keeping gameplay fresh and exciting for repeated plays
- Premium Deluxe Components: Foil-stamped cards, all-new fairy-tale illustrations, and acrylic scoring tokens deliver a visually stunning and tactile experience that enhances every game
- Quick 30-Minute Gameplay: Perfect for busy couples seeking quality time together, delivering strategic depth and meaningful competition in a compact, elegant format
- Complete Game Package: Includes 33 base cards, nine special cards, 16 goal cards, three poison cards, two reference cards, 17 scoring tokens, and comprehensive rulebook
Each run asks you to select a hero, fight through randomly generated maps, choose talents and combine items and dreams into a build. Progression is split between individual runs and unlocks that carry across runs. Steam’s listing describes nine heroes, including Little Red Riding Hood, Sun Wukong and the Snow Queen; three open maps; more than 50 enemy types; more than 200 talents; 50 magical items; and four difficulty levels. Those totals are developer-provided feature counts on the Steam page, not independent performance measurements. The game can be played alone or in online co-op with up to four players, and the listing promises regular free content updates.
How they differ
| Category | The Forest | Ravenswatch |
|---|---|---|
| View and genre | First-person survival horror | Top-down roguelike action |
| Core structure | Continuous survival with a persistent shelter, inventory and world | Discrete runs on randomly generated maps, with build choices during each run |
| Setting and tone | Crash aftermath, wilderness survival and cannibalistic mutants | Dark-fantasy versions of folk-tale heroes fighting hordes |
| Co-op | Single-player or online co-op | Solo or online co-op for up to four players |
| Best fit | Players who want crafting, base building, scavenging and sustained tension | Players who want rapid combat, replayable runs and build experimentation |
What “free on Steam” means in practice
The available official listings do not confirm that either title has become free-to-play permanently. They also do not document a specific free weekend, giveaway, region restriction or promotion expiry. A headline or social post can therefore be accurate for a limited period—or only for selected territories—without changing the games’ normal store status.
Rank #2
- Strategic Trick-Taking Gameplay: Master unique character abilities and special powers that let you change the trump suit, lead after losing tricks, and outwit your opponent with clever card play
- Compact Travel-Friendly Design: Perfectly portable for date nights, vacations, and weekend getaways with its small box that fits easily in bags and luggage without sacrificing quality components
- Beautiful Illustrated Cards: Stunning fairy tale character artwork with intricate botanical details and elegant brushwork makes analyzing your options quick and enjoyable during each game
- Quick 30-Minute Sessions: Ideal for busy adults seeking meaningful screen-free connection without long rulebook learning curves or extended play commitments on weeknights
- Balanced 2-Player Experience: Expertly designed trick-taking mechanics ensure neither player gains unfair advantage, rewarding strategic thinking and creating intense memorable moments every game
Check the live offer before installing
- Open each game’s current Steam store page rather than relying on a search snippet, video description or old post.
- Read the purchase panel. A genuine promotion should show a free-play or zero-cost option and, where relevant, the exact promotion dates.
- Check the page’s region and account requirements. Free weekends and giveaways can be limited by country, platform or time zone.
- Confirm whether access ends when the event does and whether any progress remains available if you later buy the game.
- If the page shows a normal purchase listing with no promotional dates, do not assume the title is free; wait for an official Steam announcement or a newly posted event.
Which one should you try first?
Choose The Forest if you want a survival campaign
Pick The Forest if the appeal is physically exploring a dangerous wilderness, deciding how to spend scarce resources, and gradually turning a temporary shelter into a defensible base. Its first-person viewpoint and mutant encounters make discovery and preparation as important as combat.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteChoose Ravenswatch if you want repeatable action
Choose Ravenswatch if you prefer short, restartable runs, immediate top-down combat and decisions about talents, items and hero roles. Its roster and co-op limit support experimentation: you can learn a character, refine a build and try again without committing to one persistent survival world.
Rank #3
- EPIC FOREST ADVENTURE: Journey through the Ancient Forest as courageous animal heroes competing to become the next Guardian of the Green Valley in a story-driven strategy board game.
- RICH STRATEGY & COMPONENTS: Explore a modular game board with 12 location tiles, gather resources, complete legendary deeds, encounter mysterious creatures, and use dozens of cards, tokens, and unique player boards to shape every adventure.
- YOUR CHOICES SHAPE THE STORY: Every moral decision influences your reputation as a noble hero or cunning villain while affecting your path through the forest and your race for fame and victory.
- HIGH REPLAYABILITY: Variable locations, encounters, expeditions, and strategic choices create a unique adventure every game, making it perfect for family game nights and tabletop gatherings.
- FOR FANTASY & STRATEGY FANS: Designed for families, teens, and adults who enjoy adventure games, storytelling, exploration, resource management, and immersive fantasy board game experiences.
Bottom line on the free claim
Both games match the search terms behind this story—a plane-crash survivor game and a roguelike featuring heroes from legends—but the available Steam records do not prove a current free promotion. Check the live store pages for dates, geography and access rules before describing either game as free.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Beautiful Hidden Object scenes
- Lushly detailed and unique landscapes to discover
- Meet characters that explore the world along with you
- Use your unique magical ability to solve puzzles and uncover clues
Rank #4
- Cooperative Trick-Taking Mechanics: Win together by collecting gems through strategic card play and special character abilities that let teammates exchange cards and support each other throughout the game
- Perfect Two-Player Game: Designed specifically for 2 players aged 10 and up with 30-minute gameplay, making it ideal for couples, parents with kids, or anyone seeking meaningful one-on-one connection
- Portable Travel Card Game: Compact design fits easily in bags, backpacks, or carry-on luggage, bringing engaging entertainment to vacations, road trips, or gatherings without bulky components
- Beautiful Hand-Illustrated Cards: Featuring stunning artwork inspired by forest themes with quality card stock that holds up to repeated play while looking attractive displayed or stored
- Easy to Learn, Challenging to Master: Familiar trick-taking foundation makes it instantly approachable for newcomers while unique powers and strategic decision-making keep every game fresh and engaging
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
