Nocturnal: free to claim on Steam until April 26

Nocturnal, developed by Swiss studio Sunnyside Games, is currently free to claim on Steam. The giveaway is part of Valve’s first-ever 100% discount for the game. Players have until April 26 to grab the offer.

About Nocturnal

Nocturnal is an action-platformer released in 2023 and set in a dark fantasy world. Players take on the role of Ardeshir, a soldier returning to his island home of Nahran, only to find it shrouded in a mysterious mist. That fog appears to signal sinister forces taking hold. The protagonist sets out to uncover the source of the evil and cleanse his homeland.

While Nocturnal does feature some traits commonly associated with metroidvania games, it offers a much more linear experience, closer to old-school action-platformers. The game normally costs $16.99, but it is temporarily available completely free.

Promotion and announcement

The 100% discount is a promotional campaign introduced on April 23 as part of the lead-up to Nocturnal 2, which is scheduled for 2026, although no exact release date has been announced yet. The strategy is meant to draw attention to the sequel while also growing the player base for the first game.

Reception and rating

Nocturnal has performed notably well among April 2026’s free games, with more than 400 user reviews on Steam and a positive rating of 85.25%. The game stands out thanks to a unique fire mechanic that plays a role in both combat and puzzles. Players must constantly search for fuel to relight their sword.

Although there are games with similar fire-based mechanics, they remain relatively rare within the side-scrolling action-platformer genre. Nocturnal offers a fresh, challenging experience for both new and veteran players.

Conclusion

With less than a week left to take advantage of the deal, Nocturnal is a great chance for players to try a well-rated game at no cost. Whether you’re a fan of action-platformers or just looking for something new to play, this promotion is one you won’t want to miss.