Score a Free Steam Gem: Side-Scrolling Action-Platformer *Nocturnal* Is Free Until April 26

A critically acclaimed action-platformer with an 81 Metacritic score is free on Steam for the next three days. Nocturnal, a side-scrolling fantasy game that normally costs $16.99, is available at no cost until April 26 to build hype for its upcoming sequel. Here's why you need this polished indie experience in your library before the deal vanishes—and exactly how to claim it.

What Is Nocturnal? A Quick Overview

Developed by Sunnyside Games and published by Dear Villagers, Nocturnal is a side-scrolling action-platformer set in a richly atmospheric fantasy world. Players control Ardeshir, a soldier of the Enduring Flame, who returns to his homeland of Nahran to confront a mysterious, dynamically generated Mist that has consumed the land.

The core gameplay loop is straightforward but satisfying: you fight through enemies using a flaming sword, collect ash from fallen foes, and offer that ash to Phoenix statues to unlock new abilities. This system creates a natural progression that rewards exploration and combat without overcomplicating the experience. The game combines action, platforming, and ability upgrades into a streamlined adventure that takes approximately 2–3 hours to complete.

This concise length is not a weakness but a deliberate design choice. Nocturnal offers a tight, focused campaign that respects your time—perfect for players who want a complete story-driven experience without the 40-hour commitment of larger titles.

[Insert screenshot of the dynamic Mist system here, showing the procedurally changing environment and enemy placements]

Critical Reception and Why It's Worth Playing

Nocturnal has garnered strong praise from both critics and players. On Steam, it holds a "Very Positive" rating from over 420 user reviews, with consistent acclaim for its atmosphere, combat, and art style. The critical consensus is equally favorable: the game boasts a Metacritic score of 81 ("generally favorable") and an OpenCritic top critic average of 76.

What makes Nocturnal stand out is its dynamic Mist system, which procedurally changes the environment and enemy placements, adding replayability to an otherwise linear campaign. The upgrade mechanics, tied to the Phoenix statues, give players meaningful choices about how to develop Ardeshir's abilities—whether focusing on combat skills, mobility, or defensive options.

[Insert GIF of combat here, showcasing the flaming sword and enemy interactions]

For fans of atmospheric action-platformers like Hollow Knight or Dead Cells, Nocturnal offers a similar sense of discovery and challenge but in a more condensed package. It's an ideal entry point for those curious about the genre but hesitant to invest in longer games. As one Steam reviewer put it, "It's a short but beautifully crafted journey that feels complete from start to finish."

Why This Matters

This free offer is significant for several reasons. Indie games of Nocturnal's caliber rarely go free, especially those with strong critical backing and a "Very Positive" user rating. The promotion also serves as a clever marketing move: by giving away the original game, Sunnyside Games introduces players to the world ahead of Nocturnal 2, a Metroidvania-style sequel set for 2026. For players, it's a rare opportunity to experience a polished, award-nominated title without spending a dime.

How to Get Nocturnal Free on Steam (And What to Know)

The free offer is available on Steam from April 23 to April 26, 2026, until 10 a.m. PDT / 1 p.m. EDT on April 26. After that deadline, the game returns to its normal price of $16.99. Here's what you need to know to claim it:

• Only the PC version on Steam is free. The game is also available on Nintendo Switch, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X, but those versions are not part of this promotion.
• The giveaway is promotional. Sunnyside Games is using this free period to build anticipation for their upcoming sequel, Nocturnal 2, a Metroidvania-style game set for release in 2026. A demo for the sequel is already available on Steam, giving players a taste of what's to come.
• Watch out for confusion. There is a separate, unrelated free game titled Nocturnal Quest: An Idle RPG Adventure, developed by Lunarade OÜ, that is also available on Steam. This is a semi-idle RPG with AI-generated assets that was fully released on March 31, 2026. To avoid confusion, ensure you're claiming Nocturnal by Sunnyside Games—the one with the side-scrolling gameplay and "Very Positive" rating.

To claim your free copy, simply visit the Steam store page for Nocturnal, click "Add to Account," and it will be permanently attached to your library.

[Insert screenshot of the Steam store page for Nocturnal here, with the "Add to Account" button highlighted]

What to Expect After Claiming It

Once you've added Nocturnal to your Steam account, it's yours forever—no subscription, no ongoing commitment. You can install and play it at any time, even after the free period ends. The 2–3 hour campaign is best experienced in a single sitting, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in Nahran's haunting environments. The game's art style, with its somber palette and flickering flame effects, creates a moody atmosphere that complements the narrative about a land consumed by darkness.

The Clock Is Ticking

A highly rated game with a Metacritic score of 81, tight 2–3 hour campaign, and a "Very Positive" rating—all for free. That's a rare deal in the gaming landscape, and it's only available until April 26. Whether you're a fan of action-platformers, looking for a quick weekend playthrough, or simply want to add a quality indie title to your library, Nocturnal is worth your time.

The Mist waits for no one. Head to Steam, search for Nocturnal by Sunnyside Games, and claim it before the offer expires. Let the flame guide you through Nahran's darkness.