Borderlands 2 is suddenly completely, 100% free, but you don't have long

Borderlands 2 stands out from the rest of the series and its spin-offs. It's a refinement of the ideas introduced in the first game, which blended Diablo 4-style gear chasing with traditional shooter design in a manner that's since been iterated on by everything from Destiny 2 to The Division 2. And, with Borderlands 4 fast approaching as the latest entry to the series, it remains a great option for anyone curious to see why Gearbox's take on the post-apocalyptic genre became so popular in the first place. It's also, luckily, completely free on Steam right now for a limited time.

Borderlands 2 came out back in 2012, quickly becoming a landmark FPS game on the strength of its new character types, vastly expanded arsenal of weapons, and more propulsive plotline. Though its sense of humor leaves a lot to be desired, its gunplay and world design is perhaps the best the series has offered over the nearly two decades since its debut, and its story has a stronger hook and a better sense of momentum than its predecessor.

As part of Steam's Borderlands Franchise Sale, which currently offers substantial discounts on Borderlands 3 (95% off) and New Tales From the Borderlands (50% off), Borderlands 2 is completely free. The only catch is that it has to be claimed quickly.

Borderlands 2 is free to keep if picked up on Steam from now until this Sunday June 8. Grab a copy right here.

Or, if you'd prefer to play something else, take a look at our lists of the best RPG games and best co-op games on PC.

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