Overlooked grand strategy gem Victoria 3 is free to play if you're fast

Feeling let down by Civilization 7? Want a new world where you can make your mark? Then Victoria 3, a grand strategy set in the 19th century, should be your next stop. Developed by Paradox Interactive, renowned for its stable of strategy titles, it's absolutely free to play right now, but you'll have to hurry.

Grand strategy game Victoria 3 has gone from strength to strength, to the point where it can give the bigger boys, Civilization 7 included, a run for their money. The game has just received a major update alongside a sizeable piece of DLC, and you can play the base game for free if you're fast.

As the name suggests, Victoria 3 is the third in a series that challenges you to shepherd your own society, based on trade, harmony and free hugs. Okay, maybe not so much that last one, because while the game does lean into trade and diplomacy, wars can break out.  Victoria 3's 1.9 update improved its military system to make that less painful, for players at least.

Now, you can put your diplomacy skills to the test with Victoria 3's free Steam weekend, which runs from now until Monday June 23 2025. If you're sufficiently hooked you can buy it for a massive 70% off, making it $14.99 / £12.59, down from $49.99 / £41.99.

Its DLC is also discounted, with the exception of the recent Chambers of Commerce DLC. However, it's still worth picking the latter up, because it gives the trade system a welcome overhaul.

Are warfare and conquest more to your liking? Do you prefer games where, instead of having a sit-down, you reach for your sword? We've got you covered with the best war games and the best 4x games.

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