Anyone building a digital game library knows the frustration of watching hidden gems slip away. Fortunately, the Epic Games Store is giving players a fantastic chance to expand their collections without spending a single cent. From now until September 17, the digital storefront is offering Luftrausers, an indie title that was once locked to Sony platforms.
This niche title is getting a second life on PC, offering retro arcade fans the perfect excuse to defy gravity in experimental aircraft. However, this free claim window is time-sensitive, so video game collectors will need to act fast.
A 2014 Classic Makes a Triumphant Comeback
Created by studio Vlambeer and published by Devolver Digital, the game originally debuted back in March 2014. At the time, the developers made the unexpected decision to launch it on PS3 and PlayStation Vita, bypassing the newly released PS4 entirely.
That unusual release choice essentially left the game stranded on older hardware for over ten years, aside from a brief mobile release in 2015. Now, PC gamers can finally experience this piece of gaming history. In fact, playing it on PC is currently the only way to claim it for free in 2026.
Fast-Paced Action with Deep Customization
Set in an alternate World War II timeline, the game puts players in the cockpit as an ace pilot. You take control of a high-powered experimental plane called the « Luftrauser », launching directly from a submarine to battle relentless waves of airborne enemies.
By skipping a complex narrative, the game focuses entirely on high-octane gameplay and chasing high scores. To keep players hooked, the developers included over one hundred unique missions.
While easy to pick up and play, the progression system offers genuine tactical depth with 125 unique tactical combinations. Players can customize their weaponry, airframe, and engine layout to build a personalized war machine.
Widespread Acclaim from Critics and Players Alike
Upon its initial launch, gaming outlets widely praised the arcade shooter. Securing scores between 80 and 83 on Metacritic, it quickly proved its worth to critics. Over a decade later, the game retains every bit of its original charm.
On Steam, it maintains an impressive approval rating of 91% across more than 2,500 reviews. Meanwhile, Epic Games Store users have awarded it an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars. These scores prove that its adrenaline-fueled gameplay has aged remarkably well.
Even in today’s crowded indie game market, the title stands out thanks to its striking visual identity and memorable sound design.
A Limited Time to Take to the Skies
Gamers wanting to add this retro classic to their digital library will need to act fast. The offer ends strictly on September 17, so there is little time to hesitate. As for playtime, completing the main objectives usually takes about four to five hours.
However, completionists looking to unlock every item and master every craft build can easily sink around 15 hours into honing their dogfighting skills—without even factoring in the time spent testing every mechanical configuration available.
PlayStation owners will have to look to recent PlayStation Store sales instead, as this free giveaway for the iconic shoot ’em up is exclusively available to PC owners.
SOURCE:ComicBook.com
