Steam users have a limited time to claim one of the best games from 2012 for free, but they might not want to

Borderlands 2 is free on Steam until June 19, offering a critically-acclaimed looter-shooter experience.

For a limited time, Steam users have the chance to claim Borderlands 2 for free, but right now the game has “Overwhelmingly Negative” reviews on the platform. Steam users get new free games to claim on a semi-regular basis, but most of the time the games are smaller indie titles. It’s rare for Steam users to get big-budget releases for free, but that’s exactly what’s happening right now.

From now until June 19, Borderlands 2 is free to keep on Steam. Originally released in 2012, Borderlands 2 is a critically-acclaimed looter-shooter that many hailed as the best that the series has had to offer so far. Borderlands 2 features an expansive campaign, 4-player co-op, and a dizzying amount of content, especially for those that spring for its DLC. Despite Borderlands 2‘s critical acclaim, the game is currently stuck with an “Overwhelmingly Negative” Recent Reviews rating.

That’s because the Borderlands games have been review bombed, with fans upset over the titles’ EULA. Specifically, people are upset that Take-Two can collect their information and that it reserves the right to ban people who use “unauthorized means” to “interfere with” other players’ ability to play the game as intended. Looking through the negative Steam reviews, some have gone as far as to accuse the Borderlands games of being “spyware,” while others are concerned that the wording in the EULA will cause anyone using mods to get banned. It’s highly unlikely that anything nefarious will come from the EULA, but if you are someone that is concerned about it, you might want to pass on getting Borderlands 2 for free.

Borderlands 2 is Free on Steam Until June 19

Those that do decide to download Borderlands 2 for free through Steam may want to take advantage of the new SHIFT code released by Gearbox boss Randy Pitchford. After redeeming the code 96XTT-STHJJ-JJTTT-TBJT3-CBTZX, players can unlock three golden keys for use in Borderlands, The Pre-Sequel, Borderlands 2, Borderlands 3, and Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands. The keys can be used to get free loot across the Borderlands franchise games. The code expires June 12 at 10am CT, so those interested need to act fast.

In the meantime, those upset about Take-Two’s EULA will likely have to avoid the upcoming Borderlands 4 as well. Borderlands 4 is launching on September 12 across PC, PS5, Switch 2, and Xbox Series X. It will feature brand-new Vault Hunters and plenty of new locations and characters, but there will also likely be some familiar faces as well. Time will tell if the new game ends up as revered as Borderlands 2 among the franchise’s community, but it will be interesting to see what happens.

Source: Game Rant