For a limited time, Steam users have the opportunity to download the indie puzzle shooter Shade Silver completely free of charge. The promotion runs until August 21, allowing gamers to add this captivating single-developer title to their libraries at no cost.

Developed by Chris Allen, Shade Silver first launched on June 10, 2024, and quickly gained attention for its unique blend of bullet hell mechanics, puzzles, dungeon crawling, and platforming. The game boasts an impressive amount of content, including 100 music tracks, 81 levels, 75 secrets, 50 enemy types, and 4 bosses—all crafted by a single developer.

From now until August 21 at 10 AM PT, players can claim Shade Silver for free on Steam. With minimal system requirements and a compact file size of 2.11 GB, the game is accessible to most PC gamers. After the promotion ends, Shade Silver will return to its standard price of $3.

The game has received largely positive reviews on Steam, with players praising its eerie retro aesthetic, inventive gameplay, and the passion evident in its design. Some criticisms include inconsistent enemy hitboxes and occasionally hard-to-read text, but most players agree that these minor flaws don't detract from the overall experience. Given its usual price, many consider it a steal—especially when it's free.

This free offer coincides with the release of Shade Silver 2: A Walk in the Darkness, Allen's follow-up title. The sequel introduces new mechanics like darkness puzzles and a Nightmare mode, effectively doubling the gameplay. It's currently available on Steam for $6.

Allen is already working on his next project, Vein-Weaver Knitting, a dark fantasy platformer set in a nightmarish world of body horror. A free demo is available on Steam for those curious about this new direction.