Ever dreamt of transforming an alien world into a labyrinth of conveyors, bots, and whirring machinery? Foundry lets you do just that. This ambitious sci-fi factory sim from Paradox Interactive and Channel 3 Entertainment is letting you take the reins for free—Foundry is free-to-play on Steam all weekend, no strings, just sprawling automation.
| Publisher | Paradox Interactive |
| Release Date | Currently in Early Access |
| Genres | Simulation, Factory Automation, Sandbox |
| Platforms | PC (Steam) |
If you’re a fan of Factorio or Satisfactory, Foundry will feel comfortably familiar yet boldly original. You’re dropped onto an untamed planet and handed the keys to build, automate, and optimize your own industrial empire—block by block, bot by bot. The blocky voxel visuals might remind you of Minecraft, but the gameplay is pure Paradox: deep simulations, infinite room for optimization, and a sprinkle of sci-fi humor thanks to your trusty AI sidekick, Carl.
The brand-new Galactic Commerce update is a game-changer. Now you can explore a galaxy map, chart courses to new worlds, and set up interstellar trade routes—taking automation ambitions into interplanetary territory. Expect new biomes to spice up your factories and a fresh batch of robots to keep everything running smoother than ever. It’s a big leap toward Foundry’s vision of a galaxy-spanning industrial network.
This free weekend isn’t just a fluke. Since hitting Early Access, Foundry has racked up “very positive” reviews on Steam, with players praising its satisfying automation mechanics and rewarding progression. Unlike the sometimes lonely grind of Factorio, Foundry’s friendly AI partner Carl is always ready with a tip (or a pun), making its complex systems more approachable for newcomers.
Hooked by the free weekend? Foundry is 50% off through May 22—down to $14.99 / £13.49. That’s a bargain for a factory sim with this much depth and ongoing updates, and it undercuts most competitors in the genre.
Of course, Foundry is still in Early Access. Some features are in flux, balance tweaks are ongoing, and there’s plenty of room for the galaxy (and your factories) to grow. But if you crave the satisfaction of watching complex machines come to life, Foundry could be your next obsession.
TL;DR: Foundry, Paradox’s voxel-powered sci-fi factory sim, is free-to-play on Steam until May 19 and half price until May 22. The new Galactic Commerce update adds robots, new biomes, and galaxy-wide trading—making now the perfect time to jump in and automate to your heart’s content.
Source: Paradox Interactive via GamesPress