A big welcome back to all Loot Happens subscribers. Loot Happens is a weekly newsletter that is emailed and posted on LootHappens.com.
It's important to note that for premium subscribers, game offerings, and in-game content, every week is different. Sometimes it's in-game codes, Steam keys, and giveaways, but premium members will always get something special every mailing. We also occasionally get mind-blowing early access or premium games that pay for an entire year's subscription.
Each newsletter is generally structured as Premium Loot > Free Sub Giveaways > Game Feature > Game discounts.
Key Giveaway For Premium Subscribers: Random Key
This week, we're adding mystery to our premium subscribers' giveaway. This time we have a group of random games, but with some major titles sprinkled in. By following the link below, you can claim one of the best free games we have in the database.
It can be anything, from an awesome indie game, an old reboot, or a fresh AAA game. Todays lucky games (1:20 chance) are Sid Meier's Civilization VI, Tribes of Midgard, Borderlands 2, or Lords of the Fallen Game of the Year Edition.
Monster Hunter Rise: Key Giveaway For Free Subscribers
Monster Hunter Rise takes the legendary hunting series to new heights with faster movement, thrilling combat, and a striking setting inspired by Japanese folklore. Whether you're battling solo or with friends, the game offers 14 unique weapons, a robust crafting loop, and the dynamic new Wirebug mechanic for aerial mobility and powerful attacks. With gorgeous visuals, smooth PC performance, and a deep post-launch update cycle, Rise delivers an action-packed experience that rewards mastery and teamwork in equal measure.
If you would like to be in the running for a key, hit reply and just put 'hunter'. We will pick a winner and send over the key in 48 hours
BellWright: Key Giveaway For Free Subscribers
Bellwright thrusts you into a medieval rebellion as a fugitive seeking the truth behind a prince’s murder and your betrayal. Build towns, lead armies, and master directional combat as you liberate lands and grow your resistance. With deep survival mechanics and layered progression, every battle and settlement brings you closer to justice and reclaiming your legacy.
If you would like to be in the running for a key, hit reply and just put 'bellwright'. We will pick a winner and send over the key in 48 hours
Historically Low Prices
This Loot Happens section on our website records past discounts on games and current ones available in the gaming industry. Our web crawlers work tirelessly daily to find the best deals across the gaming landscape.
These games are not just any games, but titles we truly love and highly respect. You can purchase them at prices we have never seen before!
Night is Coming [Steam]
A wholesome deckbuilder about helping the forest and your animal pals.$27.87 $9.46
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim [Steam]
New Elder Scrolls saga arrives directly from the makers of the 2006 and 2008 Games of the Year.$56.87 $6.65
Dave The Diver [Steam]
Explore and unravel the mysteries in the depths of the Blue Hole.$22.74 $10.01
Dragon Age: The Veilguard [PS5]
Unite the Veilguard and defy the gods in Dragon Age.$69.99 $38.49
Sunseed Island [Nintendo Switch]
Sunseed Island is the perfect escape for cozy gamers who love to farm, explore, and collect.$10.99 $2.99
Tempopo [Nintendo Switch]
Each island is a challenge of planning and execution.$19.99 $15.99
Pilo and the Holobook [Nintendo Switch]
Join Pilo and Prof in a new space adventure.$12.99 $5.99
Featured Game Review: Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 wears its inspirations proudly, pulling from some of the most beloved modern and classic JRPGs, but it’s more than just a tribute. French developer Sandfall Interactive has crafted something that feels both familiar and strikingly original, blending dramatic storytelling with a somber, dreamlike world on the brink of collapse. Each year, a mysterious figure called The Paintress marks an age, and everyone that age simply vanishes. As the leader of the 33rd expedition to stop her, you're stepping into a fight generations have already lost, carrying the weight of their failures and hopes on your shoulders.
The setup is bleak, but it never slips into hopelessness. There’s a quiet urgency driving everything, from the sharp writing to the emotional character moments and tense battles. Rather than dragging out the story with dozens of filler hours, Expedition 33 keeps things tight and focused over its 35-hour runtime. It knows when to let moments breathe and when to push forward, delivering a story that feels personal, immediate, and hard to shake even after it ends.
Expedition 33 has one of the best turn-based combat systems
What makes Expedition 33 stand out isn’t just how stylish its combat looks, it’s how smartly it plays. Every party member comes with a distinct identity and their mechanical twist, turning each encounter into a puzzle that changes depending on who you bring. One wields a scythe and manages dual-phase cards, another shifts through elemental “stains” to power up spells, and a late-game character even ranks attacks and dodges with a flashy Devil May Cry-style grading system. These individual mechanics don’t just look cool—they matter, pushing you to think about synergy and specialization, rather than just stacking raw damage.
The layers go even deeper with skill trees that stay compact and focused, letting you build around condition-based tactics without being overwhelmed. Then there are Pictos—equippable perks that tweak everything from AP gain to status effects, which can eventually be stacked into Lumina for permanent upgrades. These systems encourage real experimentation, letting you shape your party in creative ways. While the early game feels easy, tougher bosses and evolving enemy patterns soon demand sharp timing and strategic thinking. By the end, you’re not just reacting—you’re actively composing your rhythm, and the result is one of the most satisfying turn-based combat systems in years.
Strong acting makes the story feel real
What elevates Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 beyond its stylish combat and striking world is the emotional weight of its story and the performances that carry it. Themes like grief, sacrifice, and mortality are explored with a sincerity that’s hard to shake. The voice acting is outstanding, with subtle, grounded delivery that makes even the most surreal moments feel believable. Combined with sharp writing and nuanced animation, the dialogue flows with a natural rhythm that gives characters real emotional depth.
The pacing stumbles a bit toward the end, with a few story beats feeling rushed, but the emotional core holds firm. The game shines most when it shows how grief can both unite and break people, especially within families. Lighthearted moments—like campfire banter or the oddball Gestrals—add needed balance, while the theatrical flair and French cultural touches give it a unique identity. Paired with a beautiful, varied soundtrack that heightens both battles and quiet scenes, Expedition 33 leaves a lasting impression.
Bottom line
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 draws inspiration from some of the greatest RPGs out there, but it never feels like a copy. Instead, it reshapes familiar ideas into something heartfelt and original, supported by one of the most engaging turn-based combat systems in recent memory. While the story occasionally leans into melodrama, its sincerity and strong performances keep it grounded and emotionally resonant. With bold artistic direction, focused pacing, and thoughtful design, Expedition 33 stands as more than just a tribute to RPG history.
Next Week
Every newsletter has a lot to look forward to, and we are in active communication with several developers and studios. More to come next week!
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