SerpApi.Org
Despite only being halfway through the year, there is no denying that 2026 has been yet another incredible year for gaming. With the likes of Resident Evil Requiem, Pokémon Pokopia, Mina the Hollower, and Forza Horizon 6sitting at the top of the Metacritic charts, we can expect one hell of a fight when The Game Awards airs this December. It remains to be seen which 2026 release will walk away with the coveted Game of the Year trophy.
For now, however, another of 2026's most highly rated games is now completely free to download courtesy of Steam, allowing you to try out a title that may have just flown under your radar.
The game in question is Take Care of the Dog, and yes, your mission here will be to take care of virtual dogs as you play with them, walk them, find items alongside them, and go and retrieve water from the basement (for some reason). Developed by bodinhe, Take Care of the Dog is reminiscent of the days of Nintendogs. However, with this game recommended to be played at night, "with the lights off and your headset on, when everyone in your house is asleep", there may just be more to it than meets the eye.
Made by a solo developer whilst recovering from surgery, it is clear that Take Care of the Dog is a labor of love, with beloved streamer Caseoh saying, "“I can't believe something so beautiful can exist in such a terrible world.”
Over on Steam, Take Care of the Dog sits at a 'Very Positive' rating with reviews praising its unsettling experience, its lasting impact, and "cozy" vibes.
"Honestly, I was having a really bad night like the usual screaming and crying and I just wanted to take care of a cute dog, and this made it worse. 10/10," one positive review reads. Another said, "Overall, TAKE CARE OF THE DOG is an effective psychological horror experience that proves compelling gameplay does not require complicated mechanics or extended playtime. By combining an innocent premise with growing tension, retro-inspired visuals, and immersive environmental storytelling, it delivers a memorable adventure that lingers after the credits roll."
Take Care of the Dogmay not be heading The Game Awards at the end of the year, but when it comes to underrated indie gems, it most certainly fits the bill. Not only that, but it just goes to show that solo developers are just as important as AAA studios, especially when it comes to putting together stories that the majority of us would never think of.
Luckily, Take Care of the Dog is completely free to play on Steam with not a single catch.
