Aeterna Noctis vs. Rabi-Ribi vs. Shotgun Farmers: Which Steam Action Game Should You Play in 2026?

Aeterna Noctis: The Hardcore Metroidvania Masterpiece

Aeterna Noctis is a 2D hand-drawn Metroidvania that demands precision, patience, and skill. Developed by Aeterna Game Studios, it throws you into a sprawling world of interconnected biomes, each filled with deadly traps, challenging enemies, and secrets. The game's standout feature is its platforming: you'll need to master wall jumps, dashes, and teleport arrows to navigate its treacherous levels. Combat is fluid but punishing, with a skill tree that lets you customize your playstyle. If you loved Hollow Knight or Celeste, this is your next obsession.

The hand-drawn art style is gorgeous, with each area having a distinct visual identity, from the icy peaks of the Wailing Depths to the fiery depths of the Lava Caves. The game's story, while not the main focus, provides enough context for your journey as the King of Darkness seeking to restore balance. With over 40 hours of gameplay, multiple endings, and a New Game+ mode, Aeterna Noctis offers immense value for players who crave a challenge. It's available as a Region Free Steam CD Key on Pinelicks, valid until April 2027, and you can find it on the Steam hub.

Who should buy it: Hardcore Metroidvania fans, players who enjoy difficult platformers, and anyone looking for a visually stunning, long-lasting adventure. If you're easily frustrated by tough sections, this might not be for you.

Rabi-Ribi: The Bunny Girl Exploration Platformer

Rabi-Ribi is a non-linear 2D exploration platformer that combines cute aesthetics with surprisingly deep gameplay. You play as Erina, a bunny girl who wakes up in a strange world and must find her way home. The game is inspired by classic Metroidvanias but adds its own twist: a mix of melee and ranged combat, a massive arsenal of upgrades, and a focus on speed and precision. The map is huge, with multiple paths and secrets that reward exploration. Boss battles are particularly memorable, requiring pattern recognition and quick reflexes.

What sets Rabi-Ribi apart is its tone. It's lighthearted and charming, with anime-style visuals and a playful soundtrack. But don't let the cute exterior fool you: the game can get brutally difficult, especially on higher difficulties. There are also bullet-hell elements in some boss fights, adding another layer of challenge. With over 100 items to collect, multiple endings, and a speedrun mode, Rabi-Ribi has plenty of replayability. It's also Region Free on Steam, and you can grab it from Pinelicks before the key expires in April 2027.

Who should buy it: Fans of Metroidvanias and exploration games, anime enthusiasts, and players who enjoy a mix of cute and challenging gameplay. If you prefer a more relaxed experience, stick to lower difficulty settings.

Aeterna Noctis (valid until April 2027) Steam / Base Game Rabi-Ribi (valid until April 2027) Steam / Base Game Shotgun Farmers (valid until April 2027) Steam / Base Game Dungeons & Dragons: Ravenloft Series Steam / Base Game Dungeons & Dragons - Al-Qadim: The Genie's Curse Steam / Base Game

Shotgun Farmers: The Plant-Based Multiplayer Shooter

Shotgun Farmers takes a completely different approach to action games. It's a multiplayer shooter where your bullets grow guns. Yes, you read that right. Missed shots plant seeds in the ground, which grow into weapon plants that you can harvest for ammo or new firearms. The game is a chaotic, fast-paced romp with a vegetable-themed arsenal, including pea shooters, carrot rifles, and pumpkin launchers. It's available on Steam as a Region Free CD Key from Pinelicks, valid until April 2027.

The gameplay is reminiscent of classic arena shooters like Quake, but with a unique twist that encourages constant movement and resource management. You can also build defenses, such as turrets, using harvested materials. There are multiple game modes, including Team Deathmatch, Capture the Flag, and a Free-for-All mode. The art style is colorful and cartoonish, making it accessible to younger players while still offering depth for veterans. Shotgun Farmers is perfect for quick sessions or long gaming nights with friends.

Who should buy it: Multiplayer shooter fans looking for something fresh, players who enjoy creative mechanics, and anyone who wants a lighthearted online experience. If you prefer single-player campaigns, this might not be your best bet.

Head-to-Head Comparison: Which One Should You Choose?

Choosing between these three games depends on what you're looking for. Aeterna Noctis is the best pick for solo players who love a challenge and want a deep, immersive world. Rabi-Ribi is ideal for those who enjoy exploration and a mix of cute and tough gameplay, with plenty of replayability. Shotgun Farmers is the go-to for multiplayer mayhem and creative, fast-paced action. All three are available as Region Free Steam keys on Pinelicks, so you can buy with confidence.

If you have a bigger budget, consider pairing one of these with a classic RPG like the Dungeons & Dragons: Ravenloft Series or Al-Qadim: The Genie's Curse, both also on Pinelicks. These offer a different flavor of action, blending story and combat in a fantasy setting. For fans of retro shooters, the Witchaven I & II Bundle on GOG is another great addition to your library.

Value and Availability in 2026

All three games are priced affordably, especially when bought as digital keys from Pinelicks. Aeterna Noctis and Rabi-Ribi offer dozens of hours of single-player content, while Shotgun Farmers provides endless multiplayer fun. The keys are valid until April 2027, giving you plenty of time to redeem them. Plus, they're Region Free, so you can activate them anywhere.

For those interested in related titles, check out the Steam hub on Pinelicks for more action games. You'll find everything from the Medal of Honor reboot on EA App to the upcoming Gothic 1 Remake on Xbox. Whether you're building a new gaming PC in 2026 or just expanding your digital library, these deals are worth grabbing.