The Epic Games Store operates a sustained promotional program that provides free PC and Android games to users on a weekly basis. This initiative requires users to create a free account and enable two-factor authentication to participate. Each Thursday at 8 AM PT / 11 AM ET, the store releases at least one free title, occasionally offering two or three games simultaneously. Users have a seven-day window to add these titles to their library before the offer is replaced by the next weekly selection. The program has distributed hundreds of free games since its inception and has expanded to include Android devices. Epic Games has publicly stated its commitment to continuing these giveaways through 2023 and beyond.
Program Mechanics and Eligibility
Participation in the Epic Games Store free games program is governed by specific technical and account requirements. The primary eligibility criterion is the possession of a valid Epic Games account, which can be created at no cost. Security protocols mandate the activation of two-factor authentication (2FA) on the account before free games can be claimed.
The claiming process follows a weekly cycle: - Release Schedule: New free titles become available every Thursday at 8 AM PT / 11 AM ET. - Claiming Window: Users have exactly one week to claim the current offering before it is removed and replaced. - Platform Availability: While the program originated for PC users via the Epic Games Launcher, it has been extended to Android devices. Users can claim free games on Android through the Epic Games Store app or a mobile browser.
Once claimed, free games are permanently added to the user's Epic Games library and can be downloaded and played at any time. The program has been active long enough to accumulate a catalog of hundreds of titles distributed to users.
Current and Historical Offerings
The Epic Games Store rotates its free offerings regularly, featuring a mix of genres and titles. According to specific data regarding a current promotion, the store is offering three specific titles: - ScourgeBringer: Described as a fast-paced roguelite platformer set in a post-apocalyptic world. Players control a character named Kyhra, battling through ancient machines to uncover secrets. - Zero Hour: A title included in the current weekly offering. - Songs of Silence: Another game available during the current promotional period.
The program is not limited to new releases; Epic Games frequently includes older AAA titles and indie games in its rotation. The variety of genres ensures a broad appeal to different types of gamers.
Technical Aspects and Automated Claiming
The technical infrastructure of the Epic Games Store involves manifest files and build databases that track game availability. Third-party tools and databases have emerged to help users track these offers and, in some cases, automate the claiming process.
Egdata.app is a community-driven database designed to track Epic Games Store offers, discounts, and giveaways. It utilizes a lightweight client for Windows and macOS that scans the user's Epic Games Launcher installation and uploads manifest files (chunk lists and metadata) to an open database. This data helps map every Epic Games Store build and track price changes or free availability.
Free-games-claimer is an open-source tool hosted on GitHub that automates the claiming of free games from various stores, including Epic Games Store, Amazon Prime Gaming, and GOG. The tool uses Playwright, a Node.js library for browser automation. - Functionality: The script navigates the store interface to claim games automatically. However, the user must provide login credentials. - Technical Challenges: The script faces challenges with headless mode operation on Epic Games Store. Specifically, headless execution often triggers an hCaptcha challenge, which the script cannot bypass without external solving services (like 2captcha), which are paid and potentially unreliable. - Workarounds: To avoid captcha challenges in non-headless mode, the script utilizes stealth plugins and evasion techniques to avoid detection as a bot. The repository also includes scripts for claiming games from Amazon Prime Gaming. - Compatibility: The tool runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux. It requires a 64-bit OS for Raspberry Pi (3, 4, Zero 2); 32-bit operating systems like Raspbian are not supported. A Docker container is also available, though it currently presents captcha challenges for Epic Games.
Developer and Publisher Perspective
Epic Games encourages developers to actively participate in the store's ecosystem to maximize revenue. Data and advice provided to developers highlight several key strategies: - Store Page Promotion: Developers are advised to have their store pages active and promoted at least six weeks prior to launch. Titles that do this reportedly generate 8.5 times more revenue than those that launch with little preparation. - Participation in Events: Engaging with Epic's promotional events is encouraged. Participating titles see an average revenue lift of 3.5 times month-over-month. - Visual Branding: Developers are urged to use specific, recognizable branding rather than generic "PC" logos to avoid user confusion regarding where the game is available. - User Experience: Developers should avoid launching store pages on competing platforms months in advance while delaying the Epic Games Store page until just days before launch, as this causes users to default to other storefronts.
Consumer Rewards and Future Commitment
Epic Games has implemented a rewards system for consumers to incentivize spending on the platform. The "Epic Rewards" program grants players 5% back on all spending. This grant can be used at the user's discretion on any future transaction utilizing the Epic payment system.
Regarding the longevity of the free games program, Epic Games has made public commitments. During Unreal Fest 2023, the company stated it will continue giving away free games from 2023 forward. They also mentioned plans for improvements to the store, though specific details on those improvements were not elaborated in the provided data.
Conclusion
The Epic Games Store free games program is a robust, ongoing initiative that provides significant value to PC and Android users. By maintaining a simple eligibility requirement of a free account with two-factor authentication, the program ensures security while offering a weekly rotation of diverse titles. The program's longevity is supported by official commitments from Epic Games, and its impact is tracked by both community databases and automated tools. For consumers, the program represents a consistent source of no-cost entertainment, supplemented by a 5% cash-back rewards system on purchases.