The Epic Games Store operates a long-term promotional program that provides users with free PC games during limited-time windows. This initiative, which began in 2018, has distributed hundreds of games, including major releases that previously retailed for $40 to $70. The program is designed to attract users to the platform, offering a cost-free method to build a digital game library. Participation requires only a free Epic account and the ability to claim games before specific deadlines.
Understanding the Epic Games Store Free Games Program
The Epic Games Store’s free game offerings are a core component of its user acquisition strategy. According to source material, the program has given away over $10,000 worth of games since its inception and shows no signs of concluding. The free games are distinct from the store’s permanent free-to-play titles; they are paid games offered at no cost for a limited period. Once a game is successfully claimed during its promotional window, it remains permanently in the user’s library, even after the giveaway period ends. This allows users to build a collection of games they can download and play at any future time, provided they have a compatible PC and an Epic account in good standing.
The program is structured around several key components, which together form a comprehensive ecosystem of free offers: - Weekly Free Games: Typically, one or two games are released every Thursday. These are available for a full week, giving users ample time to claim them before the next weekly rotation. - Holiday Mystery Giveaways: During special events, such as the Epic Holiday Sale, the weekly schedule is often replaced with daily free game giveaways. These events frequently feature high-value titles, including AAA games, and operate in an advent calendar-style format where a new game is revealed each day for 24 hours. - Always-Free Games: The store also hosts a selection of free-to-play games that are permanently available at no cost, separate from the limited-time promotional giveaways.
How to Access and Claim Free Games
Accessing the free games requires a straightforward process with a few specific steps. First, users must create a free Epic Games account. This account serves as the repository for all claimed games. The source material indicates that enabling two-factor authentication is a requirement, which adds a layer of security to the account.
Once an account is set up, users can navigate to the Epic Games Store, either through its website or the dedicated desktop application. The free game offers are prominently featured on the storefront’s homepage during their active period. For weekly giveaways, the game(s) become available every Thursday at 8 AM Pacific Time / 11 AM Eastern Time. To claim a game, a user simply needs to click on the offer and complete the transaction, which is processed at $0.00. The game is then permanently added to their library. For daily giveaways during holiday events, the process is the same, but the window to claim is only 24 hours before the next game takes its place. The source material advises checking in regularly to avoid missing any offers.
It is important to note that all free games offered through this program are for the PC platform. However, the source material also mentions that Epic has extended its freebies to Android devices, suggesting that some mobile games may be available through a similar process on compatible Android systems.
Current and Upcoming Free Game Offers
The free game offerings rotate weekly, with the current and upcoming titles detailed in the source material. As of the provided information, the current free game available for the period of January 8 to January 15, 2026, is a double feature: Styx: Master of Shadows and its sequel, Styx: Shards of Darkness. These are stealth-action games where the player controls a goblin infiltrating strongholds, stealing loot, and performing assassinations in a dark fantasy setting. The source material notes that the free version includes the deluxe edition, which provides an additional weapon and outfit.
The next scheduled free game after the Styx giveaway is Rustler: Grand Theft Horse, which will be available starting Thursday, January 22, 2026. The source material also provides a list of free games that were offered in the 2026 period prior to January 8, giving a sense of the program's scope and variety. This list includes a wide range of genres and titles, such as Bloons TD 6, Total War: Three Kingdoms, Chivalry 2, Disco Elysium, The Callisto Protocol, and Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night, among others.
Special Holiday Event Giveaways
The Epic Games Store’s holiday season is particularly notable for its giveaway schedule. The source material details a specific holiday sale and giveaway event that ran from December 11, 2025, through January 8, 2026. During this period, the store operated a daily free game promotion, a significant departure from the standard weekly schedule.
The event kicked off with a high-profile title: Hogwarts Legacy, which was available from December 11 to December 18. Claiming this game also included a bonus free Fortnite cosmetic item, specifically a Harry Potter-themed back bling. The following day, from December 18 to 19, the game Jotunnslayer: Hordes of Hel was offered. A leaked list, as presented in the source material, indicated the following games were expected to be given away for the remainder of December 2025: Desperados III (December 19), Total War: WARHAMMER (December 20), Tropico 5 (December 21), and Chicken Police: Paint It Red (December 22). The source material also notes that games like Vampire Survivors and Control were given away in previous years' holiday events, reinforcing the pattern of offering valuable titles during this season.
Eligibility and Participation Requirements
The eligibility requirements for the Epic Games Store free games program are minimal, making it widely accessible to U.S. consumers. The primary requirement is the creation of a free Epic Games account. There are no stated geographic restrictions within the provided source material; however, as the store is a U.S.-based entity, it is implied that the service is available in the United States and potentially other regions where Epic Games operates.
A specific technical requirement mentioned in the source material is the enablement of two-factor authentication (2FA) on the user’s account. This is a security measure to protect the account and is likely a prerequisite for claiming free content. Beyond these steps, there are no additional eligibility criteria, such as making a purchase, subscribing to a newsletter, or participating in surveys. The source material explicitly describes the offers as having "no strings attached" aside from the user's engagement with the Epic storefront.
It is crucial for users to act within the specified timeframes. A game is only available for free during its designated period—typically one week for weekly giveaways and 24 hours for daily holiday giveaways. Once the period ends, the game reverts to its standard paid price. However, any game successfully claimed during the free window is owned by the user forever.
Strategic Considerations for Deal Seekers
For consumers focused on building a cost-free digital library, the Epic Games Store’s program offers a consistent and reliable source of content. The program’s longevity, since 2018, and its continued operation indicate a stable, ongoing initiative. The value of the giveaways, often featuring AAA titles, provides substantial savings for gamers.
To maximize the benefit, users should establish a routine of checking the Epic Games Store every Thursday and during special holiday events. Setting a calendar reminder for Thursday mornings can help ensure no weekly offers are missed. During the holiday season, daily checks are recommended. Even if a particular free game does not match a user’s interests, the source material suggests it is still advisable to claim it, as it remains in the library at no cost and may be played at a later date.
The program’s expansion to Android devices, as mentioned in the source material, also presents an opportunity for mobile gamers to access free titles, though the specific details of this offering are not elaborated upon in the provided chunks. This indicates that the promotional strategy extends beyond the PC platform, though the core free game program remains centered on the Epic Games Store for PC.
Conclusion
The Epic Games Store’s free games program is a well-established and valuable promotional tool for PC gamers. It operates on a predictable weekly schedule, with special daily giveaways during holiday events. Participation requires only a free account and the enablement of two-factor authentication, with no purchase necessary. Users can claim games for free during specified windows and retain them permanently. The program has a history of offering high-quality titles, from indie gems to major AAA releases, making it an essential resource for any U.S. consumer looking to expand their game library without financial investment. Regular engagement with the store is key to taking full advantage of these offers.