The Epic Games Store operates a long-term promotional programme that provides PC gamers with complimentary titles to claim and retain permanently. This initiative, launched in 2018, is a central part of Epic's strategy to attract users to its platform. Unlike subscription services, access requires only a free account, with no ongoing fees. The programme is structured around several key components: weekly free game releases, special event giveaways, and a collection of permanently free-to-play titles. This article details the mechanics of this offer, the current and upcoming free games, and the rules governing participation, based exclusively on information from provided sources.
Understanding the Epic Games Store Free Games Programme
The Epic Games Store's free games initiative is a sustained promotional effort designed to build a user base by offering value at no cost. According to the sources, this programme has been in operation since its inception, giving away hundreds of games over the years. These games range from indie titles to major AAA releases that originally retailed for significant sums, with some previously sold for between £40 and £70.
The programme is divided into three distinct parts, as outlined in the source material. The primary component is the weekly free game release. Typically, one or two games are made available for free every Thursday at 11 AM Eastern Time. Once a user claims a game during its designated free period, it is permanently added to their personal library, allowing them to download and play it at any time without further charge.
In addition to the weekly offers, Epic Games runs special event giveaways. These are most prominent during the holiday season, often described as an "advent calendar-style promotion." During these events, the weekly schedule is replaced or supplemented with daily free game releases. These daily giveaways can feature higher-value titles, sometimes worth between $40 and £70, providing a more intensive period of free offers.
The third component consists of always-free games. These are free-to-play titles that remain permanently available on the Epic Store at no cost. Unlike the weekly or event-based giveaways, these games do not require a specific time-sensitive claim and form a permanent section of the store's catalogue.
Current Free Games and How to Claim Them
For the period of January 8 to January 15, 2026, the Epic Games Store is offering Bloons TD 6 for free. This title is described as the sixth instalment in a popular monkey-powered tower defence series. It features 4-player co-operative gameplay and has received a recent update (update 52) which added new content, including a story-driven experience set on the "Monkey Frontier."
Bloons TD 6 is rated "Everyone" and is suitable for both beginners and experienced gamers. The game offers multiple modes, including single-player, public co-op, and private co-op. The single-player mode can be played offline, meaning an internet connection is not required for gameplay. The game includes 25 towers with three upgrade paths, Paragons, and 17 heroes. Players can engage in Quests, Odysseys (connected series of maps), and battle over Contested Territory.
To claim the free game, users must have an Epic Games Store account. The process involves logging into the account during the free period, locating the game on the store, and selecting the "Get" button. The game is then permanently added to the user's library. It is recommended that users claim the game even if they do not intend to play it immediately, as it incurs no cost and remains available for future use.
The sources also indicate that the previous week's free games, available from January 1 to January 8, 2026, were Total War: Three Kingdoms and Wildgate. This demonstrates the weekly rotation of offers.
Historical and Upcoming Free Game Offerings
The Epic Games Store's holiday promotion for December 2025 through January 8, 2026, featured a series of daily free games. Confirmed giveaways during this period included Hogwarts Legacy (December 11–18) and Jotunnslayer: Hordes of Hel (December 18–19). Claiming Hogwarts Legacy also included a bonus free cosmetic item for Fortnite (a Harry Potter-themed back bling).
A leaked list of games expected for the remainder of the December 2025 holiday promotion included Desperados III (December 19), Total War: WARHAMMER (December 20), Tropico 5 (December 21), and Chicken Police: Paint It Red (December 22). It is important to note that leaked information should be treated with caution, as it may not be officially confirmed.
For users interested in tracking all offers, the sources mention the existence of an archive listing every game that has been made free since the programme's launch in December 2018. This allows users to review the history of giveaways, which has included a wide variety of genres and titles.
Eligibility and Participation Rules
Participation in the Epic Games Store free games programme is straightforward, with minimal eligibility barriers. The primary requirement is the creation of a free Epic Games Store account. There is no subscription fee or purchase obligation. Unlike services such as PlayStation Plus or Xbox Game Pass, access to the free games does not require a paid membership.
Once an account is created, users can claim any free game during its available window. The sources emphasise that the games, once claimed, are kept forever. This is a key distinction from subscription-based models where access is contingent on maintaining an active subscription.
There are no stated geographic restrictions within the provided source material, suggesting the programme is available globally, including to UK-based consumers. However, users should be aware that game availability can sometimes be subject to regional licensing, though this is not explicitly mentioned in the provided chunks.
The sources do not mention any age restrictions for account creation or game claiming, though the individual game ratings (e.g., "Everyone" for Bloons TD 6) would apply to gameplay. The programme is presented as suitable for a broad audience, including parents and casual gamers.
The Value Proposition for UK Consumers
For UK deal seekers and gamers, the Epic Games Store's free games programme offers a significant opportunity to build a game library at no cost. The value is particularly high during holiday events, where AAA titles worth substantial sums are distributed. The ability to permanently keep these games, unlike rental-based subscriptions, provides long-term value.
The programme is especially relevant for families and individuals looking for entertainment without recurring expenses. The variety of genres offered—from strategy games like Total War to tower defence like Bloons TD 6—caters to diverse tastes. The inclusion of co-operative modes in many titles also makes them suitable for social play.
While the primary focus is on PC gaming, the sources note that the Epic Games Store also hosts a mobile freebie, though specific details are not provided in the available material. This indicates a broader ecosystem approach.
Conclusion
The Epic Games Store's free games programme is a well-established and ongoing promotional strategy. It operates on a weekly schedule, with special daily giveaways during holiday events, and includes a permanent collection of free-to-play titles. Participation requires only a free account, and claimed games are retained indefinitely. For the week of January 8-15, 2026, the free game is Bloons TD 6. The programme has a history of offering high-value games and is accessible to UK consumers without subscription fees. Users are advised to check the store regularly, particularly on Thursdays and during seasonal events, to claim available offers.