The Epic Games Store operates a long-term promotional programme where users can claim paid PC games for free during limited time windows. Since its launch in late 2018, the platform has become known for giving away one or more games each week for users to keep permanently, with no strings attached beyond the requirement to use the Epic Games Store platform. This initiative offers a significant opportunity for UK-based PC gamers to expand their game libraries without incurring any cost. The programme is structured into several key components, including weekly free games, special holiday giveaways, and a selection of always-free titles. Understanding how this system works, including the release schedule, claiming process, and types of offers available, is essential for consumers looking to maximise their free digital collections.
The core of the Epic Games Store's free games programme is its weekly offering. Every Thursday, typically at 11 AM ET (which corresponds to 4 PM in the UK, considering the time difference and potential for daylight saving changes), Epic releases new free games that users can claim and add to their library forever. This regular schedule provides a predictable opportunity for users to check in and secure new titles. Even if a user does not plan to play a particular game immediately, it is recommended to log in and add it to their library, as there is no cost and the game remains owned permanently. The range of genres offered can vary, from action-packed adventures and horror titles to puzzle games and indie gems. For instance, past and current free offerings have included titles such as Bloons TD 6, a monkey-powered tower defence game with 4-player co-op; Amnesia: The Bunker, a first-person survival horror game; and Samorost 3, a peaceful puzzle-adventure game from Amanita Design. The availability of each weekly free game is time-limited, usually lasting for one week, after which it is replaced by the next free title.
During special events, the Epic Games Store significantly increases the generosity of its giveaways. The most notable of these is the Holiday Sale, which often runs from December through early January. During this period, the store may transition from its standard weekly schedule to an advent calendar-style promotion, releasing a free game on a daily basis for approximately two weeks. These daily free games during holiday events are often of higher value, sometimes featuring major AAA titles that originally retailed for between £40 and £70. For example, during the 2025 Holiday Sale, which ran from December 11, 2025, through January 8, 2026, Epic gave away games like Hogwarts Legacy and Jotunnslayer: Hordes of Hel as part of its daily free game promotions. Claiming certain giveaways during these events may also include bonus items, such as a free Fortnite cosmetic item linked to a specific game promotion. These holiday events provide an excellent chance for users to acquire high-value games at no cost.
Beyond the weekly and holiday free games, the Epic Games Store also maintains a catalogue of always-free games. These are free-to-play titles that are permanently available on the store without any time-limited claim window. They form a distinct part of the store's free ecosystem, offering a baseline selection of games that users can access at any time. The specific titles in this category can change over time, but they are consistently available for download and play without a purchase. This ensures that even outside of the promotional periods, there are still free games available to users who may be new to the platform or looking for something to play immediately.
The process for claiming any free game on the Epic Games Store is straightforward and uniform. To claim a weekly, holiday, or always-free title, a user must first have an Epic Games account. The steps are as follows: first, visit the Epic Games Store website or open the Epic Games Launcher; second, navigate to the free games section, which is typically prominently featured on the store's homepage, especially during promotional periods; third, click on the title of the game they wish to claim; fourth, select the “Get” or “Claim” button; and finally, the game will be added to their library permanently. Once claimed, the game remains in the user's library indefinitely, even if it is not immediately downloaded. This means users can build a substantial collection of games over time by consistently checking the store each Thursday and during major holiday events. There is no requirement to make a purchase to claim these free games, and they are available to users in the UK, provided they have an Epic Games account.
It is important for users to act quickly, as the free game offers are available for a limited time. For weekly free games, the window is typically one week, from one Thursday to the next. For daily holiday giveaways, the window is just 24 hours. Missing the claim period means the game will no longer be available for free, though it may be purchased later. The Epic Games Store also maintains an archive of games that have previously been offered for free, allowing users to see the history of the programme. This archive can be useful for understanding the types and calibre of games that have been featured, though these archived games are no longer available to claim for free unless they are re-offered in a future promotion.
The value of the Epic Games Store's free games programme for UK consumers is substantial. Over the years since its inception in 2018, the store has given away hundreds of games, including major releases that were once sold at full price. For deal seekers and gamers on a budget, this represents a significant opportunity to access high-quality entertainment without financial outlay. The programme requires only a free account and regular engagement with the store, making it accessible to a wide audience. By leveraging the weekly and holiday schedules, users can systematically build a diverse game library, covering various genres and interests. The permanent ownership of claimed games ensures long-term value, as users can revisit their library at any time without additional cost.
In summary, the Epic Games Store's free games programme is a well-structured and generous initiative for UK-based PC gamers. It operates on a weekly release schedule, with enhanced daily giveaways during holiday periods, and a selection of always-free titles. The claiming process is simple and requires only an Epic Games account, with no purchase necessary. Games are owned permanently once claimed, providing lasting value. For consumers seeking to expand their digital game collection at no cost, regularly checking the Epic Games Store every Thursday and during major holiday sales is a practical and rewarding strategy.