The Epic Games Store operates a long-running promotional programme that allows users to claim paid PC games for free during limited time windows. This initiative, launched in 2018, provides a method for building a digital game library without initial expenditure. The programme consists of three primary components: weekly free game releases, special event giveaways such as daily free games during the Holiday Mystery Giveaway, and a selection of permanently free-to-play titles. Once a game is claimed within the designated period, it remains permanently accessible in the user's library. The store typically releases new free games every Thursday at 11 AM ET, though users should note that event timings may vary. During special promotional periods, such as the Epic Holiday Sale, the frequency of giveaways can increase to daily releases. The Epic Games Store's free game programme is exclusively available to users with an Epic Games account. No purchase is required to claim the free games, and there are no hidden costs or subscription fees associated with the offer. The games are provided to own forever, provided the claim is made within the specified timeframe. The programme is primarily focused on PC gaming, with the Epic Games Launcher serving as the platform for accessing and managing the claimed titles.
How the Free Games Programme Operates
The core mechanism of the Epic Games Store free games programme is straightforward. Each week, Epic Games makes one or more titles available for free download. These games can be claimed by any user with an Epic Games account. The process involves visiting the store page for the specific game and selecting the 'Get' option. After confirming the order, which is free of charge, the game is added to the user's permanent library. It is important to note that the free availability is time-limited. For example, a game might be free to claim from January 1 to January 8, after which it reverts to its standard price. Users are advised to claim the games during the promotional window to secure permanent ownership.
The weekly free games are typically announced in advance, allowing users to plan which titles to claim. The selection often includes a mix of indie titles, AAA releases, and older classics. According to the provided information, the programme has given away hundreds of games since its inception, including major releases that originally retailed for between £30 and £60. The value of these giveaways can be substantial, especially during major events like the Holiday Sale, where daily free games are often high-value titles.
Current and Upcoming Free Game Offers
Based on the source data, specific free game offers are available for defined periods. It is crucial for users to check the official Epic Games Store regularly, as the available titles change weekly. The information provided indicates that the store runs its Holiday Sale from December 11, 2025, through January 8, 2026, with daily free game giveaways as part of an advent calendar-style promotion. For instance, during a specific period, the following games were confirmed as free:
- Hogwarts Legacy: Available from December 11 to December 18. Claiming this giveaway included a bonus free Fortnite cosmetic item (a Harry Potter x Fortnite back bling).
- Jotunnslayer: Hordes of Hel: Available from December 18 to December 19.
A leaked list for the remainder of the December 2025 promotion suggested the following potential free games:
- December 19: Desperados III (Strategy/Tactical)
- December 20: Total War: WARHAMMER (Turn-Based Strategy)
- December 21: Tropico 5 (City-Building/Simulation)
- December 22: Chicken Police: Paint It Red
For the week beginning January 8, 2026, the free game was reported to be Bloons TD 6 (a tower defence game), available until January 15. Another source noted that from January 1 to January 8, the free games were Total War: Three Kingdoms and Wildgate. Users should verify these dates and titles on the official Epic Games Store, as schedules can be subject to change.
Permanently Free-to-Play Titles
In addition to the time-limited weekly giveaways, the Epic Games Store hosts a selection of permanently free-to-play games. These titles are available at no cost indefinitely and do not require a claim within a specific window. They can be added to a library at any time. The source data highlights a few examples of these always-free games:
- Fortnite: One of the most popular free games on the platform, featuring multiple modes such as Battle Royale, Zero Build, and Creative. It is updated regularly with new content, quests, and cosmetics. The game supports cross-platform play and cross-save functionality, allowing players to maintain progress across different devices.
- Rocket League: A game that combines arcade driving with competitive sports, where players use rocket-powered cars to score goals. It is noted for its quick and intense matches, making it suitable for short play sessions. The free base game includes several campaigns and playlists. It also features cross-play and cross-save features.
- Idle Champions of the Forgotten Realms: A casual strategy game where players form a party of heroes and progress automatically. The game focuses on upgrades and formations, and it can run in the background. Epic giveaways sometimes include exclusive hero packs for this title.
Other examples of permanently free games mentioned include Wildgate and Bloons TD 6, though the latter is also offered as a weekly free game for a limited time. The availability of permanently free games is a key feature of the Epic Games Store, providing ongoing value to users without any cost.
Claiming Process and User Requirements
To participate in the free games programme, users must have an Epic Games account. The claiming process is conducted through the Epic Games Launcher on Windows or via the Epic Games Store website. The steps, as outlined in the source material, are as follows:
- Open the Epic Games Launcher and select 'Store' from the left-hand menu.
- Scroll to the 'Free Games' section to view the current offers.
- Click on the desired game and select 'Get'.
- Confirm the order (the price will be £0.00).
- The game will then be added to the user's library for permanent ownership.
There is no requirement to download the game immediately; once claimed, it remains in the library and can be downloaded at any time in the future. Users are advised to enable notifications in their Epic account settings to avoid missing weekly drops. Checking the store every Thursday morning for new titles is a recommended practice for maximising the value of the programme.
Eligibility and Restrictions
The primary eligibility requirement for the Epic Games Store free games programme is the possession of a free Epic Games account. The programme is available to users globally, including in the United Kingdom. There are no geographic restrictions mentioned in the source data for claiming the free games. However, users should be aware that the timing of the releases is based on Eastern Time (ET), which may be early afternoon in the UK. For example, a release at 11 AM ET would be 4 PM GMT in the UK.
No purchase is necessary to claim any of the free games, whether they are weekly giveaways or permanently free titles. The programme is purely promotional and does not involve any subscription costs or hidden fees. The source data does not mention any age restrictions or other eligibility criteria beyond having a valid Epic Games account. It is important to note that while the games are claimed for free, some titles may offer optional in-game purchases or downloadable content (DLC) for enhanced experiences, but the base game remains free to own.
Maximising Value from the Programme
To get the most out of the Epic Games Store free games programme, users should adopt a proactive approach. Enabling notifications ensures that alerts are received when new free games are available. The weekly drop occurs every Thursday, so checking the store on that day is advisable. Even if a particular free game is not of immediate interest, claiming it is recommended, as it costs nothing and may become appealing later. The source data suggests using the wishlist feature to track upcoming games, which can help users stay informed about potential future free releases. Additionally, during major events like the Holiday Sale, users should check the store daily, as free game giveaways can occur more frequently. The programme has a long history of giving away high-value games, so consistent participation can lead to a substantial library over time.
Conclusion
The Epic Games Store free games programme is a significant and ongoing promotion that provides UK consumers and global PC gamers with regular opportunities to claim and keep games at no cost. The programme is structured around weekly releases, special event giveaways, and a selection of permanently free titles. To participate, users simply need an Epic Games account and must claim the games within the specified promotional windows. The process is straightforward via the Epic Games Launcher or website. Key points for users include the weekly release schedule (typically Thursdays), the permanent ownership of claimed games, and the absence of any purchase requirements. While the specific games offered change regularly, the programme consistently delivers value, from indie hits to major AAA releases. Users are encouraged to stay informed through official channels and claim games even if they are not immediately interested, as the library is permanent and cost-free.