Epic Games Store’s annual Holiday Sale has officially launched, running from December 11 to December 31 with one free mystery game released daily for a total of 14 free games. The event kicked off with the AAA blockbuster Hogwarts Legacy, making a spectacular debut.
Holiday Giveaway Rules
According to the official Epic Games announcement, this Holiday Sale runs from December 11, 2025, through January 8, 2026, but free game distributions are limited to December 11-31.
The standout feature is the “daily limited-time” mechanism—each game is available for only 24 hours, typically revealed and made claimable at midnight local time. Once the window passes, games return to their regular price with no opportunity to claim them later. This time-limited approach significantly boosts daily player engagement and participation enthusiasm.
Released Free Games List
TheGamer reports that as of December 23, Epic has already distributed multiple high-quality titles:
Day 1 (December 11-18): Hogwarts Legacy
This open-world action RPG is set in the world first introduced in the Harry Potter book series. Players can explore Hogwarts Castle, learn magical spells, brew potions, and experience the complete journey of becoming a wizard. This AAA title normally priced at $60 USD was offered in its complete edition.
Day 2 (December 18-19): Jotunnslayer: Hordes of Hel
A horde survivor game inspired by Norse mythology where players face endless waves of monstrous enemies.
Day 3 (December 19-20): Eternights
A unique hybrid combining dating sim, action game, and dungeon crawler elements, set in a post-apocalyptic world.
Day 4 (December 20-21): Blood West
A first-person shooter with stealth mechanics set in the weird west, blending classic western tropes with Eldritch horror.
Day 5 (December 21-22): Sorry We’re Closed
A single-player survival horror game with strong story-driven elements and multiple endings.
Day 6 (December 22-23): Paradise Killer
An open-world adventure mystery game where players solve a murder case, praised for its deep investigative gameplay and vaporwave soundtrack.
Day 7 (December 23-24): Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night
A sidescrolling RPG set in Gothic 18th-century England, considered a spiritual successor to Castlevania with Metroidvania-style game design.
Speculation About Christmas Eve’s Grand Finale
Taiwanese gaming media reports that the player community is highly anticipating potential blockbuster titles for Christmas Eve (December 24) and New Year’s Eve (December 31). While Epic hasn’t officially announced the December 24 game, based on past patterns, major holidays typically feature higher-profile releases.
Online speculation even includes titles like Red Dead Redemption 2, though AllKeyShop analysis notes that the actual lineup remains a mystery until each reveal.
Event Value and Claiming Recommendations
According to NotebookCheck reports, this Holiday giveaway offers games worth nearly $300 USD in total value, making it an unmissable annual promotion for PC gamers.
Beebom recommends players:
- Set Reminders: Check the Epic Store daily at midnight local time
- Claim Immediately: Add games to your account right away, even if you don’t plan to play immediately
- Permanent Ownership: Claimed games remain in your Epic account forever
- Follow Announcements: Track Epic’s official social media for first-hand information
Competition with Steam Winter Sale
Notably, Epic’s Holiday giveaway runs nearly simultaneously with the Steam Winter Sale. The two major platforms are engaged in fierce year-end competition, allowing players to monitor both for maximum benefits.
Since Epic Games launched its store in 2018, weekly free games have become a signature feature, with the Holiday period representing the year’s most generous free game promotion. Through this strategy, Epic continues to expand its user base and challenge Steam’s market dominance.
How to Claim Free Games
The claiming process is straightforward:
- Visit the Epic Games Store free games page
- Log into your Epic account (register if you don’t have one)
- Click the “Get” button
- The game will be permanently added to your library
This Holiday giveaway fully demonstrates Epic’s long-term investment commitment to the PC gaming market. As Christmas Eve on December 24 and New Year’s Eve on December 31 approach, the gaming community is actively discussing potential blockbuster finale titles, adding even more anticipation and excitement to this gaming celebration.
