What games are currently available for free on the Epic Games Store? It’s a new year for the Epic Games Store as we enter 2026. On top of platform-exclusive games and deals that oftentimes beat those found elsewhere, one of its key traits is the choice to do giveaways of premium games for free each week. Here, you’ll find a complete rundown of every game the platform has gifted to players in 2026.
Today’s free game on the Epic Games Store:
The Stone of Madness
Free on the Epic Games Store: April 16th – April 23rd
Rating: Mostly Positive on Steam
Time to beat: 25 to 30 hours
“The Stone of Madness is a real-time tactical stealth game set in an 18th-century Spanish Monastery. Five prisoners pool their skills and resources to face their phobias, stave off insanity, uncover the mysteries of the Monastery, and find a way to escape.”
This story-rich tactical RPG of sorts with stealth elements comes from The Game Kitchen, the Spanish studio behind the Blasphemous series. It’s a nice change of pace, though the hardcore stealth sections might not be for everyone. In any case, it’s worth a try thanks to this giveaway!
2025’s selection of freebies on the Epic Games Store featured a diverse array of games, including major AAA titles, unique indie games, and item packs for several free-to-play games. Highlights we were surprised by included Kingdom Come: Deliverance, Jurassic World Evolution 2, LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga, Deathloop, Hogwarts Legacy, and Chivalry 2, among many others.
Continuing with this tradition, the lineup of free games available on the Epic Games Store in 2026 started with a strong showing in Total War: Three Kingdoms and Wildgate. This article contains all the titles which have been given away in 2026. Some may come from the past, giving players a new chance to grab them at no cost, but for the most part, expect all-new offerings.
Epic Games Store Free Games This Week
- The Stone of Madness is up for grabs until April 23.
Since its debut at the end of 2018, the Epic Games Store’s free games list has generally expanded weekly. Notably, in the latter part of December, there are daily giveaways, a trend that returned in 2025 and we expect to see again at the end of 2026.
To access these free titles, set up an EGS account, navigate to the storefront’s section dedicated to free games, and proceed as if making a regular purchase.
You must add the games to your cart, but they are free. However, to claim them, you must add them to your library during their free period, usually a week.
The Epic Games Store’s free games roster is updated every Thursday at 8 AM PT/ 4 PM GMT, though this schedule has been interrupted or altered at times.
Over the years, some games have appeared multiple times on the list. If you happen to miss any, it’s a good idea to keep an eye on the Epic Games Store’s various sales, where they might be available at a discounted price.
Epic Games Store Free Games List for 2026
- Total War: Three Kingdoms
- Wildgate
- Bloons TD 6
- Styx: Master of Shadows
- Styx: Shards of Darkness
- Rustler
- Definitely Not Fried Chicken
- Botany Manor
- Poison Retro Set (Pixel Gun 3D DLC)
- The Darkside Detective: A Fumble in the Dark
- Nobody Wants to Die
- Return to Ash
- STALCRAFT: X – Starter Edition
- Boxes: Lost Fragments
- My Night Job
- Turnip Boy Robs a Bank
- Dragonlance Pack (Idle Champions of the Forgotten Realms DLC)
- Cozy Grove
- Isonzo
- Electrician Simulator
- Tachibana epic anniversary pack (World of Warships DLC)
- Havendock
- Hyper Echelon
- TOMAK: Save the Earth Regeneration
- Clone Drone in the Danger Zone
- Prop Sumo
- The Stone of Madness
Total War: Three Kingdoms
Free on the Epic Games Store: January 1st – 8th
Total War: Three Kingdoms recreates epic conflict across ancient China in an age of heroes and legends, combining gripping empire-building, statecraft, and ambitious conquest with stunning real-time battles.
Choose from a cast of 12 legendary Warlords (with more waiting in the DLC packs) and conquer the realm. Recruit heroic characters to aide your cause and dominate your enemies on the military, technological, political, and economic fronts. If you’re familiar with the Total War series, you know the drill. Otherwise, this one’s a perfect entry point we highly recommend.
Wildgate
Free on the Epic Games Store: January 1st – 8th
Wildgate is a PvPvE multiplayer shooter that blends tactical ship-to-ship combat with fast-paced first-person action. Evade deadly environmental hazards, search for powerful weapons and ship upgrades, and be the first crew to escape with the Artifact.
It’s got 3 different modes. In Artifact Brawl, be the first to snatch the Artifact and blast through the Wildgate, or destroy the ships of every rival crew to be crowned the winner. Fleet Battle pits two massive teams of up to 12 players each against one another in relentless, action-packed combat. For a more relaxed looting expedition, salvage treasure and escape with the spoils before getting blown up in Treasure Hunt.
Across all modes your ship is your home and lifeline for you and your prospector crew. Keep it topped up with ice, fuel and ammo so you’re ready for anyone or anything the Reach throws at you. After a softer-than-desirable launch last year, this surprisingly inventive multiplayer game is well worth a look and could use more players!
Bloons TD 6
Free on the Epic Games Store: January 8th – 15th
Bloons TD 6 is a tower defence game that’s all about crafting your perfect defence from a combination of powerful Monkey Towers and awesome Heroes. The mission? To pop every last invading Bloon!
With substantial single-player and online co-op offerings, this one can be deceiving. It might look childish and simple on the surface, but trust us when we tell you it’s one of the greatest takes on the tower defence strategy subgenre you can play nowadays.
Styx: Master of Shadows
Free on the Epic Games Store: January 15th – 22nd
Styx: Master of Shadows is an infiltration game with RPG elements which takes place in a dark fantasy universe “where you sneak, steal, and assassinate” your way through as Styx, a resourceful Goblin who’s rather old.
With a focus on stealth and hardcore infiltration gameplay, think of Thief but starring a Goblin in a world where Human and Elves protect the World-Tree. Styx’s mission? To try to understand his true origin… and make money in the process.
Styx: Shards of Darkness
Free on the Epic Games Store: January 15th – 22nd
Styx: Shards of Darkness is the direct sequel to Master of Shadows, and you can pick it up at no extra cost right now too! In this one, co-op is an option and environments get (even more) vertical, making them the perfect playground for Styx’s tools and weapons.
Explore and master huge open environments, sneak past or assassinate new enemies and bosses, and experiment with the new array of lethal abilities and weapons in the Goblin assassin’s arsenal. “Failure to succeed could have huge consequences for your kin.”
Rustler
Free on the Epic Games Store: January 22nd – 29th
Rustler (aka Grand Theft Horse) emulates the top-down chaos of the original GTA games but in a medieval setting with contemporary elements. “Complete insane quests, kill heroes, steal horses, fight guards, rob peasants, listen to some bard music, and much more.”
Anachronisms and pop culture references also abound, but in the long run, it becomes its own thing. Some might find it a bit overbearing, but as a carefree sandbox that puts old-school fun above all else, we think Rustler is worth checking out for yourself as a breather between larger games.
Definitely Not Fried Chicken
Free on the Epic Games Store: January 29th – February 5th
Definitely Not Fried Chicken is another dastardly management game about narcotics, causing carnage in the city, and making as much money as possible. “Grow your drugs trade through legitimate fronts by managing both sides of the business. Acquire new businesses, meet new clientele, develop more potent narcotics, make lots of money, and leave a city in ruin!”
It’s Breaking Bad! Build your drugs compound from the ground up, buy adjoining plots of land, and expand. Design and lay out your complete production line, and establish distribution routes. Fortify your large compound’s defences and make sure any “overly-enthusiastic” customers can’t break in. Research and develop better strains of narcotics like marijuana, cocaine, and methamphetamine. There’s a lot hiding beneath this one’s surface.
Botany Manor
Free on the Epic Games Store: February 5th – February 12th
In Botany Manor, an entire “stately home” in 19th century England is yours. As a retired botanist, it provides the perfect space for exploration, research, and experimentation. Though that might sound like yet another cozy life sim (and the pacing is definitely relaxed), this game is more of a first-person puzzle game.
Growing rare plants isn’t simple, and discovering secret rooms and gardens helps with your personal mission. “Mysterious clues” abound, and there are even hints of Arabella’s (the protagonist) past life and scientific career. While demanding in its own way, Botany Manor is meant to be peaceful, so take it easy!
The Darkside Detective: A Fumble in the Dark
Free on the Epic Games Store: February 12th – February 19th
“Delouse your room with sage and pack up your travel-sized ouija board, it’s time to re-enter Twin Lakes – America’s 34th most haunted city. Join Detective McQueen as he puzzles his way through 9 chilling cases, risking life and pixelated limb to solve the macabre mysteries that plague the poor town.”
The Darkside Detective: A Fumble in the Dark is the second game in the comedic but intriguing detective series. 2D pixel art continues to give it an extra something, but the writing and structure alone are convincing enough… as long as you can stomach some puzzles that might be a bit too much.
Nobody Wants to Die
Free on the Epic Games Store: February 12th – February 19th
“Lose yourself in the dystopian world of New York, 2329; immortality comes at a price that someone has to pay. In this interactive noir story, lead the investigation using advanced technology, as Detective James Karra who risks it all in pursuit of a serial killer targeting the city’s elite.”
Nobody Wants to Die is making its debut on the Epic Games Store as a freebie following a successful launch on Steam (as well as current-gen consoles) in 2024. Sadly, we believe it was a bit overlooked, but as far as “short but sweet” mysteries go, it packs a punch and is an absolute looker.
Return to Ash
Free on the Epic Games Store: February 19th – February 26th
“What would you do if you woke up in the afterlife? The hospital room she knew is gone. Beyond the window lies a blank, white void that stretches endlessly. Instead of the usual aches and pains, she awakens feeling better than she has in years. Is this a dream, or…?”
Return to Ash is making its debut on the Epic Games Store following a 2025 launch on Steam. It’s a narrative-centric visual novel that follows Asleigh as she confronts a limbo which might be the afterlife and even Death as a masked being. Designed to be completed in less than 4 hours, it focuses on a tight cast of characters with whom you can develop relationships and “choices that matter.”
STALCRAFT: X – Starter Edition
Free on the Epic Games Store: February 19th – February 26th
“STALCRAFT: X is an exciting online MMOFPS game with Survival Horror elements. It combines open world, RPG and dynamic shooter. Dive into the world through an atypical for MMO cinematic non-linear storyline, which creates the feeling of passing single-player game in the stalker setting for dozens of hours.”
STALCRAFT: X isn’t actually new, but this marks its debut on the Epic Games Store after finding a dedicated community via Steam. With both PvP and PvE activities in a moody, dense setting that fans of the STALKER series will really appreciate, it’s a cartoony-ish take on that subgenre of survival shooter with an MMO twist which is unpredictable. This Starter Edition freebie gifts players extra items that will come in handy and a 7-day Premium trial.
Boxes: Lost Fragments
Free on the Epic Games Store: February 26th – March 5th
“As a legendary thief, your next assignment lures you into a grand and lavish mansion. There you find a series of puzzle boxes, designed for an unknown purpose. What should have been a quick in-and-out, gradually turns into your own harrowing struggle for freedom and answers.”
In Boxes: Lost Fragments, escape room mechanics, puzzles, and a mysterious narrative are mixed together to deliver one of the most unique indie experiences in recent years. Polished and never too frustrating, it doesn’t overstay its welcome and offers relaxed fun that will make your brain sweat just enough.
My Night Job
Free on the Epic Games Store: February 26th – March 5th
“My Night Job sends players into an abandoned building and sicks hordes of monsters on them. They can use more than 60 weapons to defend themselves and save as many survivors as possible. But beware – if too many rooms are thrashed, the end may be nigh-er than you originally thought.”
Fans of retro-style arcade games are in for an odd quick treat with My Night Job. Weirdly overlooked and delightfully chaotic, it turns the survival horror formula into side-scrolling action that never slows down. Perfect for short bursts of uncomplicated fun, but rich enough to make you want to 100% it. Yes, please!
Turnip Boy Robs a Bank
Free on the Epic Games Store: March 5th – March 12th
“Turnip Boy is back! This time he’s teaming up with the fearsome Pickled Gang to plan and execute the weirdest heist of all time. Shake down hostages, steal precious valuables, battle the fuzz, and use wacky tools bought off the dark web to move further into the vaults of the Botanical Bank.”
Turnip Boy Commits Tax Evasion was one of the funniest and most unique games in recent memory, and 2024 brought us Turnip Boy Robs a Bank, another comedic action-adventure game with roguelite elements that doesn’t exactly play out how you’d think at first.
Cozy Grove
Free on the Epic Games Store: March 12th – March 19th
“Welcome to Cozy Grove, a game about camping on a haunted, ever-changing island. As a Spirit Scout, you’ll wander the island’s forest each day, finding new hidden secrets and helping soothe the local ghosts. With a little time and a lot of crafting, you’ll bring color and joy back to Cozy Grove!”
Cozy Grove’s Animal Crossing influences are big and obvious, but the game doesn’t shy away from them. Its atmosphere and themes are heavier, however, and that’s what ultimately gives it a very special flavour. Moreover, the daily limit to the tasks you can complete makes it more of a casual distraction than a time sink that will consume you whole.
Isonzo
Free on the Epic Games Store: March 12th – March 19th
“Ferocious Alpine warfare will test your tactical skills in this authentic WW1 FPS. Battle among the scenic peaks, rugged valleys and idyllic towns of northern Italy. The Great War on the Italian Front is brought to life and elevated to unexpected heights!”
Isonzo continued the highly immersive WW1 series with an entirely different setting in which battles are far more vertical. With exquisite attention to detail, better graphics, and all-new mechanics specific to the Italian Front, it’s a perfect warm-up shooting exercise ahead of this year’s new entry: Gallipoli.
Electrician Simulator
Free on the Epic Games Store: March 19th – March 26th
“Take on the electrician role and learn the profession’s basics! Install sockets, repair worn-out equipment, assemble broken appliances, replace light bulbs, and lay wires at your customers’ homes. Be sure to check everything twice, with electricity there are no jokes!”
Electrician Simulator might not look like the most compelling simulation game around, but for anyone curious about the basic processes of this job and looking to “disconnect” after long work hours with a different set of tasks, it’s an interesting alternative to more involved sim titles. Customisation is also a sizable part of the package as you work on your garage and customers’ houses, so that’s a neat little twist too.
Havendock
Free on the Epic Games Store: March 26th – April 2nd
“Breathe easy and thrive in this cozy colony sim. Build a haven for castaways, manage resources, live your best life on the ocean. Lead your humble settlement into a high-tech society.”
The heart of the sea doesn’t have to be a scary place, and Havendock makes an effort to blend farming sim elements with the more complex systems of colony sims, all while keeping things approachable. Its aesthetic is also flexible, mixing traditional buildings and items with high-tech ones. Moreover, this is a strictly single-player game, so you can enjoy everything it offers at your own pace.
Hyper Echelon
Free on the Epic Games Store: March 26th – April 2nd
“The Cyan Galaxy is in peril! Your trusty little star fighter and rag tag squad of wingmen are the only hope against the evil EXODON! Level up from a pea shooter to an offensive powerhouse as you engage in frantic combat across many wondrous locales.”
It’s not often we get new top-down shoot ‘em ups with pixel art ships and massive waves of enemies, but Hyper Echelon is a take on the genre you should check out even if you aren’t very familiar with it. With a focused story mode, three extra modes, and the possibility to play in co-op (and with split screen), it’s a chunky package that also looks and plays exactly like you want it to.
TOMAK: Save the Earth Regeneration
Free on the Epic Games Store: April 2nd – April 16th
“The legendary cult hit “Tomak: Save the Earth” arrives on the Epic Games Store! Nurture Evian, the Goddess of Love—trapped in a flowerpot—and save humanity from destruction. From divine ascension to total annihilation, every choice you make leads to a different destiny.”
This re-release of 2001’s Tomak arrives as a surprise drop and is not linked to the usual weekly giveaways, so you’ll have a bit longer to grab it. It’s off-beat, surreal, and a fun twist on the life sim mechanics we’ve gotten used to more recently. It’s the sort of obscure re-release we’d normally see in GOG, but now seems like the perfect time to bring it back.
Clone Drone in the Danger Zone
Free on the Epic Games Store: April 2nd – April 9th
“Clone Drone in the Danger Zone is a robot voxel slice-em-up where any part of your body can be sliced off. With your mind downloaded into a robot gladiator, you must survive the sinister trials of the arena.”
This overlooked robot battler is quite a complete package with single-player modes like Story, Endless, Challenge, and even Twitch (viewers try to make your survival harder), plus a fully featured multiplayer side. It’s fast, furious, and easy to pick up and enjoy. Its creativity is bolstered even further with a level editor, so colour us impressed.
Prop Sumo
Free on the Epic Games Store: April 9th – April 16th
“Prop Sumo is a party fighting game that pits ordinary props against each other in extraordinary battles! Beat up your friends and dominate the scoreboard!”
This casual 3D fighting-party game has just released and includes a Friend’s Pass which allows players to check out the game for free and join matches hosted by full edition owners. Since Epic is giving away the full version, everyone who grabs it during this period should have full access once the giveaway is over.
The Stone of Madness
Free on the Epic Games Store: April 16th – April 23rd
“The Stone of Madness is a real-time tactical stealth game set in an 18th-century Spanish Monastery. Five prisoners pool their skills and resources to face their phobias, stave off insanity, uncover the mysteries of the Monastery, and find a way to escape.”
This story-rich tactical RPG of sorts with stealth elements comes from The Game Kitchen, the Spanish studio behind the Blasphemous series. It’s a nice change of pace, though the hardcore stealth sections might not be for everyone. In any case, it’s worth a try thanks to this giveaway!
Epic Games Store Free Games FAQ:
What are the Epic Games Store free games this week?
Epic Games Store free games change every Thursday. The current free games are listed at the top of this page and can be claimed for free during the promotion period.
When do Epic Games Store free games change?
Epic Games Store free games typically change every Thursday at 4 PM BST / 11 AM ET / 8 AM PT. New games replace the previous week’s giveaways at this time.
Are Epic Games Store free games permanent?
Yes. Once you claim a free game from the Epic Games Store, it is permanently added to your library, even after the promotion ends.
How often does Epic Games give away free games?
Epic Games gives away at least one free game every week. During special events like holidays or major sales, Epic may offer daily free games.
Do I need a subscription to get Epic Games free games?
No. Epic Games Store free games do not require any subscription. You only need a free Epic Games account to claim them.
Can I keep Epic Games free games forever?
Yes. Once claimed, free games remain in your account permanently, similar to purchased games.
Why does Epic Games give away free games?
Epic Games offers free games to attract new users to the Epic Games Store and promote developers and publishers.
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