Epic Games has given away major games, including Assassin’s Creed: Syndicate and Watch Dogs, as well as indie games like The Bridge and A Short Hike. The gaming platform faced controversy in February when it made the game Pandemic free, as the coronavirus was spreading to countries around the world.
Epic Games then surprised fans on May 7, when instead of revealing which game would be free the following week, it announced that a “mystery game” would become available on May 14. This was the first time Epic Games had announced a mystery game in its 2020 giveaway series.
In the run-up to Christmas, Epic Games surprised gamers with another “mystery game” giveaway. This time, Epic Games is making a new game free every day and is only revealing the game’s title once it becomes available to claim for free.
To claim your free game, log in to your Epic Games account, and simply click the “get” button on the free game to download it. Once you have downloaded the game, it is yours to keep.
In 2019, Epic Games gave away 73 games and players downloaded 200 million copies of free games, and Epic claimed that the free games averaged a score of 80 percent in reviews. Below is an updated list of the games made available for free download from the Epic Games store.
Jurassic World Evolution (December 31, 2020-January 1, 2021, 11 a.m. ET)
In Jurassic World Evolution, players will take charge of operations on the islands of the Muertes archipelago, and will bioengineer dinosaurs that think, feel, and react intelligently to the world around them.
Jurassic World Evolution has a “Fair” rating on OpenCritic with a Top Critic Average score of 71.
Torchlight II (December 30-31, 2020, 11 a.m. ET)
Torchlight II is an action RPG featuring randomized levels, enemies, and loot. In Torchlight II, the fate of the world is once again in the player’s hands.
Torchlight II has a “Strong” rating on OpenCritic with a Top Critic Average score of 83.
Solitairica (December 29-30, 2020, 11 a.m. ET)
Solitairica is an RPG combat and challenging roguelike game set in the world of solitaire in which gamers are challenged to use magical items and powerful spells to defeat Emperor Stuck.
The iOS version of Solitairica has a score of 82 on MetaCritic.
Stranded Deep (December 28-29, 2020, 11 a.m. ET)
Stranded Deep deals with the aftermath of a mysterious plane crash and players are challenged to do whatever they can to survive the Pacific Ocean.
Stranded Deep has a “Fair” rating on OpenCritic with a Top Critic Average score of 68.
Night in the Woods (December 27-28, 2020, 11 a.m. ET)
In Night in the Woods, gamers will play as Mae the cat as they get to know the town and its residents.
Night in the Woods has a “Mighty” rating on OpenCritic with a Top Critic Average score of 86.
My Time at Portia (December 26-27, 2020, 11 a.m. ET)
In My Time at Portia, players will start a new life in the town of Portia and will be challenged to restore their Pa’s neglected workshop by fulfilling commissions, growing crops, and befriending the town’s residents.
My Time at Portia has a “Strong” rating on OpenCritic with a Top Critic Average score of 75.
Darkest Dungeon (December 25-26, 2020, 11 a.m. ET)
Darkest Dungeon is a gothic roguelike turn-based RPG. It deals with the psychological stresses of adventuring and challenges players to recruit, train, and lead a team of flawed heroes.
Darkest Dungeon has a “Mighty” rating on OpenCritic with a Top Critic Average score of 84.
Inside (December 24-25, 2020, 11 a.m. ET)
Inside is a puzzle-platformer adventure game in which a boy is drawn into a dark project, hunted and alone.
Inside has a “Mighty” rating on OpenCritic with a Top Critic Average score of 91.
Tropico 5 (December 23-24, 2020, 11 a.m. ET)
The next installment of the “dictator sim” series, Tropico 5, challenges players to expand their Dynasty’s reign from the early colonial period to the 21st century and beyond.
Tropico 5 has a “Strong” rating on OpenCritic with a Top Average Critic Score of 76.
Metro: 2033 Redux (December 22-23, 2020, 11 a.m. ET)
Metro: 2033 Redux imagines a reality in which the world was devastated by an apocalyptic event in which almost everyone was wiped out and the earth’s surface was transformed into a poisonous wasteland. Gamers will play as Artyom, who was raised underground with the few remaining survivors.
Metro: 2033 Redux has a “Mighty” rating on OpenCritic with a Top Critic Average score of 85.
Alien: Isolation (December 21-22, 2020, 11 a.m. ET)
In this survival horror game, Alien: Isolation, gamers will discover the true meaning of fear.
Alien: Isolation has a “Strong” rating on OpenCritic with a Top Critic Average score of 81.
Defense Grid: The Awakening (December 20-21, 2020, 11 a.m. ET)
Defense Grid: The Awakening will challenge players to stop invading enemies by strategically building defensive towers around their base.
Defense Grid: The Awakening has a Metascore of 81 on MetaCritic.
The Long Dark (December 19-20, 2020, 11 a.m. ET)
The Long Dark is a thoughtful exploration-survival game that sees players explore a frozen wilderness in the aftermath of a geomagnetic disaster.
The Long Dark has a “Strong” rating on OpenCritic with a Top Critic Average score of 78.
Oddworld: New ’n’ Tasty (December 18-19, 2020, 11 a.m. ET)
In Oddworld: New ’n’ Tasty, gamers will explore ancient ruins, dodge carnivorous beasts and avoid trigger-happy guards.
Oddworld: New ’n’ Tasty has a “Strong” rating on OpenCritic with a Top Critic Average score of 81.
Cities: Skylines (December 17-18, 2020, 11 a.m. ET)
Cities: Skylines is free on Epic Games now until tomorrow at 11 a.m. ET. Epic Games usually makes a game or games free for a week, and typically announces the title or titles a week ahead of time.
Now, Epic Games seems to be giving away a different game for free every day and is only announcing which game is free as it becomes available.
Another mystery game will be available tomorrow at 11 a.m. ET, so check back here to find out which game is next in the giveaway.
But today, Cities: Skylines is free. This game introduces new gameplay elements while expanding on some well-established tropes of a city building game.
Cities: Skyline has a “Strong” rating on OpenCritic with a Top Critic Average score of 83.
Pillars of Eternity—Definitive Edition (December 10-17, 2020)
Play as any one of six races, Human, Aumaua, Dwarf, Elf, Godlike, or Orlan, and explore a rich and diverse world in Pillars of Eternity—Definitive Edition, which includes every expansion, bonus, and update.
Pillars of Eternity has a “Mighty” rating on OpenCritic with a Top Critic Average score of 89.
Tyranny—Gold EditionFree (December 10-17, 2020)
In Tyranny, a story-driven RPG, your choices make all the difference in the world. Now, play with every Tyranny Expansion and all additional DLC.
Tyranny has a “Strong” rating on OpenCritic with a Top Critic Average score of 81.
Cave Story+ (December 3-10, 2020)
Gamers will run, jump, shoot, fly, and explore their way through a massive adventure reminiscent of classic 8 and 16-bit games in Cave Story+.
Cave Story+ has a “Mighty” rating on OpenCritic with a Top Critic Average score of 88.
MudRunner (November 26-December 3, 2020)
MudRunner invites games to take the driver’s seat and take charge of all-terrain vehicles as they venture across extreme Siberian landscapes in this ultimate off-road experience.
MudRunner has a Metascore of 67 on Metacritic.
Elite Dangerous (November 19-26, 2020)
In Elite Dangerous, gamers will take control of their own starship in a cutthroat galaxy, doing whatever it takes to earn the skill, knowledge, wealth, and power to survive.
Elite Dangerous has a “Strong” rating on OpenCritic with a Top Critic Average score of 79.
The World Next Door (November 19-26, 2020)
Gamers will experience a mix of lightning-fast puzzle battles, storytelling, and immersive visual novel elements in The World Next Door. The game follows Jun, a rebellious teen who must find her way home from a parallel realm before time runs out.
The World Next Door has a “Weak” rating on OpenCritic with a Top Critic Average score of 63.
The Textorcist: The Story of Ray Bibbia (November 12-19, 2020)
In The Textorcist, gamers will dodge bullets while typing exorcisms as they’re immersed in the adventure of Ray Bibbia, a private exorcist who’s going to face the threats of a demonic outbreak.
The Textorcist has a “Strong” rating on OpenCritic with a Top Critic Average score of 78.
Dungeons 3 (November 5-12, 2020)
In Dungeons 3, players will build and manage their own dungeon and recruit monsters while daring to conquer the vast “overworld,” in the latest instalment in the popular strategy game series.
Dungeons 3 has a “Strong” rating on OpenCritic with a Top Critic Average score of 75.
Blair Witch (October 29-November 5, 2020)
Blair Witch is a video game inspired by the cinematic lore of the same name, that invites gamers to experience a new story-driven psychological horror that studies their reactions to fear and stress.
Blair Witch has a “Fair” rating on OpenCritic with a Top Critic Average score of 67.
Ghostbusters: The Video Game Remastered (October 29-November 5, 2020)
The critically acclaimed Ghostbusters video game is back and has been remastered for the Epic Games store. Gamers are invited to strap on their proton pack and join the Ghostbusters crew (featuring the voices and in-game likenesses of Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Harold Ramis, and Ernie Hudson) to help them save New York.
Ghostbusters: The Video Game Remastered, has a “Fair” rating on OpenCritic with a Top Critic Average score of 69.
Costume Quest 2 (October 22-29, 2020)
Costume Quest 2 will be free on Epic Games just in time for Halloween. Gamers will get to explore spooky time-traversing landscapes while donning adorable new costumes that transform into powerful Hallo-warriors.
Costume Quest 2 has a “Fair” rating on OpenCritic with a Top Critic Average score of 71.
Layers of Fear 2 (October 22-29, 2020)
Layers of Fear 2 is a first-person psychological horror game in which gamers play a Hollywood actor who heeds the call of an enigmatic director to take on the lead role in a film shot aboard an ocean liner.
Layers of Fear 2 has a “Fair” rating on OpenCritic with a Top Critic Average score of 70.
Amnesia: A Machine for Pigs (October 15-22, 2020)
Amnesia: A Machine for Pigs is a first-person horror that will “drag you to the depths of greed, power, and madness,” from the creators of Dear Esther, and the studio behind Amnesia: The Dark Descent.
Amnesia: A Machine for Pigs has a score of 72 on Metacritic.
Kingdom: New Lands (October 15-22, 2020)
In Kingdom: New Lands, players are invited to be brave and fight to the bitter end in this game set on far off isles with mysteries waiting to be discovered.
Kingdom: New Lands has a “Fair” rating on OpenCritic with a Top Average Critic score of 73.
ABZÛ (October 8-15, 2020)
In the underwater adventure game ABZÛ, players will be immersed in an ocean world where they will discover hundreds of unique species and interact with schools of fish. They will explore aquatic ecosystems and descend into the heart of the ocean, where ancient secrets lie forgotten.
ABZÛ has a “Strong” rating on OpenCritic with a Top Critic Average score of 80.
Rising Storm 2: Vietnam (October 8-15, 2020)
Rising Storm 2: Vietnam invites players to explore more than 20 maps, use more than 50 weapons, four helicopters, and discover mines, traps, and tunnels, in a game described as brutal, authentic, and gritty.
Rising Storm 2: Vietnam has a “Strong” rating on OpenCritic with a Top Critic Average score of 79.
Pikuniku (October 1-8, 2020)
In Pikuniku, a dystopian adventure game, gamers will help peculiar characters overcome struggles, uncover a deep state conspiracy, and start a revolution.
Pikuniku has a “Strong” rating on OpenCritic with a Top Critic Average score of 76.
RollerCoaster Tycoon 3 Complete Edition (September 24-October 1, 2020)
Build the park of your dreams in the new RollerCoaster Tycoon 3 Complete Edition. The latest in the RollerCoaster Tycoon franchise comes with two expansion packs, Soaked! and Wild!, plus updated controls and visuals and a 1080p screen.
RollerCoaster Tycoon 3 Complete Edition will be released on September 24, 2020, meaning fans can get the game for free straight away.
Football Manager 2020 (September 17-24, 2020)
In Football Manager 2020, play the new features and polished game mechanics, in a game that rewards planning and progression like never before. Gamers can develop and refine both their club’s and their own unique identity.
Football Manager 2020 has a “Mighty” rating on OpenCritic with a Top Critic Average score fo 86.
Watch Dogs 2 (September 17-24, 2020)
In Watch Dogs 2, games will join the most notorious hacker group, DedSec, with the objective to execute the biggest hack of the history.
Watch Dogs 2 has a “Strong” rating on Open Critic with a Top Critic Average score of 82.
Stick It to The Man! (September 17-24, 2020)
In Stick It to The Man! Ray has a bizarre accident and wakes up with a giant pink spaghetti arm sticking out of his brain that allows him to read minds and change his paper world… However, after being framed by “The Man,” he’s now on the run for a crime he didn’t commit.
Stick It to The Man! has a “Strong” rating on OpenCritic with a Top Critic Average score of 80.
Railway Empire (September 10-17, 2020)
In Railway Empire, gamers will create an elaborate rail network, purchase more than 40 different trains, and buy or build railway stations, factories, and attractions to keep their network ahead of the competition.
Railway Empire has a “Strong” rating on OpenCritic with a Top Critic Average score of 76.
Where the Water Tastes Like Wine (September 10-17, 2020)
Where the Water Tastes Like Wine is a narrative-adventure game about traveling, sharing stories, and surviving manifest destiny, in which players will wander across a folkloric Depression-era U.S. at their own pace, meeting strangers with stories to tell.
Where the Water Tastes Like Wine has a “Fair” rating on OpenCritic with a Top Average Critic score of 72.
Into the Breach (September 3-10, 2020)
In Into the Breach, gamers will control powerful mechs from the future to defeat an alien threat. The turn-based strategy game from the makers of FTL will present players with a new, randomly generated challenge, with every attempt to save the world.
Into the Breach has a “Mighty” rating on OpenCritic with a Top Average Critic score of 88.
HITMAN (August 27-September 3, 2020)
In HITMAN, gamers will experiment and have fun in the ultimate playground as Agent 47 to as they become the master assassin. Players will travel around the globe to eliminate their targets with all kinds of weapons, from a katana or a sniper rifle to an exploding golf ball.
HITMAN has a “Mighty” rating on OpenCritic with a Top Average Critic score of 84.
Shadowrun Collection (August 27-September 3, 2020)
The Shadowrun Collection features the Shadowrun Returns base game, Shadowrun Dragonfall—Director Cut base game and Shadowrun Hong Kong—Extended Edition base game.
Players will enter the cyberpunk-meets-fantasy world of Shadowrun to search for a mysterious killer and will set on the trail that leads from the darkest slums to the city’s most powerful megacorps.
Shadowrun Dragonfall has a “Mighty” rating on OpenCritic with a Top Average Critic score of 85 and Shadowrun Hong Kong has a “Strong” rating on OpenCritic with a Top Average Critic score of 83.
Enter the Gungeon (August 20-27, 2020)
Enter the Gungeon is a bullet hell dungeon crawler that follows a band of misfits as they battle their way to the bottom of the Gungeon. Try to survive the dangerously adorable Gundead and fearsome Gungeon bosses, gather loot, discover hidden secrets, and try to reach the legendary Gungeon’s ultimate treasure: the gun that can kill the past.
Enter the Gungeon has a “Mighty” rating on OpenCritic with a Top Critic Average score of 84.
God’s Trigger (August 20-27, 2020)
In God’s Trigger, gamers are challenged to slay enemies with speed and precision, make split-second decisions, dodge bullets, and use weapons and abilities to inflict violence in the most graphic way possible.
God’s Trigger has a “Strong” rating on OpenCritic with a Top Critic Average score of 80.
Remnant: From the Ashes (August 13-20, 2020)
In Remnant: From the Ashes, the world has been thrown into chaos by an ancient evil from another dimension. Players must set out alone or with up to two other survivors to face hordes of deadly enemies and take back what was lost.
Remnant: From the Ashes has a “Strong” rating on Open Critic with a Top Critic Average score of 78.
The Alto Collection (August 13-20, 2020)
In The Alto Collection, players will go on a thrilling snowboarding or sandboarding adventure across the endless desert and atop an alpine expanse. Race down alpine slopes, over windswept dunes, and through ancient woodlands in The Alto Collection.
The iOS version of Alto’s Adventure has a score of 98 on Meta Critic and the iOS version of Alto’s Odyssey has a score of 88.
Wilmot’s Warehouse (August 6-August 13, 2020)
Wilmot’s Warehouse is a puzzle game about keeping a warehouse running. Gamers will be challenged to remember where they put everything as they’ll need to find the things people want quickly to earn the coveted Performance Stars.
Wilmot’s Warehouse has a user score of 7.3 on Meta Critic.
20XX (July 30-August 6, 2020)
20XX is a multiplayer roguelike action platformer that you can play with a friend locally or online. Gamers will jump and shoot their way through ever-changing levels, collect new powers, and battle bosses to save the human race.
20XX has a “Strong” rating on OpenCritic with a Top Average Critic score of 80.
Barony (July 30-August 6, 2020)
Barony is a first-person roguelike with co-op in which gamers will encounter cryptic items, traps, and monsters. Work alone or join friends to conquer the dungeons and defeat the forces of supernatural evil.
Barony has a user score of 7.5 on MetaCritic.
Superbrothers: Sword and Sworcery EP (July 30-August 6, 2020)
Superbrothers: Sword and Sworcery EP is an exploratory action-adventure game that invites players to traverse a mythic little realm, use a sword to battle, and evoke sworcery to solve mystical mysteries, and help a wandering warrior monk on a woeful errand.
Superbrothers: Sword and Sworcery EP has a “Fair” rating on Open Critic with a Top Critic Average score of 70.
Next Up Hero (July 23-30, 2020)
Next Up Hero is a dungeon crawler game featuring hand-drawn heroes that hack, slash, bongo-drum, boomerang, and jet their way through Ventures. Players will choose their Hero and will start rolling dungeons, gearing out, and maxing their stats.
Next Up Hero has a “Fair” rating on Open Critic with a Top Critic Average score of 66.
Tacoma (July 23-30, 2020)
In Tacoma, the crew of Lunar Transfer Station Tacoma faced a disaster that threw them into chaos. Players will discover what fate awaited them, in Tacoma, the follow up to Gone Home.
Tacoma has a “Strong” rating on Open Critic with a Top Critic Average score of 77.
Torchlight II (July 16-23, 2020)
Torchlight II expands on the world of the original game and now lets gamers play co-op and online multiplayer. Explore the overworld with level randomization, which means that gamers will play with new layouts, paths, loot, and monsters every time.
Torchlight II has a critic score of 88 and a user score of 8.5 on Meta Critic.
The Escapists 2 (July 9-16, 2020)
In The Escapists 2, players are challenged to break out from the toughest prisons in the world, by living by prison rules while engineering their bid for freedom. The Escapists 2 was initially supposed to be made available on the Epic Games store for free on June 18 but was delayed.
The Escapists 2 has a “Strong” rating on OpenCritic with a Top Critic Average score of 75.
Lifeless Planet: Premier Edition (July 9-16, 2020)
Lifeless Planet was inspired by Cold War-era science fiction stories and poses questions about humankind’s desire for space travel. Gamers will have to use their wits and skill to solve puzzles, unravel the mystery, and survive the Lifeless Planet.
Lifeless Planet has a “Weak” rating on OpenCritic with a Top Average Critic score of 60.
Killing Floor 2 (July 9-16, 2020)
Killing Floor 2 is set in continental Europe—after it has been overrun by murderous clones called Zeds that were created by rogue elements of the Horzine Corporation. Gamers can play in a 6-player co-op or 12-player vs Zed battle.
Killing Floor 2 has a “Strong” rating on OpenCritic with a Top Average Score of 78.
Hue (July 2-9, 2020)
In Hue, players will alter the world by changing the background color. The award-winning puzzle-adventure game also includes colorblind support.
Hue has a “Strong” rating on Open Critic with a Top Critic Average score of 79.
Conan Exiles (July 2-9, 2020)
Conan Exiles is an online multiplayer survival game set in the land of Conan the Barbarian. Gamers play together in an open sandbox world and build their own home or a shared city. Players must survive, battle, claim—and defend—their land.
Conan Exiles has a “Fair” rating on OpenCritic with a Top Critic Average score of 68.
AER: Memories of Old (June 25-July 2, 2020)
Gamers will transform into a bird in AER: Memories of Old, and explore a vibrant world of islands floating in the sky. They will venture into ancient ruins, each step leading them closer to the end of the world.
AER: Memories of Old has a “Fair” rating on OpenCritic with a Top Average Critic score of 67.
Stranger Things 3: The Game (June 25-July 2, 2020)
In Stranger Things 3: The Game, gamers will play through familiar events from the TV series, but will also uncover unique quests, character interactions, and secrets.
Stranger Things 3: The Game has a “Weak” rating on Open Critic with a Top Critic Average score of 61.
The Escapists 2 (June 18-25, 2020)
In The Escapists 2, players are challenged to break out from the toughest prisons in the world, by living by prison rules while engineering their bid for freedom. The Escapists 2 was temporarily delayed and was instead made free on Epic Games on July 9.
The Escapists 2 has a “Strong” rating on OpenCritic with a Top Critic Average score of 75.
Pathway (June 18-25, 2020)
Pathway is a strategy adventure game set in the 1930s in which players are invited to explore the strange unknown, unravel mysteries of the occult, raid ancient tombs and take part in turn-based squad combat.
Pathway has a “Fair” rating on OpenCritic with a Top Critic Average score of 68.
ARK: Survival Evolved (June 11-18, 2020)
In ARK: Survival Evolved, you are stranded on the shores of a mysterious island and must learn to survive, dominate, and escape.
ARK: Survival Evolved has a “Weak” rating on OpenCritic with a Top Critic Average score of 61 and is recommended by 12 percent of critics.
Overcooked (June 4-11, 2020)
Overcooked is a “chaotic” local co-op cooking game that can be played by up to four players. Work as a team to prepare, cook, and serve orders before the customers storm out.
Overcooked has a “Strong” rating on OpenCritic with a Top Critic Average score of 79.
Borderlands: The Handsome Collection (May 28-June 4, 2020)
Borderlands: The Handsome Collection is a bundle containing Borderlands 2 and Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel, with bonus add-on content and cooperative gameplay for up to four players. In Borderlands 2, save Pandora from the evil grips of the Hyperion Corporation, and witness Handsome Jack’s rise to power in Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel.
Borderlands: The Handsome Collection has a “Strong” rating on OpenCritic with a Top Critic Average score of 81, with 85 percent of critics recommending the game.
Sid Meier’s Civilization VI (May 21-28, 2020)
Sid Meier’s Civilization VI is now free to download on the Epic Games store. Gamers are invited to expand their empires across the map, advance their culture, and “compete against history’s greatest leaders to build a civilization that will stand the test of time.”
Epic Games is also selling add-ons, with the platinum edition upgrade on sale with 50 percent off. Sid Meier’s Civilization VI has a “Mighty” rating on OpenCritic with a Top Critic Average score of 89.
GTA V (May 14-21, 2020)
On May 7, Epic Games announced that a mystery game would become available on May 14 at 11 a.m. There were rumors circulating that the mystery game could be GTA V, as Epic Games seemed to accidentally share a video on Twitter revealing the game, and also according to an anonymous source who spoke to Game Pressure.
The rumors were correct, and this week GTA V is available to download for free on Epic Games. GTA V has sold more than 120 million copies since its launch in 2013 and has a “Mighty” rating on OpenCritic with a Top Critic Average of 96.
Death Coming (May 7-14, 2020)
Death Coming is a non-linear puzzle game in which players have to harvest souls like the grim reaper by creating traps—while avoiding being seen by the Agents of Light.
Death Coming has a “Fair” rating on OpenCritic with a Top Critic Average of 71.
Amnesia: The Dark Descent (April 30-May 7, 2020)
Amnesia: The Dark Descent is a first-person survival horror for gamers aged 17 and older. Play as Daniel, as he wakes up in a desolate castle, unable to remember his past. In this immersive game, try to escape the castle while exploring Daniel’s troubled memories.
Amnesia: The Dark Descent has a Metascore of 85 on Metacritic and a user score of 8.6.
Crashlands (April 30-May 7, 2020)
Crashlands is a story-driven, crafting, action, role-playing game, in which you play as Flux Dabes, a galactic trucker whose shipment gets derailed by an alien menace named Hewgodooko, leaving you stranded on an alien planet.
Crashlands has a “Strong” rating on OpenCritic with a Top Critic Average score of 76.
For the King (April 23-30, 2020)
For the King is a game based on strategy, turn-based combat, and roguelike elements. With unique playthroughs made up of procedural maps, quests, and events, players can explore Fahrul in either single-player, local, or online co-op mode.
For the King has a “Strong” rating on OpenCritic with a Top Critic Average score of 75.
Just Cause 4 (April 16-23, 2020)
Just Cause 4 is an action-packed open-world game in which gamers play as rogue agent Rico Rodriguez who has landed in Solis to hunt down the truth about his past.
Just Cause 4 has a “Fair” rating on Open Critic with a Top Average Critic score of 68.
Wheels of Aurelia (April 16-23, 2020)
Wheels of Aurelia is an immersive road trip game set on the western coast of Italy during the 1970s. Gamers play as Lella and experience a tumultuous time in Italy’s history while uncovering events from Lella’s past.
Wheels of Aurelia has a “Weak” rating on Open Critic with a Top Average Critic score of 55.
Close to the Sun (April 9-16, 2020)
Close to the Sun is a first-person horror-adventure game, which sees Journalist Rose Archer step aboard the Helios in search of her sister Ada, where she quickly discovers not all is as it seems.
Close to the Sun has a “Weak” rating on Open Critic with a Top Average Critic score of 64.
Sherlock Holmes: Crimes and Punishments (April 9-14, 2020)
In Sherlock Holmes: Crime and Punishments, gamers play as the famous detective and try to solve six cases, from murders, missing people, thefts and investigations that sometimes “lead you into the realms of the fantastic.”
Sherlock: Holmes Crimes and Punishments has a “Strong” rating on OpenCritic with a Top Average Critic score of 76.
Drawful 2 (April 2-9, 2020)
Drawful 2 is a party game in which players use their phone or tablet to draw “awful” pictures of funny phrases like “pitcher of nachos” or “death by trombone.”
Other players then try to guess what the drawing is and their guesses become multiple-choice wrong answers, then everyone tries to guess the real answer.
Drawful 2 has a “Fair” rating on OpenCritic with a Top Critic Average score of 68.
Gone Home (April 2-9, 2020)
In Gone Home, an interactive exploration simulator game, players must unravel a mystery, as they return home from a year abroad to find their home empty.
Gone Home has a “Mighty” rating on OpenCritic with a Top Critic Average Score of 84.
Hob (April 2-9, 2020)
Hob is a suspenseful action-adventure game set on a brutal world in which players unravel mysteries and discover the planet in peril. In Hob, players will be asked if the world can be mended or will it fall into further chaos?
Hob has a “Strong” rating on OpenCritic with a Top Critic Average Score of 76.
World War Z (March 26-April 2, 2020)
World War Z is a four-player cooperative third-person shooter that challengers gamers to fight swarms of zombies, inspired by the movie of the same name.
World War Z has a “Fair” rating on OpenCritic with a Top Critic Average score of 70.
Figment (March 26-April 2, 2020)
Figment is an action-adventure game in which players explore a surreal universe with a multi-layered narrative. In a hand-drawn world with a full musical score, players must fight nightmares using brawn and brain.
Figment has a “Strong” rating on OpenCritic with a top critic average score of 79.
Tormentor x Punisher (March 26-April 2, 2020)
Tormentor x Punisher is a game for players 18 and older. It challengers gamers to kill and destroy demons and invites them to discover new ways of killing enemies to gain upgrades.
Tormentor x Punisher has a user score of 6.8 on MetaCritic.
The Stanley Parable (March 19-26, 2020)
The Stanley Parable is a first-person exploration game in which players will contradictorily play as Stanley, while not playing as Stanley. They will follow a story, and not follow a story. They will have a choice, and they will have no choice. As they explore, meanings arise and paradoxes make sense.
The Stanley Parable has a score of 90 on MetaCritic.
Watch Dogs (March 19-26, 2020)
Gamers will play as hacker Aiden Pearce, as they try to turn Chicago into the ultimate weapon in their quest for revenge. But personal quest collides with an entire city… Watch Dogs has a PEGI 18 rating.
Watch Dogs has a “Strong” rating on OpenCritic with a top critic score average of 79.
Mutazione (March 12-19, 2020)
Mutazione is an adventure game featuring 15-year-old Kai, who travels to the secretive community of Mutazione to care for her grandfather. But secrets and betrayals simmer under the community’s surface…
Mutazione has a “Strong” rating on OpenCritic with a top critic average score of 77.
Anodyne 2: Return to Dust (March 12-19, 2020)
Anodyne 2: Return to Dust sees gamers play as Nova, a Nano Cleaner who explores the Nano-Dust infected island of New Theland. Gamers will explore 3D cities, valleys, and wastelands as well as the varied 2D mindscapes of characters.
Anodyne 2: Return to Dust has a user score of eight out of 10 on MetaCritic.
A Short Hike (March 12-19, 2020)
In A Short Hike, gamers can hike, climb, and soar through a mountainside landscape and make their way to the summit. Along the way, they will meet other hikers, discover treasures, swim and go fishing.
A Short Hike has a score of 78 on MetaCritic.
GoNNER (March 5-12, 2020)
GoNNER is a score-based procedurally-generated platformer in which gamers play as Ikk as he tries to cheer up his only friend, a land-bound whale named Sally. The game also features daily challenges, secret areas, unlockable abilities, and leaderboards.
GoNNER has a “Strong” rating on OpenCritic with a Top Critic average of 77.
Offworld Trading Company (March 5-12, 2020)
Offworld Trading Company is an economic real-time strategy game by Civilization IV designer Soren Johnson, in which gamers have to dominate the market on Mars.
Offworld Trading Company has a “Strong” rating on OpenCritic with a Top Critic average of 81.
Inner Space (February 27-March 5, 2020)
Inner Space is an exploration game that sees players “soar through the skies and dive through the oceans,” as “the secrets of the Inverse reveal themselves.”
Inner Space has a “Fair” rating on OpenCritic with a top critic score of 66.
Faeria (February 20-27, 2020)
Faeria is a strategic card battle game in which players collect cards by winning battles. Faeria has a community of fans active on Discord, subreddit, forums and The Hub.
Faeria has a “Strong” rating on OpenCritic with 88 percent of critics recommending the game.
Assassin’s Creed: Syndicate (February 20-27, 2020)
Play as Jacob Frye as you travel through London at the height of the Industrial Revolution and take back the capital from the Templars’ hold.
Assassin’s Creed: Syndicate has a “Strong” rating on OpenCritic with a top critic score of 77.
Kingdom Come: Deliverance (February 13-20, 2020)
Kingdom Come: Deliverance is a first-person open-world game that sees the player take on the role of a young blacksmith in medieval Europe as he “fights as a knight, lurks in the shadows as a rogue, or uses the bard’s charm to persuade people to your cause.”
Kingdom Come: Deliverance has a “Fair” rating on OpenCritic and a top critic Rating average score of 72.
Aztez (February 13-20, 2020)
Aztez is an action game set in the Aztec Empire and a mix between beat ’em up and turn-based strategy. There are different events, artifacts, and battles every game so Aztez can be played multiple times.
Aztez has a “Strong” rating on OpenCritic with an average critic score of 82 and 83 percent of critics recommend playing Aztez.
Carcassonne (February 6-13, 2020)
Carcassonne is a strategy tile-placement game in which players draw and place tiles adjacent to matching tiles and then place one of their followers, called Meeples, on the area. The player wins points when the area is complete.
Carcassonne has a “Weak” rating on OpenCritic, with 29 percent of critics recommending the game.
Ticket to Ride (February 6-13, 2020)
In this adaptation of Days of Wonder’s best-selling train board game, players must link up their cities quickly to reach their destinations. Players can play Ticket to Ride in single-player or multi-player mode.
Pandemic (February 6-13, 2020)
*Pandemic was removed from the free game offer this week.
Pandemic challenges gamers to play as a member of an elite disease control team and try to stop four deadly diseases from spreading around the world.
Pandemic has a “Weak” rating on OpenCritic with an average critic score of 63.
Farming Simulator 19 (January 30-February 6, 2020)
Farming Simulator 19 is a simulation game in which players develop their own farm on American and European environments and complete farming activities such as harvesting crops and tending to animals.
Farming Simulator 19, which was developed by Giants Software and initially released in November 2018, is available to download for Mac and PC. The game has a “Fair” rating on OpenCritic and 46 percent of critics would recommend playing Farming Simulator 19.
The Bridge (January 23-30, 2020)
The Bridge is an indie logic puzzle game made by The Quantum Astrophysicists Guild that forces players to “reevaluate their preconceptions of physics and perspective” in 48 puzzles.
OpenCritic gave the game a “Fair” rating and 47 percent of critics would recommend The Bridge, which is available to play on PC.
Horace (January 16-23, 2020)
Horace, by 505 games, is a story-driven platform game featuring 10 mini-games in which players complete tasks including reuniting Horace with his long-lost family and traveling through time and space to save mankind.
Horace is available to play on PC, and has a “Strong” rating on OpenCritic with 71 percent of critics recommending the game.
Sundered Eldritch Edition (January 9-16, 2020)
Sundered Eldritch Edition is a “chaotic hand-drawn Metroidvania” in which players either resist or embrace ancient eldritch powers. Explore the ever-changing world inspired by the works of H.P. Lovecraft and battle enemies in this challenging game by Thunder Lotus Games, the creators of Jotun.
Sundered is available to play on PC, Xbox One, PlayStation 4 and Nintendo Switch, and is available to play as a local co-op. OpenCritic gave it a “Strong” rating and 87 percent of critics recommended the game.
Epic Store Full List of Free Games Given Away
Inside (December 24-25, 2020)Tropico 5 (December 23-24, 2020)Metro: 2033 Redux (December 22-23, 2020)Alien: Isolation (December 21-22, 2020)Defense Grid: The Awakening (December 20-21, 2020)The Long Dark (December 19-20, 2020)Oddworld: New ’n’ Tasty (December 18-19, 2020)Cities: Skylines (December 17-18, 2020)Pillars of Eternity—Definitive Edition (December 10-17, 2020)Tyranny—Gold EditionFree (December 10-17, 2020)Cave Story+ (December 3-10, 2020)MudRunner (November 26-December 3, 2020)Elite Dangerous (November 19-26, 2020)The World Next Door (November 19-26, 2020)The Textorcist: The Story of Ray Bibbia (November 12-19, 2020)Dungeons 3 (November 5-12, 2020)Blair Witch (October 29-November 5, 2020)Ghostbusters: The Video Game Remastered (October 29-November 5, 2020)Costume Quest 2 (October 22-29, 2020)Layers of Fear 2 (October 22-29, 2020)Amnesia: A Machine for Pigs (October 15-22, 2020)Kingdom: New Lands (October 15-22, 2020)ABZU (October 8-15, 2020)Rising Storm 2: Vietnam (October 8-15, 2020)Pikuniku (October 1-8, 2020)RollerCoaster Tycoon 3 Complete Edition (September 24-October 1, 2020)Football Manager 2020 (September 17-24, 2020)Watch Dogs 2 (September 17-24, 2020)Stick It to The Man! (September 1-24, 2020)Railway Empire (September 10-17, 2020)Where the Water Tastes Like Wine (September 10-17, 2020)Into the Breach (September 3-10, 2020)Shadowrun Collection (August 27-September 3, 2020)HITMAN (August 27-September 3, 2020)Enter the Gungeon (August 20-27, 2020)God’s Trigger (August 20-27, 2020)Remnant: From the Ashes (August 13-20, 2020)The Alto Collection (August 13-20, 2020)Wilmot’s Warehouse (August 6-13, 2020)20XX (July 30-August 6, 2020)Barony (July 30-August 6, 2020)Superbrothers: Sword and Sworcery EP (July 30-August 6, 2020)Next Up Hero (July 23-30, 2020)Tacoma (July 23-30, 2020)Torchlight II (July 16-23, 2020)The Escapists 2 (July 9-16, 2020)Lifeless Planet (July 9-16, 2020)Killing Floor 2 (July 9-16, 2020)Hue (July 2-9, 2020)Conan Exiles (July 2-9, 2020)AER: Memories of Old (June 25-July 2, 2020)Stranger Things 3: The Game (June 25-July 2, 2020)The Escapists 2 (June 18-25, 2020) (Delayed: Moved to July 9-16, 2020)Pathway (June 18-25, 2020)ARK: Survival Evolved (June 11-18, 2020)Overcooked (June 4-11, 2020)Borderlands: The Handsome Collection (May 28-June 4, 2020)Sid Meier’s Civilization VI (May 21-May 28, 2020)GTA V (May 14-May 21, 2020)Death Coming (May 7-14, 2020)Amnesia: The Dark Descent (April 30-May 7, 2020)Crashlands (April 30-May 7, 2020)For the King (April 23-30, 2020)Just Cause 4 (April 16-23, 2020)Wheels of Aurelia (April 16-23, 2020)Close to the Sun (April 9-16, 2020)Sherlock Holmes: Crimes and Punishments (April 9-16, 2020)Drawful (April 2-9, 2020)Gone Home (April 2-9, 2020)Hob (April 2-9, 2020)World War Z (March 26-April 2, 2020)Figment (March 26-April 2, 2020)Tormentor x Punisher (March 26-2, 2020)The Stanley Parable (March 19-26, 2020)Watch Dogs (March 19-26)Mutazione (March 12-19, 2020)Anodyne 2: Return to Dust (March 12-19, 2020)A Short Hike (March 12-19, 2020)GoNNER (March 5-12, 2020)Offworld Trading Company (March 5-12, 2020)Inner Space (February 27-March 5, 2020)Faeria (February 20-27, 2020)Assassin’s Creed: Syndicate (February 20-27, 2020)Kingdom Come: Deliverance (February 13-20, 2020)Aztez (February 13-20, 2020)Carcassonne (February 6-13, 2020)Ticket to Ride (February 6-13, 2020)Pandemic* (February 6-13, 2020)Farming Simulator 19 (January 30-February 6, 2020)The Bridge (January 23-30, 2020)Horace (January 16-23, 2020)Sundered Eldritch Edition (January 9-16, 2020)Steep, Darksiders I Warmastered Edition, and Darksiders II Deathinitive Edition (January 1-9, 2020)Yooka-Laylee and the Impossible Lair (December 31, 2019-January 1, 2020)Hello Neighbor (December 30-31, 2019)The Talos Principle (December 29-30, 2019)Shadow Tactics: Blades of the Shogun (December 29-29, 2019)Hyper Light Drifter (December 27-28, 2019)Faster Than Light (December 26-27, 2019)Totally Accurate Battle Simulator (December 25-26, 2019)Celeste (December 24-25, 2019)Ape Out (December 23-24, 2019)Little Inferno (December 22-23, 2019)Superhot (December 21-22, 2019)TowerFall Ascension (December 20-21, 2019)Into The Breach (December 19-20, 2019)The Escapists and The Wolf Among Us (December 12-19, 2019)Jotun: Valhalla Edition (December 6-12, 2019)Rayman Legends (November 29-December 6, 2019)Bad North (November 21-29, 2019)The Messenger (November 14-21, 2019)Nuclear Throne and Ruiner (November 7-14, 2019)SOMA and Costume Quest (October 31-November 7, 2019)Layers of Fear and Q. U. B. E. 2 (October 24-31, 2019)Observer and Alan Wake’s American Nightmare (October 17-24, 2019)Surviving Mars and DLCs (Space Race and Resupply Pack) (October 10-17, 2019)Minit (October 3-10, 2019)Everything and Metro 2033: Redux (September 26-October 3, 2019)Batman Arkham Collection (three games) and Lego Batman Trilogy (September 19-26, 2019)Conarium (September 12-19, 2019)The End is Nigh and Abzu (September 5-12, 2019)Celeste and Inside (August 29-September 5, 2019)Fez (August 22-29, 2019)Hyper Light Drifter and Mutant Year Zero: Road to Eden (August 15-22, 2019)GNOG (August 8-15, 2019)For Honor and Alan Wake (August 2-9, 2019)Moonlighter and This War of Mine (July 25-August 2, 2019)LIMBO (July 17-25, 2019)Torchlight (July 11-18, 2019)Overcooked! (July 4-11, 2019)Last Day of June (June 27-July 4, 2019)Rebel Galaxy (June 20-27, 2019)Enter The Gungeon (June 13-20, 2019)Kingdom: New Lands (June 6-13, 2019)City of Brass (May 30-June 6, 2019)RiME (May 23-30, 2019)Stories Untold (May 16-30, 2019)World of Goo (May 2-16, 2019)Transistor (April 18-May 2, 2019)The Witness (April 4-18, 2019)Oxenfree (March 21-April 4, 2019)Slime Rancher (March 7-21, 2019)Thimbleweed Park (February 21-March 7, 2019)Axiom Verge (February 7-21, 2019)Jackbox Party Pack (January 24-February 7, 2019)What Remains of Edith Finch (January 11-24, 2019)Super Meat Boy (December 28, 2018-January 10, 2019)Subnautica (December 12-27, 2018)
Credit for the historic list of free games available on Epic Games Store in 2019 goes to this Reddit thread in EpicGamesPC, cross referenced with this article by Pro Game Guides.
In 2019, Epic Games sold $680 million worth of games to 108 million PC customers. The most popular games Epic sold last year were World War Z, Satisfactory Early Access, Dauntless, Untitled Goose Game, The Outer Worlds, Borderlands 3, Metro Exodus, Tom Clancy’s The Division 2, and Control.
As well as free games, fans can expect to see more exclusive games in the Epic Games Store, including Magic: The Gathering, Predator: Hunting Grounds, Auto Chess, Rogue Company, and Godfall, plus more cross-platform games for PC, Mac, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, iOS, and Android.
