In 2023, the Epic Games Store continued its weekly history of giving away free games. Throughout the year, players had the opportunity to win several spectacular championships.
When the Epic Games Store debuted in 2018, it faced heavy competition from gaming behemoth Steam. To lure customers, Epic originally gave out free games every two weeks before transitioning to a weekly schedule in June 2019. This technique has been in place for many years. Epic Games has spent millions of dollars on free game giveaways over the previous five years.
Here’s a list of the top ones from 2023,
Dishonored: Death of the Outsider
Give away started since February 2 – 9
The Dishonored series has become renowned among aficionados of the immersive sim genre, allowing players to handle combat scenarios in their own way. The third installment, Dishonored: Death of the Outsider, began as DLC for Dishonored 2 but expanded into a standalone release. The game features former assassin Billie Lurk as she works with her master Daud to eradicate The Outsider, the enigmatic person responsible for the series’ supernatural powers.
Death Stranding
Give away started since May 18 -25
Follow Sam Porter Bridges on an adventure through the post-apocalyptic United Cities of America in Death Stranding. His purpose is to provide supplies to cities and link them to the Chiral Network. Along the voyage, Sam encounters BTs, beings that reside between life and death, as well as the terrorist organization Homo Demens, lead by Higgs. The gameplay, which Kojima describes as “strand-like,” involves navigating treacherous locations using synthetic physics. Structures can be built online to help others asynchronously in their game instances.
Dying Light Enhanced Edition
Give away started since April 6 – 13
Dying Light transports players to the fictitious city of Harran in the Middle East amid a virus epidemic that transforms humans into swift, agile zombies with increased hostility. As Kyle Crane, explore rooftops while dodging zombie dangers and aiding survivors in the confined metropolis. The game’s most notable feature is its fast-paced traversal features, which were later improved in the sequel.
The Evil Within 2
Give away started since October 26 – November 2
Tango Gameworks, founded by Resident Evil creator Shinji Mikami, created The Evil Within 2, which exhibits the impact of the iconic horror genre. Players enter the realm of Union to save his presumed-dead daughter from a home fire, continuing the narrative of investigator Sebastian Castellanos. Confront twisted creatures with stealth or direct battle, and manage resources with the crafting system.
The Elder Scrolls Online
Give away started July 20 – 27
In July, The Elder Scrolls Online stunned fans by making its main game available for free on the Epic Games Store. The MMORPG, which was first published in 2014, has been expanded with multiple additions, the most recent being Necrom in January. Even with only the base game, Tamriel Unlimited, players may enjoy a wide range of content, quests, events, and exploring opportunities. Fans of the franchise will recognize familiar components, making this free Epic Games Store offering a valuable addition to their collection for a fantasy existence in Tamriel.
GRIME
Give away started July 6 – 13
Clover Bite’s indie Metroidvania GRIME got an Epic Games Store freebie during the July 6-13 promotion. GRIME, first published by Akupara Games in August 2021, immerses gamers in a gloomy universe where people revere perfect proportions. Players take on the role of The Vessel, growing their powers in the manner of Metroidvania games. The distinctive twist is combat inspired by Soulslikes, which necessitates strategic approaches and perfect timing. Failures revert progress to the latest obelisk checkpoint, raising the stakes of the adventure. GRIME is a captivating addition to the Epic Games portfolio for lovers of both Metroidvania exploration and Soulslike combat.
Fallout: New Vegas – Ultimate Edition
Give away started May 25 – June 1
Epic Games shocked Fallout fans by releasing the beloved Fallout: New Vegas Ultimate Edition for free in May 2023, complete with every DLC. Obsidian Entertainment created and released this legendary RPG in 2010. It was immediately offered as a gratis offering as it made its Epic Games Store debut. Fallout: New Vegas, like previous Fallout titles, is set in a post-apocalyptic future and explores the Mojave Desert, centered on the ruins of the Las Vegas Strip. As the Courier, players must travel a planet ravaged by nuclear war, avoiding groups competing for sovereignty and resources. This Epic Games Store freebie was a nostalgic treat for Fallout fans.