Blog: Epic Games’ Holiday Giveaway: Claim These 16 Free Titles
Every December, Epic Games Store surprises the gaming community with an extraordinary gift: a lineup of free games distributed daily over the holiday season. This year, from December 19, 2024, to January 2, 2025, Epic is offering 16 free PC games, starting with the highly anticipated Lord of the Rings: Return to Moria. For gamers, this is not just a celebration of the holidays but also a chance to expand their libraries with premium titles—all without spending a dime.
This blog dives deep into what the Epic Games Holiday Giveaway entails, how to make the most of it, and what it means for the gaming community at large.
A Tradition of GivingEpic Games began its annual holiday giveaways in 2019, aiming to increase user engagement and attract gamers away from competitors like Steam. Since then, this event has become a beloved tradition in the gaming world. The giveaway provides a mix of indie gems and blockbuster hits, keeping gamers excited about each reveal.
Historically, games like Celeste, Control, and Dishonored have been included, showcasing the platform’s commitment to delivering high-quality experiences. For Epic, this strategy not only rewards loyal users but also entices newcomers to explore the platform.
This Year’s Lineup: What to ExpectThe giveaway kicked off with Lord of the Rings: Return to Moria, a cooperative survival-crafting game set in Tolkien’s iconic universe. While Epic keeps the daily titles a secret, leaks and speculation often circulate among the community. Here’s what’s been hinted at so far:
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Action Titles: Gamers can anticipate adrenaline-pumping games like Just Cause 4 or Mad Max.
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Indie Favorites: Indie classics like Hollow Knight or Hades may make an appearance.
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Family-Friendly Games: Expect offerings such as Overcooked 2 or Untitled Goose Game.
Each game is available for only 24 hours, making it essential to log in daily and claim the titles before they disappear.
How to Claim Your Free GamesParticipating in the Epic Games Holiday Giveaway is straightforward:
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Create an Account: If you don’t already have an Epic Games account, sign up for free at epicgames.com.
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Daily Check-Ins: Log in every day between December 19 and January 2 to discover the new free game.
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Download the Launcher: While you can claim games via the website, downloading the Epic Games Launcher ensures easy access to your growing library.
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Claim and Play: Once claimed, the games remain yours forever.
Pro Tip: Set a daily reminder on your phone to avoid missing out on a title.
Why Does Epic Do This?Epic’s generosity isn’t purely altruistic—it’s a calculated strategy to build brand loyalty, expand its user base, and compete with industry giant Steam. By giving away free games, Epic entices users to download its launcher, explore its storefront, and potentially spend money on other discounted titles during its concurrent holiday sale.
Additionally, developers whose games are featured benefit from increased visibility and a surge in players, which can lead to long-term sales growth.
Community ReactionsGamers eagerly anticipate Epic’s holiday giveaways, often sharing their excitement on platforms like Reddit and Twitter. However, the event is not without controversy. Some critics argue that the secrecy surrounding the games can be frustrating for players who prefer transparency. Others question the long-term sustainability of such giveaways.
Despite these concerns, the overall reception remains overwhelmingly positive. “Epic’s holiday giveaways are like gaming’s version of Christmas morning,” one Redditor remarked. “You never know what you’ll get, but it’s always exciting!”
Tips to Maximize Your Holiday Gaming Haul
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Enable Notifications: Epic’s daily reminders can help you stay on top of the giveaway.
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Speculate Strategically: Follow gaming forums to get hints about upcoming titles.
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Share the Love: Gift codes (when applicable) to friends who missed a game.
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Explore Beyond the Freebies: The holiday sale often includes discounts of up to 75% on blockbuster titles and DLCs.
What This Means for the Gaming CommunityEpic Games’ annual giveaway is more than just a marketing ploy—it’s a celebration of gaming and an opportunity to bring new players into the fold. It fosters a sense of community, with gamers coming together to speculate, share, and enjoy the event. Moreover, it democratizes gaming by providing access to premium titles for free, ensuring that cost is not a barrier to entry.ConclusionEpic Games’ Holiday Giveaway is a shining example of how generosity and strategy can coexist in the gaming industry. Whether you’re a seasoned gamer or a newcomer, this event offers something for everyone—a chance to discover new games, revisit classics, and celebrate the joy of gaming during the holiday season.
So, mark your calendars and get ready to claim your daily dose of gaming magic. After all, who doesn’t love free games?
