The holiday season just got a lot more exciting for gaming enthusiasts, as Epic Games is once again delivering its annual giveaway of 16 free titles—one for each day of celebration. Whether you’re a fan of fast-paced action, immersive RPGs, or brain-bending puzzles, this year’s lineup is brimming with variety and quality. This blog post will serve as your comprehensive guide, breaking down each game, exploring their key features, and offering tips to help you make the most of these limited-time treasures. From uncovering hidden gems to mastering gameplay strategies, we’ve covered all the essentials so you can claim your victories and elevate your holiday fun. Get ready to explore and download—these games won’t be free forever!
What is Epic Games Store’s Holiday Sale 2024?
The Epic Games Store’s Holiday Sale is a calendar event where customers have the privilege of receiving huge discounts on several games as well as acquiring some games for free for a limited time. This is an annual celebration and provides the best time to increase your collection without being too expensive as both popular games and indie games are on discount. It Takes place over a specific time frame during the holiday season and caters to gamers of all sorts and gives them the opportunity to save more at the same time.
Epic Games Store’s holiday season offerings
The Epic Games Store holiday event provides gamers with daily free game giveaways, allowing users to claim and keep select titles completely free for a limited period. Discounted prices on a vast assortment of games also take center stage, with savings ranging from modest reductions to steep discounts of up to 75% or more on popular and indie titles alike. Additionally, Epic often includes a seasonal incentive, such as the issuance of Epic Coupons, enabling players to save even more when purchasing eligible games during the sale. This annual event is a highlight for gaming enthusiasts looking to expand their collection while staying mindful of their budgets.
Free games available during the sale
During the Epic Games Store sale, a selection of free games is offered to all users, with new titles typically released on a weekly basis. These games range from critically acclaimed hits to hidden indie gems. For example, recent sales have featured popular titles such as Death Stranding and Control, alongside smaller yet equally captivating games like Abzu and Celeste. To claim these games, users simply need an Epic Games account, and once added to their library, the games remain permanently accessible. The rotating lineup encourages players to check back regularly, ensuring they don’t miss any limited-time offers.
Dates and duration of the epic holiday event
The Epic Games Holiday Sale typically runs from mid-December to early January, lasting approximately three weeks. During this time, users can enjoy daily giveaways of free games, with each offer available for 24 hours before being replaced by the next featured title. Additionally, the sale often includes deep discounts on a wide range of games, providing an excellent opportunity to expand your collection. Be sure to check regularly as the precise dates and durations may vary slightly each year.
How to Claim Free Games on Epic Games Store?
Create or Log into Your Epic Games Account
Start by visiting the website or opening the Epic Games Launcher. If you don’t have an account, create one for free, or log in using your existing credentials.
Navigate to the Free Games Section
Once logged in, look for the featured free game(s) on the homepage or under the “Store” section. These are updated daily during the giveaway event.
Select the Free Game
Click on the game banner or title to open its dedicated page.
Claim the Game
On the game’s page, click the “Get” or “Free Now” button. Check the order details, then select “Place Order” to add it to your library at no cost.
Download and Enjoy
After claiming, the game will appear in your Epic Games library. You can download and play it anytime, as it’s yours to keep permanently.
Creating an Epic Games account
Creating an Epic Games account is a simple and quick process. Visit the Epic Games website and click on the “Sign Up” option located at the top right corner. You’ll be prompted to provide a valid email address, username, and password. Alternatively, you can sign up using third-party accounts like Google, Facebook, Xbox, PlayStation, or even your Apple ID for convenience. Make sure to verify your email address as part of the process, which ensures the security of your account. Once your account is created, you’ll gain access to the Epic Games Store, your personal library, and all the free games and features the platform offers.
Navigating the Epic Games Store app
As designed, the Epic Games Store app is user friendly. After logging into the app, the first page you will come across is Home Page that is loaded with recommendations, news, and deals. From the left side of the screen, you can access some key sections as Store, Library, Friends and Settings.
Store Section
You can check the current bestsellers, exclusive games, and bargains. You can easily type specific titles or even developers in the search bar. Keywords such as genres and featured collections will also assist your search.
Library Section
This part comprises of all the games that you purchased or redeemed. From there, downloading, updating or launching your games is a seamless step. By clicking on a game’s details, you can manage game settings or control files that are already installed.
Friends Section
Access your friends list, send messages and invite them into your games. You can also see your social activities and friend suggestions regarding people who might be interesting to you.
Settings Section
Modify account, download preferences, and notifications options. Within this region, you should install the app and refine performance adjustment settings for the computer.
Steps to claim and download free games
Create or Log in to Your Account
Start by creating an account on the gaming platform, or log in if you already have one. Many platforms, such as Steam, Epic Games, or GOG, offer free games as part of their promotions or giveaways.
Browse the Free Games Section
Navigate to the free games section, often listed under “Promotions,” “Free Offers,” or “Store.” You’ll find a selection of titles available for free, either permanently or for a limited time.
Claim the Game
Click on the designated free game and follow the on-screen prompts to claim it. Make sure to “purchase” it for $0 or simply add it to your library within the promotional period.
Download the Game
Once claimed, go to your library or collection within the app. Select the game you wish to play and click the “Download” or “Install” button. Ensure that you have sufficient storage and that your system meets the game’s requirements.
Start Playing
After downloading, launch the game directly from your library. Enjoy gaming without any additional cost!
Following these steps ensures you won’t miss out on ongoing free game offers while making the process quick and hassle-free.
What’s New in Epic Games Store for PC Gamers in 2024?
Epic Games Store in 2024 is bringing an exciting mix of features and opportunities tailored for PC gamers. Players can look forward to an expanded catalog of free mystery games released weekly, enhanced cross-platform capabilities, and improved mod support integrated directly into the store. Additionally, the platform is rolling out more regional payment options and exclusive deals to make gaming more accessible globally. With rumored releases and partnerships on the horizon, there’s never been a better time to explore what the Epic Games Store has to offer.
Updates to the Epic Games launcher
The Epic Games Launcher has recently introduced several updates aimed at enhancing user experience and functionality. Among these updates, users will find a redesigned library interface that provides faster navigation and better organization of game libraries. Additionally, the launcher now supports downloading game updates in the background, allowing uninterrupted gaming experiences. Cross-platform syncing has also been improved, ensuring seamless access to progress and saves across devices. To further optimize performance, the launcher has incorporated a refined installation process that reduces storage requirements and download times. These upgrades emphasize Epic Games’ commitment to delivering a streamlined, user-friendly platform for its gaming community.
New features for Epic Games users
Epic Games has introduced a host of exciting new features to enhance user experience further. One standout addition is the improved social panel, which makes connecting with friends, managing parties, and joining games more intuitive than before. Another significant enhancement is the inclusion of personalized recommendations in the launcher, helping players discover games tailored to their preferences based on play history and interests. Additionally, the platform now offers better integration with third-party services, such as Discord, making communication and notifications seamless during gaming sessions. These updates underscore Epic Games’ dedication to creating a dynamic, cutting-edge ecosystem for its users.
Improvements in game discovery and purchases
Epic Games has introduced several enhancements aimed at simplifying the game discovery and purchasing process. The platform leverages advanced algorithms to provide personalized game recommendations, ensuring players can quickly find titles that align with their interests. Additionally, the revamped storefront now includes more intuitive search and filter options, allowing users to browse by genres, features, and popularity with ease. Streamlined checkout processes, including support for multiple payment methods and regional pricing, have also been implemented to make purchasing smoother for players worldwide. These updates highlight Epic Games’ commitment to improving user experience by offering a seamless and efficient path to discovering and acquiring games.
How Does Epic Games’ Refund Policy Work?
Epic Games’ refund policy is designed to be user-friendly and straightforward. Players can request a refund for eligible games and add-ons within 14 days of purchase, provided they have less than 2 hours of playtime. Refunds are not available for games removed due to violations of Epic’s Terms of Service. To initiate a refund, users can log into their account, go to the “Transaction History” section, and select the product they wish to refund, following the on-screen prompts to complete the request.
Understanding Epic’s refund process
Epic Games offers a simple and transparent refund system for its users. Eligible products include games and add-ons purchased from the Epic Games Store, as long as refund requests are made within 14 days of purchase and the product has less than 2 hours of playtime. However, certain circumstances make products ineligible for refunds. For instance, games removed from the store for violating Epic’s Terms of Service or products flagged as non-refundable are excluded.
To request a refund, users must log into their Epic Games account and access the “Transaction History” section. From there, they can select the item they wish to refund and follow the provided on-screen instructions to finalize their request. Refunds are typically processed back to the original payment method, but the processing time may vary depending on the payment provider. For further assistance, users can contact Epic’s customer support team directly.
Eligibility criteria for game refunds
To be eligible for a game refund, users must meet certain criteria outlined by Epic Games. First, the refund request must be submitted within 14 days of purchasing the game. Second, the game must have been played for less than 2 hours in total. Additionally, refunds are not available for games that have been banned, violated Epic Games’ Terms of Service, or are marked as non-refundable. Users should also ensure they have not previously refunded the same game, as repeated refunding may lead to ineligibility. These conditions are in place to ensure fair usage while providing flexibility to users who may have purchased a game by mistake or are dissatisfied with their experience.
Steps to request a refund for unwanted purchases
Log in to your account
Visit the platform’s official website (such as Epic Games’ website) and log in to your account using your credentials.
Navigate to the refund request section
Go to the “Help” or “Support” section, and locate the “Refund Request” or “Purchase History” option. On Epic Games, this is accessible through the Support Page or the Account settings under “Transactions.”
Select the game or item for refund
Identify the specific game or item you wish to refund from your purchase history. Once selected, ensure it meets the eligibility criteria, such as being purchased within 14 days and having less than 2 hours of playtime, among other conditions.
Submit the refund request
Fill out the refund request form, providing any required details such as the reason for the refund. Make sure all information is accurate to avoid processing delays.
Await confirmation
After submitting your request, you will receive a confirmation email or notification. The processing time for refunds may vary, but most platforms provide updates within a few business days. The refund will usually be processed to your original payment method once approved.
These steps are straightforward but vary slightly depending on the platform, so always check the specific guidelines on the service’s official support page.
What are the Best Deals in Epic Games’ Holiday Sale?
Epic Games’ Holiday Sale is packed with incredible deals on a variety of popular games and franchises. You can find discounts of up to 75% on big titles like Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, Red Dead Redemption 2, and Cyberpunk 2077. Epic also offers a $10 coupon that can be applied to eligible purchases over a certain amount, making the deals even sweeter. Additionally, gamers can enjoy daily promotions and score free games throughout the event. Visit the Epic Games Store frequently to stay updated on new deals and limited-time offers during this festive sale.
Top discounted titles to look out for
Assassin’s Creed Valhalla – Embark on a stunning open-world Viking adventure with up to 67% off. This title has been a fan-favorite for its immersive gameplay and captivating storytelling.
Red Dead Redemption 2 – Experience the award-winning Wild West saga now available at a massive 70% discount. With rich narratives and expansive landscapes, it’s a must-play for gaming enthusiasts.
Cyberpunk 2077 – Jump into a vibrant, dystopian world packed with engaging quests and innovative mechanics, discounted by up to 50%. A great opportunity to explore this ambitious RPG.
These deals are time-sensitive, so be sure to check the Epic Games Store regularly to grab these blockbuster titles before they’re gone!
Epic Games coupons and additional savings
The Epic Games Store offers various ways to save even more on your favorite games. Through promotional periods, you can take advantage of Epic Coupons, which provide significant discounts on eligible purchases. These coupons are often automatically applied during sales events, such as seasonal or holiday sales. Additionally, users may receive free coupons for participating in special giveaways or promotions.
Beyond coupons, the store occasionally offers free games as a part of its ongoing strategy to reward loyal customers. These weekly free games allow you to expand your library at no cost, while larger bundles or franchise sales often accompany headline deals. Keep an eye on the promotions tab on the Epic Games Store website and subscribe to their email alerts to stay updated on exclusive offers and opportunities for additional savings.
Limited-time offers and flash sales
Limited-time offers and flash sales on the Epic Games Store are a fantastic way to access high-quality games at reduced prices. These deals are available for short durations, often lasting just a few hours or days, encouraging users to act swiftly. Flash sales frequently feature popular titles or bundles, providing deep discounts on select games for a brief period. The “Deals” or “Promotions” section of the website is the best place to monitor these offers. Additionally, following Epic Games on social media or subscribing to their newsletter can help you stay informed about upcoming flash sales, ensuring you never miss out on exciting opportunities to save. Always check the offer’s expiry date to make the most of these time-sensitive deals.
How Does Epic Games Compare to Other Gaming Platforms?
When compared to other gaming platforms, the Epic Games Store stands out through its competitive pricing strategies, including frequent free game giveaways and attractive discounts. It also offers developers a favorable revenue split, taking only 12% of sales compared to the industry-standard 30%, which has drawn many developers to the platform. While it may lack some advanced features found on competitors like Steam, such as extensive community forums or in-depth user reviews, Epic Games focuses on simplicity and accessibility. Its exclusive titles and partnerships also give it a unique edge, ensuring gamers can access blockbuster games not available elsewhere.
Epic Games Store vs Steam: A comparison
When comparing the Epic Games Store and Steam, both platforms offer unique advantages tailored to different audiences. Steam boasts a comprehensive ecosystem, featuring robust community forums, detailed user reviews, cloud saves, and achievements. Its vast game library, curated sales events, and support for mods make it a fan favorite among experienced gamers.
On the other hand, the Epic Games Store prioritizes simplicity and exclusivity. Renowned for its free weekly game giveaways, competitive discounts, and developer-friendly revenue share (88% to developers vs. Steam’s 70%), it appeals to budget-conscious gamers and indie developers. Its clean interface and exclusive titles, like Fortnite or The Outer Worlds, set it apart despite lacking some of Steam’s advanced features.
Ultimately, Steam excels at community engagement and feature-rich experiences, while the Epic Games Store focuses on accessibility, value, and unique content. Which platform works best depends on individual preferences, gaming habits, and budget.
Exclusive titles and partnerships
Exclusive titles and partnerships play a pivotal role in defining a platform’s appeal and shaping user preferences. Steam boasts a diverse library with well-established franchises and an open modding community, encouraging creativity and community-driven content. While Steam itself lacks a strong focus on exclusives, its partnership with major publishers ensures access to blockbuster titles and indie gems alike.
Conversely, the Epic Games Store emphasizes exclusivity as a core strategy, with high-profile partnerships bringing games like Fortnite, Borderlands 3, and Hitman III exclusively to its platform. These exclusives often include timed arrangements, ensuring that content debuts on Epic before becoming widely available elsewhere. Its attractive revenue-sharing model has encouraged many developers to form agreements with Epic, ensuring exclusive rights to their games.
Ultimately, the choice between these platforms often hinges on access to specific titles. For gamers seeking open access to a broad array of games, Steam remains a go-to option. However, for those drawn to exclusive releases and competitive deals, the Epic Games Store delivers considerable value.
Epic’s impact on the gaming industry and market
Epic Games has significantly influenced the gaming industry and market by reshaping developer-publisher dynamics and consumer expectations. With its aggressive pursuit of exclusivity deals, Epic has disrupted traditional market practices, compelling competitors like Steam to re-evaluate their strategies. The introduction of its 88/12 revenue split model—offering developers a larger share compared to Steam’s conventional 70/30 split—has made Epic a preferred platform for many creators, fostering innovation and competition.
Additionally, Epic’s Unreal Engine has become a foundational tool for game development worldwide, offering advanced technology to developers of all sizes. This has not only cemented Epic’s position as a technology leader but also unified the industry under a powerful, accessible framework. The store’s regular free game offerings and deep discounts have further cultivated a loyal consumer base, enhancing its prominence in the market. Overall, Epic’s bold strategies have stimulated growth across the ecosystem, boosting opportunities for developers while enriching player experiences.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is Epic Games offering for the holidays?
A: Epic Games is offering 16 free video games during the holiday season as part of their annual giveaway. This promotion kicks off in December and runs into January, providing gamers with a variety of titles at no charge.
Q: How can I access these free Epic Games?
A: To access the free games, you need to have an Epic Games account. Simply log in to the Epic Games Store each day during the promotion period to reveal and claim the free game of the day. Remember, each game is only available for 24 hours, so be sure to check back daily.
Q: When does the Epic Games holiday giveaway start and end?
A: The holiday giveaway typically starts in mid-December and runs until early January. While exact dates may vary, it often begins around December 19 and continues until January 9 of the following year.
Q: Are these free games related to Fortnite?
A: While Epic Games is famous for Fortnite, the free holiday games are usually a mix of various genres and are not directly related to Fortnite. However, Fortnite players might find some of these titles equally entertaining.
Q: Do I need to provide any payment details to claim the free games?
A: No, you don’t need to provide any payment details to claim the free games. These titles are offered completely free of charge during the promotion period. However, you will need an Epic Games account, which is also free to create.
Q: Can I keep the free games forever?
A: Yes, once you claim a free game during the promotion period, it’s yours to keep forever. You can download and play it anytime, even after the promotion ends.
Q: How do these free game giveaways relate to Epic Games’ recent privacy settlement?
A: In 2022, Epic Games reached a $520 million settlement with the Federal Trade Commission over privacy violations and unwanted charges. While this settlement is not directly related to the free game giveaways, it demonstrates Epic’s commitment to improving user experience and may have influenced their continued generosity in offering free content.
Q: Will there be any DLC or additional content included with these free games?
A: The free games typically include the base game, but DLC or additional content may vary. Some games might come with extra content, while others may only include the core game. Check the description of each game for details on what’s included.
