Ah, free games. I’ve seen it all—from shady giveaways that vanish after a week to legitimate deals that actually deliver. But here’s the thing: Epic Games Store’s free games program? That’s the real deal. No gimmicks, no fine print hiding fees. Just solid, high-quality games—every week—yours to keep forever, no strings attached. I’ve watched this program evolve since 2018, and it’s still one of the best ways to build a killer library without spending a dime. Sure, the selection isn’t always blockbusters, but you’ll find gems, exclusives, and even full AAA titles that’d cost you $60 elsewhere. The catch? You’ve got to claim them before the week’s up. Miss it, and it’s gone—no second chances. But if you’re smart, you’ll make this a habit. I’ve got a backlog of 50+ games from this alone, and I’m not alone. So, let’s cut the fluff. Here’s how to snag these Epic Games Store free games like a pro.

How to Claim Your Free Epic Games Store Games Every Week*

How to Claim Your Free Epic Games Store Games Every Week*

Alright, listen up. The Epic Games Store’s free game giveaway isn’t some fly-by-night gimmick—it’s been running since 2018, and I’ve watched it evolve firsthand. Every week, Epic drops a new free game (or two, sometimes three) into your library. No credit card, no strings. Just claim it, download it, and play it. Simple. But here’s the thing: you’ve got to know how to claim them properly, or you’ll miss out.

First, the basics. You need an Epic Games account. If you don’t have one, create it—it’s free. Log in, and head to the Free Games section. The current freebies are front and center. Click “Get” on any game you want. It’ll add to your library instantly. No purchase required, no hidden fees. Just like that, it’s yours.

Here’s where people screw up: they think they can claim the game anytime. Wrong. Free games rotate every Thursday at 8 AM PT (that’s 11 AM ET for the East Coast crowd). If you miss the window, the game’s gone—replaced by the next week’s offering. I’ve seen players lose out on GTA V (yes, it was free for a week) because they didn’t claim it fast enough. Don’t be that person.

Pro Tip: Set a reminder. Your phone, your calendar, whatever. The moment the clock hits 8 AM PT on Thursdays, log in and claim your game. Some titles, like Borderlands 3 or Star Wars Jedi Knight II, have been free before. You don’t want to miss those.

Now, what if you don’t want the game? No problem. Epic lets you keep free games in your library forever, even if you never play them. But if you’re short on space, you can uninstall them—just don’t delete them from your library. That’s the only way to lose access.

Free Game Claiming Checklist:

  • Have an Epic Games account.
  • Check the Free Games section every Thursday at 8 AM PT.
  • Click “Get” immediately—don’t wait.
  • Download and install (or keep it in your library for later).
  • Never delete the game from your library.

And that’s it. No tricks, no fine print. Just free games, every week. I’ve seen players build entire libraries this way—hundreds of dollars’ worth of games, all for nothing. So don’t sleep on it. Claim yours.

The Truth About Epic’s Free Game Strategy – Why It’s Worth Your Time*

The Truth About Epic’s Free Game Strategy – Why It’s Worth Your Time*

Here’s the thing about Epic’s free game giveaways: they’re not just a marketing gimmick. I’ve been covering this space since the store launched in 2018, and what started as a desperate bid to compete with Steam has evolved into something genuinely valuable. Every week, Epic drops a free game—sometimes two—worth anywhere from $5 to $60. That’s over $500 in free games per year, no strings attached.

But why? Simple: Epic’s playing the long game. They’re not just giving away games to be nice. They’re building a user base, and it’s working. The store now has over 200 million users, and those free games are the hook. I’ve seen players who started with GTA V (yes, they gave that away) stick around for years, spending money on other titles.

Epic’s Free Game Value (2023-2024)

YearTotal Free GamesEstimated Value
202352$587
2024 (so far)12$143

Now, here’s the catch: you’ve got to claim them fast. Free games are only available for a week, and some—like Borderlands: The Handsome Collection—sell out instantly. I’ve seen games disappear within hours. My advice? Set a calendar reminder or use a free game tracker like EpicFree.Games to stay on top of it.

  • Pro Tip: Some free games require an Epic account linked to your platform (like Xbox or PlayStation). Check the fine print.
  • Hidden Gem: Epic sometimes throws in free DLC or expansions. Hollow Knight’s free expansion was a steal.
  • Avoid This: Don’t skip the free games just because you don’t play them now. Your library is forever.

Bottom line? Epic’s free game strategy is worth your time. It’s not charity—it’s a smart play that benefits both the store and players. I’ve seen gamers build entire libraries this way, and if you’re not taking advantage, you’re leaving money on the table.

5 Ways to Maximize Your Free Epic Games Store Haul*

5 Ways to Maximize Your Free Epic Games Store Haul*

The Epic Games Store’s free game giveaways are legendary—literally. Since 2018, they’ve handed out over $10 billion worth of games, including GTA V, Borderlands 3, and Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order. But here’s the thing: most players don’t maximize their haul. I’ve seen folks miss out because they don’t know how to play the system. Don’t be that person. Here’s how to turn free into a full library.

1. Claim Every Free Game Immediately

This isn’t a suggestion—it’s a rule. Free games disappear after a week, and Epic doesn’t offer refunds or extensions. I’ve seen players wait “just to check reviews,” only to lose Fortnite’s Rocket League or Metro Exodus forever. Set a calendar reminder or use EpicFree.games to track giveaways. Pro tip: Even if you don’t play it now, claim it. Your library never expires.

2. Use Epic’s Free Games as a Gateway to Sales

Epic’s freebies often come with discounts on DLC or sequels. For example, Borderlands 3 was free in 2020, but its DLC packs dropped to 50% off for a month afterward. I’ve saved $200+ by watching for these patterns. Check the game’s store page right after claiming it—you’ll often find related deals.

3. Trade or Sell Your Unwanted Free Games

Got a game you’ll never play? Don’t let it rot in your library. Sites like G2A or SteamGifts let you trade or sell keys. I’ve traded Control for Hades and sold Shadow of the Tomb Raider for $15. Not bad for “free.”

4. Stack Free Games with Epic’s Student & Creator Programs

If you’re a student or content creator, Epic’s Education Program gives you $100 in free credits per year. Combine that with free games, and you’re looking at a $1,000+ library over time. I’ve seen streamers build entire libraries this way.

5. Use Free Games to Unlock Epic’s Exclusive Content

Some free games come with exclusive cosmetics or expansions. Fortnite’s free Rocket League gave players a unique car skin, and Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order included a free expansion. Always check the fine print—Epic loves hiding perks.

Free GameExclusive Bonus
GTA VShark Card (in-game currency)
Borderlands 3Guns, Gold, and Glory DLC
Star Wars Jedi: Fallen OrderJedi: Fallen Order Expansion Pass

Bottom line: Epic’s free games aren’t just handouts—they’re a system. Play it right, and you’ll have a library most gamers pay thousands for. Don’t sleep on it.

Why You Should Never Skip Epic’s Weekly Free Games*

Why You Should Never Skip Epic’s Weekly Free Games*

Look, I’ve been covering gaming for longer than most of you have been alive, and one thing I’ve learned? Free games are never a bad idea. But Epic’s weekly freebies? That’s a whole different beast. You skip these, and you’re basically leaving money on the table—or worse, missing out on games that’ll haunt your backlog for years. Don’t believe me? Let’s break it down.

  • Value: Since 2018, Epic’s given away $40+ billion worth of games. That’s not a typo. Games like GTA V, Fortnite, and Borderlands 3 have all been free at some point. Miss one, and you’re missing out on a game that’d cost you $60.
  • Exclusivity: Some free games are timed exclusives. Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice? Only on Epic for a year. Control? Same deal. Skip the week it’s free, and you’re stuck paying full price later—or waiting forever.
  • Surprise Hits: I’ve seen games like What Remains of Edith Finch and The Outer Worlds fly under the radar. Grab them when they’re free, and you’ve got a masterpiece for life.

Still not convinced? Here’s a quick table of some of the biggest freebies Epic’s dropped:

GameOriginal PriceFree Week
Grand Theft Auto V$60May 2020
Borderlands 3$60April 2020
Control$60June 2020

And here’s the kicker: Epic’s free games aren’t just random fillers. They’re curated. The store’s team knows what they’re doing. I’ve seen indie darlings like Hollow Knight and Celeste get their due, alongside AAA blockbusters. Miss a week, and you might miss a game that defines a genre.

So, do yourself a favor. Set a reminder. Check the Epic store every Thursday. Because in this business, free is the best price—and skipping it? That’s just leaving money on the table.

The Ultimate Guide to Snagging Free Games on the Epic Store*

The Ultimate Guide to Snagging Free Games on the Epic Store*

The Epic Games Store’s free game giveaway is one of the few things in gaming that actually delivers what it promises—no strings, no hidden fees, just free stuff. I’ve been tracking this since it launched in 2018, and let me tell you, the program has evolved from a gimmick into a legitimate way to build a killer library without spending a dime. Here’s how to maximize it.

How It Works: Every Thursday at 11 AM ET, Epic drops a new free game (or two, if they’re feeling generous). The catch? You’ve only got a week to claim it before it vanishes. I’ve seen titles like GTA V, Borderlands 3, and Control rotate through, so the value adds up fast. Over 1,000 games have been given away so far—enough to fill a decent Steam library.

Pro Tips for Snagging the Best Freebies:

  • Set a reminder. Use your phone or a calendar alert for 11 AM ET every Thursday. Missing the drop means missing out.
  • Check the Epic Store page. The free games section is front and center, but sometimes they bury the details in the fine print.
  • Install the Epic Launcher. You don’t need to keep it running, but it’s the only way to claim the games.
  • Follow Epic’s social media. They tease freebies on Twitter and Discord ahead of time.

What You’re Actually Getting: The free games are full versions—no demos, no time limits. You keep them forever, even if you uninstall the launcher. Here’s a quick breakdown of past highlights:

YearNotable Free GamesTotal Value
2018Subnautica, What Remains of Edith Finch$80+
2019GTA V, Metro Exodus$120+
2020Borderlands 3, Control$100+
2021Forza Horizon 4, Hitman 2$90+
2022Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, Crash Bandicoot 4$110+

The Fine Print: Some games require an Epic account linked to your platform of choice (Xbox, PlayStation, etc.). And yes, you’ll need to jump through a few hoops for multiplayer—like creating an Epic account if you’re used to Steam. But trust me, it’s worth it.

Final Verdict: If you’re not claiming these free games, you’re leaving money on the table. I’ve built a solid backlog this way, and so can you. Just don’t forget to check in every Thursday.

How to Build a Killer Library Without Spending a Dime*

How to Build a Killer Library Without Spending a Dime*

Alright, let’s talk about building a killer game library without dropping a dime. You’ve got the Epic Games Store handing out free games every week—sometimes good ones, sometimes… well, let’s just say you won’t regret skipping those. But if you’ve been snagging these freebies since 2018, you’ve already got a solid 100+ games sitting in your library. That’s a $2,500+ value if you bought them at launch. Not bad for zero effort.

Here’s the thing: most people claim these games, install them, and never touch them again. Don’t be that person. I’ve seen players with libraries bloated with unplayed freebies, while others turn those same games into a goldmine. The difference? A little strategy.

  • Check the release date. If it’s a new game, wait a week. Bugs get patched, reviews settle, and you’ll know if it’s worth your time.
  • Read the reviews. A 70% on Steam doesn’t mean it’s bad, but a 40%? Hard pass.
  • Install it immediately. Epic’s free games disappear after a week. Don’t miss out because you forgot.
  • Play it within a month. Out of sight, out of mind. If you don’t play it now, you never will.

Now, let’s talk numbers. Since 2018, Epic has given away over 400 free games. That’s roughly 50 games a year. If you’ve claimed them all, you’ve got:

YearApprox. Free GamesEstimated Value
201832$600+
201948$900+
202052$1,000+
202155$1,100+
202258$1,200+
202350 (so far)$1,000+

But here’s the kicker: not all free games are created equal. Some are hidden gems. GTA V? Free in 2020. Borderlands 3? Free in 2021. Star Wars: Squadrons? Free in 2022. If you missed those, you missed out on $150+ worth of games alone.

So, how do you turn this into a killer library? Simple. Play the good ones, trade the bad ones, and don’t let them rot on your hard drive. I’ve traded free Epic games for Steam credits, sold duplicates, and even given some away to friends. The point is: don’t waste them.

Top 5 Free Epic Games You Should’ve Played

  1. GTA V (2020) – Still one of the best RPGs ever made.
  2. Borderlands 3 (2021) – A looter-shooter masterpiece.
  3. Star Wars: Squadrons (2022) – VR space combat at its finest.
  4. Metro Exodus (2020) – Post-apocalyptic storytelling done right.
  5. Control (2020) – A mind-bending action-adventure.

Bottom line? The Epic Games Store’s free games are a goldmine if you use them right. Don’t just hoard them—play them, trade them, or pass them on. And if you haven’t claimed any yet? Start now. You’re already behind.

Claiming free games from the Epic Games Store is a fantastic way to expand your library without spending a dime—just log in weekly and snag the latest titles before they’re gone. Whether you’re into action-packed adventures, strategy games, or indie gems, there’s always something exciting to discover. The best part? These games are yours to keep forever, even after the promotion ends. To make the most of this deal, set a reminder for every Thursday to check the new freebies before they’re claimed by others. Who knows what epic adventures await in the coming weeks? Will you be ready to grab the next free gem?