Does Epic Games Give Free Games? A Comprehensive Guide
Yes, Epic Games does give away free games on a regular basis through its Epic Games Store. This is a core part of their strategy to attract users and compete with other major game distribution platforms. The free games offered are typically available for a limited time, but once claimed, they are yours to keep permanently. This practice has made the Epic Games Store a popular choice for gamers looking to expand their library without spending extra money. The platform regularly offers one or more free games per week, making it worthwhile to check in frequently for new additions.
How Epic’s Free Game Program Works
The Epic Games Free Games Program has been a cornerstone of their strategy since the launch of the store in late 2018. Unlike some platforms where free games might be demos or limited-time trials, Epic offers full, complete games that become part of your account forever. This initiative is a direct effort to rival the more established platforms like Steam, and it has been successful in drawing in a substantial user base.
Claiming Free Games on Epic Games Store
Claiming a free game on the Epic Games Store is straightforward:
- Visit the Epic Games Store: Navigate to the Epic Games Store website or launch the Epic Games launcher.
- Browse the Free Games Section: Locate the “Free Games” section, which is usually prominently displayed on the homepage.
- Select the Free Game: Choose the game you wish to claim.
- Click “Get”: Click the “Get” button associated with the free game.
- Complete the Purchase: Though it’s a free game, you will go through a checkout process, confirming that you are claiming the game for free.
- Game Added to Your Library: The game is now added to your Epic Games library and can be downloaded and played at any time.
The Benefit of Free Games
The free games offered by Epic are not just a random selection. They often include a mix of indie gems, AAA titles, and everything in between. This variety ensures that there’s something for everyone. By offering free games, Epic not only gives gamers access to titles they might not have otherwise tried but also provides developers with increased visibility and potentially new fans for their products. Epic pays developers and publishers for the opportunity to give their games away for free, which is a win-win for all parties involved.
Will Free Games Continue?
According to statements from Epic Games, the Free Games Program will continue “through 2023 and beyond.” This commitment indicates that the weekly free games are not a temporary promotion but a permanent feature of the platform. Users can expect a consistent stream of free titles in the foreseeable future, making the Epic Games Store a valuable platform for game enthusiasts.
Strategic Benefits
This ongoing commitment to free games serves as a strong marketing strategy for Epic Games. By giving away games, they consistently attract new users, which helps to grow their platform and challenge other well-established players in the gaming market. The program also creates user loyalty and a sense of community around the platform.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions related to Epic Games’ free game program, to give you a full picture:
1. Are the Free Games on Epic Games Permanently Free?
Yes, once you claim a free game from the Epic Games Store, it is permanently yours to keep. You can download and play the game at any time as long as you have an active Epic Games account.
2. How Often Does Epic Games Give Away Free Games?
Epic Games typically gives away at least one free game every week. Sometimes, they will offer multiple free games during special events or promotions.
3. Can I Still Access My Free Games If I Stop Using Epic Games?
Yes, your free games remain in your library even if you stop using the Epic Games Store for a while. As long as your Epic Games account is active, you can redownload and play your previously claimed free games anytime.
4. Do I Need to Install Free Games Right Away?
No, you do not need to download or install the free games right away. Once you claim them, they will remain in your library until you choose to install them. This allows you to build up a large collection of games.
5. Will Epic Games Ever Offer GTA 5 for Free Again?
Grand Theft Auto V (GTA 5) was offered for free on the Epic Games Store previously, but as of now, there are no indications that it will be free again in the near future. However, Epic Games frequently offers a variety of titles, so it’s always good to stay updated.
6. How Does Epic Games Afford to Give Away Free Games?
Epic Games pays developers or publishers for the opportunity to give their games away for free. This is a marketing investment for Epic Games to attract and retain users on their platform.
7. Does Steam Offer Free Games Like Epic Games?
While Steam does offer some free-to-play games, it does not have a consistent weekly free game program like the Epic Games Store. Steam focuses more on its vast library and community features, while Epic focuses on regular free game giveaways.
8. Are Free Games on Epic Usually Low-Quality?
No, the free games on Epic can be anything from small indie titles to big-budget AAA games. The quality varies, but many well-known and highly-rated games are given away for free.
9. Why Does Epic Games Give Away Free Games?
The free game giveaways are a marketing strategy to compete with other game distribution platforms like Steam. By giving away free games, Epic attracts new users and increases their market share.
10. Do I Need to Have a Paid Subscription to Claim Free Games on Epic?
No, you do not need a paid subscription to claim free games on the Epic Games Store. You simply need a free Epic Games account.
11. Can I Claim Free Games if I Have Multiple Epic Accounts?
Yes, you can claim free games on each of your Epic Games accounts if you have multiple, though it’s generally better to consolidate to a single account.
12. Are There Restrictions on the Free Games I Claim?
Generally, there are no major restrictions once you’ve claimed a free game. You own the game and can play it as you would if you had purchased it, following the game’s standard end-user license agreement.
13. Are There Any Hidden Costs Associated With Epic’s Free Games?
No, the free games are genuinely free to claim and play. However, some games might have optional in-game purchases if they are free-to-play titles, which are not required to enjoy the main game.
14. How Can I Find Out About Upcoming Free Games on Epic?
You can find out about upcoming free games by visiting the Epic Games Store website or launcher, checking gaming news websites, and following Epic Games on social media.
15. Is it Better to Buy Games on Epic or Steam?
Whether it’s better to buy games on Epic or Steam depends on personal preference. Steam has a larger library and more community features, while Epic tends to offer more exclusive deals and free games. Epic has also a lower revenue cut for developers, which can be another factor to consider.
In summary, the Epic Games Store’s free game program is a significant feature that offers gamers the opportunity to play a wide range of games at no cost. With a constant stream of free titles, Epic provides a compelling reason to stay engaged and expand your library. The continuation of this program ensures that gamers will have access to great games for free for a long time to come.