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When Was Tomb Raider Free on Epic Games? A Deep Dive

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The Tomb Raider trilogy (Tomb Raider, Rise of the Tomb Raider, and Shadow of the Tomb Raider) was notably offered for free on the Epic Games Store between late December 2021 and January 6th, 2022. Specifically, the offer typically ended around 11 AM Eastern Time (ET) on January 6th, 2022, though some sources mention 9:30 PM on the same date. This generous giveaway included the Game of the Year Edition of Tomb Raider (2013), along with Rise of the Tomb Raider and Shadow of the Tomb Raider, completing the rebooted trilogy.

Epic Games and the Free Games Program

The Epic Games Store’s strategy of offering free games is a key element of its approach to gaining market share and attracting users. Launched in late 2018, the Free Games Program has seen Epic Games invest heavily in acquiring rights to various titles and giving them away to users. This strategy has been crucial in building a user base and establishing a competitive presence against established platforms like Steam. Initially offering a free game every two weeks, Epic Games later increased the frequency to weekly free games in June 2019. This has continued, solidifying the program as a permanent fixture of the platform, even stretching “through 2023 and beyond”. The program isn’t just about offering games; it’s about building a community and engaging users with the Epic Games ecosystem. Studies conducted by organizations like the Games Learning Society, accessible at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/, highlight the educational and community-building aspects of gaming, which such promotions can foster.

Why Give Away Games?

The reasoning behind this approach is multifaceted. Firstly, free games act as a powerful incentive for users to create accounts and download the Epic Games Launcher. Once users are part of the Epic Games ecosystem, they are more likely to browse the store, discover other games, and potentially make purchases. Secondly, giving away AAA titles like the Tomb Raider trilogy generates significant buzz and publicity. It creates positive associations with the Epic Games Store and fosters a perception of value. Finally, it’s a strategic move to compete with Steam, a dominant player in the PC gaming market. By offering free games, Epic Games aims to attract users who might otherwise remain exclusively on Steam.

Keeping the Games

One of the most appealing aspects of Epic Games’ free game program is that once a user claims a free game, it is theirs to keep forever. Even after the promotional period ends and the game is no longer available for free to new users, those who claimed it can continue to download and play it as long as they maintain an Epic Games account. This generous policy has been a major factor in the program’s popularity.

The Tomb Raider Reboot Trilogy: A Critical Success

The Tomb Raider reboot trilogy represents a significant reimagining of the iconic franchise. The games offer a grittier, more realistic portrayal of Lara Croft’s origins, charting her transformation from an inexperienced adventurer into a hardened survivor.

Tomb Raider (2013)

The first game in the trilogy, Tomb Raider (2013), sets the stage for Lara’s journey. Stranded on a remote island, she must fight to survive and protect her friends. The game combines exploration, puzzle-solving, and action sequences, offering a compelling narrative and engaging gameplay.

Rise of the Tomb Raider

Rise of the Tomb Raider takes Lara to the harsh wilderness of Siberia in search of the legendary city of Kitezh. The game expands on the gameplay mechanics of its predecessor, introducing new crafting systems, weapons, and environments.

Shadow of the Tomb Raider

Shadow of the Tomb Raider concludes the trilogy, sending Lara to the jungles of South America. She must stop a Mayan apocalypse and confront her own inner demons. The game features challenging puzzles, intricate tombs, and a darker, more mature storyline.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 15 frequently asked questions related to Tomb Raider being free on Epic Games:

Was Tomb Raider free on Epic Games? Yes, the Tomb Raider trilogy (Tomb Raider, Rise of the Tomb Raider, and Shadow of the Tomb Raider) was offered for free on the Epic Games Store.
When was the Tomb Raider trilogy free on Epic Games? The promotion ran from late December 2021 to January 6th, 2022.
What Tomb Raider games were included in the free offer? The offer included Tomb Raider Game of the Year Edition (2013), Rise of the Tomb Raider, and Shadow of the Tomb Raider.
Is Tomb Raider free forever on Epic Games? During the promotional period, claiming the games meant they were yours to keep forever, even after the promotion ended.
Why did Epic Games give away Tomb Raider for free? It was part of Epic Games’ strategy to attract new users to the platform and compete with Steam.
Will Tomb Raider be free on Epic Games again? While possible, there is no guarantee that Tomb Raider will be offered for free again. Keep an eye on Epic Games Store announcements for future promotions.
Can I play Tomb Raider offline on Epic Games? Some users have reported issues playing Tomb Raider offline due to Epic’s online check.
Is Tomb Raider free on Steam? At certain times, specific Tomb Raider games, like Tomb Raider (2013), have been offered for free on Steam for limited periods.
How often does Epic Games give away free games? Epic Games typically offers at least one free game every week.
Is Steamunlocked a safe way to get free games? Steamunlocked is generally not considered a safe or legitimate source for games, as it often hosts pirated content.
Why is Epic Games still giving free games? The Free Games Program has been successful in attracting new users and driving engagement on the Epic Games Store.
Is Tomb Raider a AAA game? Yes, the Tomb Raider reboot trilogy is considered AAA (Triple-A) titles, signifying high production values and a large development budget.
Who owns Tomb Raider now? The Tomb Raider franchise is currently owned by CDE Entertainment, formerly owned by Square Enix Europe, now part of Embracer Group.
Are free games on Epic Games really free? Yes, the games offered as part of Epic Games’ Free Games Program are completely free to claim and keep, with no hidden costs.
What were some other free games on Epic Games in 2022? Some of the free games offered on Epic Games in late 2022 included Mortal Shell, Severed Steel, and Death Stranding.

Conclusion

The period when the Tomb Raider trilogy was offered for free on the Epic Games Store represents a significant event in the history of PC gaming promotions. It exemplified Epic Games’ aggressive strategy to compete in the digital distribution market and provided gamers with the opportunity to experience a critically acclaimed AAA franchise at no cost. Understanding the context of this giveaway, including Epic’s Free Games Program and the significance of the Tomb Raider reboot trilogy, provides valuable insight into the dynamics of the modern gaming industry. For more on the impact of gaming on learning and society, visit GamesLearningSociety.org.