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| The new mobile free game will be available until Christmas. Pictured: edited cover photo of the title. |
The Black King has been betrayed, but he's armed with a royal shotgun and ready to take on the entire white army in a frantic, turn-based tactical battle now available on mobile.
The Epic Games Store's 2025 holiday giveaway is in full swing, offering a rapid-fire succession of free games that change daily. Among this year's most inventive and unexpected freebies is Shotgun King: The Final Checkmate, a game that masterfully blends classic chess strategy with the explosive, unpredictable fun of a roguelike. Currently available as a free mystery title for Android and iOS, this indie gem is yours to claim for a limited time.
The premise is simple but brilliant: you are the Black King, a tyrannical ruler abandoned by his entire court, who now seeks revenge against the White Kingdom armed only with his trusty shotgun. Each level is a chessboard where you must outmaneuver and outgun an entire army of classic pieces, making for a gameplay loop that's both deeply strategic and wonderfully chaotic.
How to Get Your Free Copy on Mobile
- Free Game: Shotgun King: The Final Checkmate
- Platforms: Android and iOS via the Epic Games Store app
- Claim Deadline: December 25, 2025
- Regular Price: $6.99
- How to Claim: Visit the Epic Games Store mobile app during the promotional period to add the game to your library for free.
A Chessboard Revolution: Core Gameplay Mechanics
At its heart, Shotgun King respects the fundamental rules of chess but flips the entire experience on its head.
- The Royal Arsenal: Your primary weapon is the king's shotgun. On your turn, you choose to either move one space (as a king does) or fire your weapon. This creates a constant, tense risk-reward dynamic: shooting depletes ammo, while moving to an empty space allows you to reload.
- Evolving Adversaries: White pieces move according to standard chess rules, but the game cleverly indicates which piece will move next by making it quiver. After clearing a board by defeating the White King, you're presented with a classic roguelike choice: two pairs of upgrade cards. Each pair contains one power-up for you and one that buffs your enemies, forcing you to strategically weigh short-term gains against a potentially overwhelming late-game challenge.
- Souls of the Fallen: A standout feature is the "soul" system. Defeating powerful enemy pieces like rooks, bishops, knights, or queens allows you to capture their soul. You can then spend this soul on a future turn to move exactly like that piece once—a knight's L-shaped jump or a bishop's diagonal sprint—which can be a lifesaver in a tight spot.
What Gamers and Critics Are Saying
Since its original PC release in 2022, Shotgun King has garnered overwhelmingly positive reviews for its clever design and addictive "one more run" appeal.
- Critical Acclaim: Reviewers praise it as "the smartest game in the room," a "surprisingly delightful roguelike," and an "exceptionally fun game" that executes a simple idea to perfection. The PC version on Steam holds a "Very Positive" rating based on thousands of reviews.
- Player Feedback: On platforms like HowLongToBeat, players highlight its tight, satisfying gameplay loop and strategic depth. Many note that while a single successful run might take under an hour, the game's variety of weapons, perks, and escalating difficulty ranks offer plenty of reasons to return. The general consensus is that it offers fantastic value, especially for free.
- Perfect for Mobile: The transition to mobile with touch-based aiming and movement feels natural for this turn-based format, making it an ideal game for short, engaging sessions.
More Holiday Freebies: What's Next on Epic Games Store?
Shotgun King is part of Epic's broader holiday promotion, which runs through January 8, 2026. The store is cycling through free games at a rapid pace. Following Shotgun King, a new mystery title will be available every day.
Based on information from gaming news outlets, here are some of the upcoming anticipated free games for PC players (note that the mobile lineup may differ):
| Date (2025) | Free Game (PC) | Genre |
|---|---|---|
| Dec 21 | Graveyard Keeper | Simulation/Management |
| Dec 22 | Heavy Rain | Narrative Adventure |
| Dec 23 | The Banner Saga | Tactical RPG |
| Dec 24 | The Division 2 | Online Action RPG |
| Dec 25 | Alone in the Dark | Survival Horror |
Note: This list is based on unconfirmed leaks and is provided for informational purposes only. Epic Games officially reveals each title on its release day.
For the latest updates and to see the full selection of deals, you can always check the official Epic Games Store Holiday Sale page.
Final Thoughts: Don't Miss This Tactical Treat
Shotgun King: The Final Checkmate is a standout example of indie game creativity. It takes a universally known game system and injects it with humor, tension, and replayability. The fact that it’s being offered for free on mobile is an incredible opportunity for both strategy enthusiasts and anyone looking for a unique, bite-sized gaming experience.
Remember, this offer expires on December 25, 2025. Make sure to visit the Epic Games Store on your mobile device before then to secure your copy and join the Black King on his shotgun-wielding quest for vengeance.