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| Epic Games is rumoured to be giving away upwards of $300 worth of games this festive season. |
The Epic Games Store has officially kicked off its holiday giveaway season in spectacular fashion, dropping a blockbuster title that few saw coming. Starting today, Hogwarts Legacy, the open-world RPG set in the Wizarding World, is free to claim for PC gamers for a limited 24-hour window. This surprise move sets the stage for what appears to be an incredibly generous holiday event, potentially featuring over a dozen free games.
While Epic’s official teaser only promised a "Mystery Game" unlocked on December 8th, the cat is out of the bag for the second mystery title. Hogwarts Legacy (currently $59.99 MSRP) is the star of the show from December 11th until 16:00 UTC on December 12th. This giveaway is separate from the mobile promotions running on Android and iOS.
A Leaked List Hints at a Game-A-Day Bonanza
The buzz around the gaming community intensified when a detailed list of alleged daily giveaways surfaced on Chinese social media. While the authenticity of the leak remains unverified by Epic Games, the same slate of games has been referenced across multiple Chinese media outlets, lending it some credence.
[Embed: https://x.com/9550pro/status/1999446355346096192]
The list suggests a new free game will be available every day until New Year’s Eve, culminating with a potential giveaway of Red Dead Redemption 2. If the entire schedule proves accurate, the cumulative retail value of these games would exceed $500, though current sale prices bring that estimated value down to around $297.
Notable Titles and Repeats on the List
Gamers should note that some titles, like Jurassic World Evolution 2, have been offered for free on the Epic Store before (as recently as seven months ago). The list also includes some games not currently sold on Epic’s platform, such as Terraria and Mortal Kombat 11, which link to Steam, and the classic Commander Keen.
(For those who prefer physical copies or want to compare, Hogwarts Legacy is also available on Amazon.)
Proceed with Cautious Optimism
It’s essential to treat this leaked schedule as a rumor until Epic makes official announcements. The company is known for its generous giveaways, but plans can change. We recommend checking the Epic Games Store daily at 16:00 UTC to claim the free game, regardless of the leak.
Here is the full alleged schedule for the Epic Games Store Holiday Giveaways 2024:
| Game | Giveaway Date | MSRP | Current Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hogwarts Legacy | December 11 | $59.99 | $59.99 |
| Jurassic World: Evolution 2 | December 18 | $59.99 | $14.99 |
| Desperados 3 | December 19 | $39.99 | $9.99 |
| Total War: Warhammer | December 20 | $59.99 | $14.99 |
| Tropico 5 | December 21 | $19.99 | $7.99 |
| Chicken Police - Paint it Red! | December 22 | $19.99 | $19.99 |
| Loop Hero | December 23 | $14.99 | $2.99 |
| Lego Batman | December 24 | $19.99 | $2.99 |
| Commander Keen | December 25 | $3.99 | $0.79 |
| Farming Simulator 22 | December 26 | $29.99 | $29.99 |
| Slime Rancher 2 | December 27 | $29.99 | $17.99 |
| Terraria | December 28 | $9.99 | $9.99 |
| Detroit: Become Human | December 29 | $39.99 | $39.99 |
| Mortal Kombat 11 | December 30 | $49.99 | $49.99 |
| Red Dead Redemption 2 | December 31 | $59.99 | $14.99 |
(Report from Huya news discussing the leaked schedule.)
How to Claim Your Free Games
To add these titles to your library permanently:
- Ensure you have an Epic Games account.
- Visit the Epic Games Store daily at or after 16:00 UTC during the promotion.
- Find the "Free Game" banner or the specific game page.
- Click "Get" and complete the checkout process (at no cost).
Remember, once claimed, the game is yours to keep forever. Whether the full leaked list materializes or not, starting with Hogwarts Legacy is a magical beginning to the holiday season for PC gamers. Stay tuned for official confirmations and happy gaming!