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| The upcoming free game could be another indie title. Pictured: edited cover picture of Arcade Paradise. |
The wrapping paper is off the 12th mystery free game of Epic's 2025 Holiday Sale, and it's SKALD: Against the Black Priory, a well-rated indie RPG. This marks the third consecutive indie title given away, leading many to wonder: what does Epic have in store for the grand finale on December 29?
While the streak of indies might suggest a change of pace for the final day, a look at the historical data tells a more consistent story. The 13th mystery game slot has a distinct personality of its own.
Decoding the December 29th Pattern
Let’s rewind. Epic’s final mystery giveaway in recent years has been a fascinating mix:
- 2024: Orcs Must Die! 3 (Award-winning tower defense)
- 2023: Snakebird Complete (Puzzle indie)
- 2022: Dishonored - Definitive Edition and Eximus: Seize the Frontline (AA action-stealth + indie strategy)
- 2021: Salt and Sanctuary (Indie action-RPG)
- 2020: Solitairica (Indie card game)
The pattern is revealing. Of these, four are squarely in the indie category, one (Orcs Must Die! 3) is a popular mid-tier (AA) title, and only Dishonored stands out as a AAA exception—incidentally, a title that’s frequently on sale, like its current $5 price on Humble Bundle.
This history strongly suggests the upcoming giveaway will be an indie or AA title. Another clear trend? These final-day games are rarely massive, narrative-driven epics or sprawling open-world adventures. They tend to be highly-rated, focused experiences.
Top Contenders for the Final 2025 Freebie
So, who fits the bill? Community speculation, fueled by past giveaways and current market status, has zeroed in on a few key candidates.
The frontrunner for many is 20XX. This cooperative roguelike action-platformer checks every box: it’s an indie title with "Very Positive" reviews, it was given away by Epic over two years ago (making a repeat likely), and it’s not currently on sale—a key factor Epic often considers before making a game free.
Another exceptionally strong candidate is The Long Dark. This survival sim is an indie darling with a massive fanbase, fits the "well-rated" and "not on sale" criteria perfectly, and would be a huge win for Epic to cap off the season.
Other names circulating in speculation include Arcade Paradise, ScourgeBringer, and the deep CRPG Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous. For the latest community sleuthing and discussion, check out the dedicated thread on Reddit’s EpicGamesPC community.
Don't Miss SKALD: Against the Black Priory
Remember, the current free game, SKALD: Against the Black Priory, is only available until December 29, 2025, at 16:00 UTC. Make sure to claim it before the clock runs out and the final mystery is unveiled.
Will Epic follow the indie pattern, or throw a curveball with a beloved AA title? All signs point to another high-quality, focused game to add to your library. Set your reminders for the 29th—the final reveal of Epic's 2025 holiday event is almost here.