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| Upcoming giveaway could again be an indie title. Pictured: edited screenshot from Hyper Light Drifter. |
Another day, another free game from the Epic Games Store's sprawling 2025 Holiday Sale. True to form, the December 27th giveaway, Cassette Beasts, delighted fans but surprised few, as it fit neatly into the store's established gifting patterns. All eyes are now on the next mystery unlock, set for today, December 28th. Could past history hold the key to predicting it?
Looking back at the digital treasure trove of Epic's past offers, the December 28th date has a distinct identity. Here’s what PC gamers have claimed on this exact day in previous years:
- 2020: Stranded Deep
- 2021: Moving Out
- 2022: Mortal Shell
- 2023: Cat Quest (currently $3.24 on Humble Bundle)
- 2024: Kill Knight
The pattern is clear: this slot is consistently reserved for solid, mid-tier indie or AA titles, not blockbuster AAA releases. The games tend to be gameplay-forward, often emphasizing survival, action, or co-op mechanics over deep narrative, yet they aren't purely casual experiences.
A Geographic Clue Narrows the Field
Adding to the speculation, a notable clue emerged from South Korea. As pointed out by a user on a dedicated Epic Games PC subreddit, the mystery game's store wrapper is blocked in the country. This typically happens when a game is officially blacklisted there, providing a unique filter for potential candidates.
Strong Candidates for the December 28th Freebie
Given the history and the regional clue, a few standout predictions are circulating within the community:
- Hyper Light Drifter: A top contender. This acclaimed action-adventure game was last free on Epic in 2019, making it eligible for a repeat. It fits the "quality indie" mold perfectly and currently has no discount on the store, a common tactic before a free giveaway.
- Garden Story: Another strong possibility. This charming indie RPG, often compared to Cat Quest, also lacks a current discount on Epic's storefront and aligns with the past offerings' vibe.
- Other Potential Picks: The community is also buzzing about titles like Kingdom: New Lands, the punishing martial arts masterpiece Sifu, the cyberpunk action RPG The Ascent, or the roguelike Curse of the Dead Gods. All fit the general profile and could be subject to regional restrictions.
While a repeat giveaway is always possible, the evidence points to another satisfying indie or mid-tier gem. The twelfth mystery game of Epic's 2025 Christmas season will be revealed today, December 28, at 16:00 UTC. Until the clock strikes, the 11th free game, Cassette Beasts, remains available to claim. Head to the Epic Games Store to add it to your library and stay tuned for the next reveal