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| The upcoming free game could be a strong indie title. Pictured: Holiday-themed promo picture from the storefront. |
The digital wrapping paper has been torn off, and Epic Games Store’s much-anticipated Christmas Day free game for 2025 has been revealed. In a move that delighted many, the platform gifted players Disco Elysium - The Final Cut, the genre-defying, critically acclaimed RPG. While not the action-heavy blockbuster some had predicted, the response from the community has been overwhelmingly positive, with fans flooding social media to call it a "masterpiece" and a "must-play" experience that was incredibly generous to give away.
But as is tradition, the giving isn't over. The gaming community’s attention has now instantly pivoted to the next big question: What will be the post-Christmas Mystery Game on December 26?
Before we dive into the rumors and predictions taking over forums, let's look at the precedent Epic has set. The December 26th giveaway has become a staple of their holiday sale, often featuring a standout title. Here’s what they’ve offered in recent years:
- 2024: Ghostrunner 2
- 2023: Human Resource Machine
- 2022: Fist: Forged in Shadow Torch
- 2021: Control
- 2020: My Time at Portia
Analyzing this list, one thing is clear: there’s no strict genre pattern. However, there is a consistent quality floor. Each game is either a major award-winner, a critically praised darling, or a title with a dedicated, passionate fanbase. Epic seems to use this slot to highlight games with strong identities and solid reviews.
Community Predictions for the 2025 Mystery Game
Following this logic, the upcoming freebie should be another well-regarded and recognizable title. The gaming community, particularly on platforms like Reddit, is already buzzing with theories.
One popular prediction is Tales of the Shire. As a well-received, cozy life-simulation set in the world of The Lord of the Rings, it fits the bill of a heartwarming, quality indie with a strong brand identity.
Another strong contender is Kena: Bridge of Spirits. This visually stunning action-adventure game was a breakout indie hit, boasting a large player base and impressive reviews. Its presence as a free game would certainly cause a splash.
However, a more intriguing possibility is Astroneer. The space exploration sandbox game has maintained a loyal following for years. Interestingly, it’s currently on sale for $8.99 on Humble Bundle, but notably, it is not listed for sale on the Epic Games Store at all. This absence is a classic signal that a game could be primed for a giveaway, as Epic often adds titles directly to their free lineup without a store page. You can check out the current Astroneer deal on Humble Bundle here for comparison.
The speculation is running wild, with dedicated threads like this one on r/EpicGamesPC compiling leaks, hopes, and educated guesses from thousands of users.
The Wait Is Almost Over
Regardless of which title it ends up being, if Epic’s past pattern holds true, players are in for another excellent addition to their library. The best part? The mystery will be solved very soon.
The final Mystery Game of the 2025 Epic Games Holiday Sale will be revealed on Thursday, December 26, at 16:00 UTC / 11:00 AM EST. It will be free to claim for just 24 hours.
To ensure you don’t miss it, keep an eye on the Epic Games Store Free Games page. Will it be a cozy sim, a thrilling adventure, or an interstellar journey? Only a few hours remain until we find out.