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| The first two free games of 2026 could be good ones. Pictured: edited cover of Hunt Showdown. |
The storefront’s popular holiday giveaway event is set to conclude with what could be its biggest drops yet.
As the clock strikes midnight on the new year, the Epic Games Store isn’t just serving up resolutions—it’s offering free games. The platform’s holiday mystery game event, which wrapped up 2025 with a well-received multiplayer title, is saving its grand finale for January 1, 2026. In a thrilling twist, Epic has announced it will give away two final freebies to ring in 2026, and cryptic hints from an official staff member have the gaming community buzzing with anticipation.
Decoding the First Clue: An Extraction-Style Showdown?
The clue for the first game is intriguingly philosophical: "Victory requires everyone to leave; but is claimed only by those who decide when, how, or even if that departure happens."
This riddle has sparked intense speculation on forums like r/EpicGamesPC, with the description pointing firmly toward the high-stakes, risk-and-reward loop of extraction shooters. In these games, the goal is to survive and "extract" from a hostile zone, making the "departure" the central objective.
The frontrunner in the rumor mill is Hunt: Showdown. The atmospheric PvPvE bounty hunt game fits the clue perfectly, and its notable absence from the Epic Games Store library so far adds fuel to the fire. Another strong contender is the ghostly co-op phenomenon Phasmophobia. While not a shooter, its core loop involves entering a location, gathering evidence, and deciding when to leave before the ghosts become too hostile—a perfect match for the "how and if" portion of the clue.
Whether it’s the bayou or a haunted house, the clue strongly suggests players should brace for a tense, team-based experience where survival hinges on a calculated exit.
The Second Clue: A Fractured Kingdom Awaits a Ruler
The mystery deepens with the second clue: "Three rise from a fallen kingdom; victory belongs not to the last army standing, but to the one who turns fractures into a single mandate."
This points directly to grand strategy and political intrigue. The mention of "three rise from a fallen kingdom" is a near-direct nod to the Three Kingdoms period of Chinese history. This makes the brilliant Total War: THREE KINGDOMS a prime candidate. The game is a masterclass in blending battlefield tactics with diplomatic maneuvering, where unifying fractured factions is the true path to victory.
Currently, you can find Total War: THREE KINGDOMS at a deep discount on Humble Bundle, leading some to wonder if this is a precursor to it going free. However, the clue could also describe the dynastic drama of Crusader Kings III, where marriage, intrigue, and careful stewardship are just as important as warfare. Even Dragon Age: Inquisition, with its theme of rebuilding a fractured inquisition, has been thrown into the speculation mix.
If these specific titles aren’t the final pick, the clue all but guarantees the second giveaway will be a deep, thoughtful strategy game.
Mark Your Calendars: The Wait Is Almost Over
The speculation ends soon. Epic Games Store will reveal and unleash both free games on Thursday, January 1, 2026, at 16:00 UTC. As is tradition, the games will be available to claim for a full week, giving everyone a chance to start their year with a new digital adventure.
Until then, the final mystery game of 2025 remains available to add to your library. But all eyes are now on the horizon, waiting to see if Epic’s hints will lead to a legendary haul. Will it be a heart-pounding extraction and a kingdom-building epic? The community is poised to find out.
What’s your guess for the mystery games? Join the conversation with other PC gamers on our community Discord server to share your predictions and be ready for the big reveal!
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| The hints shared |