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| The final free games will expire on January 08. Pictured: edited cover of the freebies. |
Well, the virtual wrapping paper is off! Epic Games Store has finally unveiled the final mystery games of its big holiday giveaway event, and they’ve ended on a generous note. Instead of just one last surprise, they’re dropping two free titles into our laps—and they’re worth your attention.
The suspense is over: claim Total War: THREE KINGDOMS and Wildgate at no cost right now. While the predictions across forums and subreddits were all over the map, this duo offers a solid mix of grand strategy and intense multiplayer action. Not too shabby for a festive finale.
Mark your calendars: Unlike the rapid-fire 24-hour claims during the event, you have a full week to add these to your library. The giveaway expires on January 08, 2026, at 16:00 UTC. After that, the store returns to its regular weekly free game rhythm.
Click here to claim Total War: THREE KINGDOMS and Wildgate from the Epic Games Store.
Diving into the Strategy Epic: Total War: THREE KINGDOMS
First up is a heavyweight in the strategy genre. Total War: THREE KINGDOMS masterfully blends turn-based grand campaign management with explosive real-time tactical battles. Set in the tumultuous later years of the Eastern Han dynasty, the campaign is a dynamic web of alliances, rivalries, and betrayals, bringing the Romance of the Three Kingdoms saga to life.
What Players Love:
- Character-Driven Gameplay: The standout feature is the deep, relationship-focused strategy. Your legendary warlords and their bonds (or rivalries) with others truly shape the campaign.
- Diplomatic Depth: Many players praise the robust diplomacy system, which feels more impactful and necessary than in some previous Total War titles.
A Note for Veterans:
Some long-time series fans feel the real-time battle layer, while solid, doesn't quite reach the heights of earlier historical titles. A few mechanics can also feel a bit restrictive to purists. Still, with a "Very Positive" rating on Steam from nearly 17,000 reviews and a standard price of $59.99, this is a premier strategy experience that's hard to pass up for free.
Switching Gear to Sci-Fi Chaos: Wildgate
For a completely different vibe, Wildgate throws you into a tense, spacefaring PvPvE multiplayer shooter. It cleverly blends ship-to-ship dogfights with on-foot FPS extraction action. You'll loot, complete objectives, and fight both AI enemies and other players in high-stakes matches.
What's Exciting:
- High-Stakes Hybrid Gameplay: The mix of PvE objectives and constant PvP threat creates thrilling, unpredictable runs.
- Co-Op & Progression: The game shines in co-op, with varied roles and builds for team synergy. A satisfying sense of progression, where each run makes you stronger, keeps players hooked long-term.
Heads Up:
As with many competitive multiplayer games, some players note occasional balance tweaks are needed between gadgets, ships, and weapons. Success also demands you learn map layouts and resource economies, which has a steeper learning curve.
Since its release in July 2025, Wildgate has garnered a "Very Positive" Steam rating, with 81% of over 3,700 reviews positive. Normally priced at $29.99, it’s a fantastic get. And good news for controller fans: it has full support. For a solid wireless option, many players recommend controllers like the EasySMX X15, currently available on Amazon.
So there you have it—the mystery is solved with a strategic masterpiece and a fresh, chaotic shooter. Whether you're looking to unify ancient China or survive a lawless space frontier, Epic's final holiday gift has you covered. Don't forget to claim them before the clock runs out next week