Epic Games Store Free Games 2026 – Complete Schedule
Epic Games Store gives away free games every Thursday at 11 AM ET. Since 2018, they've given away over $10,000 worth of games. Here's how to never miss one.
How It Works
- New free game(s) every Thursday at 11:00 AM ET / 8:00 AM PT
- Claim period: 7 days (Thursday to Thursday)
- Keep forever: Once claimed, the game is yours permanently
- No strings attached: Just need a free Epic account
2026 Free Games Archive
March 2026
| Week | Game(s) | Normal Price | Genre |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 6-13 | TBA | - | - |
| Feb 27-Mar 6 | TBA | - | - |
Table updated weekly as games are announced.
Notable Past Giveaways
Epic has previously given away AAA titles worth $60+:
- GTA V (over 7 million claims in first week)
- Civilization VI
- Borderlands 3
- Death Stranding
- Control
How to Never Miss a Free Game
1. Enable Email Notifications
Go to Epic account settings → Communication Preferences → Enable "Free Games" emails.
2. Use the Mobile App
The Epic Games Store mobile app lets you claim games from your phone.
3. Set a Weekly Reminder
Thursday at 11 AM ET – takes 30 seconds to claim.
4. Follow Deal Communities
Reddit's r/GameDeals and r/FreeGameFindings post immediately when new games are available.
Tips for Maximizing Value
- Always claim, even if not interested – You might want to play it later
- Check system requirements – Some claimed games may not run on your current PC, but you'll have them when you upgrade
- Link accounts – Connect your Epic account to other platforms for cross-saves where supported
- Share with friends – Let your gaming group know about free games
Epic vs Steam Free-to-Play
| Feature | Epic Free Games | Steam F2P |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Paid games given free | Always free-to-play |
| Schedule | Weekly rotation | Permanent |
| Keep forever? | Yes, once claimed | Yes |
| Quality | Often AAA titles | Varies widely |
| Catch | Must claim during window | Usually has microtransactions |
FAQ
Q: Do I need to install the game immediately? A: No, just click "Get" to add it to your library. Install whenever you want.
Q: Can I play Epic free games offline? A: Most single-player games work offline once installed.
Q: Are Epic free games the same version as paid? A: Yes, you get the full game. Some giveaways even include DLC.
Q: What happens if I miss a free game? A: Unfortunately, you'll need to buy it or wait for it to potentially be given away again (rare but happens).