Epic Games Free Games List: Current Giveaway & History

Few things feel better than grabbing a high-quality PC game for zero dollars. The Epic Games Store has been giving away at least one free game every week since December 2018 – and once you claim them, they stay in your library forever.

Free games offered per week: At least 1 · Program start date: December 2018 · Total free games claimed (approx.): Over 300 · Notable AAA free game: Grand Theft Auto V (May 2020) · CEO net worth (Tim Sweeney, 2025): $8.9 billion (Forbes)

Five key facts stand out from the program’s history — one pattern: the free games strategy is a deliberate ecosystem growth play, not random charity.

Which game is free on Epic Games?

Current free game this week

• Free game updated every Thursday at 11:00 AM ET
• Claimable for 7 days
• Check the Epic Games Store free games page for the latest title

The implication: there is always something new to claim, but missing the window means losing that game unless it appears again later.

How to claim the free game

• Log into your Epic Games account (create one free if needed)
• Visit the free games page
• Click “Get” on the current free game
• Complete the checkout process ($0.00 total)
• The game is added to your library permanently

No credit card is required – just an account.

The pattern: weekly updates ensure a steady stream of new games for anyone who checks in.

Do I keep Epic Games free games forever?

Account permanence policy

According to the Epic Games Store official FAQ, “Free games you claim remain in your account forever.” There is no subscription required and no expiration date. The only exceptions are rare cases of fraud or account termination. For the vast majority of users, the game stays accessible as long as the Epic Games Store exists.

Claims vs. purchases

Functionally, a claimed free game behaves exactly like a purchased game. It appears in your library, can be downloaded and installed at any time, and receives updates normally. The only difference is the price tag: $0.

The pattern: claiming is a one-click purchase at zero cost, with the same rights as a paid copy.

Was GTA 5 free on Epic Games?

Exact date GTA V was free

Yes – Grand Theft Auto V was offered for free on the Epic Games Store from May 14 to May 21, 2020. The promotion caused massive server overload as over 7 million copies were claimed in that week alone, as recorded by PC Gamer and widely discussed on Reddit.

User response and server issues

At the time, many users reported long queues, site crashes, and download errors. Epic Games later confirmed that more than 7 million participants claimed the game, making it the most successful giveaway in the store’s history. The game remains in those users’ libraries today.

What this means: if a AAA title this big can be free, the program carries genuine weight for budget-conscious gamers. For more on the GTA franchise, see our guide on Rockstar Games GTA 6: Release Date, Price, Budget & News.

Is Epic Games really giving free games?

Business model behind free games

Epic Games subsidizes developers per claim – the company pays publishers a guaranteed amount for each free copy distributed. This is a customer acquisition cost, similar to how streaming services pay for content to attract subscribers. As CEO Tim Sweeney has stated, the program is an investment to grow the store’s user base and eventually earn revenue through game sales and the 12% commission (compared to competitors’ 30%).

Comparison to other storefronts

• Steam: Occasional free weekends and a handful of permanently free games, but no weekly recurring giveaway.
• GOG: Rare free game promotions through GOG Galaxy.
• Amazon Prime Gaming: Requires a Prime subscription, free games can be claimed only while a member (most are not permanent).

The trade-off: Epic’s giveaways are unconditional and permanent – no strings attached, but the selection sometimes leans toward indie titles rather than AAA blockbusters.

What is the top 1 PC game?

Best-selling PC game of all time

According to Wikipedia (citing official sales data), Minecraft has sold over 300 million copies across all platforms, making it the best-selling game of all time. On PC alone, its numbers are unmatched.

Current top seller on Epic

The Epic Games Store does not publish a fixed top 1; its rankings change weekly. However, Grand Theft Auto V and Fortnite regularly appear among the most-played titles on the platform.

The pattern: the “top 1” depends on whether you ask by lifetime sales, current concurrent players, or revenue – but Minecraft holds the sales crown. For another major franchise, check our Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III – Review, Age Rating & Guide.

How to View the Full Epic Games Free Games List

Official free games page

The most reliable source is the Epic Games Store free games page, updated every Thursday.

Third-party trackers

Sites like PC Gamer maintain historical lists of past freebies.

Archived lists on Reddit

Reddit communities such as r/GameDeals often compile and discuss past giveaways.

How to Claim Free Games on Epic Games Store

1. Create an Epic Games account – visit epicgames.com and sign up for free.
2. Go to the free games page – the URL is store.epicgames.com/free-games.
3. Click “Get” on the current free game.
4. Complete the order – it will show $0.00. No payment info needed.
5. Download anytime – the game appears in your library and can be installed on any PC.

The takeaway: the process takes less than two minutes and requires no financial commitment.

Timeline: Key Moments in Epic Free Games History

• December 2018: Epic Games Store launches free game program with Subnautica and Super Meat Boy.
• May 14–21, 2020: GTA V offered free; server overload, 7 million claims.
• 2021–2022: Consistent weekly giveaways; occasional double-game weeks.
• 2023: Program continues; notable releases like Ghostrunner and Saints Row.
• 2024–2025: Still active; new games added each week (PC Gamer archive).

The arc: from indie launches to AAA blockbusters, the program has steadily expanded its reach.

What We Know and What’s Still Unclear

Bottom line: the confirmed facts are well-documented; the unknowns revolve around scale and longevity.

What the Experts Say

“We are investing in free games to grow the ecosystem.”

— Tim Sweeney, CEO of Epic Games, as quoted in PC Gamer

“Free games you claim remain in your account forever.”

— Epic Games Store official FAQ

For PC gamers in Canada and worldwide, the choice is clear: claim the weekly free games and grow your library without spending a cent, or risk missing out on titles that may never be free again.

För en detaljerad översikt över veckans erbjudande och historik, se current Epic Games free games list.

Frequently asked questions