Epic Games Store has unveiled its seventh holiday 2025 mystery free game, and while it may not be the title many people guessed, it’s still a strong pickup—especially if you enjoy action-heavy side-scrolling adventures. For a limited time, players can claim Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night at no cost, but the window is short. The giveaway is only available for 24 hours and ends on December 24, 2025, at 16:00 UTC, so anyone interested will want to grab it before it rotates out.
Released in 2019, Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night is a side-scrolling RPG built as a modern homage to classic gothic action games. Developed by Artplay and directed by Koji Igarashi (widely known for shaping the Castlevania legacy), the game is often described as a spiritual successor to that style of exploration-driven, combat-focused castle crawling.
The story centers on Miriam, an orphan caught in a supernatural nightmare as she fights her way through a demon-infested castle. It’s a familiar setup for the genre, but it works well as a framework for what the game does best: progression, discovery, and steadily growing stronger as you unlock new tools and abilities.
Combat leans heavily into melee action, with a satisfying flow that makes regular encounters feel fast and responsive. That said, it’s not limited to close-range fighting—players can also pick up ranged options, including guns, and mix up their approach depending on what they find and how they want to build their character. Movement variety adds another layer, helping the game feel nimble rather than stiff, especially as new traversal options open up more of the map.
One of the major reasons Bloodstained has remained popular is its atmosphere. The gothic visual style is paired with a nostalgic soundtrack that reinforces the classic feel without seeming stuck in the past. Boss fights are another standout, offering memorable challenges and encouraging experimentation. If you like tweaking loadouts, trying different ability combinations, or building around specific playstyles, there’s plenty here to keep things interesting.
It’s not flawless, though. A common complaint is the game’s drop rates, which can make collecting certain items feel overly grindy. Even when you boost Luck, it may not significantly reduce the time spent farming for specific materials. Some players also feel the pacing drags early on, with the narrative taking a while to pick up momentum.
Still, for most fans of the genre, the overall package lands well. If you enjoy games in the same general lane as Dead Cells, Hollow Knight, or Momodora, this is an easy free claim—particularly considering it’s typically priced at $39.99 outside of discounts. It also includes solid controller support, making it a comfortable choice whether you play on keyboard and mouse or prefer a gamepad.
With the giveaway live for just a day, Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night is one of those holiday free game drops that’s worth claiming even if you’re not sure when you’ll play it—because once the timer runs out, it’s gone.
