Epic Games Store is keeping its holiday streak alive with another highly rated indie freebie, and the latest mystery reveal is a treat for retro RPG fans. For December 28, 2025, the store is giving away SKALD: Against the Black Priory, a throwback role-playing game that leans hard into classic 1980s inspiration while still feeling approachable for modern players.
This free game offer is available to claim on Epic Games Store from December 28 until December 29, 2025, ending at 16:00 UTC. Once that deadline hits, the next holiday giveaway is scheduled to replace it, so anyone interested will want to grab it before the window closes.
Developed by High North Studios and released in 2024, SKALD: Against the Black Priory channels the spirit of old-school RPG legends like Ultima. It’s frequently praised for nailing the vintage look and mood, with C64-inspired visuals that match the grim, atmospheric fantasy setting. If you love games that feel like they were unearthed from another era—but with smoother modern playability—this one is designed specifically for that audience.
What really drives SKALD forward is its story structure. The narrative focuses heavily on choice-driven moments, where decisions can send you down different paths and encourage multiple playthroughs. Rather than relying only on cutscenes, the game uses environmental storytelling and in-world journals to pull you deeper into its harsh, unforgiving world. That approach makes it especially appealing to players who enjoy reading lore, piecing together context, and letting the world’s details shape the journey.
Combat is another area where the game earns a lot of positive attention. Battles are turn-based and built around distinct character classes, with party composition playing a meaningful role. The strategy is rewarding, but it generally avoids being overly complex, making it easier to get invested without having to master an intimidating system right away.
That said, SKALD isn’t without a few common critiques. Some players find the retro-styled user interface a bit awkward to navigate, and the game’s heavy reliance on text won’t be for everyone. A few also point out that certain fights can feel simplistic, largely due to static enemy AI.
Even with those shortcomings, the overall reception has been strong. The game holds a “Very Positive” user rating on Steam, with over 2,600 reviews and 93% marked positive. Outside of giveaways or discounts, it typically sells for $14.99, and it also includes proper controller support—handy if you prefer playing RPGs from the couch.
If you’ve been waiting for a free RPG that combines classic visuals, meaningful choices, and turn-based tactics, SKALD: Against the Black Priory is one of the more worthwhile Epic Games Store freebies in the 2025 holiday lineup.
