Epic Games Store’s big Christmas free game surprised plenty of people this year, but the reaction has been overwhelmingly positive. The giveaway turned out to be Disco Elysium – The Final Cut, a critically acclaimed indie RPG that many players consider essential. While it wasn’t the most commonly predicted pick, a lot of users are calling it a “masterpiece” and saying it’s the kind of game everyone should experience at least once.
With the Christmas title now revealed, attention has immediately shifted to what Epic might offer next. Every year, the post-Christmas free game sparks a wave of guessing, and 2025 is no different. To get a sense of what Epic tends to do around December 26, here’s what the store has given away on that date in recent years:
2024 – Ghostrunner 2
2023 – Human Resource Machine
2022 – F.I.S.T.: Forged In Shadow Torch
2021 – Control
2020 – My Time at Portia
At first glance, there’s no clear genre pattern. The picks jump from action to puzzle to RPG-lite and beyond. But there is one consistent theme: quality. Each title is either widely praised by critics, has a devoted fanbase, or carries a strong identity that makes it stand out. In other words, Epic’s December 26 free game usually isn’t filler.
That “quality floor” is why many fans believe the next free mystery game will be something recognizable and well-reviewed. Among the predictions circulating now, Tales of the Shire has popped up as a possibility, largely because it fits the cozy, life-sim style that often attracts a broad audience. Another name being discussed is Kena: Bridge of Spirits, an indie favorite with a strong player base and a reputation for polished presentation.
Astroneer is also being mentioned as a serious contender. One detail fueling that theory is that it isn’t currently listed on the Epic Games Store, and historically, adding a notable title to the storefront alongside a limited-time giveaway is exactly the kind of move Epic has made to generate buzz and pull in new players.
No matter which game ends up being the 10th mystery free title, the track record suggests Epic Games Store is unlikely to disappoint. And the wait won’t be long—the next reveal is scheduled for December 26, 2025 at 16:00 UTC, just hours away.
