Xbox Game Pass members have a bonus reason to stick with their Xbox this weekend. Microsoft’s Free Play Days offer is live, letting subscribers jump into four full games at no extra cost for a limited time. This isn’t a permanent addition to the Game Pass library, though. These games are free to play only until tomorrow, January 25, making it a great chance to test-drive something new before deciding what to buy next.
For this weekend’s Free Play Days lineup, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, Premium, and Essential members can play Sherlock Holmes Chapter One, South Park: Snow Day, This War of Mine: Final Cut, and Cult of the Lamb. Each game delivers a very different vibe, so there’s something here whether you want a story-driven mystery, chaotic co-op comedy, a serious survival experience, or a strange mix of cute and unsettling action.
Sherlock Holmes Chapter One rewinds the clock and puts you in control of a younger Sherlock, long before he becomes the world-famous detective. Set on a sun-soaked Mediterranean island, the story follows Sherlock as he returns to uncover the truth behind his mother’s mysterious death. Expect investigation-focused gameplay built around exploring the city, gathering evidence, interrogating suspects, connecting clues, and cracking cases as you piece together what really happened.
If you’d rather keep things light (and loud), South Park: Snow Day takes the series’ humor and turns it into a snowy adventure starring the New Kid alongside Cartman, Stan, Kyle, and Kenny. The premise starts with a simple snow day, then quickly escalates into the kind of over-the-top chaos South Park is known for. It also supports up to four-player co-op, so you and friends can push through snowy streets, battle enemies, and enjoy the fully 3D take on the show’s style.
This War of Mine: Final Cut is the emotional counterpoint to the weekend lineup. Instead of putting you in the boots of soldiers, the game focuses on civilians trapped in a besieged city, trying to make it through day by day. Survival hinges on managing essentials like food, medicine, and shelter, while facing hard moral choices that can change outcomes and weigh on your group. The Final Cut edition includes all updates and expansions, making it the most complete version available.
Rounding out the selection is Cult of the Lamb, a game that’s equal parts adorable and dark. You’ll build up a cult, recruit followers, expand your settlement, and keep your community functioning—then head out into dangerous dungeons for action combat with roguelike elements. It’s a satisfying blend of base-building and fast-paced fighting, wrapped in a style that looks cute on the surface but leans into darker themes as you progress.
One more perk: all four games are currently discounted, so if you end up hooked during the free trial window, you can continue your progress after the weekend by grabbing them for less once the Free Play Days access ends.
