It has become an essential tradition in the world of video games: every end of the year, the Epic Games Store transforms into a distributor of free games. This year, the platform goes even further by offering 17 games in 17 daysa new rhythm which starts on December 12, 2025 and extends until January 3, 2026. Every day at 5 p.m. sharp, a new title becomes accessible, without subscription conditions or compensation.
Unlike previous editions, Epic has decided to change the rules of the game from day one. The name of the first game offered was not revealed in advance but kept secret until a strategic moment: the Game Awards 2025 ceremony. This choice marks a more spectacular turn of events than in past years.
A thunderous opening with Hogwarts Legacy
The announcement took everyone by surprise. The very first game offered for this 2025 edition is none other than Hogwarts Legacythe magical blockbuster from Avalanche Software and Warner Bros. Available for free from December 12 to 18 at 4:59 p.m., the title has won over critics and players alike for its respect for the Harry Potter universe, its careful exploration and its accessible RPG mechanics.
“So it’s off to a very strong start, since the first free Epic Games Store Christmas game is Hogwarts Legacy,” recalls Gameblog. This bold choice sets the tone for this edition: Epic wants to hit hard and make an impression from the start.
The game, normally sold for around 50 euros, can now be downloaded free of charge. An operation which massively attracts players to the platform and revives interest in the event.
A surprise calendar, but timed to the second
The offer doesn’t stop there. After Hogwarts Legacy, these are 16 other mystery games which will be revealed day after day, at a rate of one every 24 hours. Epic voluntarily does not reveal any names in advance, leaving room for speculation, rumors, and leaks like every year. Here are the main points of the calendar:
- December 12 to 18: Hogwarts Legacy
- From December 18 to 19: Mystery Game 2
- From December 19 to 20: Mystery Game 3
- From December 20 to 21: Mystery Game 4
- …
- From January 2 to 3: Mystery Game 17
“It’s time. The EGS puts on his red coat and brings out his hood, even more loaded than last year,” writes Gameblog. A formula that transforms the end of the year into a real digital treasure hunt.
A marketing strategy that strengthens Epic’s position
Delivering 17 quality games in less than three weeks is not a selfless gesture. Behind this generosity lies a formidably effective strategy: attract, retain, convert. Each claimed game requires an Epic Games account, mechanically increasing the active user base. The ripple effect is immediate: more traffic, more engagement, and strong virality on the networks.
This method is not new, but continues to prove its worth. It allowed Epic to permanently establish its store opposite Steam, by focusing on free access rather than temporary exclusives. During the holiday season, the “surprise gift” effect further amplifies word of mouth.
A meeting awaited by the entire PC community
Since the appearance of Epic’s first “advent calendar”, the initiative has been followed with increasing fervor. Every year, fans try to guess upcoming titles in advance, scan forums, and analyze the blurred silhouettes on promotional visuals. This permanent suspense maintains the hype, even without official communication.
Epic knows it: rarity, surprise and regularity are the keys to success. And by offering a game as massive as Hogwarts Legacy from the start, the platform shows that it is not there to distribute catalog funds.