This weekend of December 20, Xbox is making seven complete games available to test freely. Some require a Game Pass subscription, others are open to everyone. Enough to explore post-apocalyptic worlds, face zombies or even build your legend on a basketball court. And if you feel like extending the experience, all your progress will be saved.
A well-run weekly operation at Microsoft
Every week, Microsoft offers players a Free Play Days event. This program provides free access to a selection of titles for a few days. “Like every week, Microsoft is making Xbox games playable for free for a weekend for Xbox Game Pass subscribers and Xbox players.”
This time around, the list is particularly generous, with a total of seven games divided into two categories. On the one hand, five titles available only to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, Premium or Essential subscribers. On the other, two games accessible to all Xbox users, whether they are subscribers or not.
Sport, survival, adventure… a varied cocktail to try
Game Pass subscribers will be able to dive into the action with NBA 2K26, WWE 2K25, PGA Tour 2K25, Ark: Survival Ascended and The Forgotten City. All are available now and will remain until Monday, December 22 at 8:59 a.m. “The games are playable from now until Monday, December 22 at 8:59 a.m. (Paris time).”
NBA 2K26 promises enhanced realism, thanks to new animations and gameplay that reproduces sequences from real matches. WWE 2K25 takes you into the spectacular world of wrestling, with a revisited narrative mode around The Bloodline. Golf enthusiasts can perfect their swing in PGA Tour 2K25, which incorporates three of the most prestigious tournaments in the world.
On the adventure side, The Forgotten City offers a complex investigation in an ancient city frozen in a time loop. Ark: Survival Ascended transports players into a world populated by dinosaurs, revisited with Unreal Engine 5, for a gripping visual immersion.
Two titles playable without subscription for all profiles
Big news this week: two major games are accessible even without subscription. The first, Fallout 76, remains playable for free until December 23. “Finally, all Xbox players can enjoy Fallout 76 until December 23, without needing to be subscribed to any service.”
In this expansion, titled “Burning Springs”, players face a new faction led by a super mutant named the Rust King, with the participation of a character from the Fallout TV series.
Second surprise: FPS fans can enjoy Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, but only for its multiplayer and Zombies modes. A great opportunity to test the new cards online and discover the latest cooperative scenario before investing. “Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 multiplayer and Zombies mode are available for free until December 22.”
A risk-free offer with automatic backup and discounts
The good news is that this trial period is not a one-way street. If you decide to purchase one of the games tested, your save will be automatically recovered. “If you decide to continue the experience, your progress will be retained and promotions on the Microsoft Store apply to the different titles.”
Discounts are in fact offered on most of the titles concerned, which makes it possible to transform a simple test into an acquisition at a reduced price. The ideal opportunity to discover a nugget or relaunch a neglected title.