It’s now official: the Epic Games Store is entering its most intense phase of the year. After a week of weekly offers, the platform begins its traditional Christmas “marathon”. Until December 31, a new free game will be offered every day for exactly 24 hours. After this period, it will be replaced by another surprise.
This change of pace, called “rapid access” by Epic, is part of its end-of-year strategy initiated in 2019. The objective: to increase daily connections to the platform and maintain a high level of curiosity until the start of the new year.
Free game of the day: Jotunnslayer, not Red Dead Redemption 2
The rumor was a blockbuster. But the reality is quite different. The December 19 mystery game is not Red Dead Redemption 2as a leak relayed on social networks suggested, but a more modest independent game: Jotunnslayer: Hordes of Hel.
Released in September 2025, this action roguelike developed by Games Farm offers a nervous and demanding experience facing waves of mythological enemies. Available for free on the Epic Games Store for 24 hours, it already has thousands of very positive reviews on Steam, proof of its effectiveness despite its low budget.
A free update increases the interest of the game
Jotunnslayer don’t come alone. The title has just received an important free update called The Fall of Alfheimpublished on December 4. This expansion adds a new map, a new deity, a new playable hero and an additional boss, which significantly enriches the initial content.
The gameplay is based on a series of fights against endless hordes, in a universe inspired by Nordic mythology. Players can customize their style with unlockable skills, upgradeable weapons, and challenges tailored to each session.
Why Epic relies on the element of surprise
This choice once again illustrates Epic Games’ well-oiled strategy: creating massive expectations with AAA titles, while promoting the independent scene. These daily breaks in tone allow the platform to capture the attention of players while highlighting sometimes little-known nuggets.
And it’s only just beginning. The next free game will be revealed on December 20 at 5 p.m. In the meantime, there are only a few hours left to recover Jotunnslayer: Hordes of Hel. The perfect opportunity to test a nervous roguelike without spending a cent, before tomorrow’s giveaway.