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True to its community engagement strategy, Microsoft is relaunching its “Free Play Days” operation, an initiative that allows Xbox Game Pass subscribers (Essential, Premium and Ultimate) to test a selection of games for free over a weekend. Until Monday January 26, 2026 at 8:59 a.m. (Paris time), four titles are in the spotlight: Sherlock Holmes Chapter One, South Park: Snow Day, This War of Mine: Final Cut And Cult of the Lamb. This campaign is also a golden opportunity for players to explore varied video game experiences, while benefiting from promotions on these games if they wish to purchase them subsequently.
Varied experiences for all types of players
This selection covers a wide playful spectrum, from immersive narrative investigation to crazy roguelike. In Sherlock Holmes Chapter Oneplayers delve into the origins of the famous detective in a sunny Mediterranean atmosphere, but dark in reality. The narration is central, mixing ambiguous morality and crucial choices. In contrast, South Park: Snow Day brings a dose of humor and chaos in a 3D universe new to the franchise: “A huge blizzard plunged the city into chaos… and above all, caused the school to close!”.
This War of Mine: Final Cut offers a poignant and realistic experience, where the player plays not a soldier, but civilians seeking to survive in a besieged city. Finally, Cult of the Lamb mixes cult building and rogue-lite action with the arrival of a multiplayer expansion called Unholy Alliance — the perfect opportunity to convert followers… for two!
Why these Free Play Days are worth the detour
One of the main advantages of this offer, in addition to its temporary free nature, lies in the conservation of progress. In other words, if you decide to pick up one of the games after the free weekend, your current game will not be lost. This approach allows you to transform a simple test into a real favorite. Also note the presence of special discounts on the Microsoft Store, which makes the purchase more attractive.
In the post-holiday back-to-school period and when few big releases are still on the horizon, these events offer a welcome, playful breath of fresh air. It’s also a way for Microsoft to highlight games that are sometimes underestimated, like This War of Mineoften cited as a “humanist video game masterpiece”.
A taste of Xbox Game Pass for the curious
These free trial days are part of a broader strategy to democratize Xbox Game Pass. By diversifying titles and reaching all player profiles, Microsoft hopes to attract new subscribers, or even retain occasional users. For newbies, it’s an excellent gateway to the Xbox ecosystem.
As Xboxygen reminds us, “if you decide to continue the experience, your progress will be preserved”. And this is not insignificant: the fluidity of experience is now at the heart of the strategies of publishers, who seek to facilitate commitment and attachment to licenses. Don’t miss this opportunity: you have until January 26, 2026 at 8:59 a.m. to explore these games for free on Xbox.