Microsoft is relaunching its weekly Free Play Days operation with a particularly dense selection this week. Between ancient strategy, retro compilation, atmospheric horror and multiplayer chaos, these are six games that can be tested for free until Monday March 2. An initiative that has become essential for Xbox Game Pass subscribers, which allows you to discover recent or varied titles without financial commitment.
A varied selection for all player profiles
The strength of Free Play Days lies in the diversity of the titles offered. This week, Microsoft is banking on a mix of genres capable of reaching a wide audience. Headlining, Year 117: Pax Romana stands out as the most ambitious game in the selection. This new episode of the Anno franchise transports players to the heart of the Roman Empire. Provincial management, economic development, diplomacy and military expansion make up a demanding but accessible strategic experience.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, Moving Out 2 focuses on immediate fun. This cooperative game offers totally crazy moving missions, now playable online, strengthening its multiplayer potential.
For nostalgia lovers, Atari 50: The Anniversary Celebration offers an interactive dive into fifty years of video game history, with more than 90 playable games accompanied by exclusive documentary content. Finally, STUFFED offers a more atypical proposition: a horrific FPS where a teddy bear faces the nightmares of a child, solo or in cooperation.
Two additional experiences open this weekend
In parallel with the classic Free Play Days, two other titles are temporarily accessible. The Sinking City Remastered is playable for free by all Xbox players until March 2. This modernized remaster under Unreal Engine 5 reinforces the oppressive atmosphere of this investigation inspired by the Lovecraftian universe. For his part, Marathon is hosting a Server Slam until Monday, March 2 at 7:00 p.m. This testing phase allows you to explore its competitive mining gameplay before the full release.
Why Free Play Days are becoming strategic
Beyond the simple “free weekend”, this operation plays a key role in the Xbox ecosystem. Players can:
- Test full games without major restrictions
- Maintain their progress if they buy the stock
- Take advantage of temporary discounts
This model allows Microsoft to boost interest around games that are sometimes less publicized. For studios, this is an opportunity to increase visibility and convert undecided players.
Game Pass, the engine of the operation
Free Play Days are reserved for subscribers of Xbox Game Pass (Essential, Premium or Ultimate). Microsoft’s subscription service continues to structure the entire Xbox strategy. With several hundred games available and regular day one releases, it is today one of the pillars of the market.
These free weekends reinforce the perceived value of the subscription and encourage players to explore different genres. Whether you’re a fan of Roman strategy, chaotic co-op or psychological horror, this free weekend offers a wide enough palette to satisfy curiosity.