My favourite part of the holidays is knowing that some game developers and distribution services will stop at nothing to win my attention. I’m fine with the resultant marketing deluge, because it usually means I can spend 15 minutes or so each day — for about a week — collecting a hoard of free games, add-ons, and other time-sensitive goodies.
I already do this about once a week or so on the Epic Games Store and Amazon’s Prime Gaming, so it’s really not that hard to keep up with the more frantic pace during the holidays. Free is free, after all. And if you’d like to join me on my adventures, it couldn’t be any easier.
First, you’re going to want to visit Ubisoft Connect right now. Every single day, from yesterday (oops) until Saturday, Dec. 19, Ubisoft is giving out some free thing or another. The company hasn’t specified what exactly you’ll be rewarded with each day, but the digital presents will range from in-game goodies (like yesterday’s “Assassin’s Creed Valhalla Rewards pack”) to full, free titles. Don’t hold your breath for AAA games to make it into your digital stocking, but, to reiterate, free is free. I never say no to a free game, because you never know when you might be inspired to play something new in your sprawling library.
Today, for example, Ubisoft is offering up a free copy of Starlink: Battle for Atlas. I’ve always wanted to check the title out, but wasn’t quite sold on it enough to buy it (or any physical accessories for it). Now that it’s free, I’ll definitely be investing a little time in it over the coming weeks. Here’s hoping Slippy can keep it together.
After that, you’re going to want to set a daily calendar reminder for Epic Games. I’ve already talked about the amazing role-playing games you need to get for free right now, emphasis intended, but that’s just the tip of the free iceberg. Starting Dec. 17, Epic will be giving away one free game, every day, for two weeks. That’s it. There’s no catch; you just need a (free) Epic Games account. Once you add the free games to your library, they’re yours forever.
Now, it’s important to adjust your expectations. No, you will not be getting a copy of Cyberpunk 2077, Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, or any other just-released $80 game. You’ll get some older titles, some meh titles, and some interesting titles, but don’t go in expecting to make out like a bandit. Last year’s titles included:
- Little Inferno
- Celeste
- Totally Accurate Battle Simulator
- FTL: Faster Than Light
- Talos Principle
- Hello Neighbour
- Superhot
These are all good games, don’t get me wrong. They just aren’t, say, Immortals Fenyx Rising. Even if you don’t feel like playing anything now, check in each day to add the free games to your library. You never know when you might need to scratch your itch for a particular title.
I haven’t heard of any other gaming services doing daily giveaways, but if anyone else starts feeling generous, I’ll update this article with the details. Otherwise, keep checking the regular sources for free stuff, and you’ll have plenty to celebrate (and keep yourself entertained) during Quarantine Holiday 2020.
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