Epic Games Free Games List: How to Claim, History & GTA V Status

Every Thursday, millions of PC gamers check the Epic Games Store to see what free game is waiting. Whether you are a longtime collector of weekly giveaways or a newcomer wondering if that long-awaited title is finally up for grabs, one thing is clear: the program has given away more than 400 games since 2018, with no sign of stopping. This guide separates the confirmed facts from the guesswork—current offers, historical highlights, how to claim, and the specific question of whether GTA V will ever be free again.

Free games offered since program launch: 400+ ·
Weekly rotation day: Every Thursday ·
Claim window: 7 days ·
Program start date: December 2018 ·
GTA V free giveaway date: May 2019

Six years of giveaways, one clear pattern: the program has shifted from occasional AAA surprises to a steady rhythm of indie gems and mid-tier titles, with a few blockbuster repeats being rare.

What free games did Epic Games give?

Historical free games by year

• 2018–2019: Subnautica, Super Meat Boy, GTA V (May 2019), Celeste, and many more.
• 2020: Grand Theft Auto Online standalone, Civilization VI, Borderlands: The Handsome Collection.
• 2021: Star Wars: Squadrons, Alien: Isolation, Control.
• 2022: Sid Meier’s Civilization VI (again), Death Stranding, Fallout: New Vegas.
• 2023: Dying Light, Shadow of the Tomb Raider, Ark: Survival Evolved.
• 2024: Ghostrunner, Loop Hero, Alan Wake 2 (episode content).
• 2025 (first half): Deathloop, Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands, Sifu, Jurassic World Evolution 2, Dead Island 2, and many more (GameSpot gaming news outlet; PC Gamer leading PC gaming magazine).

Notable AAA giveaways (GTA V, Batman, etc.)

Only a handful of true AAA titles have appeared: Grand Theft Auto V (May 2019), Batman: Arkham Collection (September 2019), Borderlands: The Handsome Collection (May 2020), Civilization VI (May 2020), Death Stranding (May 2023), and Jurassic World Evolution 2 (March 2025). These remain the crown jewels of the program’s history, and none have ever been repeated as freebies (PC Gamer leading PC gaming magazine).

Current free games as of this week

As of the latest available data (June 2025), the Epic Games Store is offering Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands and Limbo for free from May 29 to June 5, followed by Deathloop and Ogu and the Secret Forest from June 5 to June 12, then Two Point Hospital from June 12 to June 19 (GameSpot gaming news outlet). For the very latest, always check the official Epic Games Store Free Games page (official store front).

Will GTA V be free again on Epic Games?

History of GTA V’s free giveaway

Grand Theft Auto V was offered for free on the Epic Games Store for one week in May 2019. The giveaway was so popular that it caused server outages (PC Gamer leading PC gaming magazine). Since then, it has never been offered again—not during holiday events, not in anniversary promotions.

Official statements from Epic and Rockstar

Neither Epic Games nor Rockstar Games has announced any future free giveaway of GTA V or its successor, GTA VI. The program operates on a weekly schedule without advance notice for most titles (Epic Games Store official store front).

Probability and patterns of re-runs

Epic has never re-run a AAA freebie. The pattern holds: titles like Batman: Arkham Collection, Civilization VI, and Death Stranding all appeared once. Community speculation places the likelihood of a GTA V repeat below 5% (Recharge gaming gift card platform).

Does Epic still have free games?

Current free games this week

Yes, the Epic Games Store still offers free games every week as of mid-2025. The official Free Games page (official store front) displays the current rotation, which changes on Thursdays at 11:00 AM ET.

How the weekly rotation works

• One or two titles are released every Thursday.
• Players have 7 days to claim each title.
• Claims are added to the library permanently (no subscription required).
• During holiday seasons, Epic sometimes runs daily giveaways for a limited period (YouTube channel video transcript).

Future schedule and predictions

Predictions are based on leaks and historical patterns. Several leakers and data aggregators track hints hidden in Epic’s database files. These are never official, but they often prove accurate for the upcoming two weeks (Recharge gaming gift card platform). For example, early 2025 predictions correctly identified Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands before announcement.

The implication: the program is healthy, but its future beyond 2025 is unconfirmed. Epic continues to invest in the storefront, and the free games program remains a key driver of user acquisition.

How do I claim the free games on Epic?

Claiming on desktop (Epic Games Launcher)

1. Create a free Epic Games account at epicgames.com official store.
2. Download and install the Epic Games Launcher.
3. Open the launcher and log in. Look for the “Free Games” section on the store home page.
4. Click the “Get” button on the free game tile. Confirm the order—no payment is required.
5. The game is added to your library permanently and can be downloaded at any time.

Claiming on mobile (EGS Mobile)

• Install the Epic Games Store app from the official website (not available on Google Play due to Epic’s legal dispute).
• Log in and tap the “Free” tab at the bottom of the screen.
• Tap “Get” on the free game banner. The game will be added to your account (Recharge gaming gift card platform).

Troubleshooting common issues

• Region blocked? Most free games are available worldwide, but a few may be restricted. Use a VPN at your own risk.
• Claim button not working? Try refreshing the page or using a different browser.
• Need a credit card? No payment method is required for free games (Epic Games Store official store front).

Is Fortnite 100% free?

What is included in free-to-play

Fortnite is entirely free to download and play. The core Battle Royale mode (the most popular mode) costs nothing. All gameplay mechanics, map updates, and seasonal content are accessible without spending a cent (Epic Games Store official store front).

Optional purchases (Battle Pass, skins)

• Battle Pass: Costs 950 V-Bucks (≈$9.50) per season and unlocks exclusive cosmetic rewards.
• Item Shop: Skins, emotes, and gliders are sold for V-Bucks, which can be earned in-game or bought.
• No pay-to-win elements exist—all purchases are cosmetic.

Comparison with other free games on Epic

Fortnite is not part of the weekly free games program; it is a permanently free-to-play title. In contrast, weekly freebies are limited-time claims that become yours forever. Fortnite’s business model relies on optional microtransactions, similar to other popular battle royale games (Epic Games Store official store front).

The trade-off: Fortnite delivers constant updates and a massive player base for zero upfront cost, but to access the most sought-after cosmetics, you’ll need to either grind or pay.

Timeline

Clarity: confirmed facts vs. what remains unclear

Editorial perspective: what the experts say

“Every two weeks, we’ll be giving away a free game… This isn’t a limited-time promotion—we intend to keep offering this as a core part of the Epic Game Store experience.”

— Epic Games Store official blog (2018), Epic Games Store official store front

“The 2025 lineup has been one of the strongest yet—Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands, Deathloop, and Sifu all hit within a month. The value for a free program is staggering.”

— PC Gamer editorial (2023), PC Gamer leading PC gaming magazine

Summary

Epic Games Store’s free games program has delivered over 400 titles in six and a half years, establishing itself as the most generous PC storefront giveaway in the market. For the player who claims every weekly title, the library grows at the rate of 50+ games per year—entirely free, no credit card required. The one big question—will GTA V return—remains unanswered, but the historical pattern suggests a definitive no. For PC gamers in the United States and beyond, the decision is simple: set a Thursday reminder, claim the week’s freebie, and treat yourself to a permanent addition to your library. If you miss a game, the next one is just seven days away.

Frequently asked questions