The Epic Games Store, renowned for its generous free game offerings, continues its tradition of providing gamers with weekly complimentary titles even after the conclusion of its popular advent calendar giveaway. This week’s free game is the critically acclaimed Escape Academy, a puzzle game that has garnered a 9/10 rating on the Steam platform. Available until January 24, 2025, Escape Academy offers players a series of intricate escape room-style puzzles, playable in both single-player and cooperative modes (local and online). Normally priced at £15.99 / $19.99, this free offering presents a substantial saving for puzzle enthusiasts. Players assume the role of students at the titular Escape Academy, tasked with solving diverse and challenging puzzles to progress through the game’s narrative and ultimately, escape.
Escape Academy boasts a vibrant and engaging gameplay experience. Players navigate a central hub within the academy, which serves as a gateway to various puzzle rooms, each presenting a unique set of challenges. These range from deciphering cryptic codes and manipulating complex mechanisms to uncovering hidden clues and collaborating with partners in co-op mode to overcome obstacles. The game’s clever puzzle design, coupled with its captivating storyline and polished presentation, has contributed to its positive reception among players and critics alike. Securing a free copy before the offer expires on January 24th provides an excellent opportunity to experience this highly regarded puzzle adventure.
Following Escape Academy, the next free offering from the Epic Games Store is Behind the Frame: The Finest Scenery. Starting on January 24th, players can claim this charming and aesthetically pleasing puzzle game centered around an aspiring artist and her feline companion. The game’s narrative unfolds as the artist strives to complete her masterpiece, with players engaging in puzzles and interactive sequences within the artist’s studio and her imaginative world. Behind the Frame promises a relaxing and heartwarming experience, a contrast to the more intense and time-pressured scenarios of Escape Academy, offering a different flavor of puzzle gameplay for players to enjoy.
Claiming these free games is a straightforward process. While accessing the Epic Games Store website allows for direct download, a more convenient method involves utilizing the Epic Games Store Launcher. This free application, essential for playing games acquired through the platform, provides direct access to the free game offers. By simply claiming the game through the launcher, it is immediately added to the user’s library, ready to be downloaded and played at their convenience.
The Epic Games Store’s commitment to providing free games weekly presents a remarkable opportunity to build a comprehensive game library without incurring any costs. By consistently checking the launcher every Thursday, gamers can amass a diverse collection of titles, ranging from indie gems to AAA experiences. Importantly, these claimed games remain permanently accessible to the user, even after the free promotional period concludes. This initiative allows players to explore new genres, discover hidden gems, and expand their gaming horizons without financial constraints.
Beyond the weekly free games, the Epic Games Store often hosts additional promotions and discounts, further enhancing the value proposition for gamers. Coupled with similar initiatives on other platforms like PlayStation Plus’s monthly free games, budget-conscious gamers have numerous avenues to access a wealth of gaming content without breaking the bank. Staying informed about these offers and regularly checking platform stores and launchers can significantly enrich a player’s library and provide endless hours of entertainment. For those seeking expert opinions and reviews on PC and console games, resources like The Sun’s gaming reviews hub offer valuable insights into the latest releases across various platforms, aiding informed purchasing decisions and maximizing gaming enjoyment.
