Xbox is offering two free games for the weekend of April 17–18, 2026, as part of its ongoing Free Play Days promotion. The titles available for complimentary play are Project Motor Racing and One Piece: Pirate Warriors 4, both accessible to Xbox console owners through the Microsoft Store until the end of the day on Sunday, April 13, 2026, according to verified listings from GamingBible published on April 10 and April 17, 2026.
The promotion allows players to download and enjoy full versions of the games without requiring an Xbox Game Pass subscription during the limited window. This initiative is part of Microsoft’s regular effort to highlight select titles and drive engagement with its platform, particularly ahead of major releases or seasonal gaming periods.
Project Motor Racing, developed by 3rd Sense and published by THQ Nordic, is a simulation-focused racing game that emphasizes realistic vehicle handling and track dynamics. It features officially licensed cars and circuits, appealing to fans of precision driving experiences. One Piece: Pirate Warriors 4, developed by Omega Force and published by Bandai Namco Entertainment, is an action-packed title based on the popular manga and anime series. It combines hack-and-slash combat with narrative moments from the One Piece storyline, allowing players to control iconic characters like Luffy, Zoro, and Nami across various arcs.
Both games were previously featured in Xbox’s Free Play Days lineup earlier in April 2026, with initial announcements made on April 9 via Reddit’s r/xbox community, where users shared advance details about the upcoming free access period. The consistency across multiple verified sources confirms the legitimacy and timing of the promotion.
To access the free games, users must navigate to the Microsoft Store on their Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, or Windows 10/11 PC, search for each title, and select the “Free Play” option. No payment information is required for the download, though the licenses are time-bound and will expire at the end of the promotional period. After the free window ends, players who wish to continue playing must purchase the full game.
This weekend’s offering follows a trend of increased free game distributions by Xbox in early 2026, including prior promotions that highlighted up to four titles at once. Though, the current dual-title release focuses on delivering high-quality experiences in the racing and action-adventure genres, catering to different player preferences.
Industry observers note that such promotions help maintain active user engagement on the Xbox ecosystem, particularly as competitors like PlayStation and Nintendo continue to expand their own subscription and free-to-play offerings. By providing temporary access to well-received titles, Xbox aims to showcase the value of its digital storefront and encourage long-term investment in its platform.
Players interested in similar future promotions are advised to monitor the official Xbox Wire newsroom, the Xbox Game Pass social channels, and the “Free Play Days” section within the Xbox dashboard for announcements. Microsoft typically provides one to two weeks’ notice before launching new free access periods.
As of the publication date, there are no announced extensions to the current free play window beyond Sunday, April 13, 2026. Any changes to the schedule would be communicated through official Xbox channels.
For those looking to make the most of the limited-time offer, downloading both titles early in the weekend ensures maximum playtime before the access period concludes.
If you’ve tried either Project Motor Racing or One Piece: Pirate Warriors 4 during this free weekend, share your thoughts in the comments below — what stood out about the gameplay, and would you consider purchasing the full version?