Epic Games Store continues its weekly tradition of offering free PC games, with two new titles now available for download starting this Monday. The promotion, which refreshes every Thursday, allows users to claim and retain the games permanently in their libraries as long as they are acquired during the free window. This week’s selection includes a mix of indie highlights and established names, reflecting the platform’s ongoing strategy to drive engagement through curated giveaways.
The current free offerings are Blasphemous, the critically acclaimed Metroidvania action-platformer developed by The Game Kitchen, and Crysis 2 Remastered, the upgraded version of Crytek’s 2011 first-person shooter. Both titles are available to claim at no cost through the Epic Games Store application or website until the following Thursday, when the next pair of games will replace them. Users must log in with an Epic account to access the free games tab and initiate the download.
According to Epic’s official store page, Blasphemous was originally released in 2019 and has since garnered praise for its punishing combat, intricate pixel art, and dark religious themes inspired by Spanish folklore and Semana Santa processions. The game blends exploration, skill-based combat, and nonlinear progression in a cursed land known as Cvstodia. Its remastered sequel, Blasphemous 2, launched in 2023 to similar acclaim, further cementing the franchise’s reputation in the indie scene.
Meanwhile, Crysis 2 Remastered brings the original 2011 title into the modern era with enhanced textures, ray tracing support, improved lighting, and performance optimizations for current-generation hardware. Developed by Crytek and published by Electronic Arts, the remaster was first released in 2021 as part of a broader effort to revitalize the Crysis franchise. The game follows a supersoldier navigating a devastated New York City overrun by alien forces, combining sandbox-style combat with narrative-driven missions.
To claim the free games, users need only visit the Epic Games Store, navigate to the “Free Games” section, and select “Get” for each title. No payment information is required unless attempting to purchase additional content. Once claimed, the games remain in the user’s library indefinitely, even after the promotional period ends. Epic recommends ensuring the Epic Games Launcher is updated to the latest version to avoid download or authentication issues.
The weekly free game initiative has become a cornerstone of Epic’s user acquisition and retention strategy since its launch in 2018. By offering high-profile titles at no cost, the platform encourages users to create accounts, install the launcher, and regularly check back for new offerings. Over the years, the program has featured major releases such as Grand Theft Auto V, Civilization VI, and Red Dead Redemption 2, often resulting in spikes in concurrent users and library installations.
Industry analysts note that while the free games represent a short-term cost for Epic, the long-term benefits include increased user engagement, data collection on play habits, and opportunities to promote paid downloadable content (DLC) or upcoming titles. The strategy likewise positions Epic as a generous alternative to other storefronts, fostering goodwill within the PC gaming community despite ongoing debates about platform exclusivity and revenue sharing models.
For players interested in similar promotions, alternative platforms such as Steam, GOG, and Humble Bundle also run periodic free game events, though Epic’s weekly cadence remains one of the most consistent in the industry. Steam, for example, typically offers free weekends for multiplayer titles or limited-time access to certain indie games, while Humble Bundle focuses on charity-driven bundles with tiered pricing.
Those looking to stay updated on future free game announcements can follow Epic Games’ official social media channels, including its Twitter account (@EpicGames) and the dedicated Epic Games Store news feed. The company also sends email notifications to users who have opted in to promotional communications, ensuring they don’t miss the weekly refresh every Thursday at 8:00 AM Pacific Time.
As of this week’s update, the next set of free games has not yet been officially announced by Epic. However, based on historical patterns, the upcoming titles are expected to be revealed on the store’s website and social platforms later this week, maintaining the reliable rhythm that has approach to define the Epic Games Store’s promotional calendar.
Whether revisiting a beloved classic or discovering a new favorite, the current free offerings provide a low-risk opportunity to expand one’s library with two distinct experiences: the haunting, hand-crafted world of Blasphemous and the visually striking, nanosuit-powered action of Crysis 2 Remastered. Both games are playable on Windows PCs via the Epic Games Launcher, with controller support and adjustable graphics settings to accommodate a range of system configurations.
For readers interested in learning more about either title, official pages on the Epic Games Store provide detailed descriptions, system requirements, and trailers. Blasphemous requires a 64-bit processor and operating system, with minimum specs calling for an Intel Core i5-2300 or AMD FX-6350 processor, 8 GB of RAM, and a graphics card equivalent to an NVIDIA GTX 660 or AMD Radeon HD 7850. Crysis 2 Remastered lists similar baseline requirements but recommends stronger hardware for ray tracing and higher frame rates, particularly at 1440p or 4K resolutions.
With the free window set to close in seven days, users are encouraged to claim both titles soon to avoid missing out. Once downloaded, the games can be launched directly from the Epic Games Launcher library, where they will remain accessible alongside any other purchased or previously claimed titles.
The next weekly free game announcement from Epic Games Store is scheduled for Thursday, April 25, 2024, at 8:00 AM Pacific Time, when the current offerings will be replaced with a new pair of titles. Users are advised to check the official storefront or follow Epic’s verified social channels for the exact reveal.
Have you claimed this week’s free games? Share your thoughts on Blasphemous or Crysis 2 Remastered in the comments below, and let us know which upcoming titles you’d like to see featured in future Epic Games Store promotions.