If you have been waiting for the perfect moment to enroll at the school of witchcraft and wizardry, consider this your acceptance letter. In a move that has absolutely stunned the PC gaming community, Hogwarts Legacy is currently 100% free to own on the Epic Games Store.
This isn’t a free trial or a demo. It is the full, open-world action RPG that dominated sales charts in 2023, and once you claim it, it is yours to keep forever. Announced as a surprise drop during The Game Awards 2025, this giveaway kicks off Epic’s annual holiday sale with a massive bang.
A Magical Holiday Gift
Usually, Epic’s weekly freebies are smaller indie darlings or older AA titles. Dropping a triple-A blockbuster like Hogwarts Legacy—which is still selling for full price on other storefronts—is unprecedented. For those who missed the hype train, the game allows you to create your own student, get sorted into a house, and explore a beautifully realized 1800s version of Hogwarts castle and the surrounding Highlands.
The offer is valid from December 11 to December 18, 2025. Once the clock strikes 11 AM EST on the 18th, the game goes back to full price, so you do not want to sleep on this.
How to Claim Your Copy
Getting the game is easier than brewing a Polyjuice Potion. Just follow these simple steps:
- Download and install the Epic Games Launcher if you haven’t already.
- Create a free Epic Games account or log in.
- Scroll down to the “Free Games” section on the store homepage.
- Click on Hogwarts Legacy.
- Hit the blue “Get” button.
- Complete the checkout process (it will show a cost of $0.00).
That’s it! The game will be added to your library permanently. You don’t even need to download it right away; just claiming it secures your license.
What’s Coming Next?
This giveaway is just the appetizer. The Epic Games Store Holiday Sale usually features “Mystery Games” that unlock daily or weekly. The vault for next week currently shows a mystery symbol, sparking rumors about what could possibly follow up a heavy hitter like this. Could we see another Warner Bros. title like Gotham Knights or perhaps a PlayStation PC port? We will find out on December 18.
Conclusion
Whether you are a die-hard Potterhead or just an RPG fan looking for a 100-hour adventure, picking up Hogwarts Legacy for free is a no-brainer. It is rare to see a game of this caliber given away so relatively soon after launch, so make sure you tell your friends before the deal expires. See you in the common room!
FAQs
Is Hogwarts Legacy free forever?
Once you claim it, yes. You own the game permanently. However, you must claim it between December 11 and December 18, 2025.
Do I need a subscription to play?
No, unlike PlayStation Plus or Game Pass, the Epic Games Store giveaway requires no subscription. You just need a free account.
Can I play this on Steam Deck?
Yes, though it requires a bit of tinkering. You can install the Heroic Games Launcher on your Steam Deck to access and play your Epic Games library.
Does this version include the DLC?
The giveaway is for the Standard Edition. The Dark Arts Pack and other DLCs are sold separately, though they are likely discounted during the Holiday Sale.
Why is the Epic Games Store site crashing?
Due to the massive popularity of the game, the servers are experiencing heavy traffic. If you can’t redeem it right away, wait a few hours and try again.