The gaming community is buzzing after a substantial leak revealed Epic Games Store’s alleged holiday giveaway lineup for December 2025. According to reports from Notebookcheck, the platform plans to distribute nearly $300 worth of free games throughout the month, with some seriously heavy hitters on the list.
The Complete Leaked List
The leak, which surfaced on Reddit’s GamingLeaksAndRumours community, details a day-by-day breakdown of free titles scheduled from mid-December through New Year’s Eve. Epic Games has already confirmed Hogwarts Legacy as the opening act, available from December 11-18, lending some credibility to the leak’s accuracy.
Here’s what the leak claims is coming:
| Game Title | Release Date | Retail Value |
|---|---|---|
| Hogwarts Legacy | December 11-18 | $59.99 |
| Jurassic World: Evolution 2 | December 18 | $49.99 |
| Desperados 3 | December 19 | $49.99 |
| Total War: Warhammer | December 20 | $59.99 |
| Tropico 5 | December 21 | $19.99 |
| Terraria | December 28 | $9.99 |
| Detroit: Become Human | December 29 | $39.99 |
| Mortal Kombat 11 | December 30 | $49.99 |
| Red Dead Redemption 2 | December 31 | $59.99 |
Why This Leak Raises Eyebrows
While the list looks incredibly generous, several red flags have gaming experts questioning its authenticity. Game Rant reports that multiple titles mentioned in the leak aren’t currently available on the Epic Games Store. This includes some of the bigger names, though it’s worth noting Epic has previously debuted games on their platform as free offerings.
Another suspicious element is the timing. Traditionally, Epic saves its biggest Christmas Day surprise for December 25th, yet this leak suggests relatively modest titles like Commander Keen for that slot, while saving blockbusters like Mortal Kombat 11 and Red Dead Redemption 2 for the final days of December. That pattern breaks from previous years’ strategies.
Could RDR2 Actually Go Free?
The idea of Rockstar’s massive open-world western going free sounds almost too good to be true. However, there’s precedent. Epic gave away Grand Theft Auto 5 for free back in 2020, which crashed their servers due to overwhelming demand. If Rockstar and Epic struck another deal, Red Dead Redemption 2 could follow the same path, especially considering the game has already sold over 67 million copies and continues generating revenue through Red Dead Online.
Epic’s Holiday Giveaway History
Epic Games has built a reputation for aggressive giveaways during the holiday season. The platform typically switches from weekly freebies to daily offerings throughout late December, extending into early January. Past years have seen 15-25 free games distributed during this window, ranging from indie darlings to AAA blockbusters.
This year’s confirmed giveaway started with The Darkside Detective and The Jackbox Party Pack 4 in early December, followed by the massive surprise of Hogwarts Legacy announced during The Game Awards 2025. Epic has confirmed 17 total games will be available during the 2025 Holiday Sale, which runs through January 8, 2026.
When We’ll Know For Sure
The truth will reveal itself quickly. If Jurassic World: Evolution 2 appears as the free game on December 18, the leak gains significant credibility. If not, gamers can safely dismiss the entire list as wishful thinking or an elaborate fake.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I claim free games on Epic Games Store?
Simply create a free Epic Games account, log into the store, and navigate to the free games section. Click the “Get” button during the promotional period, and the game is yours to keep forever, even after the promotion ends.
Is the Red Dead Redemption 2 leak confirmed?
No, the leak is unverified. While it comes from sources that have been accurate in the past, Epic Games has not officially confirmed any games beyond Hogwarts Legacy. Multiple aspects of the leak raise questions about its authenticity.
What time do Epic free games typically release?
Epic Games Store free games usually refresh at 11:00 AM Eastern Time. During the holiday season, this pattern continues with daily rotations instead of the typical weekly schedule.
Can I play Epic free games on Steam?
No, games claimed through Epic Games Store can only be played through Epic’s launcher. They remain tied to your Epic account and cannot be transferred to Steam or other platforms.
Do Epic free games include DLC?
This varies by promotion. Some giveaways include complete editions with all DLC, while others offer only the base game. The specific version is always listed on the store page during the promotional period.
What happens if I miss claiming a free game?
Once the promotional window closes, you cannot claim that specific game for free anymore. However, Epic often repeats giveaways of popular titles, so missed games sometimes return in future promotions.
Are there regional restrictions on Epic free games?
Most Epic free games are available worldwide, but some titles may have regional restrictions based on licensing agreements. Your ability to claim depends on your account’s region settings.
The Bottom Line
Whether this leak proves accurate or not, Epic Games has already confirmed an exciting holiday season ahead for PC gamers. With 17 free games promised and Hogwarts Legacy already setting the bar high, there’s plenty to look forward to regardless of whether Red Dead Redemption 2 makes an appearance. Keep checking the Epic Games Store daily through January to catch every freebie, and remember that you lose nothing by staying skeptical about unconfirmed leaks while enjoying the confirmed giveaways.