The Epic Games Store has launched its 2025 Holiday Sale, and it is starting with one of its most high-profile free games to date. Hogwarts Legacy is available to claim for free for a limited time, marking the first occasion the game has been offered at no cost on the platform. Players who add it to their library before December 18 will keep it permanently.
The Holiday Sale itself began on December 11 and runs through early January. As in previous years, Epic is combining discounts with rotating free games, positioning the promotion as one of its largest annual events.
Hogwarts Legacy’s Continued Popularity
Released in 2023, Hogwarts Legacy is an open-world action RPG set in the Harry Potter universe, allowing players to explore Hogwarts and the surrounding regions during the 1800s. Despite being nearly three years old, the game continues to draw a sizable audience, with tens of thousands of active players across PC platforms.
The title has largely maintained its original $60 price on most digital storefronts, making this giveaway particularly notable. For players who have been waiting for a significant price drop or avoided the game at launch, the Epic Games Store offer represents a clear entry point.
Context Around the Game’s Reception
Hogwarts Legacy launched amid public discussion surrounding author J.K. Rowling’s political views, particularly related to transgender issues. Although Rowling was not involved in the game’s development, she benefits financially from the Harry Potter brand. This led to debate within the gaming community about whether to support the title.
Despite the controversy, the game achieved strong sales and critical attention, becoming one of the most commercially successful releases of its launch year. Its continued player activity suggests ongoing interest well beyond its initial release window.
What Else Is Included in the Holiday Sale
Hogwarts Legacy is only the first free title in Epic’s Holiday Sale lineup. Epic has confirmed that 17 games will be given away in total during the event, with additional titles rotating in after December 18. While the schedule is not strictly daily, free games will appear frequently throughout the sale.
Alongside free games, Epic is offering storewide discounts and a 20% cashback program that can be applied to future purchases. The 2025 sale also introduces game gifting, allowing users to purchase titles directly for others, a long-requested feature now available on the Epic Games Store.
Epic is also distributing “Epic Extras” during the sale period. These include cosmetic items, in-game currency, and other bonuses for select games, released intermittently through the promotion.
Sale Duration and Key Dates
The Epic Games Store Holiday Sale runs until January 8, 2026. Hogwarts Legacy remains free to claim until December 18, after which the next free game will take its place. Epic encourages users to check the store regularly to avoid missing limited-time offers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is Hogwarts Legacy really free on the Epic Games Store?
Yes. Hogwarts Legacy is free to claim on the Epic Games Store until December 18. Once claimed, it remains in the user’s library permanently.
Do players need a subscription to claim the game?
No subscription is required. A free Epic Games Store account is sufficient to claim and download the game.
How long does the Epic Games Store Holiday Sale last?
The Holiday Sale runs until January 8, 2026, with free games rotating throughout the event.
Will there be more free games after Hogwarts Legacy?
Yes. Epic has confirmed that a total of 17 free games will be offered during the Holiday Sale, with additional titles becoming available after December 18.
Does claiming Hogwarts Legacy support web3 features or services?
No. Hogwarts Legacy does not include web3 functionality, and the Epic Games Store giveaway is a standard digital promotion.
Can Epic Games Store purchases now be gifted?
Yes. Game gifting has been added as part of the 2025 Holiday Sale, allowing users to buy games for friends directly through the store.
