Epic Games free games list history Changed the Way Gamers Play Forever
Let’s go back to 2018.
Epic Games free games list history: Epic Games, which is best known for Fortnite and the Unreal Engine, decided to enter the PC game store market, which is where Steam is. It was brave. But they didn’t just open a store and think that gamers would come running.
Instead, they did something that few people saw coming: they began giving away games. They are good. Every week. For nothing. For all time.
What started out as a smart plan quickly grew into one of the **most generous and helpful programs in PC gaming**. If you’ve ever clicked “claim” on one of those games, you’re already a part of that story.- Epic Games free games list history
Let’s look at the unique and human story behind the Epic Games free games list history. We’ll talk about why it worked, why it mattered, and how it quietly built one of the most loyal gaming communities.
1. It made “free” mean something again
We’ve all seen online deals that say “free” but aren’t really free. Trials that charge your card after a week, games that are locked behind ads, or content that seems like a demo instead of the full experience.- Epic Games free games list history
But Epic changed things.
They began giving away full, real games, such as *Subnautica*, *Celeste*, *GTA V*, and *Control*. No strings attached. You could keep the game forever once you claimed it.
It was nice to see that kind of generosity. And more importantly, it showed that they cared about gamers. Epic didn’t just want users; they wanted to build trust over time. And they got it by giving away full games every week.
2. It helped people who couldn’t afford to play games
Let’s talk about something real.
Playing games costs money. A new AAA game can cost $60 to $70, and not everyone can just spend that much money whenever they want. Students, new players, or people who want to enjoy gaming on a budget often miss out on big releases.
That changed with Epic’s free games.
You didn’t need a credit card. You didn’t even have to install the game right away. You just had to claim it to get games that other platforms were still selling at full price.
That simple weekly drop made it possible for more people to play the same games that their friends were talking about.- Epic Games free games list history
3. It Made Gamers Want to Explore Again
When a game you wouldn’t normally play becomes free, something magical happens.
You might not like platformers, but you download *Celeste* anyway. Or you try *Alien: Isolation* even though you don’t like horror games. And all of a sudden, you love it.- Epic Games free games list history
Epic’s weekly drops didn’t just give away games. They **sparked interest**.
It became a habit for a lot of us. Check in on Thursday, pick up the game, and maybe play it. No pressure, no regrets—just have fun playing.
It brought back a feeling that is hard to find in today’s gaming world: *discovery*.
4. It showed that helping others can be good for business.
Some people didn’t believe in the plan. “How can this last?” “Won’t developers lose money?”
But Epic had a plan. They paid developers up front to show off their games, which made sure that no one lost money. And in exchange, developers got a lot of exposure, sometimes on a huge scale.
*Among Us*, *Rocket League*, and *Slay the Spire* all had more players after being offered for free. Some of them became cultural hits. Also, a lot of people who loved the free base game bought DLCs, merchandise, or sequels.
This wasn’t giving to a good cause. It was smart to think ahead. And it worked for everyone.
5. It Became a Tradition That Gamers Really Look Forward To
Epic updates its free games every Thursday at 11 a.m. Eastern Time. For a lot of us, it’s now a habit. You look at what’s new, get excited, and maybe add another game to your growing backlog. Then you do it all over again the next week.- Epic Games free games list history
It is easy, reliable, and kind.
It’s fun to claim a game, even if you don’t really want to play it. Like putting another book on your shelf in case you want to read it one day.- Epic Games free games list history
That feeling of excitement and anticipation is hard to come by in the world of online stores. And Epic was able to make it without charging anything.
How to Get Your Free Library Going
Don’t worry if you missed all of this somehow. It’s not too late.
This is how to get started:
1. Make an Epic Games account (it’s free and only takes a minute).
2. Get the Epic Games Launcher for your PC or use the app on your phone.
3. Every Thursday, check the store for the newest free game(s).
4. Click “Get” to get it—you don’t have to install it right away.
5. Do this every week, and your library will grow.
That’s all. No pressure, no subscription, just consistent value.
Last Thoughts: Epic Games free games list history
The Epic Games free games list wasn’t just a way to get people to buy games. It turned into a service. A present. A habit that slowly changed how we think about video games and their worth.
It helped players make libraries. It helped developers get their message out to people. And it gave us all something to look forward to on Thursdays, no matter how much money we had.- Epic Games free games list history
In a gaming world that can seem loud, expensive, and rushed, Epic stood out by doing something very simple: they gave something away just because they could.
