Epic Games Store teases first mystery free games of 2026 with cryptic hints

Epic Games Store has ended 2025 with a well-rated multiplayer free game, and on January 01, 2026, the storefront will be giving away two freebies. These will be the final giveaway of this mystery game giveaway event, and hints from an official staff member suggest that they could be good.

The hint for the first game is "Victory requires everyone to leave; but is claimed only by those who decide when, how, or even if that departure happens." This clue is pointing to a lot of different games, as all of them fit the description to at least some degree.

Per speculations on r/EpicGamesPC, the first free game could be Hunt Showdown. It isn't yet listed on the Epic Games Store, which increases the likelihood of it being given away. There's a chance that it might end up being Phasmophobia, as this co-op game also fits the description. Regardless of what it ends up being, the clue is hinting that it will be an extraction shooter or something in the same category.

Moving to the second clue, it's "Three rise from a fallen kingdom; victory belongs not to the last army standing, but to the one who turns fractures into a single mandate." Like the first clue, this one is also pointing towards many different games, but the most plausible ones are Total War: Three Kingdoms (curr. $11.99 on Humble Bundle) and Crusader Kings III. Both of them fit the description, but it could be Dragon Age: Inquisition as well.

If these don't end up being the second free game, whatever it might be, the clue is suggesting that it will be within the strategy genre. Fortunately, the reveal isn't far from now, as it's set for January 01, 2026, at UTC 16:00. Till then, the final giveaway for 2025 will be available to claim.