Free Play Days – ARC Raiders, S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart Of Chornobyl, Little Nightmares III, Screamer, And More
Xbox has announced its latest Free Play Days event running from October 8 to October 11, 2026. The promotion features free access and timed trials for seven different games, including ARC Raiders, S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl, and Rogue Waters. Players can also take advantage of significant discounts on the featured titles to continue playing after the event ends.
Microsoft has launched its latest Xbox Free Play Days event, running from Thursday, October 8, through Sunday, October 11, 2026. This weekend's promotion features a total of seven games, offering a mix of full-weekend access and timed trials. To participate, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, Premium, and Essential members can search for the titles on Xbox.com or navigate to the dedicated Free Play Days collection under the Subscriptions tab on Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S consoles.
Among the headlining titles is ARC Raiders from developer Embark Studios, which is celebrating its one-year anniversary. Unlike other titles in the lineup, ARC Raiders is open to all Xbox players without requiring an active Xbox Game Pass subscription. The free weekend coincides with the release of the game's Frozen Trail update, which introduces a major new threat to the Rust Belt region. To mark the occasion, the base game, Deluxe Edition, and Deluxe Edition upgrade are discounted by 50% through October 15.
Two other games are fully playable for Game Pass Ultimate, Premium, and Essential subscribers during the event. Milestone's arcade racer Screamer, which features anime-inspired visuals and combat mechanics, is available alongside a 60% discount on its Standard and Digital Deluxe editions. Additionally, players can try Family Man, a dark, decision-driven role-playing game published by No More Robots. Family Man is offered at an 85% discount, reducing its price to $2.99 for the duration of the promotion.
The event also introduces timed trials for four highly anticipated titles, allowing all Xbox players to test them out. Among these is S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl by GSC Game World. The trial gives players a chance to experience the game's massive Update 2.0, which delivers performance enhancements and visual overhauls to the dangerous Chornobyl Anomalous Zone. Players who wish to continue their survival journey can purchase the full game at a 30% discount.
Bandai Namco's atmospheric adventure game Little Nightmares III is also featured as a timed trial. Players can explore the eerie puzzles and environments of the Spiral during the free period. For those looking to purchase the full experience, the game is currently available at a 50% discount, bringing the price down to $19.99. Another trial title is Squanch Games' sci-fi shooter High On Life 2, which is temporarily discounted by 20% to $31.99.
Rounding out the timed trials is Rogue Waters, a tactical turn-based rogue-lite pirate adventure from Tripwire Interactive. The trial grants players up to two hours of free playtime. In Rogue Waters, players assume the role of Captain Cutter, commanding a crew through procedurally generated runs to exact revenge on Captain Blackbone. The game features strategic naval artillery battles, hand-to-hand boarding combat, and the ability to summon legendary sea creatures like the Kraken. Rogue Waters is currently discounted by 75%, priced at $7.49.
Xbox notes that any progress, achievements, and Gamerscore earned during the Free Play Days event will carry over seamlessly to the purchased versions of the games. However, players should be aware that specific discounts, promotional percentages, and game availability may vary depending on their region. More details on the event and future promotions can be found on the official Xbox Wire platform.
Source: Xbox Wire — original reporting
Updated