Epic Games Store Freebies: Return to Ash and STALCRAFT: X Available Now

The Epic Games Store is currently offering two free games: Return to Ash, a narrative-driven visual novel and a starter pack for STALCRAFT: X, an open-world MMO shooter. Both are available to claim until February 26th, 2026.

Return to Ash: A Narrative Exploration

Released on July 10, 2025, Return to Ash is a single-player visual novel where players take on the role of Ash, who awakens in a mysterious place resembling purgatory [Blizzard Watch]. The game focuses on building relationships with other souls trapped in this realm as they attempt to understand their situation. Reviews suggest the game can be completed in a single evening, praised for its hand-drawn art style and emotional storytelling [Blizzard Watch].

STALCRAFT: X Starter Pack: Dive into the Exclusion Zone

STALCRAFT: X, an MMO shooter set in the Chornobyl Exclusion Zone, is also free on the Epic Games Store, accompanied by a starter pack [PCGamesN]. Originally released on December 9, 2022, the game blends elements of Stalker and Minecraft, offering players a blocky, open-world experience focused on exploration, looting, and combat [PCGamesN]. The starter pack includes 7 days of Premium access, a FN SCAR-L “Service” weapon, the “Aurora-B” jumpsuit, a classic M9 pistol, a duffle bag, Ice Hedgehog and Battery artifacts, Hexagon-C camouflage, the “Follower” skin, and various consumables [VG Times]. Although the base game is already free-to-play on other platforms, the Epic Games Store pack provides in-game perks and equipment. The game features both Player versus Player (PvP) and Player versus Environment (PvE) elements, and is known for its mixed reviews due to in-game purchases affecting gameplay balance [Blizzard Watch].

What’s Next on the Epic Games Store?

Following these freebies, Boxes: Lost Fragments, a puzzle game, and My Night Job, a 2D action title, will be available as free games on the Epic Games Store next week [VG Times].