Xbox Free Play Days returns this weekend with a lineup of seven titles available for trial. The event runs from Thursday, October 8, through Sunday, October 11. The selection includes major releases like ARC Raiders and S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl, alongside indie hits such as Little Nightmares III and Rogue Waters.
For Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, Premium, and Essential members, the event offers two additional titles: the anime-inspired racing game Screamer and the dark RPG Family Man. These games are available exclusively to subscribers during the event window.
ARC Raiders and S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 Trials
ARC Raiders is open to all Xbox members, regardless of subscription status. The trial coincides with the game’s first anniversary and the release of its largest update since launch, titled Frozen Trail. This update introduces new dangers to the Rust Belt region and a colossal threat that impacts both Nomad trails and the city of Toledo. Players can also purchase the base game, Deluxe Edition, or the upgrade at a 50% discount through October 15.
S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl is available for timed trials for all players. The trial period aligns with the release of Update 2.0, which significantly improves performance and transforms the visual experience of the open-world survival game. A 30% discount is available for those who wish to continue their journey in the Chornobyl Anomalous Zone after the trial ends.
Other Free Trials and Discounts
Little Nightmares III invites players to explore the secrets of the Spiral in this haunting adventure. The timed trial allows players to solve puzzles and evade creatures without a subscription. Similarly, Rogue Waters offers a two-hour timed trial for its tactical turn-based pirate rogue-lite gameplay. Players assume the role of Captain Cutter, commanding a crew through procedurally generated encounters. A 75% discount is available for purchase.
High On Life 2 rounds out the non-subscriber trials. The game continues the story of bounty hunting across the galaxy, featuring a cast of talking alien guns. Players must navigate an intergalactic conspiracy to save humanity after a mysterious figure puts a price on their sister’s head.
For Game Pass subscribers, Screamer combines arcade racing with fighting mechanics. The game features a storyline where races are personal battles for glory or revenge. The Standard Edition and Digital Deluxe Edition are available at a 60% discount. Family Man, a story-led RPG, challenges players to make difficult moral decisions to provide for their family. It is available at an 85% discount for subscribers.
To access these games, users must sign in to the Microsoft Store. Console players can find the Free Play Days collection in the Subscriptions tab of the Xbox Store on Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S. PC users can install titles directly from the game details pages on Xbox.com. Discounts and title availability may vary by region.
Source: Xbox
