This Is the Epic Games Store Free Game for January 16

Escape Academy, the acclaimed escape-room puzzle game, is the Epic Games Store's free offering for January 16th, 2025. This marks the fourth free game Epic has offered this year, and based on its OpenCritic score of 80 (88% recommendation rate), it's the highest-rated freebie so far.

Players can claim Escape Academy for free from January 16th to 23rd, 2025. Developed by Coin Crew Games, the game challenges players to hone their escape-room skills as students at the titular academy. Originally released in July 2022, Escape Academy offers both solo and engaging online/split-screen multiplayer experiences, praised as one of the best co-op puzzle games recently.

While previously offered as a free mystery game on the EGS on January 1st, 2024, this giveaway provides a full week of access. This timing is particularly beneficial for Xbox Game Pass subscribers, as Escape Academy is leaving the service on January 15th, 2025.

Epic Games Store's January 2025 Free Games:

• Kingdom Come: Deliverance (January 1st)
• Hell Let Loose (January 2nd-9th)
• Turmoil (January 9th-16th)
• Escape Academy (January 16th-23rd)

Escape Academy's strong critical reception extends to player reviews, boasting "Very Positive" ratings on Steam and high scores on PlayStation and Xbox stores. For those who enjoy the main game, two DLC packs, "Escape From Anti-Escape Island" and "Escape From the Past," are available for individual purchase ($9.99 each) or as a Season Pass ($14.99). The announcement of the fifth free game of the year is anticipated on January 16th.