Epic's January 2026 Lineup: Snag Free Copies of 'Total War' and More
Discover the exciting free games hitting the Epic Games Store in January 2026. Claim your free copies of Total War: Three Kingdoms, Wildgate, and Bloons TD 6 to start the new year right.
A New Year of Free Games on Epic
The festive season may be over, but the Epic Games Store is keeping the giving spirit alive. After a whirlwind Holiday Sale that saw daily game giveaways, Epic is transitioning back to its beloved weekly free game format, kicking off January 2026 with a powerful duo of titles for PC gamers. If you’re looking to expand your library without opening your wallet, this month is starting strong.
Start 2026 with Strategy and Sci-Fi Action
Kicking off the new year, Epic is offering two highly-rated titles for free until January 8th: Total War: Three Kingdoms and the multiplayer shooter Wildgate. This combination represents a fantastic value, totaling nearly $90.
- Total War: Three Kingdoms: A critically acclaimed installment in the legendary strategy series from Creative Assembly, this title immerses players in the epic conflict of ancient China. Boasting a stellar score of 86 on OpenCritic and “Very Positive” user reviews, it’s a must-have for any strategy enthusiast.
- Wildgate: For those craving something more fast-paced, Wildgate delivers. A fresh sci-fi PvPvE shooter released in July 2025 from Moonshot Games (a studio with former Blizzard developers), it has already carved out a strong player base. With a 76 average on OpenCritic and “Very Positive” Steam reviews, it’s a promising new title worth checking out.
A Fan-Favorite Returns: Bloons TD 6
Once the first offer expires, get ready for some tower defense mayhem. From January 8th to January 15th, the incredibly popular and addictive Bloons TD 6 will be available to claim for free. This isn’t the first time Epic has offered this gem; in fact, it will be the fourth time the fan-favorite has been featured. This highlights Epic’s strategy of understanding its user base and re-offering titles that consistently draw players to the platform.
Epic’s Winning Strategy: Diversity and Value
The January lineup showcases a clear trend in Epic’s strategy: offering a diverse mix of genres to cater to the widest possible audience. By pairing a deep, historical grand strategy game with a modern, fast-paced shooter and a beloved tower defense classic, Epic ensures there’s something for everyone. This approach of providing high-value, well-regarded titles for free remains a cornerstone of the Epic Games Store’s method for attracting and retaining a loyal community in a competitive digital marketplace.
What Else to Watch for in January
Beyond the free offerings, January is shaping up to be a busy month for new releases across all platforms. Gamers can also look forward to paid titles like the crawler DuneCrawl, the unsettling sequel Pathologic 3, and the RPG The Legend of Heroes: Trails Beyond the Horizon, ensuring the gaming year gets off to an exciting start.
Conclusion
Epic Games is starting 2026 on a high note for PC players. With a combination of a major AAA strategy game, a promising new shooter, and a returning fan-favorite, there’s plenty of reason to log in and claim your free titles. Be sure to grab Total War: Three Kingdoms and Wildgate before January 8th, and mark your calendar for Bloons TD 6 right after. It’s a great time to be a PC gamer.