If you like free games (and honestly, who doesn’t), Epic Games Store just dropped another solid holiday surprise. As part of its Holiday Free Games event, Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night is now available for free, but only for a limited time.
This is not a demo, trial, or cloud version. It’s the full game, yours to keep forever once you claim it. No credit card. No tricks. Just click and add it to your library.
Let’s break down what the game is, why it matters, and how long you have before it disappears.
What Is Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night?
Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night is a 2D action RPG built in the classic Metroidvania style. If you ever played Castlevania and thought, “I wish more games felt like this,” Bloodstained exists for that exact reason.
The game was created by Koji Igarashi, one of the key minds behind Castlevania: Symphony of the Night. It was also backed by one of the most successful video game Kickstarter campaigns ever, which already says a lot about its fan demand.
You play as Miriam, a survivor cursed with demonic crystals growing across her body. Your goal is simple on paper: explore a massive gothic castle, defeat demons, and stop a summoning gone wrong. In practice, the game gets deep, fast.
Why This Free Game Is a Big Deal
Epic doesn’t usually give away games of this caliber lightly.
Bloodstained normally sells at a premium price and holds strong user ratings across PC platforms. Giving it away during the holiday event puts it in the same tier as previous heavyweight freebies like Hogwarts Legacy earlier this season.
Here’s why players care:
- Large, interconnected map with real exploration
- Skill-based combat with dozens of weapons
- RPG progression that actually matters
- Boss fights that punish button-mashing
- Strong replay value
This is not a “play once and forget” freebie. It’s the kind of game people buy and sink serious time into.
When Is Bloodstained Free on Epic Games Store?
Timing matters here.
Epic’s Holiday Free Games rotate fast, usually every 24 hours. Miss the window and the game is gone from the free list.
Free claim window:
- Date: December 23, 2025
- Duration: About 24 hours
- Platform: Epic Games Store (PC)
Once claimed, the game stays in your library permanently. Even if you never install it today, it’s yours.
How to Claim the Free Game (Takes 60 Seconds)
Claiming the game is simple and doesn’t require any subscription.
- Open the Epic Games Store website or launcher
- Log in to your Epic account
- Find Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night on the Free Games section
- Click “Get”
- Confirm checkout (price will show as $0)
That’s it. No hidden steps. No email traps.
Epic Games Holiday Free Games 2025 Explained
Epic runs this event every year, and it’s become a holiday tradition for PC gamers.
During the Holiday Sale:
- Epic releases daily mystery free games
- Each game stays free for a short time
- Once claimed, it’s yours forever
The 2025 event runs from December 11, 2025 to January 8, 2026, with around 17 total free games expected. Epic does not publish the full list in advance, which keeps the mystery alive and gamers refreshing the store daily.
What Kind of Players Will Enjoy Bloodstained?
This game is not for everyone, and that’s actually a good thing.
You’ll enjoy Bloodstained if you like:
- Exploration over hand-holding
- Combat that rewards timing and patience
- RPG systems with depth
- Dark fantasy art styles
If you prefer casual, story-only games with minimal challenge, this might feel demanding. But if you enjoy mastering systems, this one hits the sweet spot.
Final Thoughts
Epic Games Store continues to deliver real value during its 2025 Holiday Free Games event, and Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night is one of the strongest giveaways so far.
It’s polished, respected, and built by developers who understand classic game design. If you have even a passing interest in action RPGs, claiming this game is a no-brainer.
Just don’t wait. Free on Epic never lasts long.
