Epic Games has dropped another major surprise in its 2025 holiday giveaway. The Callisto Protocol is now free to claim on the Epic Games Store for a limited time.
This is not a demo. It is the full PC version. Once you claim it, the game stays in your library forever. No catch. No subscription. Just a solid horror game at a zero-dollar price tag, which honestly feels illegal in a good way.
If you like tense atmospheres, brutal combat, and sci-fi horror that does not let you relax for even five minutes, this one is worth grabbing right now.
What Is The Callisto Protocol?
The Callisto Protocol is a third-person survival horror game developed by Striking Distance Studios and published by Krafton. It launched in 2022 and drew attention immediately because of its cinematic presentation and its obvious inspiration from classic sci-fi horror games.
The story takes place on Callisto, one of Jupiter’s moons. You play as Jacob Lee, a cargo pilot who ends up locked inside Black Iron Prison after everything goes horribly wrong. Inmates mutate. The prison collapses. Escape becomes the only goal, and the game makes sure it is never easy.
This is a single-player experience built around atmosphere, tension, and close-quarters combat. Ammo stays limited. Enemies hit hard. Mistakes cost you.
Why This Freebie Actually Matters
Epic gives away free games all year, but this one stands out for a few reasons.
First, The Callisto Protocol launched as a full-priced AAA game. Seeing it free during the holiday giveaway is a big value win for PC players.
Second, this is not a small indie title or filler day release. It is a cinematic, story-driven horror game that many players skipped due to its original price.
Third, horror games age well. Good atmosphere does not expire. If you enjoy survival horror even a little, this is a smart pickup.
In short, this is one of those free games you claim even if you do not install it right away. Future you will be thankful.
How Long Is The Callisto Protocol Free?
The Callisto Protocol is available for roughly 24 hours as part of Epic Games’ holiday free games event.
Epic rotates one free game per day during this period. Once the timer hits zero, the price goes back up and the next mystery game unlocks.
If you are reading this late, check the store immediately. Holiday freebies do not wait.
How to Claim The Callisto Protocol on Epic Games Store
Claiming the game takes less than two minutes.
- Open the Epic Games Store app or website
- Log in to your Epic account
- Visit the Free Games section
- Click on The Callisto Protocol
- Select Get and complete checkout (price will be $0)
That is it. The game will appear in your library permanently.
You do not need a payment method on file to claim it.
PC System Requirements (Official)
Before downloading, make sure your system can handle it. These are the official PC requirements provided by the publisher.
Minimum Requirements
- OS: Windows 10 (64-bit)
- CPU: Intel Core i5-8400 or AMD Ryzen 5 2600
- RAM: 8 GB
- GPU: NVIDIA GTX 1060 or AMD RX 580
- Storage: ~75 GB available space
Recommended Requirements
- OS: Windows 10 or 11 (64-bit)
- CPU: Intel Core i7-8700 or AMD Ryzen 5 3600
- RAM: 16 GB
- GPU: NVIDIA RTX 2070 or AMD RX 6700 XT
- SSD strongly recommended
This game leans hard on visuals and lighting. Running it on an SSD makes a noticeable difference.
What Kind of Game Is It, Really?
If you are wondering whether this is more action or more horror, the answer is simple. It wants you uncomfortable.
Combat focuses on close-range encounters. You dodge, block, and counter more than you spray bullets. The baton becomes just as important as firearms.
The pacing stays deliberate. The game often makes you walk, listen, and worry. Jump scares exist, but atmosphere does most of the heavy lifting.
If you enjoyed tense sci-fi horror experiences in the past, this fits the mold nicely.
Is The Callisto Protocol Worth Playing in 2025?
Yes, especially at this price.
While reviews at launch were mixed due to performance issues and combat balance, many of those problems received updates post-launch. On modern PCs, the experience runs far better than it did at release.
More importantly, the core strengths remain strong:
- Excellent sound design
- High-quality visuals
- Strong horror atmosphere
- Focused single-player story
If you enjoy narrative-driven games and do not mind intense combat, this is an easy recommendation.
Part of Epic Games Holiday Free Games 2025
The Callisto Protocol is part of Epic Games’ annual holiday giveaway event. Every December, Epic releases a free PC game daily for a limited time.
These games:
- Are full versions
- Stay in your library permanently
- Rotate every 24 hours
- Do not require subscriptions
This event typically runs from mid-December through early January, making it one of the best times of the year to build a PC game library for free.
Final Thoughts
Epic Games did not play it safe with this drop. Giving away The Callisto Protocol shows they are still serious about making the holiday giveaway feel special.
If you like horror games, claim it now. If you are unsure, still claim it now. Free horror is better than paid regret.
Just do not wait. Tomorrow, the price goes back up and the prison doors close again.
