The Epic Games Store has revealed the free game coming on April 23, while also releasing the current free game for the April 16-April 23 period: The Stone of Madness. This real-time tactical stealth game typically sells for $30, so while some may be initially disappointed to only see one free game this week, it’s a stronger title than what the Epic Games Store line-up sometimes has on offer.
The Epic Games Store free game program has been going on for years, and while there are good/bad periods based on personal perspective, there’s no denying the dedication EGS has shown to the program. Every week, rotating in and out at 10 am CT on Thursdays, is a new selection of free games. It’s tried, true, and reliable, especially given that sometimes Epic Games Store gives out special games outside the program or does something special with the program, like the end-of-year game giveaways.
The Stone of Madness Devs Give Behind-The-Scenes Look At The Game’s Goya-Inspired Art
In an exclusive reveal to Game Rant, the team behind The Stone of Madness showed off a behind-the-scenes look at the game’s unique art.
EGS’s Next Free Game: Doomblade
Available starting on April 23 is Doomblade from developer Muro Studios and publisher Iceberg Interactive. In short, it is a 2D action Metroidvania game where an outcast known as Gloom Girl discovers a sentient, imprisoned weapon called Doomblade. This Doom and Gloom combo must then explore interconnected regions, face corrupted creation, and restore the blade’s ultimate power to defeat the Dread Lords after both of them.
Combat is built around fast, precise movement and weapon-driven traversal, letting players launch into enemies mid-air and chain aggressive attacks as they explore increasingly dangerous environments. Doomblade has solid reviews (an 83 on Metacritic, and the general consensus appears to be that it’s one of those Metroidvania games that gets better as you play.
|
EGS Free Game |
Standard Value |
Free Period |
|---|---|---|
|
Doomblade |
$14.99 |
April 23-April 30 |
Key Features
- Sentient weapon partnership between protagonist and living blade with narrative-driven synergy
- 2D Metroidvania structure with interconnected biomes and ability-locked progression
- Air-based combat traversal, allowing attacks that double as movement and repositioning
- Precision-targeting combat system focused on direct enemy engagement and momentum
- Ability restoration system tied to discovering shrines and reclaiming lost powers
- Distinct underground biomes, ranging from abandoned halls to industrial and corrupted regions
- Boss-driven progression centered on hunting down the Dread Lords
- Single-player experience with full controller support and tight action focus
Epic Games Store Free Game Right Now: The Stone of Madness
For the April 16 – April 23 period, Epic Games Store users will be able to claim The Stone of Madness completely free of charge. For the uninitiated, it is a real-time tactical stealth game set in a Spanish monastery-turned madhouse/prison. Five prisoners must work together to escape, each with their own skills, traumas, and phobias that affect gameplay and sanity. Players juggle survival mechanics, various characters, patrolling enemies, mental stability, and multiple threats to escape the monastery, especially because each playthrough is unique. The Stone of Madness features multiple possible escape plans, dynamic time-of-day systems, and an emphasis on stealth and coordination to really turn the atmospheric experience to 11.
Fit the 9 games into the grid.
As is usually the case with the Epic Games Store, players will have until 10 am on April 23 to claim this free game. At which time it will rotate for the recently revealed, aforementioned games. Overall, it’s a solid EGS selection, so anyone looking for some free PC games isn’t likely to be disappointed. And if this isn’t the vibe someone is looking for, the good news is next week is a new reveal.
