Xbox Free Play Days Event Brings ARC Raiders, Screamer, and More to Players This Weekend

Xbox is kicking off a new Free Play Days event starting today, October 8, giving players the chance to jump into several titles for free across the weekend. The event runs through Sunday, October 11, with a mix of full free-play access and limited-time trials for users on Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S consoles.

Full Access Titles

For those subscribed to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, Premium, or Essential, two titles are available for unlimited play throughout the weekend: the high-octane arcade racer Screamer and the dark, morality-focused RPG Family Man. Additionally, the extraction shooter ARC Raiders is open to all Xbox members regardless of their subscription status, allowing anyone to dive into the ‘Frozen Trail’ update and explore the world of Speranza for free until October 11.

Timed Trials and New Demos

Beyond the primary free-play offerings, Xbox is providing time-bound access to four notable titles. Players can download trials for High On Life 2, S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl, Little Nightmares III, and the pirate-themed rogue-lite Rogue Waters. These trials are available for all Xbox players, offering a chance to test out these experiences before committing to a purchase.

Why it matters

These Free Play Days offer a low-stakes way to try out major titles like S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl and Little Nightmares III without the initial cost of entry. It is particularly useful for those on the fence about newer updates, such as the significant 2.0 overhaul for S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 or the ‘Frozen Trail’ content for ARC Raiders.

If you find a game you enjoy, the event includes limited-time discounts to help you carry over your progress. Specifically, you can find deals ranging from 30% off for S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 to a steep 85% discount on Family Man. Keep in mind that specific pricing and availability of these discounts may vary depending on your region. To get started, navigate to the ‘Subscriptions’ tab in the Xbox Store on your console to locate the Free Play Days collection.