Epic Games Store Free Game Revealed for January 16

Summary

• Escape Academy is the free Epic Games Store game for January 16, 2025.
• This escape-the-room-style puzzler marks the fourth free game offered by EGS in 2025.
• With an OpenCritic score, Escape Academy is poised to be the highest-rated game given away by EGS in 2025 to date.

The Epic Games Store's free game for January 16, 2025, is Escape Academy. As with all EGS freebies, users will have one week to claim it.

Developed by Coin Crew Games in Los Angeles, Escape Academy is an engaging escape-the-room puzzle game initially launched for PC and consoles in July 2022. Players step into the roles of students at the academy, training to become master escape room solvers.

Escape Academy is set to be the next free game on EGS. PC gamers can claim it starting January 16, right after Turmoil's giveaway ends. The game will be available for free on the Epic Games Store until January 23, 2025.

Escape Academy Was Already Free on EGS Once Before

Previously, Escape Academy was offered as a free mystery game on EGS on January 1, 2024. This time, however, it will be available for a full week. This giveaway comes at a perfect time for Xbox Game Pass members, as Escape Academy is set to depart from Microsoft's service on January 15, 2025, after an 18-month run.

Epic Games Store Free Games in January 2025

• Kingdom Come: Deliverance (January 1)
• Hell Let Loose (January 2 – 9)
• Turmoil (January 9 – 16)
• Escape Academy (January 16 – 23)

Escape Academy boasts a "Strong" rating on OpenCritic, with an average score of 80 and an 88% recommendation rate from reviewers. This makes it the highest-rated game distributed by the Epic Games Store in 2025 so far. The game's acclaim is reflected in its player reviews, achieving "Very Positive" status on Steam and earning 4.42 and 4.2 stars on the PlayStation and Xbox Stores, respectively. In addition to solo play, Escape Academy offers robust online and split-screen multiplayer options, earning it a reputation as one of the best co-op puzzle games available.

Escape Academy is the fourth game in EGS's 2025 lineup of free games, following Kingdom Come: Deliverance, Hell Let Loose, and Turmoil. The fifth free game of the year will be announced on January 16, coinciding with Escape Academy's availability. Fans of the game can further their experience with two DLC packs: Escape From Anti-Escape Island and Escape From the Past, both priced at $9.99 each. These can also be purchased together as part of the Season Pass for $14.99.