This Is the Epic Games Store Free Game for January 16

Escape Academy, the acclaimed escape-room puzzle game, is the Epic Games Store's free offering for January 16th, 2025. This marks the fourth free game Epic has offered this year and, with a strong OpenCritic score of 80 and an 88% recommendation rate, it's poised to be the highest-rated freebie so far.

Epic Games Store users have a week, until January 23rd, to claim their copy. Developed by Coin Crew Games, Escape Academy challenges players to hone their escape room skills as students at the titular academy. Initially released in July 2022 for PC and consoles, this is not Escape Academy's first appearance as a free EGS title; it was previously offered on January 1st, 2024, but this time around, players get a full week of access. This is particularly convenient for Xbox Game Pass subscribers, as the game is leaving the service on January 15th.

The Epic Games Store's January 2025 free game lineup currently includes:

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

Escape Academy's critical success translates to positive player reception, boasting "Very Positive" Steam reviews and high ratings on PlayStation and Xbox stores. The game shines not only in its solo experience but also in its well-regarded online and split-screen cooperative modes, making it a top choice for co-op puzzle enthusiasts.

Following Escape Academy, the fifth free game of the year will be revealed on January 16th. Players who enjoy Escape Academy can further enhance their experience with two DLC packs: "Escape From Anti-Escape Island" and "Escape From the Past," available individually for $9.99 or bundled in a Season Pass for $14.99.