The Epic Games Store continues to delight fans this holiday season with their annual tradition: a daily game giveaway. On Christmas Eve, the spotlight is on Striking Distance Studio’s ambitious but criticized spiritual successor to Dead Space, The Callisto Protocol.
Holiday Giveaway Extravaganza
This year’s lineup of free games kicked off with Hogwarts Legacy on the night of The Game Awards 2025. From December 11 to 18, players had the chance to add it to their libraries at no cost. Following this, Epic began its daily tradition of giving away games. The list so far includes:
- Hogwarts Legacy (Dec. 11-18)
- Jotunnslayer: Hordes of Hel (Dec. 18)
- Eternights (Dec. 19)
- Blood West (Dec. 20)
- Sorry We’re Closed (Dec. 21)
- Paradise Killer (Dec. 22)
- Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night (Dec. 23)
- The Callisto Protocol (Dec. 24)
While The Callisto Protocol is a significant addition, the choice for Christmas Eve might leave some wanting more, especially since it has previously been available as a freebie.
Controversial but Worth a Try
For those who haven’t played The Callisto Protocol, grabbing it for free is an opportunity not to be missed. Despite its mixed reception and issues that marred its launch—such as affecting Krafton’s stock and being Glen Schofield’s potential final project—the game still offers a thrilling experience for horror fans. With its focus on melee combat, it provides a unique twist from its Dead Space roots. Players with the right hardware can also enjoy its impressive visuals, as major bugs have been patched out.
As noted by Kai Tatsumoto in his 2022 review, “One area that The Callisto Protocol absolutely excels in is the overall presentation and graphical design, capturing the derelict, abandoned spaceship vibes perfectly.”
Anticipation Builds for Christmas Day
With The Callisto Protocol now available, excitement builds for the Christmas Day giveaway and the final offering on January 1, 2026. Traditionally, these days feature standout titles, with past years gifting players with gems like Death Stranding Director’s Cut. Keep an eye out for what Epic has in store next!