This Is the Epic Games Store Free Game for January 16

Escape Academy is the Epic Games Store's free offering for January 16th, 2025. This escape-room style puzzle game is the fourth free title EGS has offered this year and, based on its OpenCritic score, is currently the highest-rated free game of 2025 on the platform.

Epic Games Store users have a week, until January 23rd, to claim Escape Academy.

Developed by Coin Crew Games, Escape Academy challenges players as students at the titular academy, training to become escape room experts. Initially released in July 2022 for PC and consoles, it's returning to the EGS as a freebie, replacing Turmoil on January 16th.

A Previous EGS Freebie

Interestingly, Escape Academy was previously a free EGS game on January 1st, 2024. This time, however, it's available for a full week. This is especially convenient for Xbox Game Pass subscribers, as Escape Academy is leaving the service on January 15th after an 18-month run.

Epic Games Store's January 2025 Free Games

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

Escape Academy boasts a strong "Strong" rating on OpenCritic (80 average score, 88% recommendation), exceeding the ratings of previous 2025 EGS freebies. Positive Steam reviews and high ratings on PlayStation and Xbox stores further solidify its appeal. The game features both solo and well-regarded online/split-screen multiplayer modes, making it a top choice for co-op puzzle game enthusiasts.

Escape Academy is the fourth free game of 2025 on the Epic Games Store, following Kingdom Come: Deliverance, Hell Let Loose, and Turmoil. The announcement of the fifth free game is expected on January 16th. For those enjoying the main game, two DLC packs, "Escape From Anti-Escape Island" and "Escape From the Past," are available for $9.99 each, or $14.99 as a Season Pass.