Epic Games Store has confirmed that Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night will be offered as its free game for December 23. The title will be available to claim beginning December 23 at 9:00 AM and will remain free for a 24-hour period from the moment it goes live. This marks the next entry in Epic Games’ ongoing holiday mystery promotion, with the following day’s free game still unannounced.
Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night is a critically acclaimed action role-playing game and a spiritual successor to the Castlevania series. The project originated from a highly successful Kickstarter campaign that raised 5.5 million dollars, led by producer Koji Igarashi. The game follows Miriam, a Shardbinder who must fight her way through a massive demon-infested castle in order to stop her former friend Gebel. Central to the experience is the shard system, which allows players to collect powers from defeated enemies and use them to customize their abilities and combat approach.
Originally released in June 2019, Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night launched on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC, and Nintendo Switch. Since then, it has expanded to additional platforms, including iOS, Android in December 2020, and Amazon Luna. As of early 2025, the game has surpassed two million copies sold, establishing itself as one of the most successful modern entries in the Metroidvania genre. Ongoing support has continued through smaller updates, bug fixes, and crossover content, including the Chaos Mode update released in 2024.
Bloodstained follows Paradise Killer, which was made available on December 22, and Sorry We’re Closed, offered on December 21. Earlier mystery games in the promotion included Hogwarts Legacy, Jotunnslayer Hordes of Hel, Eternights, and Blood West. This pattern continues Epic Games Store’s approach of alternating between widely recognized releases and more niche or experimental titles, ensuring that the lineup remains varied throughout the event.
The holiday giveaway is still ongoing, with additional free games expected in the coming days. While the next title has not yet been revealed, Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night represents a substantial addition to the promotion.
