Epic Games Store has officially revealed its December 28, 2025, mystery giveaway title, confirming that Mystery Game number 12 of 17 is SKALD: Against The Black Priory. The game will be available to claim for free beginning at 9 AM PST on December 28 and will remain free for a 24 hour period as part of Epic’s Holiday Sale 2025 promotion.
SKALD: Against the Black Priory is a 2024 role-playing game created by High North Studios and released by Raw Fury. Designed with a deliberately old-school presentation, it draws strong inspiration from classic 1980s RPGs like Ultima. The story follows a journey through a cursed region plagued by Lovecraftian horrors as players search for a missing companion. Critical reception leaned toward mixed-to-favorable, with reviewers often highlighting the striking retro visuals and atmosphere, while pointing out issues with combat mechanics and visual clarity.
Players assume the role of a fully customizable protagonist, the child of a noble household’s former man-at-arms who was banished and later died. Years later, the protagonist is summoned back to assist the noble family’s leader, who is organizing a mission to locate his lost daughter, Embla. Embla, a mage, disappeared after traveling to the enigmatic Outer Isles for unknown reasons. Along the journey, the player recruits a range of companions who can join the party.
Gameplay is heavily influenced by classic RPG design from the 1980s, particularly the Ultima series. The game features detailed pixel art and a grim fantasy world infused with cosmic horror themes. Both the player character and recruitable allies can be developed through a flexible skill system, with certain abilities shared across different classes. Parties can include up to six characters at a time.
SKALD: Against the Black Priory follows Cassette Beats, which was revealed as the December 27 mystery game. With this latest reveal, more than half of Epic Games Store’s holiday giveaway lineup has now been unveiled, with five mystery titles still remaining after December 28.
