Xbox Free Play Days featured Sea of Thieves and Hell Let Loose: Vietnam from September 17 through September 20, 2026. The promotion has ended. Xbox Wire’s announcement said Sea of Thieves was open to all Xbox members, while Hell Let Loose: Vietnam required Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, Premium, or Essential.
Which games were included, and who could play?
| Game | Event access | Platforms listed |
|---|---|---|
| Sea of Thieves | All Xbox members; the announcement listed no Game Pass tier requirement. | Xbox and PC |
| Hell Let Loose: Vietnam | Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, Premium, or Essential members. | Xbox and PC |
These eligibility details applied to the September 17–20 event, not to a current free offer. Xbox Wire described Hell Let Loose: Vietnam as a Vietnam War team combat game featuring tunnels, helicopters, patrol boats, historically accurate weapons, and coordinated play. It described Sea of Thieves as a pirate adventure centered on treasure, battles, and sea monsters, and noted Season 20’s Custom Seas tools and revised seasonal rewards structure.
How players accessed the event
The announcement directed players to each game’s Xbox.com detail page to find and install it through Microsoft Store. On Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S, it pointed to the Xbox Store’s Subscriptions tab and the Free Play Days collection. Those directions describe the event; they do not indicate that the games remain free now.
Could players keep progress afterward?
Xbox Wire said players could purchase a game to continue playing after Free Play Days while retaining Gamerscore and achievements earned during the event. The post cautioned that discounts, discount percentages, and game availability could vary by title and region. Its event-time prices and offers should not be treated as current listings.
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- MODERNIZED DESIGN — Experience the modernized design of the XBOX Wireless Controller with sculpted surfaces and updated geometry that enhances comfort and control during long gaming sessions.
- PRECISION PERFORMANCE — Stay on target with a hybrid D-pad and textured grips on triggers, bumpers, and back case for improved accuracy and handling.
- SHARE BUTTON: Seamlessly capture and share content such as screenshots, recordings, and more with the new Share button.
- VERSATILE CONNECTIVITY — Connect via USB-C for plug-and-play on console and PC, or quickly pair and switch between supported devices with XBOX Wireless and Bluetooth support.
- BUILT-IN AUDIO SUPPORT — Plug in compatible headsets using the 3.5mm audio jack for direct voice chat and immersive in-game sound.
What the announcement said
Kyle Ocean, Xbox Marketing Manager, introduced the promotion with: “Time to clear the flank and walk the plank with Free Play Days!” The announcement was published September 17, 2026, and identified Sunday, September 20, as the event’s end date. Read the Xbox Wire announcement.
Quick Recap
Best Value
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- MODERNIZED DESIGN — Experience the modernized design of the XBOX Wireless Controller with sculpted surfaces and updated geometry that enhances comfort and control during long gaming sessions.
- PRECISION PERFORMANCE — Stay on target with a hybrid D-pad and textured grips on triggers, bumpers, and back case for improved accuracy and handling.
- SHARE BUTTON: Seamlessly capture and share content such as screenshots, recordings, and more with the new Share button.
- VERSATILE CONNECTIVITY — Connect via USB-C for plug-and-play on console and PC, or quickly pair and switch between supported devices with XBOX Wireless and Bluetooth support.
- BUILT-IN AUDIO SUPPORT — Plug in compatible headsets using the 3.5mm audio jack for direct voice chat and immersive in-game sound.
Rank #2
- MODERNIZED DESIGN — Experience the modernized design of the XBOX Wireless Controller with sculpted surfaces and updated geometry that enhances comfort and control during long gaming sessions.
- PRECISION PERFORMANCE — Stay on target with a hybrid D-pad and textured grips on triggers, bumpers, and back case for improved accuracy and handling.
- SHARE BUTTON: Seamlessly capture and share content such as screenshots, recordings, and more with the new Share button.
- VERSATILE CONNECTIVITY — Connect via USB-C for plug-and-play on console and PC, or quickly pair and switch between supported devices with XBOX Wireless and Bluetooth support.
- BUILT-IN AUDIO SUPPORT — Plug in compatible headsets using the 3.5mm audio jack for direct voice chat and immersive in-game sound.
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