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‘Dead Cells’ Was Free on Epic’s iOS Store in the EU—but the Deal Has Ended

Epic's Dead Cells mobile giveaway was real, but it ended December 18, 2025. Here's who qualified, why iPhone access was EU-only, and why the PC version was not included.
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Dead Cells was genuinely free to claim through the Epic Games Store’s mobile marketplace, but the limited-time giveaway ended on December 18, 2025. The offer covered the mobile edition, not the PC version. It was available on iPhone and iPad in the European Union, while contemporary coverage reported global Android availability.

What was included in the giveaway?

Epic offered the mobile version of Dead Cells, the side-scrolling action-platformer and roguelite from Motion Twin, associated on mobile with publisher Playdigious. This was a free-to-claim giveaway rather than merely a free installation of the Epic Games Store app. Contemporary coverage described the game as a claim-to-keep offer for users who added it during the promotion.

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The important limitation is platform scope: claiming the Epic mobile edition did not automatically provide the PC edition, a Steam copy, or an entitlement on another storefront. It should be understood as a mobile-platform license connected to an Epic account.

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MacRumors and Pocket Gamer both reported the promotion as a real Epic mobile giveaway.

#1 Best Overall
Sale
Dead Cells - Action Game of The Year - Nintendo Switch
  • Incredible 2D souls-lite action with more than 90 weapons and spells with nonlinear gameplay.
  • Explore secret room, hidden passages, and charming landscapes. Stroll down towers and breath in that fresh sea mist infused air.
  • Build your unique play style as you combat the adrenaline pumping threat of perm death in this unique game of the year!

When did the offer end?

The published deadline was December 18, 2025. One weekly-deal listing specified a window from 4 p.m. GMT on December 11 to 4 p.m. GMT on December 18, although that precise cutoff should be treated as the time reported by the listing rather than as an independently verified Epic timestamp.

As of September 4, 2026, the giveaway is no longer active or claimable. A current Epic mobile free-game listing should not be interpreted as evidence that this particular Dead Cells promotion has returned.

Who was eligible?

Device or region Eligibility
iPhone in the EU Eligible through Epic’s iOS marketplace during the promotion.
iPad in the EU Eligible through Epic’s iPadOS marketplace during the promotion.
Android Contemporary coverage reported availability globally.
iPhone or iPad outside the EU Not eligible through the same Epic marketplace route.
PC The promotion was for the mobile edition, not the PC version.

Epic’s support documentation confirms that its iOS and iPadOS marketplace availability is region-limited. A U.S. iPhone user, for example, could not simply install the marketplace from Apple’s App Store and claim the deal. Readers should not change their Apple account region or use unofficial workarounds to bypass regional restrictions.

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Rank #2
Dead Cells: Return to Castlevania Edition Nintendo Switch
  • 17 Levels - Each one with its own atmosphere, foes and secrets to discover
  • 5 Bosses - Made by the most sadistic of the devs, raised on the salt of the testers
  • 150 or so weapons and skills - Spears, swords, bows, magic spells, shields, pets, frying pans etc; You name it, we got it
  • Unlock the four original Dead Cells DLCs, giving you late-game content plus an entire new pathway to follow, with an alternative ending and tons of new enemies, weapons & outfits
  • Battle through the corridors of Dracula’s Castle; Wield weapons against monsters to reach the throne room of the Dark Lord

Epic also notes that access to its iOS marketplace depends on region. Someone leaving the EU may retain previously installed apps for a period, but may not necessarily be able to install new ones. See Epic’s regional availability guidance.

How claiming worked

Users needed an Epic account, creating one if necessary. The account matters because the reported entitlement was associated with the account used during checkout or claiming.

  1. Sign in to the intended Epic account.
  2. Add Dead Cells to that account before the December 18, 2025 deadline.
  3. Confirm that the transaction or entitlement appeared on the correct account.
  4. Install the mobile version on a compatible device whenever convenient.

Claiming and installing were not necessarily the same action. However, because the promotion has expired, these steps can no longer be used to obtain the game for free.

Rank #3
Sale
Dead Cells: Return to Castlevania Edition (PS5)
  • 17 Levels - Each one with its own atmosphere, foes and secrets to discover
  • 5 Bosses - Made by the most sadistic of the devs, raised on the salt of the testers
  • 150 or so weapons and skills - Spears, swords, bows, magic spells, shields, pets, frying pans etc; You name it, we got it
  • Unlock the four original Dead Cells DLCs, giving you late-game content plus an entire new pathway to follow, with an alternative ending and tons of new enemies, weapons & outfits
  • Battle through the corridors of Dracula’s Castle; Wield weapons against monsters to reach the throne room of the Dark Lord

Was the DLC included?

The available reporting establishes that the giveaway covered the mobile version of Dead Cells, but it does not establish that every paid expansion was included. Do not assume the offer contained Rise of the Giant, The Bad Seed, Fatal Falls, The Queen and the Sea, or Return to Castlevania.

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Existing purchases on Apple’s App Store or Google Play should also be treated as separate storefront entitlements. There is no evidence that an existing purchase was automatically refunded, upgraded, merged with the Epic copy, or transferred between stores.

What Epic’s mobile installation process involves

These instructions are background for readers evaluating Epic’s mobile marketplace, not a way to claim the expired giveaway. Epic’s current iOS/iPadOS instructions vary by operating-system version:

Rank #4
Dead Cells: The Board Game | Official Licensed Version | Cooperative Deck Building Game for Teens & Adults | Defeat the Infected & Defy the King | Rogue-Lite Gaming Experience | 1-4 Players | Ages 14+
  • FAITHFUL TABLETOP ADAPTATION: First of its kind, this rogue-lite board game captures the thrill of exploration, relentless combat, and evolving strategies that define the video game masterpiece!
  • AN ARTISTIC MASTERPIECE: A true tribute to the Dead Cells aesthetic for fans of the iconic game, making for one of the most exciting and immersive deck-building experiences for gamers ages 14+!
  • ADDICTIVE GAMING EXPERIENCE: Each game is about playing and dying again and again - going further and discovering more every time - a perfect gift with endless value for teens and fans of video games!
  • "NEVER-ENDING" GAMEPLAY: Unlock new layers of difficulty every time you play through the Boss Cells system - adding fresh enemies and challenges in one of the most fun strategy card games for teens!
  • SOLO MODE INCLUDED: Challenge yourself in single-player mode with Serenade, your animated sword companion, or bring it to game night with friends as a fun multiplayer cooperative board game option!

iOS/iPadOS 26.2 or later

  1. Visit epicgames.com on the device.
  2. Follow the installation prompt.
  3. Open Settings when prompted and select Allow Apps from Epic Games Inc.
  4. Tap Allow.
  5. Double-press the side button to confirm installation.

iOS/iPadOS 18.6 or later

  1. Visit epicgames.com.
  2. Select Install in the upper-right corner.
  3. Tap Confirm.

Epic’s support page lists iOS 17.6 or later in the EU and iPadOS 18 or later for the relevant older installation path. Menus and requirements can change with iOS updates, so consult Epic’s current installation instructions rather than relying on old screenshots.

Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

Can you still get Dead Cells free on Epic?

No. The December 2025 promotion ended on December 18, 2025. The mobile game may still be available through applicable storefronts, but the supplied reporting does not establish a current price, and the expired giveaway should not be presented as an active offer.

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The safest summary is: this was a legitimate, time-limited mobile giveaway; EU iPhone and iPad users were eligible through Epic’s alternative marketplace, Android users were reported eligible worldwide, and the PC version was not included.

Best Value
The Dead Cells-Prisoner's Edition - PlayStation 4
  • 2D souls-little action: tough but fair combat, the iconic dodge roll, more than 90 weapons and spells with unique gameplay...
  • Roguevania: the progressive exploration of an inter-connected world, with the Replay ability of a rogue-little and the adrenaline pumping threat of perm death.
  • Nonlinear progression: sewers, ossuary or ramparts? Once unlocked, special permanent abilities allow you to access new paths to reach your objective.

Frequently Asked Questions

Was Dead Cells free on Epic for PC?

No. The promotion covered the mobile edition through Epic’s mobile marketplace. It did not automatically grant the PC version.

Was the giveaway available on iPhone in the United States?

No. The cited coverage and Epic’s support documentation limited the iPhone and iPad marketplace route to the European Union.

Did claiming the game include all DLC?

That was not established by the available authoritative reporting. Do not assume the giveaway included every paid expansion.

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Do users keep the game after December 18, 2025?

Contemporary coverage described it as free to claim and keep for users who added it during the promotion. That entitlement is tied to the Epic account used to claim it.

Can the Epic mobile copy be played on another platform?

Do not assume so. The offer was a mobile entitlement and was not reported as cross-buy for PC, Steam, Apple, or Google Play.

Was an Epic account required?

Yes. Contemporary reporting said users needed an Epic account, creating one if they did not already have one.

Quick Recap

Bestseller No. 2
Dead Cells: Return to Castlevania Edition Nintendo Switch
Dead Cells: Return to Castlevania Edition Nintendo Switch
17 Levels - Each one with its own atmosphere, foes and secrets to discover; 5 Bosses - Made by the most sadistic of the devs, raised on the salt of the testers
$28.40
SaleBestseller No. 3
Dead Cells: Return to Castlevania Edition (PS5)
Dead Cells: Return to Castlevania Edition (PS5)
17 Levels - Each one with its own atmosphere, foes and secrets to discover; 5 Bosses - Made by the most sadistic of the devs, raised on the salt of the testers
$24.75

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

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