Epic Games Store’s $25 Christmas giveaway was DREDGE, but the promotion ran only from December 24 to December 25, 2024, and has ended. Notebookcheck reported that the game was free for 24 hours, ending at 15:59 UTC on December 25; the report’s $24.99 figure was its stated MSRP, not a current price.
When the DREDGE giveaway ran
Notebookcheck reported that Epic made DREDGE available at a 100% discount from December 24, 2024 at 16:00 UTC through December 25 at 15:59 UTC. That was a one-day claim window, not an offer that remains available. The story’s “$25” refers to the $24.99 MSRP cited in that 2024 report; it should not be read as the game’s current price. Notebookcheck’s December 24, 2024 report covered the promotion.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
DREDGE Complete Collector's Edition - Nintendo Switch | Buy on Amazon | |
| 2 |
|
DREDGE: Deluxe Edition - Xbox Series X | $49.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
Fireshine Games Dredge Deluxe Edition | $46.04 | Buy on Amazon |
What kind of game is DREDGE?
DREDGE is a single-player fishing adventure with a sinister undercurrent. Players catch and sell fish, upgrade a boat, explore a mysterious archipelago, take on quests, and uncover secrets. Fishing and exploration form the central loop, while the unsettling atmosphere gives the journey a horror edge. The Epic Games Store listing identifies Black Salt Games as developer and Team17 Digital as publisher, and gives the release date as March 30, 2023.
Platforms and Windows requirements
Epic lists Windows and Mac OS as platforms. Its Windows minimum requirements are:
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- A special edition of DREDGE with of all the DLC included on the cart / disc (Blackstone Key, The Pale Reach and The Iron Rig). Also features exclusive artwork and a reversible inlay that depicts the cover of the Book of the Deep.
- A replica of the mysterious Sign of Ruin talisman. A symbol of the deep is carved into this unassuming rock. It's sure to draw the attention of those attuned to it. Approximately 10cm x 10cm x 10cm in size.
- A double-sided poster featuring the all-new Complete Collector’s Edition artwork on one side and the original DREDGE artwork on the other.
- A fold-out nautical chart to help you navigate your way around The Marrows and the surrounding archipelagos, along with a sticker set of map markers.
- A complete compendium of all fish and their aberrant variants in a hardback volume, message from the developer and metal doubloon coin.
- Operating system: Windows 10
- Processor: Intel Core i3-2100 or AMD Phenom II X4 965
- Memory: 4 GB RAM
- Graphics: Nvidia 8800 GT 512 MB or Radeon HD 6570 1 GB
- DirectX: Version 11
- Storage: 2 GB available space
These are the minimum specifications published on the Epic product page; the listing does not establish performance on every system meeting them.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Does the old giveaway include console editions?
No. The reported free claim was an Epic Games Store PC promotion. Notebookcheck also referred to physical PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S editions, but those are separate console versions and were not part of the Epic giveaway. The report’s mention of an Amazon listing does not establish current stock or pricing.
Quick Recap
Rank #3
- DREDGE is a single-player fishing adventure with a sinister undercurrent. Sell your catch, upgrade your boat, and dredge the depths for long-buried secrets. Explore a mysterious archipelago and discover why some things are best left forgotten.
- Unravel a Mystery Captain your fishing trawler across a collection of remote islands, each with its own inhabitants to meet, wildlife to discover, and stories to unearth.
- Dredge the Depths Scour the sea for hidden treasures and complete quests to gain access to strange new abilities
- Study Your Craft Research special equipment and upgrade your boat’s capabilities to gain access to rare fish and valuable deep-sea curios.
- Fight the Unfathomable Strengthen your mind and use your abilities to survive trips out on the water after dark.
Rank #2
- Two Halves of one Tale: DREDGE keeps the player enthralled by hinting at a story much more sinister than at first thought: Uncover piece by piece the mystery surrounding your arrival in the Archipelago.
- Day and Night Cycle Storytelling: While the world of DREDGE seems peaceful during the day, once the sun sets, you’ll want to be sure you keep your lights on and wits about you. The world changes dramatically at night, so always be on your toes!
- Fishing Galore!: Every type of fishing within the game comes with an accompanying system to catch fish! From patrolling shallow waters, to trawling the ocean floor, using crab pots, to the titular dredging itself. Experience a wide array of different game mechanics solely created to make fishing as varied and interesting as possible.
- Keeping Sane: If you want to survive the sea, you need to make sure your sanity is kept in check with the Panic system. Without it, you’ll be seeing deadly illusions, like terrifying aquatic creatures, false rocks you may crash your ship on, and much more.
- Oh Captain! My Captain!: Keep your boat in good shape with the boat upgrade menu, research opportunities and all-round repairs. Let it get too damaged and you’ll be one step closer to the grave.
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.
