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Epic Games Store’s first 2026 giveaway paired Total War: THREE KINGDOMS with Wildgate. The limited-time offer ran from January 1 to January 8, 2026, and has expired; it should not be mistaken for a current free-game deal.
What were the Epic Games Store free games?
The January 1 promotion offered two games together: Total War: THREE KINGDOMS and Wildgate. GameGrin reported that players could claim them from 4 p.m. GMT on January 1 through 4 p.m. GMT on January 8, 2026. GameGrin’s report and IXBT’s report give matching end times in their respective time zones.
What kind of games were included?
Total War: THREE KINGDOMS
Published by SEGA and developed by Creative Assembly, Total War: THREE KINGDOMS is a strategy game centered on conflict in ancient China. Its play combines empire-building, statecraft and conquest with real-time battles, according to its game listing.
Wildgate
Published by Dreamhaven, Inc. and developed by Moonshot Games, Wildgate is a PvPvE multiplayer shooter that mixes tactical ship-to-ship combat with first-person action. Players contend with environmental hazards, search for weapons and ship upgrades, and try to escape with the Artifact, as described in its game listing.
#1 Best Overall
- The current large historical Total War in extended version
- Includes the Eight Princes expansion
- Strong focus on the hero characters in the game
- For the first time, the multi-award-winning game series dives into ancient China
Is either game free now?
No—not on the basis of this promotion. The claim window ended on January 8, 2026. Epic’s catalog lists both as base games, but that listing does not establish a new giveaway or a current price. Check the live Epic Games Store page for your region if you want to know their present availability.
How the two games differ
| Game | Genre and focus | Play structure |
|---|---|---|
| Total War: THREE KINGDOMS | Strategy rooted in ancient-China conflict | Empire-building, statecraft, conquest and real-time battles |
| Wildgate | PvPvE multiplayer shooter | Ship combat, environmental hazards, upgrades and an Artifact escape objective |
The giveaway brought together two distinct kinds of play: a historical strategy game focused on building and fighting for an empire, and a multiplayer shooter built around ship encounters and escaping with an objective. Epic’s separate 2026 release preview, published January 5, was about upcoming releases, not this January 1 giveaway.
Quick Recap
Best Value
Rank #4
- Language English / Player: 2-10/ Playing Time: 20 - 40min
- Components: 192 Cards + 1 Rulebook (60 General Cards, 4 Ambitionist Cards, 108 Game Cards, 4 Health Cards, 8 Marker Cards)
- You are about to enter into a world that combines elements of role playing, battle, strategy, deception and the struggle between kingdoms.
- This game will bring you back to the historic era of the Three Kingdoms and allow you to play as the famous Three Kingdoms Warlords to create the most fun and exhilarating experience ever.
- Experience the Beauty of Oriental Games!
Rank #3
- Game mechanics: Role playing, strategy, identity suspicion Number of players: 2-8 Product size: 7.87in*6.1in*1.5in
Rank #2
- The limited edition includes the game with a premium deluxe special packaging as well as double-sided campaign card and character poster
- The next big historical Total War is ready to go
- For the first time, the multi-award winning game series dives into ancient China
- Strong focus on the hero characters in the game
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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