The Epic Games Store’s December 28, 2025 holiday giveaway was SKALD: Against the Black Priory. The offer ended on December 29, 2025, at 16:00 UTC, so it is no longer claimable as that promotion. The “Very Positive” label referred to a Steam review snapshot reported by Notebookcheck on December 28, 2025—not a current rating or an Epic Games Store score.
What game did Epic give away on December 28, 2025?
Epic’s holiday giveaway was SKALD: Against the Black Priory, a single-player retro party RPG. Notebookcheck reported that the free claim window ran until December 29, 2025, at 16:00 UTC. That deadline has passed; this is a historical giveaway, not a current free-game offer.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
GameStop Physical Gift Card | $25.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
Xbox Physical Gift Card | $25.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
Nintendo eShop Physical Gift Card | $100.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
Fortnite Physical Gift Card | $30.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
|
Nintendo eShop Physical Gift Card | $50.00 | Buy on Amazon |
Notebookcheck described the game as “Very Positive” on Steam, citing more than 2,600 reviews and 93% positive sentiment in its December 28, 2025 report. Those are dated figures reported secondhand from Steam, not a live count, a current score, or an Epic player rating. Notebookcheck’s report.
What kind of RPG is SKALD?
Epic describes SKALD as a retro-style party RPG set in a dark fantasy world shaped by Lovecraftian horror. Its story branches around player choices, while combat is tactical and turn-based. The presentation uses pixel art inspired by the Commodore 64 palette, with an optional CRT filter.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
#1 Best Overall
- Redeemable at US GameStop, EB Games, Babbage's, Electronic Boutique, EBX, Planet X, and Software Etc. stores. Also redeemable online at and GameStop.com and EBGames.com.
- Over 6,100 stores located throughout the United States.
- GameStop. Power to the Players.
- Redemption: Instore and Online
- No returns and no refunds on gift cards.
Epic’s listing also highlights party building, a dozen classes, choice-based dialogue, crafting, cooking, quest logs and journals. Players who would rather move past encounters can choose to auto-resolve combat. Epic sums up the approach this way: “SKALD: Against the Black Priory is inspired by roleplaying games of yesteryear, combining modern design and compelling storytelling with authentic 8-bit looks and charms.”
Who made SKALD, and where is it available?
High North Studios AS developed the game, and Raw Fury published it. Epic lists a May 29, 2024 release date and Windows and macOS versions. Its captured listing showed a $14.99 base-game price, but storefront prices and regional availability can change; that figure should not be treated as a current or universal price. See the Epic Games Store listing.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Give the gift of fun with a Nintendo eShop gift code
- It's easy—apply it to your Nintendo eShop account in seconds.
- It ensures that you’ll always have funds on hand to help with purchases of new games and applications
- It’s designed for your Nintendo eShop purchases—no credit card required.
- The perfect gift for anyone who loves to play—including you. Choose from over 1,000 new, classic and indie games – delivered directly to your Nintendo Switch system.
Rank #4
- An Epic Games account is required to redeem an Epic Games Store Card code
- If playing on a console platform (PlayStation Network, Xbox Live, Nintendo Switch or Mobile) you need to link your Epic Games account to that gaming platform (one time) to redeem your gift card code
- The 16 digit code on the back of the card WILL NOT work if redeemed directly through your gaming platform (PlayStation Network, Xbox Live, Nintendo Switch, Mobile, etc.)
- Note: Nintendo devices do not support Fortnite Shared Wallet, so V-Bucks purchased using your account balance will not show up on your Nintendo device. However, if you purchase items in the web Item Shop — or another platform where you play Fortnite — those items will be available in your Locker across all platforms.
- Redemption: Online
Rank #3
- Give the gift of fun with a Nintendo eShop gift code
- It's easy—apply it to your Nintendo eShop account in seconds.
- It ensures that you’ll always have funds on hand to help with purchases of new games and applications
- It’s designed for your Nintendo eShop purchases—no credit card required.
- The perfect gift for anyone who loves to play—including you. Choose from over 1,000 new, classic and indie games – delivered directly to your Nintendo Switch system.
Rank #2
- XBOX GIFT CARD: Buy full digital game downloads, game add-ons, in-game currency, memberships, devices, apps, movies, TV shows, and more.
- DIGITAL GAMES: Choose from hundreds of games, from AAA to indie options. Start playing the moment your most anticipated game is available when you pre-order and pre-download it.
- GAME AD-ONS: Extend the experience of your favorite games with add-ons and in-game currency.
- MOVIES & TV SHOWS: Rent or buy new and popular movies and TV shows from a massive library.
- PERFECT GIFT: Great as a gift for a friend or yourself. Xbox Gift Cards are easy to use, never expire, and give the freedom to pick the gift they want. Enjoy more ways to play without a credit card attached to your Microsoft account.
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.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.
