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Epic Games Store’s reported Game Awards mystery-game offer unlocked at 11 PM Eastern / 8 PM Pacific on December 11, 2025. For many international players, that was already December 12. The promotion is historical and is not a current offer.
When did the mystery free game go live?
PC Guide reported on December 8, 2025, that Epic planned to unveil a mystery offer during The Game Awards and that it would unlock at 11 PM Eastern / 8 PM Pacific on December 11. The broadcast was scheduled to begin at 8 PM Eastern. The report did not identify the mystery game in advance. PC Guide’s dated report is a secondary source for that event timing.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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Fortnite eGift Card | $15.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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Fortnite eGift Card | $50.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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Fortnite eGift Card | $25.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
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Fortnite Physical Gift Card | $30.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
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Fortnite Physical Gift Card | $50.00 | Buy on Amazon |
Because the release fell late in the evening in North America, the calendar date was December 12 in several other time zones. PC Guide listed these local times:
| Location | Reported unlock time |
|---|---|
| Eastern time | 11 PM, December 11 |
| Pacific time | 8 PM, December 11 |
| London | 4 AM, December 12 |
| Berlin | 5 AM, December 12 |
| Mumbai | 9:30 AM, December 12 |
| Tokyo | 1 PM, December 12 |
| Sydney | 3 PM, December 12 |
| Auckland | 5 PM, December 12 |
PC Guide’s time-zone list appears to contain a typo labeling the Eastern time as “11 PM PT.” Its introductory timing and the corresponding Pacific listing give the intended pairing as 11 PM Eastern and 8 PM Pacific.
#1 Best Overall
- Redeemable on accounts in the United States and in U.S. Dollars.
- Gift card must be redeemed at EpicGames.com/redeem. This gift card WILL NOT work if redeemed directly on a console device (PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, etc.)
- If you play Fortnite experiences on a console device, you need to link your Epic Games account to your console account(s) so items purchased at Fortnite.com/item-shop appear across all of your linked accounts
- Requires internet connection, valid Epic account and prior acceptance of the terms
- Redemption: Online
Was the mystery game identified before the reveal?
No. The December 8 report described the offer only as a “Mystery Game”; it did not establish the title. Epic Player Support likewise says it does not have advance information about upcoming free games: Epic’s support article.
The Darkside Detective and The Jackbox Party Pack 4 were the games PC Guide listed as available before the December 11 changeover. They were preceding offers, not the mystery game.
Rank #2
- Redeemable on accounts in the United States and in U.S. Dollars.
- Gift card must be redeemed at EpicGames.com/redeem. This gift card WILL NOT work if redeemed directly on a console device (PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, etc.)
- If you play Fortnite experiences on a console device, you need to link your Epic Games account to your console account(s) so items purchased at Fortnite.com/item-shop appear across all of your linked accounts
- Requires internet connection, valid Epic account and prior acceptance of the terms
- Redemption: Online
How does Epic’s regular free-game schedule work?
The Game Awards timing was an event-specific reported schedule, not Epic’s usual weekly changeover. Epic Player Support says a new free game is available each Thursday at 8 AM Pacific and can be claimed for seven days before it rotates. Once claimed, it stays in the account permanently, even if it is not downloaded right away. Epic also says an Epic Games account with two-factor authentication enabled is required to claim a free game. See Epic Player Support’s free-games guidance for those mechanics.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Can you still claim the Game Awards offer?
No. The December 11, 2025 promotion has passed. Epic’s Free Games page describes its ongoing giveaway program, but its changing lineup does not establish that the historical Game Awards offer remains available. Check that page for the current offer.
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Best Value
- 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 #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
- Redeemable on accounts in the United States and in U.S. Dollars.
- Gift card must be redeemed at EpicGames.com/redeem. This gift card WILL NOT work if redeemed directly on a console device (PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, etc.)
- If you play Fortnite experiences on a console device, you need to link your Epic Games account to your console account(s) so items purchased at Fortnite.com/item-shop appear across all of your linked accounts
- Requires internet connection, valid Epic account and prior acceptance of the terms
- Redemption: Online
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.
