The Ultimate Holiday Gift: Epic Games Store Offers Critically Acclaimed 2023 Title Free Until December 30

The Ultimate Holiday Gift: Epic Games Store Offers Critically Acclaimed 2023 Title Free Until December 30

As the 2025 holiday season reaches its crescendo, the Epic Games Store (EGS) continues its tradition of disruptive generosity. While many platforms offer seasonal discounts, Epic’s “Mystery Game” event has become a cornerstone of the gaming calendar, providing players with a daily influx of high-quality titles at no cost. Today, the spotlight falls on a standout release from 2023, a game that secured an impressive 83 critic score and has now become available for millions to claim—but only for a very limited time.

For those tracking the value of digital libraries, this latest addition represents one of the strongest “indie-plus” offerings of the year. If you have been occupied with holiday festivities, now is the time to log in before the 24-hour window closes on December 30.

1. The Mystery Unveiled: Viewfinder is Today’s Free Gem

The title currently captivating the EGS community is Viewfinder, a first-person puzzle adventure developed by Sad Owl Studios and published by Thunderful Publishing. Released originally in mid-2023, the game immediately garnered critical acclaim for its innovative mechanics and mind-bending spatial puzzles.

• The Concept: At its core, Viewfinder allows players to take two-dimensional photographs and “place” them into the three-dimensional world, where they become tangible parts of the environment.

• The Critical Reception: With a Metacritic and OpenCritic score hovering around 83, the game has been lauded for its creativity, often being compared to classics like Portal and The Witness.

• The Value Proposition: Typically retailing for $24.99, the game is a high-value claim for fans of the puzzle genre and those who appreciate unique visual storytelling.

2. Why the December 30 Deadline Matters

The Epic Games Store’s holiday promotion operates on a strict 24-hour rotation. Unlike the store’s standard weekly freebies, these mystery games disappear as quickly as they arrive.

• Claim Period: From December 29 to December 30 (11:00 AM ET).

• The “Keep Forever” Rule: Once you hit the “Get” button and complete the $0.00 transaction, the game remains in your permanent library indefinitely.

• The Transition: Immediately following the expiration of the Viewfinder offer, a new mystery title will be revealed. According to early leaks and data-mining reports from Billbil-kun and other reputable sources, the final days of December are expected to feature even larger AAA blockbusters.

Epic Games Holiday 2025: A Recap of Recent Highlights

The 2025 lineup has been notably diverse, blending massive open-world titles with niche masterpieces. Here is a look at what has been offered leading up to the current December 30 deadline:

3. Looking Ahead: The Rumored New Year’s Eve Grand Finale

As we move toward the final hours of 2025, speculation is reaching a fever pitch regarding the “Grand Finale” free game. While Viewfinder is a brilliant addition for puzzle enthusiasts, rumors suggest Epic is saving its biggest budget titles for December 31.

According to leaks circulating on Reddit and Twitter (X), the final games of the year may include high-profile titles such as Mortal Kombat 11 or potentially the long-rumored Red Dead Redemption 2. While Epic Games has not officially confirmed these, the pattern of previous years—where titles like Control, Death Stranding, and Guardians of the Galaxy were given away—suggests that gamers should keep their launchers ready.

4. How to Maximize Your Epic Games Account This Week

To ensure you don’t miss out on these limited-time offers, industry experts recommend several “best practices” during the holiday rush:

1. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Epic requires 2FA for claiming free games, which also adds a layer of security to your account.

2. Use the Mobile App: You do not need to be at your PC to claim Viewfinder. You can log in via a mobile browser and add it to your library on the go.

3. Check for DLCs: Often, when a base game goes free, Epic offers significant discounts on its expansions. For a game like Viewfinder, checking for soundtrack bundles or developer support packs can be a great way to support the studio.

Conclusion: A Golden Era for Digital Libraries

The giveaway of a game with an 83 critic score like Viewfinder underscores the competitive nature of the PC storefront wars. By providing high-quality, relatively recent releases for free, Epic continues to solidify its user base against giants like Steam. Whether you are a fan of cerebral puzzles or just looking to expand your collection, the window until December 30 is one you cannot afford to miss.

Note on Sources:

• OpenCritic & Metacritic – Official scores for Viewfinder (2023).

• Epic Games Store – Official Holiday Sale Promotion (Dec 2025).

• Deal Labs / Billbil-kun – Historical accuracy in EGS mystery game leaks.