Xbox Drops 2 Free Games, No Game Pass Required

It’s the end of the week, which means Microsoft has unveiled the latest Free Play Days line-up.

You’ll likely know the drill by now.

Free Play Days is a weekly event where several titles are made ‘free’ for the duration of a long weekend on Xbox.

I say ‘free’ because more often than not, most games included require an Xbox Game Pass subscription to play which somewhat defeats the purpose if you ask me.

That’s not always the case though, with some games made free for all.

These games aren’t eligible to claim; you can only play them for the duration of the weekend with Free Play Days drawing to a close at the end of play on Sunday 15 February.

What I will say though is all included titles are usually accompanied by a limited-time offer, so you can pick them up on the cheap to continue your adventures.

4 Free Xbox Games, 2 That Require No Game Pass

Let’s crack on with this week’s offerings.

There are four games included this time around, with two games not requiring an Xbox Game Pass subscription.

The first of those is NHL 26. Don’t worry, the line-up gets better.

I don’t mean to disrespect NHL 26 but it’s not exactly a game full of any surprises. If you like ice hockey, or even just the Winter Olympics, you’ll enjoy what’s on offer here. If you don’t, you probably won’t. It’s that simple.

Well, I say that, NHL 26 only scored 73 on Metacritic so it’s not the strongest of instalments. You can nab it for $27.99 instead of $69.99 though if you’re won over by its formula.

Alternatively, you might want to try Sword Art Online Fractured Daydream which is a co-op action game.

Bandai Namco

“Galaxia, a new system allowing players to relive the past, has been added to ALfheim Online; however, Galaxia spins out of control causing players from all over time and space to be displaced,” reads the synopsis.

“A total of 21 characters from the series join the battle beyond memory – a challenge taken on solo or with friends. Go beyond memory… and Switch!”

Grab this one for $19.79 instead of $59.99 to continue playing after the event ends.

For Game Pass Ultimate, Premium, or Essential users, you can also enjoy Lynked: Banner of the Spark and Age of Wonders 4.

Lynked: Banner of the Spark is a unique “rogue-life RPG”.

“Put your skills to the test against swarms of robot foes and tough-as-nails bosses, then use their parts and other resources to expand and upgrade your home base,” it teases.

“Whether you’re a homebody or a hardened warrior, there are endless ways to pitch in – it’ll take a village to save the world!”

No discount here, but it’s only $14.99 at RRP.

Finally, Age of Wonders 4 belongs to the classic 4X strategy, turn-based franchise where you can grow and control a faction.

It’s a great game, and only $24.99 instead of $49.99 this weekend.

All in all, a pretty good Free Play Days. Get involved while you can.