Xbox Drops 2 Free Games That'll Keep You Busy This Weekend

Xbox has dropped two free games that you can play right now, which should help keep you busy this weekend.

Microsoft regularly runs its popular promotion campaign ‘Free Play Days’, such as the previous event, which allowed us to play a plethora of fantastic Assassin’s Creed games at no extra cost. Now, we’ve got a couple more Xbox freebies to keep us entertained.

What Xbox Games Can We Play for Free?

First up, we have the wacky 2024 multiplayer game, developed by Question and published by THQ Nordic, South Park: Snow Day.

This may be a very budget title, and very different from the RPG offerings, South Park: The Stick of Truth and South Park: The Fractured but Whole, but if you’re a fan of the long-running animated comedy series, and can gather a friend or two, then you’re probably going to have a lot of fun with this.

Next up, we have the newly released Football Manager 26 Console, which was recently announced as a PlayStation Plus title. To address the elephant in the room, Football Manager 2025 was cancelled by Sports Interactive due to troubled production. So, hopefully, this year's entry can get the immersive management sim series back on track.

At its peak, the Football Manager series can consume your life, as no other game can. If it hooks you in, it’s one of the most addictive games that you’ll ever play as you try to manage your team to glory, signing all the best players in the world, and playing through just “one more transfer window”. If you know, you know.

When Are the Xbox Games Free to Play?

Both South Park: Snow Day and Football Manager 26 Console are free to play from right now until Sunday, 19 April 2026.

Who Qualifies to Play the Free Xbox Games?

Anyone who subscribes to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, Premium or Essential. Many games are tied to the top tiers, but with South Park: Snow Day and Football Manager 26 Console, any subscriber can access them during the promotion.

Where Can I Download the Free Xbox Games?

You can download South Park: Snow Day and Football Manager Console 26 either through the official Xbox Marketplace website or via the store app on your console.

Will My Progress Carry Over When the Promotion Ends?

Yes, your save data will carry over if you decide to purchase the full game, and so too will all the achievements you’ve earned. What’s more, both games are currently discounted. South Park: Snow Day is currently £9.99, reduced from £24.99, and Football Manager Console 26 is £29.99, reduced from £49.99.