OG PlayStation classic is free on Xbox as 5 games dropped for the weekend

It's fair to say that 2026 has been a bit of a dicey one for video games, and just when we thought the console wars of yesteryear had died down, with everyone able to play happy families, it seems Sony and Microsoft are destined to try and outdo each other in terms of disappointing their players.

First game confirmation that PlayStation is stopping the production of physical discs in 2028, and keen not to be outdone, Microsoft swung its scythe with those long-rumoured studio closures.

The Green Team has arguably been doing more work in terms of trying to earn back our trust, as away from whispers of a new 'free' Xbox Game Pass service with ads, you can rejoice that a beloved PlayStation classic is coming to Xbox...for absolutely nothing.

A 'Solid' choice of games

As confirmed by XBOX Wire, the latest lineup of Free Play Days games is here, running from Thursday, July 23, until Sunday, July 26.

Up first, all Xbox members can enjoy Bleach Rebirth of Souls and Killing Floor 3 without needing a Game Pass Game Pass Ultimate, Premium, or Essential membership. Tamsoft Corporation's Bleach Rebirth of Souls was released in 2005 and is a pretty standard 3D fighter, while Killing Floor 3 is a 2025 FPS horror from Tripwire Interactive.

Taking things up a notch, For Honor has an extended playtime from Thursday, July 23, until Tuesday, August 4.

Ubisoft's tactical fighting game is still getting support thanks to the recent release of Year 10 Season 2: Unleashed, so there's plenty to enjoy if you haven't dipped your toe into this world before.

Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, Premium and Essential members can also get to grips with DigixArt's Tides of Tomorrow until July 26. This first-person narrative adventure was only released in April 2026, offering something different with its 'plasticpunk' aesthetic, so why not give it a go?

Of course, the big release is Metal Gear Solid – Master Collection Version, which you can also enjoy for an extended period until August 4.

For those who've never experienced the first 3D title in the Metal Gear Solid series, firstly, where have you been for the past 28 years?

Released on the original PlayStation in 1998, many have hailed this as the greatest video game story of the 20th century.

Giving you more bang for your buck (even though it's free), the Master Collection version also includes the VR/special missions, so you can see where the stealth saga really started.

READ MORE: Ranking the 13 Best PlayStation Games Of All Time

Metal Gear is being welcomed to Xbox with open arms

Metal Gear, having lost its PlayStation exclusivity, is nothing new, but with Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops still locked to the Xbox rival, we'll take all of the MGS we can get on the green machine.

It's a big year for the series, with Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 2 also seeing Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots and Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker lose their true blue colouring as they also come to Xbox.

It definitely feels like the Free Play Days lineup adding Metal Gear Solid – Master Collection Version is to set the stage for their imminent arrival.

With some in the replies on X saying you can easily beat Metal Gear Solid – Master Collection Version in a weekend, that sounds like a challenge to us.