Xbox Free Play Days: 6 Games Free This Weekend

This Free Play Days weekend moves from professional basketball and medieval politics to bus management, magical football, co-op roguelike action and science-fiction survival. It is a strong sampler, but “free this weekend” does not mean every game follows the same rules.

Xbox's official announcement was checked on October 15, 2026. The standard event runs through Sunday, October 18, while NBA 2K27 starts later and The Alters limits each player to a three-hour trial. Exact end times, store discounts and availability can vary by region.

Xbox Free Play Days Games at a Glance

The displayed prices above came from Xbox's US announcement and should not be treated as universal. Currency, tax, discount percentage and participation can change between Microsoft Store regions.

When Does Xbox Free Play Days End?

Crusader Kings III, Bus Simulator 21 Next Stop, Soccer Story and Ravenswatch are available from Thursday, October 15 through Sunday, October 18. NBA 2K27 joins on Friday, October 16 at 12 p.m. Pacific Daylight Time and remains available through Sunday.

Xbox does not provide one universal local cutoff time in the announcement. Open the game's Microsoft Store listing while signed in to see the entitlement and any countdown that applies to your account. Begin large downloads early; installing a game does not extend the event beyond its deadline.

1. NBA 2K27 — Best Competitive Sports Pick

NBA 2K27 is the headline choice for basketball fans. The trial provides enough time to test Play Now, begin a MyCAREER run or create a MyPLAYER for The City. New players should avoid spending most of the short weekend adjusting cosmetic details before confirming how the game feels on the court.

Its window begins a day later than the main Free Play Days group. Xbox also advertises a separate October 16–29 promotion in which buying a digital edition can include an Xbox Gift Card and a 15,000 Virtual Currency Pack. Read the regional offer terms carefully; the purchase promotion is not the same thing as temporary free access.

2. Crusader Kings III — Best Strategy Game

Crusader Kings III is a medieval dynasty simulator rather than a conventional battlefield strategy game. You guide rulers and heirs, arrange marriages, manage vassals, survive plots and decide what kind of legacy the family leaves. A disastrous reign does not necessarily end the campaign because control can pass to the next eligible character.

The weekend is too short to master every system. Start with a suggested ruler, follow the tutorial and focus on one generation. The Free Play Days version is listed for Xbox Series X|S, so Xbox One owners should verify device compatibility before downloading.

3. Bus Simulator 21 Next Stop — Best Relaxed Co-op Option

Bus Simulator 21 Next Stop lets players drive officially licensed vehicles, build routes and develop a transport company across two open-world cities. It supports solo play and online co-op, making it suitable for friends who want a slower shared activity than a competitive shooter or sports match.

Begin with the driving tutorial, test the assists and establish a short profitable route before attempting a large network. The simulator rewards smooth braking, punctuality and passenger comfort rather than speed. Its Xbox Play Anywhere label can also matter to players who want eligible progress across Xbox and Windows devices.

4. Soccer Story — Best Short Weekend Adventure

Soccer Story combines an adventure structure with football challenges in a world where organized soccer has been prohibited. A magical ball turns ordinary environments into places for passing, shooting and puzzle solving. Its playful tone makes it more approachable than a realistic sports simulation.

Xbox advertised an 85% discount, reducing the displayed US price from $19.99 to $2.99 during the event. That makes it the easiest game in the lineup to sample and finish later, but always confirm the final local price and sale deadline before purchasing.

5. Ravenswatch — Best for Action and Replayability

Ravenswatch transforms familiar folklore into an action roguelike playable alone or with up to four people. Each run asks players to combine hero abilities, upgrades and collected items before facing the chapter's major threat. Failure is part of learning enemy patterns and refining a build.

The game recently added Kintaro, a hero inspired by Japanese folklore who fights beside a bear companion, alongside a broader talent rework. Xbox listed a 65% discount and a $10.49 US sale price for the weekend. It is the strongest option if your group wants repeated compact runs rather than one long campaign.

6. The Alters — Free Three-Hour Trial for Everyone

The Alters is the exception in this lineup. It does not require Game Pass, but access is limited to three hours. You play a stranded worker who creates alternate versions of himself based on different life decisions. Each Alter brings useful skills, memories and personal conflicts to a mobile survival base.

Three hours is enough to experience the premise and basic resource loop, but not enough for a complete campaign. Close the game when taking a long break if the trial counts active application time, and check the Store's exact timer behavior. Xbox showed a discounted US price of $15.74, down from $34.99.

How to Download the Free Weekend Games

1. Sign in to the Microsoft account connected to the eligible Xbox profile.
2. On Xbox One or Series X|S, open the Store and find the Free Play Days collection under Subscriptions.
3. Alternatively, open the individual game page on Xbox.com while signed in.
4. Select the included install option instead of accidentally purchasing an edition.
5. Launch the game before the event ends and confirm that the correct profile is active.

Ultimate, Premium and Essential members can use the five membership-based offers. The Alters trial is available without Game Pass. Child accounts, family settings, regional restrictions and online multiplayer permissions may still affect access.

Do Progress and Achievements Carry Over?

Xbox says Gamerscore and achievements earned during Free Play Days are retained if you purchase the game afterward. Save progress normally carries into the matching purchased Xbox version as well, although switching editions, regions or platforms can complicate compatibility.

The games stop launching through the temporary entitlement after the event. Buying the game, obtaining it through another active entitlement or keeping access through a separate Game Pass catalog listing is required to continue. Free Play Days is therefore a full-game weekend trial, not a permanent license.

Frequently Asked Questions