Image Source: Polygon.com
Epic is offering PC players two very different games for free this week, giving subscribers and regular store users an easy way to expand their libraries without spending anything. The latest Epic Games Store promotion includes a creepy visual novel and a cooperative puzzle adventure, with both titles available to claim until Thursday, Aug. 13, at 11 a.m. EDT.
The promotion is particularly appealing because the two games deliver sharply contrasting experiences. Beacon Pines is a story-focused mystery set in a strange storybook world, while We Were Here Together challenges two players to communicate and solve puzzles during a dangerous Antarctic rescue mission.
Epic free games include a creepy mystery and co-op adventure
Beacon Pines offers a powerful storybook mystery
Beacon Pines may look cute at first glance, thanks to its animal characters and colorful storybook presentation. Beneath that welcoming style, however, the game explores unsettling events and emotionally heavy themes. Players investigate the strange happenings surrounding the town of Beacon Pines while uncovering a mystery that changes depending on the choices they make.
The game places players in the unusual role of both reader and character. As the story develops, you collect special charms that can be used at key turning points. These charms allow you to rewrite parts of the narrative, opening new paths and revealing additional details about the town and its residents.
This structure gives Beacon Pines a strong replay value. Instead of simply following one fixed storyline, players can return to earlier moments, experiment with different choices, and discover how seemingly small decisions affect the larger mystery. The result is a narrative adventure that combines exploration, branching storytelling, and a memorable cast of characters.
The game has also developed a strong reputation among PC players. According to its Steam listing, Beacon Pines has more than 2,500 player reviews rated “Overwhelmingly Positive,” making it a compelling choice for anyone who enjoys visual novels, interactive fiction, or atmospheric mystery games.
We Were Here Together delivers intense teamwork
For players searching for a cooperative experience, We Were Here Together offers a very different kind of challenge. The game casts two players as Antarctic explorers who become caught up in a rescue mission that quickly grows more dangerous than expected.
Communication is the central mechanic. Players must work together, share information, and carefully describe what they see in order to solve the game’s puzzles. Walkie-talkies help the two explorers stay connected, but the game’s obstacles often require each player to interpret separate clues and explain them clearly to their partner.
That design makes We Were Here Together a strong choice for friends, couples, or anyone looking for a co-op game built around conversation rather than combat. Progress depends on cooperation, patience, and the ability to connect information that may initially appear unrelated.
The cooperative adventure has also received a positive response from PC players. Its Steam page lists nearly 5,000 reviews with a “Very Positive” rating, offering further evidence that the game has found an audience among fans of puzzle adventures and multiplayer experiences.
How to claim the Epic Games Store giveaway
Claiming the two free games is straightforward. Players need to sign in to an Epic Games Store account, open each game’s store page, and complete the checkout process while the price is listed as zero. Once claimed, the titles are added to the account’s library and can be downloaded for play on PC.
- Beacon Pines: A branching visual novel and mystery adventure.
- We Were Here Together: A cooperative Antarctic puzzle game designed around communication.
- Offer deadline: Thursday, Aug. 13, at 11 a.m. EDT.
- Platform: PC through the Epic Games Store.
The most important detail is the deadline. The games are free only for a limited time, so players must claim them before the promotion ends. After that point, the offer will no longer be available under the current giveaway schedule, even though the games may remain in the store for purchase.
This week’s selection also demonstrates the variety that can appear in Epic’s rotating free-games program. Beacon Pines is suited to players who prefer a quiet, eerie narrative, while We Were Here Together is aimed at those who want a social challenge that rewards teamwork. Together, they provide two distinctive ways to spend a gaming weekend without adding another purchase to the budget.
Frequently asked questions
What games are free on Epic this week?
Beacon Pines and We Were Here Together are available as the latest free PC games on the Epic Games Store.
When does the Epic free-games promotion end?
The offer ends Thursday, Aug. 13, at 11 a.m. EDT.
What type of game is Beacon Pines?
Beacon Pines is a story-driven visual novel and mystery adventure featuring branching choices and a storybook setting.
Can We Were Here Together be played cooperatively?
Yes. We Were Here Together is built around two-player cooperation, communication, and puzzle-solving.
Do players keep the games after claiming them?
Once claimed through the Epic Games Store, the games are added to the player’s account library for future access.
