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Xbox Free Play Days runs October 8–11, 2026, with seven games available under different conditions: two require an eligible Game Pass membership, ARC Raiders is free for all Xbox members, and four are timed trials. The event is underway on October 9, but Xbox has not published exact start and end times or a time zone.
Which Xbox games are free this weekend?
Xbox’s October 8 announcement groups the lineup by access type. That distinction matters: the event includes both free access and limited trials, so not every title offers unlimited play throughout the weekend. Xbox Wire’s event announcement says the games are time bound.
| Game | Access | Advertised discount |
|---|---|---|
| Screamer | Free Play Days access requires Game Pass Ultimate, Premium, or Essential. | 60% off, according to Xbox Wire; price and availability may vary by region. |
| Family Man | Free Play Days access requires Game Pass Ultimate, Premium, or Essential. | 85% off, according to Xbox Wire; price and availability may vary by region. |
| ARC Raiders | Free for all Xbox members; Game Pass membership is not required. | 50% off; Xbox Wire also gives a purchase window of October 8–15, 2026. Price and availability may vary by region. |
| High On Life 2 | Timed trial for all Xbox players; Xbox Wire does not state a trial duration. | Not stated in the announcement. |
| S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl | Timed trial for all Xbox players; Xbox Wire does not state a trial duration. | 30% off; price and availability may vary by region. |
| Little Nightmares III | Timed trial for all Xbox players; Xbox Wire does not state a trial duration. | Not stated in the announcement. |
| Rogue Waters | Two-hour trial for all Xbox players. | 75% off; price and availability may vary by region. |
The discounts are temporary offers listed in Xbox’s announcement. Check the game’s Xbox Store listing for your region before buying; percentages and title availability can vary.
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Do you need Game Pass?
Only Screamer and Family Man are identified as membership offers. Xbox names Game Pass Ultimate, Premium, and Essential as eligible tiers. ARC Raiders is explicitly free for Xbox members without Game Pass. The four trial titles are described as available to all Xbox players.
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- BUILT-IN AUDIO SUPPORT — Plug in compatible headsets using the 3.5mm audio jack for direct voice chat and immersive in-game sound.
How to find and install a game
- On Xbox One or Xbox Series X|S: Open the Xbox Store, go to the Subscriptions tab, and find the Free Play Days collection.
- On Xbox.com: Open the individual game’s Xbox.com detail page and choose the available installation option.
- For Screamer or Family Man: Sign in with an account that has an eligible Game Pass tier. Xbox says you must be signed in to see the eligible installation option.
When does Free Play Days end?
Xbox lists the event dates as Thursday, October 8 through Sunday, October 11, 2026. The announcement does not specify an exact closing time or time zone, so it does not establish when access ends locally. Because the games are time bound, check the game listing in your Xbox Store while the event is running.
Quick Recap
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GameSir G7 Pro Wired Controller for Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Wireless Gamepad for PC&Android with TMR Sticks, Hall Effect Analog Triggers, 1000Hz Polling Rate, 3.5mm Audio Jack - Black
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- MODERNIZED DESIGN — Experience the modernized design of the XBOX Wireless Controller with sculpted surfaces and updated geometry that enhances comfort and control during long gaming sessions.
- PRECISION PERFORMANCE — Stay on target with a hybrid D-pad and textured grips on triggers, bumpers, and back case for improved accuracy and handling.
- SHARE BUTTON: Seamlessly capture and share content such as screenshots, recordings, and more with the new Share button.
- VERSATILE CONNECTIVITY — Connect via USB-C for plug-and-play on console and PC, or quickly pair and switch between supported devices with XBOX Wireless and Bluetooth support.
- BUILT-IN AUDIO SUPPORT — Plug in compatible headsets using the 3.5mm audio jack for direct voice chat and immersive in-game sound.
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Xbox Wireless Gaming Controller | Deep Pink
- MODERNIZED DESIGN — Experience the modernized design of the XBOX Wireless Controller with sculpted surfaces and updated geometry that enhances comfort and control during long gaming sessions.
- PRECISION PERFORMANCE — Stay on target with a hybrid D-pad and textured grips on triggers, bumpers, and back case for improved accuracy and handling.
- SHARE BUTTON: Seamlessly capture and share content such as screenshots, recordings, and more with the new Share button.
- VERSATILE CONNECTIVITY — Connect via USB-C for plug-and-play on console and PC, or quickly pair and switch between supported devices with XBOX Wireless and Bluetooth support.
- BUILT-IN AUDIO SUPPORT — Plug in compatible headsets using the 3.5mm audio jack for direct voice chat and immersive in-game sound.
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