Xbox Free Play Days (October 15–18, 2026): NBA 2K27, Crusader Kings III, The Alters and More

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Xbox Free Play Days runs from Thursday, October 15, through Sunday, October 18, 2026. Game Pass Ultimate, Premium and Essential members can play Crusader Kings III, Bus Simulator 21 Next Stop, Soccer Story and Ravenswatch during the event. NBA 2K27 Standard Edition joins at 12 p.m. PDT on Friday, October 16. The Alters is different: every Xbox player can try it for three hours, with no Game Pass membership required.

Install each game from its Xbox.com details page, or on console open the Subscriptions tab and choose the Free Play Days collection. If you buy a game, Xbox says you can continue playing and keep your Gamerscore and achievements; discounts and availability vary by title and region.

#	Preview	Product	Price
1		$100 XBOX Gift Card [Digital Code]	$100.00	Buy on Amazon
2		$10 XBOX Gift Card [Digital Code]	$10.00	Buy on Amazon
3		$50 XBOX Gift Card [Digital Code]	$50.00	Buy on Amazon
4		$25 XBOX Gift Card [Digital Code]	$25.00	Buy on Amazon
5		Xbox Physical Gift Card | $25	$25.00	Buy on Amazon

At a glance: which games are free and when

What to play in each free window

NBA 2K27 Standard Edition

The basketball trial begins Friday, October 16, at noon Pacific time, rather than at the opening of Thursday’s event. Qualifying Game Pass members can create a MyPLAYER, enter The City, develop a career in MyCAREER, or play NBA and WNBA stars in Play Now. Those modes can absorb a full weekend, so it is the strongest choice if you want a substantial sports game rather than a short story.

Crusader Kings III

This medieval grand-strategy simulation is about directing a noble house across generations. Marriage, conflict, alliances, schemes and succession determine whether your dynasty survives. It is a solo game with a steep time commitment: a short session can become an experiment in one decision, while a campaign can continue for dozens of hours if you purchase it.

#1 Best Overall

$100 XBOX Gift Card [Digital Code]

• THE PERFECT GAMING GIFT — Buy an XBOX Gift Card for yourself or a friend and let them choose the games, add‑ons, subscriptions, and accessories they want most.
• USE FOR GAMES & CONTENT — Redeem for thousands of digital XBOX games, from backward compatible classics to the latest new releases, plus DLC and in‑game currency.
• GAME PASS READY — Apply your balance toward XBOX Game Pass Ultimate to play new titles on day one* and access a library of hundreds of high‑quality console games.
• PRE‑ORDER & PRE‑INSTALL GAMES — Use your balance to pre‑order and pre‑download upcoming titles so you’re ready to play the moment they launch.
• NO FEES OR EXPIRATION — XBOX Gift Cards never expire and have no service fees, so your balance is ready whenever you are.

$100.00

Buy on Amazon

Bus Simulator 21 Next Stop

You drive officially licensed buses through two open-world cities while building and operating a bus company. Online co-op gives this the clearest shared-management option in the lineup. It suits players who prefer measured routes, vehicle handling and business progression to combat.

Soccer Story

Soccer Story combines exploration and adventure with football mechanics. Soccer Inc. has shut local stadiums, teams and tournaments, and a magical soccer ball selects you to help restore the sport. The event is a good fit for a contained, character-driven adventure rather than a competitive sports simulation.

Rank #2

$10 XBOX Gift Card [Digital Code]

• THE PERFECT GAMING GIFT — Buy an XBOX Gift Card for yourself or a friend and let them choose the games, add‑ons, subscriptions, and accessories they want most.
• USE FOR GAMES & CONTENT — Redeem for thousands of digital XBOX games, from backward compatible classics to the latest new releases, plus DLC and in‑game currency.
• GAME PASS READY — Apply your balance toward XBOX Game Pass Ultimate to play new titles on day one* and access a library of hundreds of high‑quality console games.
• PRE‑ORDER & PRE‑INSTALL GAMES — Use your balance to pre‑order and pre‑download upcoming titles so you’re ready to play the moment they launch.
• NO FEES OR EXPIRATION — XBOX Gift Cards never expire and have no service fees, so your balance is ready whenever you are.

$10.00

Buy on Amazon

Ravenswatch

This action roguelike sends heroes against nightmares. Runs focus on combat, ability upgrades and build choices, and the game supports solo play or co-op for up to four players. The event announcement also highlights the Kintaro hero, a bear companion and a reworked hero-talent system, giving returning players fresh systems to test.

The Alters

The Alters is the only membership-free offer and the only one limited by a play clock: the trial ends after three hours. On a hostile planet, you create alternate versions of yourself based on different life paths, then build a base, manage resources and look after each Alter’s mental wellbeing. The premise makes the trial especially useful for deciding whether its branching choices and survival management justify a purchase.

Rank #3

$50 XBOX Gift Card [Digital Code]

• THE PERFECT GAMING GIFT — Buy an XBOX Gift Card for yourself or a friend and let them choose the games, add‑ons, subscriptions, and accessories they want most.
• USE FOR GAMES & CONTENT — Redeem for thousands of digital XBOX games, from backward compatible classics to the latest new releases, plus DLC and in‑game currency.
• GAME PASS READY — Apply your balance toward XBOX Game Pass Ultimate to play new titles on day one* and access a library of hundreds of high‑quality console games.
• PRE‑ORDER & PRE‑INSTALL GAMES — Use your balance to pre‑order and pre‑download upcoming titles so you’re ready to play the moment they launch.
• NO FEES OR EXPIRATION — XBOX Gift Cards never expire and have no service fees, so your balance is ready whenever you are.

$50.00

Buy on Amazon

How to install the games

1. On Xbox, open the Subscriptions tab.
2. Select the Free Play Days collection.
3. Choose a listed game and select its install option. You can also open the game’s Xbox.com details page and start the installation there.
4. For NBA 2K27, wait until Friday, October 16, at 12 p.m. PDT if the game is not yet available in your region.
5. For The Alters, launch only when you are ready to use the three-hour trial; the time limit applies to the offer.

What happens when the weekend ends?

The Free Play Days access window ends Sunday, October 18. Buying a title lets you continue playing, and Xbox says your progress, Gamerscore and achievements carry over. Store prices, temporary discounts and regional availability differ by game, so check the purchase screen for your account and country before relying on a displayed promotion.

Is there a physical Xbox version of NBA 2K27?

Yes. The official 2K Store identifies the Xbox Series X standard NBA 2K27 option as a physical copy. The Xbox product page lists the game as optimized for Xbox Series X|S and says a purchase is required. The physical option is therefore a buy-to-keep format after the Free Play Days period, not a way to extend the free event.

Quick Recap

Bestseller No. 1

$100 XBOX Gift Card [Digital Code]

Gift cards are region‑specific (U.S. only) and cannot be transferred once redeemed.

$100.00

Bestseller No. 2

$10 XBOX Gift Card [Digital Code]

Gift cards are region‑specific (U.S. only) and cannot be transferred once redeemed.

$10.00

Bestseller No. 3

$50 XBOX Gift Card [Digital Code]

Gift cards are region‑specific (U.S. only) and cannot be transferred once redeemed.

$50.00

Bestseller No. 4

$25 XBOX Gift Card [Digital Code]

Gift cards are region‑specific (U.S. only) and cannot be transferred once redeemed.

$25.00

Bestseller No. 5

Xbox Physical Gift Card | $25

MOVIES & TV SHOWS: Rent or buy new and popular movies and TV shows from a massive library.

$25.00

Best Value

Xbox Physical Gift Card | $25

• XBOX GIFT CARD: Buy full digital game downloads, game add-ons, in-game currency, memberships, devices, apps, movies, TV shows, and more.
• DIGITAL GAMES: Choose from hundreds of games, from AAA to indie options. Start playing the moment your most anticipated game is available when you pre-order and pre-download it.
• GAME AD-ONS: Extend the experience of your favorite games with add-ons and in-game currency.
• MOVIES & TV SHOWS: Rent or buy new and popular movies and TV shows from a massive library.
• PERFECT GIFT: Great as a gift for a friend or yourself. Xbox Gift Cards are easy to use, never expire, and give the freedom to pick the gift they want. Enjoy more ways to play without a credit card attached to your Microsoft account.

$25.00

Buy on Amazon

Rank #4

$25 XBOX Gift Card [Digital Code]

• THE PERFECT GAMING GIFT — Buy an XBOX Gift Card for yourself or a friend and let them choose the games, add‑ons, subscriptions, and accessories they want most.
• USE FOR GAMES & CONTENT — Redeem for thousands of digital XBOX games, from backward compatible classics to the latest new releases, plus DLC and in‑game currency.
• GAME PASS READY — Apply your balance toward XBOX Game Pass Ultimate to play new titles on day one* and access a library of hundreds of high‑quality console games.
• PRE‑ORDER & PRE‑INSTALL GAMES — Use your balance to pre‑order and pre‑download upcoming titles so you’re ready to play the moment they launch.
• NO FEES OR EXPIRATION — XBOX Gift Cards never expire and have no service fees, so your balance is ready whenever you are.

$25.00

Buy on Amazon

Choosing quickly

• Want basketball? Choose NBA 2K27, but remember its trial starts Friday at noon PDT.
• Want a campaign that rewards planning? Try Crusader Kings III.
• Want co-op? Pick Bus Simulator 21 Next Stop for online driving and management, or Ravenswatch for up to four-player action.
• Want a shorter narrative test? Use the three-hour The Alters trial.
• Want soccer without a conventional sports simulation? Soccer Story offers an adventure built around restoring the game.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.