Epic Games Store Adds Two Stealth Games to Weekly Freebies: Styx Titles Offer Very Positive Ratings

Epic Games Store is concluding its weekly giveaway cycle with a pair of stealth-focused titles for PC gamers. While Bloons TD 6 remains available to claim until January 15 at 16:00 UTC, the platform is preparing to launch its next free promotion featuring two games from the Styx franchise.

What's New: A Stealth Game Bundle

Starting January 16, Epic Games Store users can claim both Styx: Master of Shadows and Styx: Shards of Darkness at no cost. These titles represent the first two entries in the Styx series, developed by Cyanide Studio. The bundle will be available to add to your library until January 22 at 16:00 UTC.

Both games are stealth-action titles centered around a goblin protagonist named Styx. The gameplay emphasizes avoiding direct combat, using environmental navigation, and employing various tools and abilities to complete objectives. Master of Shadows, released in 2014, serves as the origin story, while Shards of Darkness (2017) expands the mechanics and narrative scope.

Value Assessment and Market Context

While Epic Games Store presents this as a combined value of $39.98, the actual market worth differs significantly. Both titles frequently appear on sale platforms like Steam, where they can be purchased together for as little as $1.99 during promotional periods. This pricing reality is important for users who might consider these games as premium giveaways.

The Steam ratings tell a different story than the suggested retail price. Both games maintain "Very Positive" ratings from players, with Master of Shadows holding a 79% positive rating and Shards of Darkness at 84%. This player satisfaction contrasts with professional critic scores, which average just over 70/100 on Metacritic for each title.

Technical Considerations and Platform Support

For players considering these giveaways, both games offer full Xbox controller support. This includes compatibility with popular third-party controllers like the 8BitDo Ultimate Wireless 2 and Pro 3 models. The controller support is particularly relevant given the stealth genre's reliance on precise movement and camera control, where traditional mouse-and-keyboard setups can sometimes feel less intuitive for some players.

The games are designed for PC platforms, with system requirements that remain accessible for most modern gaming hardware. Given their 2014 and 2017 release dates, they should run smoothly on integrated graphics solutions found in laptops and desktops from the last decade.

Who This Is For

This giveaway serves several player profiles effectively:

Stealth Game Enthusiasts: Players who enjoy methodical, non-combat-focused gameplay will find substantial value in these titles. The series offers a distinct approach to stealth compared to mainstream franchises like Metal Gear Solid or Hitman.

Budget-Conscious Gamers: Even at their frequent sale prices, obtaining both games for free represents genuine savings. For users who haven't previously explored the series, this eliminates any financial barrier to entry.

Epic Games Store Regulars: Users who consistently claim weekly free titles will add these to their growing library. While not the highest-value giveaway in terms of retail price, they contribute to a diverse game collection.

Controller Preference Players: Gamers who prefer playing with a controller rather than mouse and keyboard will appreciate the native support. The stealth mechanics translate well to controller input, offering an alternative to the typical PC-centric control schemes.

Comparison to Previous Giveaways

This week's offering differs from recent Epic Games Store promotions in several ways. Unlike high-profile AAA titles or recent releases, these are older games with established player bases. The value proposition is more about accessibility than exclusivity or novelty.

Compared to the current Bloons TD 6 giveaway, the Styx bundle offers a completely different genre experience. While Bloons TD 6 provides strategic tower defense gameplay, the Styx games deliver narrative-driven stealth action. This variety in the weekly rotation allows Epic Games Store to appeal to different gaming preferences.

Availability and Claims Process

To claim these games, users need an Epic Games Store account. The process involves:

1. Navigating to the Epic Games Store launcher or website
2. Locating the current free games section
3. Clicking "Get" on both titles before the January 22 deadline
4. Adding them permanently to your library

Once claimed, the games remain in your Epic Games Store library indefinitely, even after the promotional period ends. This differs from subscription services where games might rotate out of availability.

Long-Term Value Consideration

While the immediate retail value might seem modest compared to some previous Epic Games Store giveaways, the player ratings suggest these games offer genuine entertainment value. The "Very Positive" Steam ratings indicate that players who have engaged with these titles found them enjoyable despite their age and modest critical reception.

For users unfamiliar with the Styx series, this giveaway provides an opportunity to explore a unique take on the stealth genre without financial risk. The pair of games offers enough content for 20-30 hours of gameplay combined, depending on play style and completion goals.

The games are available through the Epic Games Store until January 22, 2026, at 16:00 UTC. Users interested in additional details can review the official store listings for Styx: Master of Shadows and Styx: Shards of Darkness.