Epic Video games is constant its custom of freely giving freebies to those that move by its retailer, like a wandering service provider with no actual idea of worth. Though this week’s choices may need probably the most generic titles you’ve got ever heard, there’s lots extra to Havendock and Hyper Echelon than first meets the attention.
Look just a little nearer on the Epic Video games freebies and you will find a comfortable colony simulation recreation and a ship-based area shooter ripped instantly out of your favourite recollections on the arcade if you had been a child. Or, for those who had been born this millennium, your dad’s favourite recollections of the arcades. Ask him, he’ll perceive.
Let’s begin with the colony sim. The primary of the free Epic video games this week, Havendock seems to be lovable. Sitting someplace between Timberborn and Subnautica relating to vibes, you may construct a haven for castaways on and round your desert island. This consists of large jetty programs and even underwater environments. With quirky-looking characters and funky occasions galore, this 2025 recreation might be the reply to Pokopia for the Switchless amongst us.
Havendock often prices $19.99 / £15.99 on Epic. The sport has 82% constructive rankings on Steam, touchdown it a ‘very constructive’ ranking, however that rises to 90% constructive within the final 30 days, doubtless because of the Wizard Island DLC that launched on the finish of final yr.
Hyper Echelon, however, doesn’t look cozy within the slightest. A basic arcade shooter with the pixel artwork to match, this can be a little slice of the previous – hopefully, with some trendy high quality of life enhancements. I need to spotlight the UI specifically, which supplies me a much bigger blast of nostalgia than each Saturday morning cartoon might give me, mixed. Sitting at 88% constructive opinions on Steam, this looks as if a recreation that’s primed to seek out its viewers.
Whereas Havendock first launched final yr, Hyper Echelon is older, first releasing in 2021. Developer GangoGames hasn’t slacked since then, although, as the sport acquired an replace as lately as December 2025. If you wish to reminisce concerning the arcade shooters of yesteryear – or loved final yr’s moreish Ball x Pit – that is effectively value selecting up. Who am I kidding? It is free. In fact you are going to seize it. However perhaps really play this one, somewhat than let it languish in your library gathering mud.
Each Havendock and Hyper Echelon are free to maintain from Thursday March 26 by Thursday April 1. You possibly can seize them right here.
You could not have heard of this week’s free Epic video games earlier than this very second, and their names might not encourage a lot confidence. However nearer inspection reveals two diverse experiences which have provoked massively constructive responses from their respective communities. If that is not sufficient so that you can think about loading one in all them up, I do not know what’s.
