Skald: Against The Black Priory Available Free For One Day On Epic Games Store

Free on the Epic Games Store today, Skald: Against the Black Priory is available to claim at no cost until 11 a.m. EST on Dec. 29. The release marks the latest entry in Epic’s holiday mystery giveaway, where titles rotate daily and remain free for 24 hours before being replaced.

Skald: Against the Black Priory launched in 2024, despite its visual style suggesting a much earlier era. Developed with a clear reference to 1980s role-playing games, it presents a turn-based structure rooted in gothic horror and grimdark fantasy. The game emphasizes deliberate pacing, harsh combat outcomes, and bleak worldbuilding rather than modern convenience systems. Its presentation mirrors early computer RPGs, with stark character portraits and dense text-driven storytelling.

To get Skald: Against the Black Priory, get it for free on Epic Games, or get the next game if you're late.

Critical reception since launch has been strong. Rock Paper Shotgun described the game as “the best of 80s RPG design without the baggage,” praising its ability to evoke classic mechanics without inheriting their technical limits or design excesses. On Steam, Skald currently holds a “Very Positive” user rating, reflecting consistent approval from players familiar with older RPG traditions as well as newer audiences seeking a slower, more punishing experience.

The Epic Games Store typically announces free titles in advance, but this pattern changes during its end-of-year promotion. Throughout the holiday period, Epic replaces previews with gift-wrapped placeholder images, revealing each game only when it becomes available. In 2024, the promotion has already included several high-profile releases. Titles such as Dredge, Control, and Sifu were offered earlier in the two-week run leading up to the new year.

Claiming the game requires only an Epic Games Store account. Once added to a user’s library during the 24-hour window, the game remains permanently accessible. Each daily giveaway resets at 11 a.m. EST, when the next mystery title replaces the previous one.

Skald: Against the Black Priory stands out among the holiday offerings for its narrow focus and uncompromising design. Rather than broad appeal, it targets players drawn to older systems, darker themes, and structured turn-based play. Its inclusion continues Epic’s pattern of mixing major releases with niche projects during the seasonal giveaway cycle.