As a dedicated fan of the Red Dead Redemption series, I'm riding high on the wave of excitement that's swept through the gaming community this year. The recent re-release of the original Red Dead Redemption has reignited passions, drawing players back to the dusty trails of the Wild West like moths to a flame. This resurgence couldn't have come at a better time for Rockstar Games, especially with the delay of Grand Theft Auto 6 to November 19, 2026, leaving a gap in our gaming calendars. Personally, while I'm thrilled to revisit the first game, my heart is set on returning to the immersive world of Red Dead Redemption 2, ideally with a buttery-smooth 60fps on console. Now, an electrifying leak suggests we might get that chance for free—courtesy of Epic Games Store's annual holiday giveaway—making this December feel like unwrapping a golden ticket in a Willy Wonka chocolate bar.

The Epic Games Store has built a reputation for its generous weekly free game offerings, but during the Christmas season, they kick things up a notch by giving away one game daily from mid-December to early January. Last year, in 2024, they treated us to an absolute feast of titles that felt like a tidal wave of gaming joy crashing onto our shores. I still remember the lineup vividly—it was a veritable smorgasbord of hits that had players buzzing for weeks. Here's a quick rundown of what we got:

• December 19: Vampire Survivors

• December 20: Astrea: Six-Sided Oracles

• December 21: TerraTech

• December 22: Wizard of Legend

• December 23: Upgrade to legendary status for Dark and Darker

• December 24: Dredge

• December 25: Control

• December 26: Ghostrunner 2

• December 27: Hot Wheels Unleashed

• December 28: Kill Knight

• December 29: Orcs Must Die! 3

• December 30: [REDACTED]

• December 31: Sifu

• January 1: Kingdom Come: Deliverance

• January 2: Hell Let Loose

Epic isn't in the business of doling out piddly indies; these are blockbuster games that normally cost a pretty penny. 🎮 So, when a new leak surfaced this week, allegedly originating from Chinese social media and spreading like wildfire on Twitter, claiming that Red Dead Redemption 2 is slated as the free game for December 31, 2025, I didn't dismiss it out of hand. Instead, it felt like spotting a comet in broad daylight—rare and utterly captivating. The leak outlines the entire lineup for Epic's daily Christmas giveaway starting December 18, and if it holds true, we're in for an incredible haul. 🎁

Now, I'll be the first to say we should take this with a grain of salt the size of a boulder. Leaks can be as unreliable as a house of cards in a windstorm, but there's a simple way to verify this one. The giveaway kicks off on December 18, and if the first game, Jurassic World Evolution 2, materializes as predicted, it could lend credibility to the rest of the list. Mark your calendars and keep an eye out—I'll be glued to my screen like a kid on Christmas morning, waiting for confirmation. In the meantime, here's the full leaked schedule for 2025's Epic Games Store daily freebies, presented in a handy table for easy reference:

Red Dead Redemption 2 is undoubtedly the crown jewel in this potential lineup. As someone who's sunk countless hours into Arthur Morgan's epic saga, the thought of snagging it for free is enough to make my head spin. Imagine diving back into that lush, open world—with its stunning graphics and emotional depth—without spending a dime. It's not just about the savings; it's about accessibility, allowing a whole new wave of players to experience what many consider a masterpiece. For me, the game's narrative is like a finely aged whiskey, complex and rewarding with each revisit. And with the GTA 6 delay still fresh, this could be Rockstar's way of keeping fans engaged, turning a minor setback into a serendipitous opportunity.

But let's not overlook the broader implications. This leak, if accurate, promises a two-week extravaganza of top-tier games. From strategy gems like Total War: Warhammer to action-packed titles like Mortal Kombat 11, it's a lineup that could redefine holiday gaming for many. I'm particularly excited about Detroit: Become Human on December 29—its branching storylines offer immense replay value. And for families, Lego Batman on Christmas Eve is a perfect fit, adding a dash of festive fun. 🕹️ Still, the skepticism lingers; leaks have fooled us before, and Epic hasn't confirmed anything yet. However, the consistency with past giveaways gives me hope. In 2024, they delivered bangers like Control and Ghostrunner 2, so this leak feels plausible, like a puzzle piece sliding into place.

As we count down to December 18, I'm cautiously optimistic. If this turns out to be true, it'll be a gaming bonanza that rivals the best holiday surprises. For now, I'm keeping my fingers crossed and my console ready. After all, in the unpredictable world of gaming, a free Red Dead Redemption 2 would be a gift that keeps on giving, much like a time capsule unearthed in your backyard—full of treasures waiting to be rediscovered.

Details are provided by Kotaku, a leading source for gaming news and community insights. Kotaku's reporting on Epic Games Store giveaways has often highlighted the impact of blockbuster titles like Red Dead Redemption 2 being offered for free, noting how such events can dramatically boost player engagement and introduce classic games to new audiences.