Exclusive Look: Free Classic Games Arrive via Xbox Free Play Days

By Published May 8, 2026, 9:30 AM EDT Known as 'Cyberpunk 2077's' biggest fan, Angharad is a Welsh games writer who thrives in anything related to digital storytelling. If a video game explores the intricacies and horrors of womanhood, she is there.

Thanks to previous work at GAMINGbible, GameByte, The Loadout, Game Luster, Angharad has built a strong understanding of both the digital world and what fans want from it and is eager to share her thoughts and expertise with readers. Summary Generate a summary of this story follow Follow followed Followed Like Like Log in Here is a fact-based summary of the story contents: Try something different: Show me the facts Explain it like I’m 5 Give me a lighthearted recap

If you have yet to experience Xbox's Free Play Days, they are periods of time when Ultimate, Premium and Essential members can get their hands on a selection of critically acclaimed games at no extra cost for a limited time. Taking place many times throughout the year, the Free Play Days offer an incredible selection of titles, and this time is no exception, with two bangers up for grabs until 10 May.

As such, you have just a few days left to download and try out these titles, but with all progress carrying over to the full game, you have absolutely nothing to lose by trying them out. So, without further ado, let us discuss the latest games showcased in Free Play Days.

The Xbox logo is superimposed over an image of an explosion in DropShot.

First up is Catan - Console Edition. Based on of the same name, Catan will see you join with fellow likeminded adventurers to abandon your homes and livelihoods in the search of untold riches. As you set off on a search for resources, you will need to master new strategies, and build your settlements across a board that has now come to life. Featuring both single and multiplayer modes, Catan - Console Edition features multiple DLCs, including its most recent Bloom and Grow expansion, which adds the ability to lush green fields, bleating lambs, and trees in full bloom to your settlements.

So, if you are interested in a virtual board game which will see you conquer lands and hunt for ancient riches, you are in luck as Catan - Console Edition is one of the free games available on Xbox Series X/S for a limited time.

The next title up for grabs is Deadside, an open-world survival shooter blending both PvP and PvE action. Developed by Bad Pixel, this open-world survival game will task you with securing precious loot in safe zones, or risking it all by building fortresses across the wild plains. However, with fellow players on the hunt for as many resources as you, you had better make sure you are well-equipped to defend both your home and yourself. With intense gunfights, stunning visuals, and a vast open-world, Deadside is perfect for fans of titles such as RUST, and it is now available to play courtesy of Xbox Free Play Days.

Image shows a screenshot taken from Deadside

If you wish to check out Catan - Console Edition or Deadside, you will need an active subscription, and once again, these titles are only free until 10 May, so make sure you hurry if either freebie has caught your eye.

Like Survival Shooter Open-World Systems Released December 5, 2026 ESRB T Developer(s) Bad Pixel Publisher(s) Bad Pixel, tinyBuild Engine Unreal Engine 4 Multiplayer Online Co-Op, Online Multiplayer Steam Deck Compatibility Unsupported 6 Images Close