The Epic Games Store is handing out two free PC games this week, headlined by the 25th anniversary remaster of immersive sim classic System Shock 2 alongside the mysterious visual novel Buried Stars. Available to claim now and free until Thursday, October 8 at 11 a.m. EDT, the giveaway offers players a chance to grab one of the most influential games in gaming history as well as an atmospheric narrative title at no charge.
The weekly rotation has long been a cornerstone of Epic’s strategy for drawing users to its storefront, and this week’s selection is among the strongest in recent memory. System Shock 2 arrived originally in 1999 from Irrational Games and Nightdive Studios’ involvement in the anniversary edition ensures the experience holds up for modern audiences while preserving what made it a landmark of the genre.
A Game That Shaped an Entire Genre
System Shock 2 is widely regarded as one of the most influential games ever made, laying groundwork that Irrational Games would build upon with BioShock in 2007. The game blends elements of first-person shooters, survival horror, and role-playing games into a tense experience set aboard the starship Von Braun, which has been overrun by both monstrous creatures and rogue machinery after an AI known as SHODAN seizes control.
Players navigate the ship’s claustrophobic halls, managing scarce resources while uncovering the story of what went wrong. The anniversary edition preserves that atmosphere while adding modern conveniences including cross-play co-op support, visual upgrades, and mod support that extend the game’s longevity for years to come.
The Epic Games Store is offering two great free PC games this week. For a limited time, you can grab one of the most influential games around, as well as a mysterious visual novel at no charge.
Epic Games Store announcement
For players who missed System Shock 2 on its original release, or those who want to experience it with friends for the first time, this giveaway represents an ideal opportunity. The addition of co-op support in particular opens the game up to a new generation of players who may have grown up hearing about its reputation without ever getting the chance to play it.
Buried Stars and How to Claim Both Games
The second title in this week’s giveaway, Buried Stars, rounds out a notably diverse selection. Described as a mysterious visual novel, it offers a markedly different experience from the action-heavy System Shock 2, giving players something narrative-driven to balance against the survival horror of the anniversary remaster.
Claiming both games is straightforward. If either System Shock 2 or Buried Stars catches your eye, all you need to do is log in to the Epic Games Store and claim them before they leave the storefront. The giveaway window runs until Thursday, October 8 at 11 a.m. EDT, after which the titles will return to their regular price tags.
The pairing of two such different games reflects Epic’s approach to its weekly giveaways, offering something for players who want intense action as well as those drawn to quieter, story-focused experiences. Once claimed, both titles remain permanently in your library, meaning there is no pressure to play them immediately—simply add them while they are free.
Looking Ahead
Players interested in securing this week’s free games should act before Thursday’s deadline, as the window will not reopen for these particular titles. Epic Games Store giveaways tend to sell out quickly when popular entries are involved, so those considering System Shock 2’s anniversary edition may want to claim it sooner rather than later.
Meanwhile, the community continues to praise System Shock 2’s enduring influence on the immersive sim genre and its lasting impact on titles that followed in its wake. With the anniversary edition adding modern features while honoring the original’s legacy, this giveaway offers both longtime fans and newcomers a chance to experience one of gaming’s true classics.
Epic Games Store typically unveils new free games each week, so those who miss this week’s selection can look forward to future rotations. Until then, anyone wanting System Shock 2: 25th Anniversary Remaster or Buried Stars should head to the storefront before Thursday arrives and these titles slip away.
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