The Epic Games Store has officially launched its latest weekly promotional offering, treating PC gaming enthusiasts to two distinct titles entirely free of charge. For a strictly limited window, platform users can expand their digital libraries with a pair of atmospheric horror games that cater to very different styles of play, spanning both cooperative action and narrative-driven mystery.
As part of the platform’s ongoing routine of offering periodic complimentary downloads, this week’s selection features the round-based co-op shooter Sker Ritual alongside the pixel-art murder mystery adventure Home. Both titles are currently accessible on the storefront for zero cost, giving players an ideal opportunity to dive into different subgenres of horror just ahead of the late-October season.
Sker Ritual
Heading up this week’s offerings is Sker Ritual, a cooperative first-person horror shooter developed and published by Wales Interactive alongside Skybound Games. Designed to accommodate either solo players or online squads of up to four participants, the title tasks users with fighting off relentless waves of terrifying enemies within a classic, round-based structure that will immediately feel familiar to fans of traditional survival-shooter gameplay loops.
Rather than relying purely on standard weaponry to survive the onslaught, players in Sker Ritual can draw upon supernatural assistance. The game incorporates a roguelike-inspired upgrade system reminiscent of titles like Hades, wherein ancient Celtic gods bestow unique blessings and modifications known as Miracles. These divine enhancements grant specialized abilities and passive boosts, ensuring that groups are adequately equipped to handle escalating hordes of monsters across increasingly difficult encounters.
The title has built a dedicated following since its release, boasting nearly 4,000 "Very Positive" user reviews on Valve’s Steam platform, signaling a strong reception from the PC gaming community for its fast-paced action and eerie atmosphere.
Home — A Unique Horror Adventure
For players looking for a more deliberate, narrative-focused experience, the second offering provides a distinct change of pace. Originally launched in 2012, Home by developer BancyCo is a retro-styled pixel art adventure that leans heavily into psychological tension and player interpretation.
The story begins with the protagonist waking up inside an unfamiliar house under mysterious circumstances, quickly realizing they must investigate a grisly murder to understand their predicament. The core mechanic of the game revolves around player agency; every clue gathered, item examined, and decision made subtly alters the narrative trajectory. These choices culminate in a shifting storyline that ensures an individual’s final outcome will likely differ significantly from what other players experience.
Adding an extra layer of depth for enthusiasts interested in game design, Home features a built-in Postmortem Mode. This unique addition functions as an interactive developer diary and visual gallery, offering players a behind-the-scenes look at the creative choices, design philosophy, and technical processes that went into crafting the indie project.
Both Sker Ritual and Home are available to claim immediately for anyone with an active account on the Epic Games Store. The promotional window is temporary, and the titles will remain free to add to personal libraries until 11 a.m. EDT on Thursday, October 29. Once claimed within the designated timeframe, the games remain permanently accessible within the user’s PC software library.
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