Epic Games is offering a free game weekly on its Android app store

Imagine this: every week, you get a shiny new game to play on your Android device, completely free. No catch, no subscription—just pure gaming goodness courtesy of Epic Games. If that sounds like a dream come true, buckle up, because the company behind Fortnite is shaking things up with its mobile app store, and I’m here to tell you why it’s worth your attention.

The Big News: Free Games Every Week

Epic Games recently flipped the script on its Android app store, moving from monthly freebies to a weekly giveaway model. As of March 21, 2025 (yep, that’s today as I’m writing this), you can snag a new title every Thursday without spending a dime. Right now, games like Super Meat Boy Forever and Eastern Exorcist are up for grabs—pretty solid picks if you ask me.

This isn’t just a random stunt. It’s a deliberate push to make the Epic Games Store a legit rival to Google Play, and it’s already got people talking.

How Epic Games Pulled This Off

Let’s rewind a bit. Epic Games has been dishing out free games on its PC store for years—think hits like GTA V or Among Us. Bringing that same vibe to mobile was a no-brainer, but it’s not as simple as it sounds. For Android users, installing the Epic Games Store means sideloading an APK from their official website, dodging Google’s ecosystem entirely.

It’s a bold move, especially since Epic’s been in a legal tussle with Google over app store monopolies. But they’ve made it work, and now Android gamers are reaping the rewards.

Why This Matters for Android Gamers

Here’s the deal: free games aren’t exactly rare. Google Play has its share of no-cost titles, but they’re often riddled with ads or in-app purchases that nickel-and-dime you to death. Epic Games, on the other hand, is handing out premium games—stuff you’d normally pay for—without the sneaky traps.

Take my buddy Dave, for example. He’s been hooked on Bloons TD 6 since Epic gave it away earlier this year. “I’d never have bought it,” he told me, “but now it’s my go-to time killer.” That’s the magic of this program—it gets you trying games you might’ve skipped.

What’s in It for Epic Games?

You might be wondering, “What’s the catch?” Fair question. Epic Games isn’t running a charity here—they’re playing the long game. By offering free titles, they’re luring Android users away from Google Play and into their ecosystem. More users mean more potential buyers for paid games like Fortnite or Rocket League Sideswipe.

It’s a strategy that’s worked wonders on PC, where their free game program has built a loyal fanbase. Now, they’re betting it’ll do the same on mobile—and honestly, I wouldn’t bet against them.

How to Get These Free Games

Ready to jump in? It’s pretty straightforward, though it takes a couple extra steps compared to Google Play. First, head to the Epic Games website on your Android device and download the Store APK. You’ll need to tweak your settings to allow installs from unknown sources—don’t worry, it’s safe as long as you stick to the official site.

Once it’s installed, create a free Epic Games account, browse the store, and claim your weekly freebie. Pro tip: set a Thursday reminder so you don’t miss out—these games are only free for seven days before the next batch rolls in.

The Games You Can Score Right Now

As of today, March 21, 2025, Epic Games is offering Super Meat Boy Forever and Eastern Exorcist until March 27. Super Meat Boy Forever is a brutal platformer that’ll test your reflexes (and patience), while Eastern Exorcist blends action with a gorgeous, eerie vibe. I gave Super Meat Boy a spin last night—died about 20 times in 10 minutes, but man, it’s addictive.

These aren’t throwaway titles either. They’re the kind of games that’d set you back $5–$10 on other platforms, making this deal a steal.

Why This Beats Google Play’s Offerings

Google Play’s got a massive library, no doubt. But its free games? Mostly freemium stuff that’s more about draining your wallet than delivering fun. Epic Games is taking a different tack—quality over quantity. Instead of flooding you with mediocre options, they’re curating a tighter selection with real value.

Plus, there’s no ad overload. You get the full game, not a demo that begs for your credit card three levels in. It’s refreshing, honestly.

What’s Next for Epic Games on Android?

This weekly free game rollout is just the start. Epic Games kicked off its mobile store push in August 2024, and it’s already grown to over 30 titles on Android. They’ve hinted at expanding the library and maybe even tweaking the store based on user feedback. Could we see exclusive mobile releases down the line? I’d put money on it.

For now, though, the focus is on keeping us hooked with fresh freebies. And if they keep up this pace, they might just carve out a serious chunk of the mobile gaming market.

A Few Caveats to Keep in Mind

It’s not all sunshine and rainbows. Sideloading the Epic Games Store can feel clunky if you’re not tech-savvy—those 12 steps to install might trip up some folks. Also, the game selection’s still smaller than Google Play’s, so don’t expect a million options yet.

That said, the trade-off’s worth it for free premium games. Just don’t expect your grandma to figure it out without a hand-holding session.

My Take: Is It Worth Your Time?

Full disclosure: I’m a sucker for free stuff, especially when it’s good. I’ve been dabbling with the Epic Games Store on my Android for a bit now, and it’s a blast. Last week, I snagged a title I’d been eyeing for ages, and it didn’t cost me a cent. There’s something satisfying about that—like finding a $20 bill in an old jacket.

If you’re an Android gamer who loves a deal, this is a no-brainer. Even if you only grab one game a month, you’re still ahead of the game (pun intended).

How This Ties Into Epic’s Bigger Picture

Zoom out for a sec, and you’ll see this is more than just free games. Epic Games is waging war on the app store giants—Google, Apple, you name it. Their legal battles, like the one over Fortnite’s removal from mainstream stores, show they’re dead serious about shaking up how we get games. According to a National Geographic piece, it’s all about breaking monopolies and giving devs (and players) more freedom.

This Android push? It’s a chess move in that bigger fight. And we’re the ones scoring the free loot while they duke it out.

Tips to Make the Most of It

Want to maximize this? Here’s my advice: follow Epic Games on social media for heads-ups on upcoming freebies—sometimes they drop hints. Also, check out fan sites like PC Gamer for breakdowns of what’s coming next. And if you’ve got a decent Android tablet, try these games on a bigger screen—trust me, it’s a game-changer.

Oh, and don’t sleep on claiming games you’re iffy about. You might not play them now, but they’re yours forever once you add them to your library.

The Bottom Line

Epic Games is onto something big with this weekly free game rollout on Android. It’s fun, it’s generous, and it’s a legit shot across Google’s bow. Whether you’re a hardcore gamer or just someone who likes free stuff (hi, me), there’s no reason not to give it a whirl.

So, what are you waiting for? Go grab this week’s titles before they’re gone—and let me know what you think. I’ll be over here, dying for the 21st time in Super Meat Boy Forever.