The Epic Games Store officially announced its next two free games. Starting next week on September 10, 2026, PC gamers can claim ‘Astral Ascent’ and ‘Luftrausers’ completely free of charge.
Currently, users can grab ‘Alone With You‘. Epic Games launched this sci-fi adventure as its weekly free title yesterday, September 3. It holds a $4.69 value and remains available until September 10. Once this current promotion ends, the storefront will immediately swap it out for the new dual giveaway.
A First for the Epic Games Store
Interestingly, both upcoming titles technically qualify as “day-one” releases. However, this only means they are launching on the Epic Games Store on the exact same day they become free. In reality, both games originally launched years ago on other platforms.
Furthermore, this drop marks a significant milestone for the platform. Astral Ascent and Luftrausers will become the 65th and 66th free games that Epic Games Store users have claimed in 2026. Consequently, this pairing also represents the platform’s first dual giveaway since August.
Combined, the two games offer a $34.98 value. Both titles will remain free to claim through September 17. Also, this event marks the very first time either game has appeared in a broadly available, free-to-keep promotion that requires absolutely no subscription.
Epic Games Store Free Games: Astral Ascent & Luftrausers
Developed by Hibernian Workshop, Astral Ascent is a fast-paced 2D action-platformer roguelite. The game originally left early access in mid-November 2023. You must escape an astral prison known as “The Garden.” To do this, players choose between four distinct heroes. You then combine dozens of unique spells to battle 12 powerful bosses known as the Zodiacs.
Additionally, you can play the game entirely solo or tackle the prison in two-player local co-op. The title holds an impressive 84 average score on OpenCritic. Moreover, it boasts an “Overwhelmingly Positive” rating on Steam based on over 1,800 reviews. Previously, Steam hosted a free weekend for the game in May 2026, and Humble Choice subscribers received it in August 2024.
On the other hand, Luftrausers offers a satisfying, score-chasing arcade shooter experience. Dutch studio Vlambeer developed the game, and indie powerhouse Devolver Digital published it. The title originally launched 12 years ago on March 18, 2014.
The core gameplay loop revolves around taking customizable fighter planes into chaotic combat. You will battle enemy aircraft, submarines, battleships, and rival aces. Players can mix different bodies, weapons, and propulsion systems. Ultimately, this allows you to create over 125 unique aircraft configurations. You must then use your custom planes to complete more than 100 missions.
In the past, Luftrausers routinely saw discounts dropping its price to as little as $1.99. PlayStation Plus subscribers also received the game on PS3 and PS Vita back in November 2014. Today, the game maintains a stellar 91% Positive rating on Steam across more than 2,500 reviews.
Detailed Breakdown of Both Games
| Feature | Astral Ascent | Luftrausers |
| Retail Value | $24.99 | $9.99 |
| Developer | Hibernian Workshop | Vlambeer |
| Publisher | Hibernian Workshop | Devolver Digital |
| Genre | 2D Action-Platformer Roguelite | Arcade Shooter |
| Key Mechanics | 4 Heroes Spell Combining 12 Bosses Co-op |
125 Plane Configs 100 Missions Score-chasing |
| Steam Rating | Overwhelmingly Positive (>1,800 reviews) |
91% Positive (>2,500 reviews) |
| Original Release | November 2023 | March 2014 |
