The Callisto Protocol Returns to Epic Games Store as Free Christmas Eve Gift

Epic Games Store Offers Survival Horror Hit for Free

The Callisto Protocol has been officially revealed as the Epic Games Store’s latest freebie, available from December 24 until December 25. The 2022 survival horror experience is the second AAA title that has been featured in this year’s holiday season giveaway on the Epic Games Store, offering PC gamers a chance to experience this ambitious sci-fi horror title at no cost.

A Spiritual Successor to Dead Space

The debut title from Striking Distance Studios, The Callisto Protocol is a narrative-driven survival horror game directed by Dead Space creator Glen Schofield. In this third-person survival horror game set 300 years in the future, the player will take on the role of Jacob Lee – a victim of fate thrown into Black Iron Prison, a maximum-security penitentiary located on Jupiter’s moon, Callisto, where inmates begin to transform into monstrous creatures.

The game places a strong emphasis on atmosphere, tension, and close-quarters combat, with players mastering a mix of hand-to-hand and ranged combat systems, including the use of a gravity-based weapon originally designed for prison control.

Mixed Reviews and Second Chance for Gamers

December 3 marked its third anniversary, with the game originally launching to mixed reviews, as underlined by its “Fair” rating on OpenCritic, based on an average score of 67 and a 41% reviewer recommendation rate. Critics praised The Callisto Protocol’s AAA production qualities and atmosphere, but while simultaneously lambasting its repetitive combat and technical issues.

Epic Games Store users were able to pick up The Callisto Protocol for free during a week-long period in late August 2024, making this the second time the game has been offered at no cost on the platform. However, if you missed that window or were skeptical about the launch reviews, now is the perfect time to grab this AAA survival horror experience without spending a dime.

Significance for Horror Gaming Enthusiasts

For fans of survival horror games, particularly those who enjoyed the Dead Space series, this free offering provides an opportunity to experience a big-budget horror title without financial commitment. The event is set to run until December 31 with a fresh giveaway every day, demonstrating Epic Games Store’s continued commitment to expanding PC gamers’ libraries with quality titles. Whether The Callisto Protocol becomes a cherished horror experience or simply another addition to your collection, this Christmas Eve giveaway ensures that players can make that determination for themselves at zero cost.