The holiday festivities may be winding down, but the Epic Games Store is keeping the spirit of giving alive as we enter the first week of 2026. While the store spent December cycling through rapid-fire daily “mystery” games, it has officially returned to its beloved weekly format. To start the year on a high note, the first 7-day freebie of 2026 is the critically acclaimed Skul: The Hero Slayer.
In a refreshing subversion of fantasy tropes, you don’t play as the valiant knight in shining armor. Instead, you step into the hollowed-out ribs of Skul, a lowly skeleton soldier serving the Demon King. When a joint task force of “Heroes,” Adventurers, and the Imperial Army of Caerleon razes the Demon King’s castle, you are the only one left to mount a rescue mission.
What is Skul: The Hero Slayer?
If you have ever felt that “Hero” is just a fancy word for “home invader,” this is the game for you. Developed by SouthPAW Games and published by Neowiz, Skul: The Hero Slayer is a 2D side-scrolling action-platformer that blends the tight, responsive combat of Dead Cells with the sheer variety of builds seen in the best roguelikes on the market.
Key Gameplay Mechanics:
-
Head-Swapping Strategy: Skul’s defining feature is his ability to swap his head. By finding new skulls, you inherit the powers and playstyles of their previous owners. You can carry two skulls at once, swapping between them in the heat of battle to create devastating combos.
-
Fast-Paced Action: The combat is fluid and high-energy, demanding quick reflexes as you navigate procedurally generated maps and screen-filling boss fights.
-
The Dead Cells Connection: The game features an official crossover with Dead Cells, allowing you to play as “The Prisoner” and bring a taste of the Beheaded’s lethal skills into the world of Skul.
Event Dates and Platforms
As part of the Epic Games Store tradition, this game is available for a strictly limited window. Once claimed, it remains in your permanent library forever.
-
Free Period: January 1, 2026 – January 8, 2026.
-
Platform: PC (via Epic Games Store).
-
Mobile Note: While the freebie is for the PC version, Skul: The Hero Slayer also has a highly-rated mobile port on iOS and Android (published by Playdigious) for those who prefer taking their roguelikes on the go.
Tips to Master the Hero Slaying
New to the world of Harmonia? Here are a few strategies to ensure your little skeleton survives the Imperial Army:
-
Prioritize Your Skulls: Not all heads are created equal. Early on, look for skulls like the “Wolf” or “Rider” for speed. Once you reach the later stages, keep an eye out for “Legendary” drops like the Archlich or the Yaksha to deal massive AoE damage.
-
Learn the Swap Timing: Swapping skulls isn’t just for changing abilities—it also triggers a “Swap Skill.” Mastering the timing of these swaps can provide i-frames (invincibility frames) or burst damage that can save you in a pinch.
-
Invest in Dark Quartz: When you die (and you will), spend your gathered Dark Quartz on permanent upgrades at the Witch. Focus on health and damage first to make your future runs more sustainable.
-
Try the Dark Mirror: For veteran players, the “Dark Mirror” mode offers a significant difficulty spike and new story content. Don’t touch this until you’ve mastered the base game!
Why Skul is a “Must-Claim” Freebie
It is rare to see a roguelike that manages to feel both adorable and absolutely brutal at the same time. The pixel art in Skul is vibrant and expressive, making every new head discovery feel like a reward in itself. With over 100 playable characters (via the skull system) and infinite item synergies, no two runs feel identical.
Whether you are a fan of the “horde-slaying” rush of Vampire Survivors or the tactical platforming of Hollow Knight, Skul bridges those worlds perfectly. Given that it usually retails for $19.99, grabbing it for free is the smartest tactical move you can make this January.
Conclusion
The Epic Games Store has set a high bar for 2026. Skul: The Hero Slayer is a masterclass in indie game design, offering depth, humor, and a satisfyingly steep challenge. Be sure to claim your copy before the offer expires on January 8th—those “Heroes” aren’t going to defeat themselves!
Have you successfully beaten the Hero of Caerleon yet? Which skull combination is your favorite for high-level runs?
FAQ: Skul Freebie Week
Is Skul: The Hero Slayer permanent once I claim it? Yes. As long as you click “Get” and complete the free checkout before January 8th, the game will remain in your Epic Games Store library permanently.
Does Skul have controller support? Absolutely. On PC, the game is best played with a controller to handle the fast-paced dodging and skill-swapping required for the later stages.
Can I play the Dead Cells content for free? Yes, the Dead Cells collaboration is part of the base game update and is included in the free Epic Games Store version.
