TheEpic Games Storehas quickly pulled theDeath Stranding: Director’s Cutas its Christmas Day free game and replaced it with the standard version. The crush to acquire today’s freeEpic Games Storegift temporarily crashed the storefront’s servers, leaving many confused and frustrated. Along the way, Epic Games added fuel to the fire by taking downDeath Stranding: Director’s Cutwith no forewarning. The standard edition ofDeath Strandingis now in its place and it’s entirely unclear what happened.
Epic Games has made it an annual tradition to give out daily free games for the holiday season. This year has continued the celebration with 15 days of free games, starting on December 15 and running through December 29. Games released so far includeCostume Quest 2,LEGO Builder’s Journey, and both theoriginalFalloutandFallout 2. The Epic Games Store has historically reserved a big game for Christmas Day, December 25, and it delivered once again withDeath Stranding.
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To be clear,Death Stranding: Director’s Cutwas absolutely made available for free when the free game for December 25 first launched at 8:00 AM PT. Many Epic Games Store users were able to get ahead of the server issues and pick up the game and, by all accounts, it remains in their libraries even now. After around 90 minutes, however, Epic Games swapped outDeath Stranding: Director’s Cut, replacing it with the standard edition. No explanation has been provided.
What makes the situation so odd is that theDirector’s Cuthad been seemingly confirmed well before it went live. Dataminers were able to see that it would be theDirector’s Cutsome hours before it launched. Further, at least one person contactedEpic Games' customer serviceand confirmed theDirector’s Cutwas what was supposed to be available. That was clearly incorrect, though. It’s now clear theDirector’s Cutbeing available was entirely a mistake.
TheDeath Stranding: Director’s Cutis a meaningfully improved version of the game, especially for PC. It features additional graphics options including 4K resolution support, the removal of product placement like Monster energy drinks, new combat abilities and equipment, and a mission for the Ruined Factory which players will want to experience for themselves.
Luckily, upgrading from the standard edition ofDeath Strandingto theDirector’s Cutis relatively simple and affordable. It typically costs $10, but is currently discounted 40% down to $6. Getting a bit of extra cash is probably why it’s beingoffered as an Epic Games Store free gamein the first place. Either way, a freeEpic Games Storecopy ofDeath Strandingis still better than none at all.
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