Xbox Offers Free Games This Weekend Including Graveyard Keeper

For gamers looking to explore new titles without spending a dime, Xbox is rolling out its Free Play Days promotion this weekend, allowing players to try out a selection of games from April 9 to April 12. Among the featured titles is the critically acclaimed Subnautica, available for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, Premium, and Essentials members, alongside Project Motor Racing and One Piece: Pirate Warriors 4, which are free for all Xbox users.

But the standout offering this weekend is Graveyard Keeper, a unique medieval cemetery management sim that has gained a cult following since its release in 2019. This title is available for free on the Microsoft Store until April 13, marking a historic moment as it is the first time the game has been offered for free in its seven years on the market. Normally priced at $20, it can be accessed by all Xbox One, Xbox Series X, and Xbox Series S users without the need for an Xbox Game Pass subscription.

The timing of this generous offer coincides with the announcement of a sequel to Graveyard Keeper, which is set to release later this year. This promotional strategy appears to be a clever way to generate interest in the upcoming sequel by allowing players to experience the original game for free. The game has received mixed reviews from critics, holding a score of 69 out of 100 on Metacritic, but user feedback tells a different story; it enjoys a solid 4 out of 5 stars on the Microsoft Store.

In Graveyard Keeper, players are tasked with managing their own cemetery, a role that comes with its own set of ethical dilemmas and resource management challenges. The gameplay is extensive, with the main storyline taking approximately 50 hours to complete, and completionists can expect to invest over 70 hours to fully explore what the game has to offer. This depth of content is a strong draw for players looking to immerse themselves in a unique gaming experience.

To access the free games this weekend, Xbox players can follow a few simple steps. They can find and install the games via the individual game detail pages on Xbox.com, which redirects them to the Microsoft Store. Users must be signed in to their accounts to see the option to install the games if they have the appropriate Xbox Game Pass membership. For console users, the process involves clicking on the Subscriptions tab in the Xbox Store and locating the Free Play Days collection.

Players who enjoy any of these titles during the Free Play Days period will have the opportunity to purchase them at a limited-time discount, allowing them to continue their adventures right where they left off once the promotion ends. This weekend’s lineup, featuring fan-favorites like Subnautica and One Piece: Pirate Warriors 4, is expected to attract a wide audience, especially with the recent resurgence of interest in the One Piece franchise due to the release of its second live-action season on Netflix.

As the gaming community continues to evolve, these promotional events bolster player engagement and serve as a strategic marketing tool for developers and publishers alike. By offering games for free, companies can entice new players and rekindle interest in existing titles, particularly as they prepare to launch sequels or expansions.

In the case of Graveyard Keeper, the decision to make the game free is a notable move, especially considering that it has never been offered at no cost before. With the sequel on the horizon, it seems like the perfect time to attract both new and returning players to the franchise. As players explore the depths of their cemetery management skills, they can also anticipate what new features and gameplay mechanics the sequel will introduce.

For those who might be hesitant about trying out a game that has received mixed reviews, the user ratings suggest that Graveyard Keeper offers an engaging experience that may surpass its critic scores. The game’s unique premise and depth of content have resonated with many players, making it a worthwhile venture for anyone looking for a new gaming experience.

As the weekend approaches, Xbox users are encouraged to take advantage of this free gaming opportunity. Whether they’re managing a cemetery in Graveyard Keeper or racing in Project Motor Racing, players are sure to find something that piques their interest. With a range of genres available, this Free Play Days event is an excellent chance for gamers to expand their horizons and discover new favorites.

As of April 12, 2026, Xbox users will have a unique opportunity to enjoy Graveyard Keeper for free, and with the sequel on the way, it’s an exciting time to be part of the Xbox community. The promotion highlights the diversity of games available on the platform and showcases the commitment of Xbox to provide engaging content for its users.