Epic Games Store is giving away DOOMBLADE, an 83-Metacritic-rated 2D action Metroidvania, for free from April 23 to April 30, 2026. Here is everything you need to know.
Epic Games Store will give away DOOMBLADE, a 2D action Metroidvania developed by Muro Studios and published by Iceberg Interactive, for free starting April 23, 2026. The game normally costs $14.99 on the Epic Games Store and $8.49 on Steam. It holds an 83 Metacritic score from critics and an 81% positive rating on Steam from 269 reviews. Players have until April 30, 2026, to claim it at no cost.
What Is DOOMBLADE About?
DOOMBLADE follows Gloom Girl, an outcast who discovers a sentient weapon called the Doomblade deep underground. Together, “Doom and Gloom” set out on a revenge-fuelled quest to unlock the powers of The Void and destroy the Dread Lords. The game was released on May 31, 2023, and quickly earned praise for its unique approach to the Metroidvania formula.
What sets DOOMBLADE apart from other games in the genre is its movement-combat system. Rather than standard run-and-slash mechanics, you target enemies and launch directly toward them through the air using the Doomblade weapon. GamingTrend described the combat as “fast, dynamic, and unique,” while Hardcore Gamer called it “an incredible action-fest.” The game blends twin-stick shooter elements with classic Metroidvania exploration, creating something that feels genuinely fresh.
How Long Does DOOMBLADE Take to Beat?
A first playthrough of the main storyline takes around 8 hours, typically with about 70% completion. Completionists hunting for every secret area, hidden lore piece, and optional boss fight can expect to spend over 10 hours. The game rewards exploration with character upgrades, backstory fragments, and challenging encounters tucked away in its dark underground world.
System Requirements and Technical Details
DOOMBLADE runs on Unity Engine and supports Windows only. The minimum requirements are modest enough for most mid-range PCs:
- OS: Windows 10
- CPU: Intel Core i5
- RAM: 8 GB
- GPU: GeForce GTX 1050 / AMD Radeon RX Vega 56
- Storage: 12 GB
The game supports full controller input and is available in 8 languages: English, German, Russian, Simplified Chinese, French, Spanish, Brazilian Portuguese, and Dutch. It also has full English voice acting.
Critical Reception: Is DOOMBLADE Worth Playing?
DOOMBLADE earned generally favourable reviews across the board. Out of 8 critic reviews on Metacritic, 7 were positive and 1 mixed, producing that solid 83 Metascore. Here is a snapshot of what reviewers said:
- Hooked Gamers: 95/100
- Digital Chumps: 90/100, calling it an experience that “excels as a Metroidvania”
- Softpedia: 90/100
- GamingTrend: 85/100, praising combat, lore, and art direction
- Hardcore Gamer: 80/100, highlighting the journey as “irresistibly engaging”
Common criticisms include occasional confusion during backtracking, minimal indicators for where to go next, and a few boss fights that feel less polished than the rest of the experience. The game has a noticeable learning curve, especially with its unique targeting-and-launch combat system. Once it clicks, though, most players find it addictive.
Do Not Miss The Stone of Madness Before It Leaves
Before DOOMBLADE arrives on April 23, players still have time to claim the current free game: The Stone of Madness. Developed by The Game Kitchen (the studio behind Blasphemous) and published by Tripwire Presents, this real-time tactical stealth game is set in an 18th-century Spanish monastery. Five prisoners must pool their skills, manage their sanity, and plan an escape. Normally priced at $29.99, it is free until April 23, 2026.
Bonus Freebie: Undead: Rise of the Betrayed King
In addition to the weekly giveaway, Epic Games Store is also offering Undead: Rise of the Betrayed King for free until April 24, 2026. This early-access action RPG built on Unreal Engine 5 normally costs $20. Players control the last Golden Dragon disguised as a human barbarian, fighting undead threats with melee attacks and dragon magic. The current build includes the first chapter, one companion, one mountable animal, and dungeons. With 10 kingdoms planned and monthly updates over two years, claiming it now locks in access to all future content at no cost.
Every Free Epic Games Store Title in April 2026
| Dates | Free Game(s) |
|---|---|
| March 27 – April 3 | Havendock, Hyper Echelon |
| April 2 – April 9 | Clone Drone in the Danger Zone |
| April 9 – April 16 | Prop Sumo, TOMAK: Save the Earth Regeneration |
| April 16 – April 23 | The Stone of Madness |
| April 23 – April 30 | DOOMBLADE |
April 2026 has been a particularly strong month, spanning genres from city-building sims and physics brawlers to tactical stealth and now a critically acclaimed Metroidvania.
How to Claim Free Games on the Epic Games Store
Claiming free games is straightforward and takes less than a minute:
- Visit the Epic Games Store website or open the desktop launcher (create a free account if you do not have one).
- Navigate to the Free Games section.
- Click “Get” on the game’s store page.
- The game is permanently added to your library, even after the promotion ends.
Epic releases a new free game every Thursday. The programme has been running since the store launched in 2018, with past giveaways including titles like GTA V, Hogwarts Legacy, Civilization VI, and Control.
If You Love Metroidvanias, What Else Should You Play?
DOOMBLADE sits in a rich genre. If it hooks you, consider exploring other standout Metroidvanias: Hollow Knight and Hollow Knight: Silksong, Blasphemous 1 and 2, Ori and the Will of the Wisps, Nine Sols, Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown, and Ender Magnolia: Bloom in the Mist are among the most celebrated titles in the space. Many of these see deep discounts on both the Epic Games Store and Steam throughout the year.
If you are looking to expand your Epic Games library further or want to explore premium accounts with rare skins and exclusive content, the GamerMarkt Epic Games Account marketplace offers a secure platform for buying and selling accounts with escrow protection and verified sellers.
Things Players Usually Want to Know
Is DOOMBLADE really free, or is there a catch?
There is no catch. Once you claim the game between April 23 and April 30, 2026, it stays in your Epic Games library permanently. You can download and play it whenever you want, even years later.
Can I play DOOMBLADE on Steam Deck?
DOOMBLADE has full controller support and has received positive feedback regarding Steam Deck compatibility. However, the Epic Games Store version may require additional setup through tools like Heroic Games Launcher to run on Steam Deck’s Linux-based OS.
What game comes after DOOMBLADE on May 1?
The next free game after DOOMBLADE has not been officially announced yet. Epic typically reveals the following week’s freebie when the current one goes live, so expect the announcement on April 23, 2026.
Does DOOMBLADE have multiplayer or co-op?
No. DOOMBLADE is a single-player experience only. There is no multiplayer, co-op, or online component.
How does DOOMBLADE compare to Hollow Knight?
Both are 2D Metroidvanias with dark atmospheres and challenging combat. However, DOOMBLADE takes a very different approach to movement, using a target-and-launch mechanic that makes it feel more like a twin-stick shooter. Hollow Knight is larger in scope, taking 25 or more hours to complete, while DOOMBLADE is a tighter 8-to-10-hour experience. If you enjoy the genre, both are worth your time.
Epic Games Store’s weekly free game programme remains one of the best deals in PC gaming. Claiming DOOMBLADE on April 23 costs nothing and adds a critically praised Metroidvania to your permanent library. Mark the date, grab The Stone of Madness and Undead: Rise of the Betrayed King before they expire, and keep checking back each Thursday for the next freebie. For more gaming deals and secure digital services, visit GamerMarkt.
