Introduction
Microsoft's Free Play Days event is back, offering Xbox gamers a chance to dive into a selection of titles at no extra cost. This weekend—from May 7 to May 10—two games are available: the classic strategy board game Catan and the gritty survival shooter Deadside. Best of all, if you decide to purchase either game after the free period, your progress and Gamerscore carry over. This step-by-step guide will walk you through everything you need to get started, ensuring you don't miss out on the action.
What You Need
- An Xbox One or Xbox Series X|S console
- An active Game Pass subscription (any tier: Ultimate, Premium, or Essential)
- A stable internet connection
- A Microsoft account linked to your Game Pass subscription
- Enough free storage space for game downloads (Catan requires ~2 GB; Deadside requires ~20 GB)
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Confirm Your Game Pass Subscription
Free Play Days is exclusive to Game Pass members. Ensure your subscription is active and set to the correct tier—Ultimate, Premium, or Essential. You can check your subscription status by going to Settings > Account > Subscriptions on your Xbox dashboard. If you haven't subscribed yet, now is the perfect time to sign up for a trial or a monthly plan to take advantage of these free games.
Step 2: Navigate to the Xbox Store
On your console, scroll to the Store tab from the home screen. This is where all digital content is available for purchase and download.
Step 3: Locate the Free Play Days Collection
Within the Store, go to the Subscriptions tab (often under “Memberships” or “Game Pass”). Look for the Free Play Days section. This collection bundles all currently free games for the weekend. Alternatively, you can search for “Free Play Days” directly using the Store's search feature to jump straight to the list.
Step 4: Choose Your Game
From the Free Play Days collection, you'll see the two titles: Catan and Deadside. Click on either game to open its store page. Take note of the download size and, if desired, read the description or watch a trailer to help you decide.
Step 5: Download the Game to Your Console
On the game's store page, select the Download or Get button (the exact wording may vary). The download will begin automatically, and you’ll see a progress bar in the Queue section of your dashboard. Make sure your console is set to instant-on or left on during the download to avoid interruptions. For remote downloading, you can visit the Xbox website or the Xbox app on your phone, sign in, and queue the download from there—useful if you’re away from your console.
Step 6: Play During the Free Period
Once the download is complete, you have access to the full game from May 7 through May 10 (times may vary by region; check your local store for precise start and end times). Launch the game from your library or the store page to start playing. During this window, all features are unlocked—no restrictions based on the free weekend.
Step 7: Consider Purchasing to Keep Your Progress
If you enjoy the game and want to continue after the free weekend, you can buy it at a discount (often around 20-30% off during the event). Simply return to the game's store page during the Free Play Days period and select Buy. Your saved progress, achievements, and Gamerscore will carry over seamlessly. Note that once the free period ends, you won’t be able to launch the game unless you purchase it or have it in your Game Pass library if it’s included in the subscription.
Tips for a Smooth Experience
- Check the exact times: Free Play Days typically runs from Thursday 12:01 AM PT until Sunday 11:59 PM PT, but verify on your console or the Xbox website to avoid disappointment.
- Ensure sufficient storage: Deadside is around 20 GB, while Catan is much smaller. Clear space in advance by deleting unused games or apps via My Games & Apps > Manage.
- Use remote download: If you're not near your Xbox, use the Xbox app or the Microsoft website to start the download remotely so the game is ready when you are.
- Test your internet: A slow or unstable connection can disrupt downloads. If possible, connect your console via Ethernet or position it close to your router for the best speeds.
- Review Game Pass perks: Sometimes Free Play Days coincide with other Game Pass benefits like in-game content or discounts—check the Perks section on your console.
- Share with family: If you have multiple accounts on your console, other users with Game Pass can also play the free games, as long as the primary account has an active subscription.
- Play with friends: Both Catan (multiplayer board game) and Deadside (co-op survival shooter) are more fun with others. Invite friends to join you during the weekend.
By following these steps, you’ll be ready to enjoy two free games this weekend without spending a dime beyond your existing Game Pass membership. Happy gaming!