Xbox Free Play Days brings four major titles to Xbox players for free from Thursday, April 23 through Sunday, April 26, 2026, with one standout: Sony’s MLB The Show 26 hitting the Microsoft platform during baseball season. This temporary window is worth marking on your calendar if you’ve been curious about any of these games without committing to a purchase.
Key Takeaways
- Four games free on Xbox April 23-26, 2026; MLB The Show 26 is the headline title.
- Age of Mythology: Retold requires no subscription; the other three need Game Pass.
- Progress and achievements carry over if you buy the game later.
- MLB The Show 26 discounted to $46.89 (33% off standard $69.99) after the free weekend.
- Install via Xbox.com, Microsoft Store, or the Subscriptions tab on console.
What’s Free This Weekend on Xbox Free Play Days
The four games available are MLB The Show 26 (developed by Sony San Diego Studio), Age of Mythology: Retold, Anno 117: Pax Romana, and The Survivalists. Age of Mythology is the only title that requires no subscription—all Xbox players can download and play it. The other three demand Xbox Game Pass Essential, Premium, or Ultimate to access.
MLB The Show 26 is the marquee draw. It’s the same baseball simulation available on PlayStation and Nintendo Switch, but this free weekend marks a rare moment when Xbox players get direct access without a subscription barrier. For anyone curious about Sony’s franchise on Microsoft hardware, this is the moment to try it.
How to Start Playing Xbox Free Play Days Games
Getting started takes minutes. On PC or web, visit the individual game pages on Xbox.com, sign in with your Xbox account, and select Install. Game Pass titles will show an install option once you authenticate. On console, navigate to the Subscriptions tab in the Xbox Store, find the Free Play Days collection, and install from there.
One key detail: your Gamerscore and achievements earned during the free weekend carry over if you purchase the game later. You’re not starting from zero if you decide to buy—progress is permanent.
Pricing and Post-Event Discounts on Xbox Free Play Days Titles
After the free weekend ends, MLB The Show 26 Standard Edition drops to $46.89, a 33% discount from its regular $69.99 price. The Survivalists also gets a post-event discount, though specifics vary by region. These deals are limited-time offers, so if you find yourself hooked during the free weekend, the reduced prices won’t last forever.
Availability and regional pricing may differ depending on your location, so check your local Xbox store for exact pricing.
How does Xbox Free Play Days differ from Game Pass?
Xbox Free Play Days is a rotating weekend event offering temporary free access to specific games, while Game Pass provides a subscription library of hundreds of titles year-round. Free Play Days is ideal for testing a single game without commitment; Game Pass is better for players who want ongoing access to a deep catalog.
Can I keep the games after the free weekend ends?
No. Once the event closes on Sunday, April 26, access ends unless you purchase the game. However, any achievements and Gamerscore you earn stay on your account permanently, even if you don’t buy it.
Is Age of Mythology: Retold really free without Game Pass?
Yes. Age of Mythology: Retold is the only title in this Xbox Free Play Days rotation that requires no subscription. All Xbox players can download and play it free during the weekend, making it the most accessible option.
This weekend offers a rare chance to sample high-profile releases—especially MLB The Show 26 on Xbox—without spending money. If you’ve been on the fence about any of these titles, the free weekend removes the risk. Install one, try it, and decide if it’s worth your money when the discounts kick in Monday.
This article was written with AI assistance and editorially reviewed.
Source: Windows Central
