Usual price: USD 5.99, completely free until 26 February 2026!
Every week, we uncover and review a hidden gem: a premium game that's usually paid for, but is being offered completely free for a limited time. Once you claim it during the promo, it’s yours to keep forever. This week is Return To Ash, available free until February 26, 2026!
Note: You need an active Amazon Prime account to claim this game for free on the Epic Games Store (EGS). If you're a first-time user, link your Amazon account to Epic Games, and claimed games will appear on your EGS manager ready to play. Don't wait as this free offer won't last!
Imagine waking up in a hospital bed, but the pain is gone and the world outside is an endless white void. This is the haunting reality of Return To Ash, a narrative adventure that explores what happens after we take our final breath. You step into the shoes of Ashleigh as she navigates a strange purgatory filled with lost souls and unanswered questions.
The game plays as a visual novel where the focus is entirely on the story and the connections you build. There are no frantic action scenes here. Instead, you spend your time getting to know a cast of complex characters who are all trapped in this limbo with you. Your interactions determine not only your relationship with them but also the ultimate fate of Ashleigh's soul.
Ashleigh wakes up expecting the usual pain of her illness, but finds herself in a silent, empty version of her hospital room. Outside the window, there is nothing but a blinding white expanse. She soon discovers she is not alone, meeting others who are just as confused about their existence in this realm. Presiding over this domain is a terrifying masked figure known only as Death, who forces the group to undergo twisted trials to prove their worth.
As a visual novel, the gameplay revolves around reading dialogue and making critical choices at key moments. The mechanics are simple, allowing you to fully absorb the weight of the narrative without distraction. The atmosphere is thick with a sense of melancholic beauty, supported by a unique art style that makes the afterlife feel both comforting and unsettling. An emotional original soundtrack plays in the background, perfectly timing the highs and lows of the story.
Return To Ash is a touching exploration of mortality that packs a heavy emotional punch into a short runtime. It is perfect for players who enjoy character-driven stories and don't mind reading their way through a game. The writing is sincere, and the multiple endings give you a good reason to revisit the void to see how different choices play out.
Best for: Fans of narrative games and visual novels who want a short, impactful story about life and death.
Skip if: You prefer gameplay-heavy titles or dislike reading large amounts of text.
You’ll be redirected to the official Epic Games website!
