Nautical open-world survival game Windbound is next week's Epic Store freebie Eurogamer.net If you click on a link and make a purchase we may receive a small commission. Read our editorial policy. Nautical open-world survival game Windbound is next week's Epic Store freebie Yooka-Laylee and the Impossible Lair free until then. News by Matt Wales Reporter Updated on 3 Feb 2022 1 comment Epic has announced the next free game to grace its store as part of the company's ongoing quest to hoover new customers into its clutches, with sailing-focused open-world survival game Windbound readying to step into the freebie spotlight. Windbound is the work of developer 5 Lives Studios and serves up a visually striking blend of survival, crafting, and exploratory open-world sailing as players travel from island to island, attempting to unravel the mysteries of the world. "As Kara, you are a warrior, caught at sea in a fierce storm, adrift from your tribe," explains 5 Lives in its official description. "Thrown from your boat, at the mercy of the turbulent waters, you are tossed on to the shores of the Forbidden Islands, a mysterious paradise. Windbound - Official Launch Trailer. "With no boat, no food or tools, just the will and skill to survive, uncover this beautiful island's rich resources. Craft tools and weapons to hunt and defend yourself against nature itself with its wild and fantastical creatures." Despite its attractive aesthetic and appealing premise, Windbound received a fairly mixed reception when it launched last year, with reviews seeming to enjoy its exploratory focus, while singling out some cumbersome core mechanics as cause for concern. Still, if it takes your fancy, you'll have the opportunity to check it out at no cost when it launches as the Epic Games Store's latest freebie next Thursday, 10th February. In the meantime, Playtonic Games' thoroughly excellent Donkey-Kong-Country-inspired platformer Yooka-Laylee and the Impossible Lair is available as Epic's current free game. Become a Eurogamer subscriber and get your first month for £1 Get your first month for £1 (normally £3.99) when you buy a Standard Eurogamer subscription. Enjoy ad-free browsing, merch discounts, our monthly letter from the editor, and show your support with a supporter-exclusive comment flair! Support us View supporter archive More News Atari will hold RollerCoaster Tycoon rights for another decade Ups and downs. 7 Lady Dimitrescu will be a tad smaller in Resident Evil Village's Mercenaries DLC Level the playing field. 1 Overwatch 2 suffers another DDoS attack and character roster bugs Mei Mei. 7 Nintendo Switch firmware update lets you take screenshots in the Switch Online app The app on your console, not your phone. 7 Latest Articles Atari will hold RollerCoaster Tycoon rights for another decade Ups and downs. 7 Jelly Deals Logitech's G Pro X gaming headset is its lowest-ever price during Amazon's Early Access sale Prime Members can get it for just £52. Jelly Deals Save over £500 off the retail price on this beefy ASUS TUF Dash gaming laptop from Amazon Under £1080 for an RTX 3070 laptop. Lady Dimitrescu will be a tad smaller in Resident Evil Village's Mercenaries DLC Level the playing field. 1 Supporters Only Premium only Off Topic: Take a minute to appreciate Cookin' with Coolio's incredible scallops recipe. What a great book. Premium only Off Topic: Reading City of Glass in comic form "Where exactly am I going?" Premium only Off Topic: Il Buco is a transporting film about a really big hole Underlands. Off-Topic Netflix handled Sandman brilliantly It was Dreamy. 9 Buy things with globes on them And other lovely Eurogamer merch in our official store! Explore our store