Xbox Free Play Days: All Free Games, Dates, and How to Play (September 2026)

If you’ve had a long week and were looking forward to firing up your Xbox this weekend, you should know that there’s a very good reason to do so. Xbox Free Play Days has another strong lineup of games that you can try for free, but for a limited period. Learn right here about how the Xbox Free Play Days 2026 work and all about the currently free titles.

How to Join Xbox Free Play Days

Joining the Xbox Free Play Days is surprisingly straightforward. If a game requires you to have Xbox Game Pass, simply sign in with an eligible Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, Premium, or Essential subscription.

Here are step-by-step instructions on how to join the Xbox Free Play Days event:

• Head to the Microsoft Store on your console.
• Look for the featured game at Xbox Free Play Days for that time period.
• You can either choose to hit install or purchase it at a discounted rate if you’re eligible.

The Xbox Free Play Days promotion runs from September 10 until September 13.

One thing that you don’t need to worry about is that the achievements and progression remain intact, and you can continue playing after buying the games once the promotion ends. However, do note that these games are also available for purchase at a discounted price during this weekend, along with the best Xbox games of 2026.

All Xbox Free Play Days Games (September 10 – September 13)

This week’s lineup of the Xbox Free Play Days includes six featured games, but their availability varies depending on the Game Pass tier. Here’s a quick overview of the Xbox Free Play Days games list for the final week of July 2026:

Borderlands 4

This week’s biggest attraction is arguably Borderlands 4, especially if you’ve been waiting for an opportunity to hop into this looter-shooter series.

The game takes place in Kairos, a new planet controlled by the Timekeeper. You need to choose one among the Vault Hunters, each with a unique set of abilities and arsenal of weapons. Beyond these abilities and playstyles, players can grow their skill trees to get better in the game.

F1 25: 2026 Season Edition

If racing is more of your thing, F1 25: 2026 Season Edition is the perfect choice to try this weekend alongside supporting your favorite racer in the Spanish Grand Prix.

The current Xbox Free Play days include the F1 25 edition along with the 2026 season pack. With this edition, you can experience the 2025 season before stepping into the new era. The updated content introduces Audi, which takes over Sauber, and Cadillac. The driver lineups have also been updated for the 2026 season.

Surviving Mars: Relaunched

Here is a relaxing Free Play Days game on Xbox that doesn’t involve shooting or intense racing scenes. Surviving Mars: Relaunched is a slow-paced option for anyone who would spend their weekend anywhere other than the battlefield.

The relaunched version brings the sci-fi city-building experience back with improved visuals and expanded content. Your objective is to establish a functional human colony on Mars while dealing with resources, oxygen, and infrastructure.

CarX Drift Racing Online

For those focused on challenging their friends in a multiplayer driving scenario, CarX Drift Racing Online is another strong pick. This game puts emphasis on realistic physics and extensive vehicle customization.

Tune your ride, experiment with different setups, and then take it online to compete or simply mess with other players. In this game, you get to create your own rooms or join the existing ones to play on unique tracks and configurations.

Don’t think of this game as a simple track racing one. There is plenty of room to showcase your drifting skills, and you will have different ways to experience the driving mechanics here.

Dustborn

Dustborn is a story-driven action-adventure game built around a road trip through an alternate version of America. Here, you play as Pax, an exile con artist with an unusual ability. You will be hired to transport a package, and then the journey begins. You assemble a crew and lead the mission.

Unlike other games on the Xbox Free Play Days list, Dustborn is limited to a 2-hour trial, so you need to make the most of it within the given time frame. If you love the experience, consider buying it at a discount during the promotion.

EA SPORTS Madden NFL 27

American football fans now have a reason to boot up their Xbox console this weekend, as EA SPORTS Madden NFL 27 is now available to all Xbox members at no Game Pass subscription fee.

The latest Madden entry puts a massive focus on its new Persona Engine, which gives NFL players distinct personalities and behavior in Franchise mode. The game will feel less static, and some decisions affect how players respond throughout a season.

So, which game are you excited for this weekend? Or are you excited for the Xbox backward-compatible games already? Let us know in the comments below.