Xbox Free Play Days: 6 Free Games to Play This Weekend on Xbox Series X|S and One
The weekend is here, and Microsoft is rolling out a massive gift for console gamers. As part of its weekly Free Play Days event, the Redmond publisher has unlocked six games to download and play for free from Thursday, September 10, through Sunday, September 13, 2026, across Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One.
This September lineup delivers an impressive mix of premier sports simulations, precision open-wheel racing, high-octane looter-shooter action, and narrative indie storytelling. Here is everything you need to know to start downloading and playing right now.
Two Games Free for All Xbox Members (No Subscription Needed)
In a welcome departure from standard rules, Microsoft is making two titles completely free to try for any player with an Xbox network account, with no active Game Pass subscription required:
- EA Sports Madden NFL 27 (Full Weekend Access): The latest chapter in EA Sports flagship football franchise is fully unlocked throughout the weekend. Jump into updated franchise management, refined on-field physics, and competitive multiplayer at zero cost.
- Dustborn (2-Hour Timed Trial): Developed by Red Thread Games and published by Quantic Dream, this road-trip action-adventure sends players across a dystopian alternate America where words hold physical weaponized power. All Xbox members can enjoy two full hours of trial gameplay.
Four Headliners for Xbox Game Pass Subscribers
For players with an active Xbox Game Pass membership (including Core, Standard, and Ultimate tiers), four additional blockbuster titles are available to download until Monday morning:
- Borderlands 4: Gearbox and 2K Games hit looter-shooter headline this weekend lineup. Step into the boots of brand-new Vault Hunters, loot billions of procedurally generated weapons, and blast through hostile worlds in four-player online co-op.
- F1 25 (2026 Season Edition): Codemasters authentic open-wheel racing simulator puts you behind the steering wheel of the current championship grid with hyper-realistic handling, real-world track scans, and dynamic weather conditions.
- Surviving Mars: Relaunched: Paradox Interactive upgraded sci-fi colony builder lets you conquer the red planet. Build protective biodomes, manage oxygen and power grids, and establish a thriving futuristic civilization on Martian soil.
- CarX Drift Racing Online: The premier physics-based drifting simulator. Tune gear ratios, customize suspension geometry, and slide sideways through precision circuits against players worldwide in real-time lobbies.
Xbox Free Play Days Lineup Overview
| Game Title | Genre | Publisher | Access Requirements | Platforms |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EA Sports Madden NFL 27 | Sports / Simulation | Electronic Arts | Free for all Xbox members | Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One |
| Dustborn | Action / Narrative Adventure | Spotlight by Quantic Dream | 2-Hour Free Trial for all members | Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One |
| Borderlands 4 | FPS / Looter-Shooter | 2K Games | Xbox Game Pass (Core/Standard/Ultimate) | Xbox Series X|S |
| F1 25: 2026 Season Edition | Racing / Motorsport | EA Sports | Xbox Game Pass (Core/Standard/Ultimate) | Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One |
| Surviving Mars: Relaunched | City Builder / Strategy | Paradox Interactive | Xbox Game Pass (Core/Standard/Ultimate) | Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One |
| CarX Drift Racing Online | Racing / Drift Simulator | CarX Technologies | Xbox Game Pass (Core/Standard/Ultimate) | Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One |
How to Download and Keep Your Achievements
Installing any of these titles on your console takes less than a minute:
- Power up your console and open the Microsoft Store app.
- In the left-hand navigation menu, select the Subscriptions tab and click on the Free Play Days collection tile.
- Select any of the featured games and hit Install to begin downloading immediately. You can also queue downloads remotely through Xbox.com.
For Gamerscore enthusiasts, every achievement unlocked and all saved game progress carry over permanently if you choose to purchase the game later. As always with Free Play Days, all six games are currently discounted on the digital store, giving players a great opportunity to expand their library alongside our regular hardware and gaming coverage.
