Foretales Free on Epic Games Store (July 23

Epic Games Store is offering a free game this week: Foretales. The title blends card-based mechanics with a branching narrative, putting players in the role of an anthropomorphic shoebill thief trying to stop a world-ending prophecy—while making choices that can push the story toward different outcomes.

Free Epic Games Store pick: Foretales

Only one game is available for free through Epic this round, and it runs from Thursday, July 23 to Thursday, July 30. The claim window opens at 8am PT / 11am ET / 4pm BST / 5pm CEST, and once claimed, the game remains in your library permanently.

Foretales is built around “a card-based narrative journey” where players pursue a central objective: saving a world cursed by a dark prophecy. The narrative is narrated by Travis Willingham from Critical Role, bringing a more performed, story-forward tone to the card-driven structure.

What the gameplay actually does: decks, choices, and outcomes

The game’s core progression is described as combining cards and exploring decks. Players use skills and manage consumables to influence how they interact with other cards, shifting between combat and non-combat approaches depending on how they want encounters to unfold.

Instead of a single “always fight” route, the title emphasizes decision-making during interactions. Examples mentioned include using a “fame” card to pressure an opponent into fleeing, or offering food as an alternate way to deal with trouble. The story structure is also described as having expansive branching storylines and multiple endings, meaning the choices you make during play can change where things go.

Why players who like branching stories may care

Foretales is positioned as a hybrid of card game systems and narrative branching, with an additional emphasis on atmosphere and presentation. The description highlights a “unique ‘board game’ feel,” along with “brilliantly designed artwork” and a focus on personality-driven worldbuilding.

For players who enjoy narrative games where deck choices and encounter tactics meaningfully affect story direction, the appeal here is straightforward: you’re not just unlocking content—you’re actively shaping how situations resolve through both card play and story-aligned decisions.

Branching narrative: multiple endings tied to your choices
Deck-driven progression: combine cards, explore decks, and manage resources
Combat and non-combat options: interact with opponents in different ways
Choice-based encounter examples: use a “fame” card to make foes flee, or give food to change outcomes
Story narration: provided by Travis Willingham

How to claim it

If you want to add Foretales to your library, you’ll need to claim it during the window July 23–July 30. After it’s claimed, the game stays yours.