Epic Games is currently running a dual giveaway, offering free video games to both PC and mobile users. These titles are available to claim every Thursday for a period of seven days. The latest offering is Botany Manor, a puzzle game developed by the independent studio Balloon Studios.
In Botany Manor, players take on the role of Arabella Greene, a retired botanist, in a 19th-century English manor. The core gameplay revolves around cultivating a variety of exotic plants. The game emphasizes exploration of the manor’s gardens and Victorian estate, described as being “full of mysterious clues to discover, including books, posters, letters and fascinating Victorian depictions.”
The game’s central mechanic focuses on logical challenges and puzzle-solving. Some puzzles require deduction and careful thought, while others are designed to be more straightforward. The plant cultivation aspect is presented as an intriguing system, aiming to replicate the feel of real-world botany.
Botany Manor aims to deliver a uniquely relaxing 19th-century atmosphere. As noted in reviews, the game manages to maintain a cozy feel despite potentially complex puzzle solutions. The experience centers around exploring picturesque gardens and the Victorian manor itself.
Alongside Botany Manor, Epic Games is also offering the Poison Retro Set for Pixel Gun 3D, a free-to-play multiplayer first-person shooter. This downloadable content pack includes three neon green guns – the Poisonous Digital Sunrise, Poisonous Laser Cycler, and Poisonous Wave Pulser – each inflicting poison damage. The set is inspired by the game’s “Arcade Season” and features a retro aesthetic reminiscent of classic arcade games.
Both Botany Manor and the Pixel Gun 3D DLC are available for free claim through the Epic Games Store until at 11 a.m. EST (8 AM PST). To acquire these items, users simply need to log in to their Epic Games Store account and claim them.
The appeal of Botany Manor appears to lie in its blend of puzzle-solving and a relaxing, atmospheric setting. It’s a first-person puzzle game that encourages players to explore and experiment to discover the optimal conditions for growing rare plants. The game’s setting and character, a retired botanist, add a unique layer to the gameplay experience.
The free availability of Botany Manor comes after the game’s initial release in 2024, where it was well-received for its cozy atmosphere and engaging puzzles. The game’s developers, Balloon Studios, have created a title that seems to cater to players seeking a low-stakes, immersive experience.
The inclusion of the Pixel Gun 3D DLC alongside Botany Manor broadens the appeal of Epic Games’ free offerings, catering to fans of both puzzle games and fast-paced shooters. The Poison Retro Set adds a new dimension to the gameplay of Pixel Gun 3D, introducing poison-based weaponry with a distinctive visual style.
Epic Games’ strategy of offering free games on a weekly basis has proven to be a successful method of attracting and retaining users on its platform. By providing a diverse range of titles, Epic Games aims to appeal to a wide audience and establish the Epic Games Store as a prominent destination for PC gaming.
