The Epic Games Store free game for February 5 went so that the blue prince could run

It is only natural that Epic Games Stores most famous freebies are high profile, AAA games like Hogwarts Legacy, Civilization 6, Deathloop, Dead Island 2and Verify. But while heavy hitters might make for the most instantly exciting freebies, the Epic Games Store has also been home to a plethora of smaller indie games that are just as worth downloading, such as Sifu, Fear the limelight, View-finderand Ghostrunner.

The Epic Games Store free game of the week is one such indie gem. Released in 2024, Botany Manor is the Epic Games Store free game for February 5th, and in some ways it feels like a spiritual predecessor of sorts Blue Princeone of last year's most acclaimed indie games.

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Epic Games Store Free Game for February 5th: Botany Manor

A must for Blue Prince fans

Originally released in April 2024
Developed by Balloon Studios
83 Top Critic Average on OpenCritic
Regular price: $24.99
A puzzle game set in an English manor house
Link to Botany Manor on Epic Games Store

Developed by Devon-based Balloon Studios, Botany Manor is a puzzle game set in 2024 where players take on the role of Arabella Greene, a retired botanist who has just inherited a grand manor in the English countryside. In this mansion, players will try to grow a variety of magical plants, many of which require special conditions to thrive. To discover the secrets behind these plants, players must explore the mansion and gather clues, using the information contained within to interact with the environment and help the plants grow.

Fans of the 2025 puzzle game sensation Blue Prince may already feel they are in familiar territory. At the surface level, Botany Manor and Blue Prince shares a somewhat similar premise, with both games beginning with the player character inheriting a mysterious mansion that seemingly has supernatural properties. Both games also have very distinct art styles that share key features. Both Botany Manor and Blue Prince aim for a minimalist art style, featuring landscape objects and environmental structures with concise designs led by careful linework. Both games also use light and shadows effectively to give their otherwise minimally detailed objects more depth.

Of course, Botany Manor and Blue Prince are far from carbon copies of each other. While both are puzzle games that emphasize environmental clues and point-and-click gameplay, the core of Blue Princes gameplay loop sets it far apart Botany Manor. Where Botany Manor has a linear, chapter-based form of progression, Blue Princes roguelike loop sees players experience most puzzles in a non-linear order.

Back when Botany Manor first launched, it was met with a very strong reception from critics, earning an 83 Top Critic Average on OpenCritic with 91% of critics recommending the game. Almost exactly one year later, Blue Prince would come to receive even greater acclaim from critics. Blue Prince currently has a 90 Top Critic Average on OpenCritic, with 95% of critics recommending it. While Botany Manor may not contain the addictive roguelike loop or the amount of optional content that Blue Prince has, the upcoming free-to-play Epic Games Store might still scratch that itch Blue Prince fans looking for a similar puzzle experience.

Released: April 9, 2024
ESRB: E for everyone
Developer: Balloon studios
Publisher: Whitethorn game

The Other Epic Games Store Freebie for February 5th

DLC for Pixel Gun 3D

While Botany Manor is the only free Epic Games Store game for February 5th, fans of Pixel Gun 3D can also redeem a free DLC. Titled the “Poison Retro Set,” this DLC usually retails for $24.99 and comes with three new poison damage weapons inspired by the neon-drenched aesthetic of retro arcades. These three new weapons are: