Xbox Free Play Days Brings EA Sports FC 26, NHL 26 & More This Weekend (Jan. 15-18)

It’s Thursday again, which means Xbox Free Play Days are back, and this time with an EA Sports takeover. From January 15 to January 18, you can try several of EA’s biggest sports titles at no extra cost for the weekend.

As part of EA Sports Week, Xbox is offering major athlete upgrades across its latest games. That includes football icon Toni Kroos, who returns as an EA Sports FC 26 Icon, Madden 26 rookie Cam Skattebo, and rising football stars Alyssa Thompson and Ellie Carpenter, both receiving notable upgrades in FC 26. Players can try these enhanced versions during the event, with post-weekend discounts available to continue playing.

EA Sports games are free to try this weekend

From Thursday through Sunday, EA Sports FC 26, Madden NFL 26, College Football 26, and NHL 26 are available for all Xbox members to play during Free Play Days. No Xbox Game Pass subscription is required for these four titles.

EA Sports FC 26 lets players preview the Club is Yours experience with Kick-Off matches, 5-a-side Clubs Rush, Live Events, and Learn to Play modes. Madden NFL 26 introduces AI-powered gameplay built from real NFL data, while College Football 26 focuses on the journey from recruit to legend. NHL 26 brings refined superstar performance and a revamped Be A Pro mode.

Game Pass-exclusive trials

In addition to the above, F1 25, UFC 5, and EA Sports PGA Tour are free to try this weekend for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, Premium, and Essential members. These titles include full-feature trials, with progress carrying over if you decide to buy.

F1 25 offers a revamped My Team mode and the next chapter of Braking Point. UFC 5 delivers Frostbite-powered visuals and realistic damage systems, while EA Sports PGA Tour gives players access to major championships and premium golf courses.

As always, players can purchase any of the featured games at limited-time discounted prices and keep all achievements and Gamerscore earned during the event. Discounts and availability may vary by region, so it’s worth checking the Xbox Store early before the weekend ends.