Austin King is the Gaming Editor at ScreenRant and has worked on the site since 2020 with a focus on RPGs and tabletop games. He previously managed content for Geek to Geek Media and was a writer for sites like Nintendo, Geek Fitness, and more.
In addition to his work at ScreenRant, he also hosts the Dragon Quest FM podcast and is the author of several books, including co-writing Nimbus (#1 bestseller in 2013). His latest work is the non-fiction The Dragon Quest Book, available now.
Over the course of his career, he has written on pop culture, video games, and gender studies. You can find it on Blue sky, Xand to Dragonquestaustin.com
Xbox Game Pass members get a bonus free game this weekend thanks to Free Play Days, but you only have about 24 hours left to play it. It’s been a big week for the subscription service, with 14 first day matches announced for Game Pass during Thursday’s Xbox Partner Preview live stream. This is also after some high-profile releases, like Cyberpunk 2077were added in March.
On the official Xbox website, the latest Free Play Days announcement revealed that two games are playable this weekend. One is free for all Xbox users, while the other is available to Game Pass members at all tiers. So whether you have Ultimate, Premium or Essential, you will be able to play it. The promotion runs from Thursday March 26 to Sunday March 29, 2026.
Train Sim World 6 is free this weekend
The free bonus for Xbox Game Pass members is Train Sim World 6: Thomas & Friends Edition. As the name suggests, this edition lets you control Thomas the Tank Engine and other characters from the series. You can check out the West Somerset Railway add-on and the 80th Anniversary Expansion.
To download the game on console, click on the Subscriptions tab in the Xbox Store and scroll down to the Free Play Days collection. From a computer, you will need to be signed into your Game Pass account and access the game’s page on the Xbox storefront.
Even if Thomas and his friends isn’t your thing, this edition also comes with the Train Sim World 6: Free Starter Pack, which allows you to drive real-world trains in the training center. If you enjoy the game, it’s also discounted right now as part of the Free Play Days promotion. So once it’s no longer free, you can grab it for just $19.99 for a limited time. It’s usually $39.99, which is a solid 50% off.
Free and discounted games for Xbox members expire soon
Train Sim World 6: Thomas & Friends Edition isn’t the only game to be part of Free Play Days this weekend. Rubber bandits is also available to play for free, no Game Pass required. This is a multiplayer fighting game that usually costs $9.99, so you might want to check it out while it’s free to see if it’s your kind of game.
Right now, both titles are free for Xbox Game Pass members, and Train Sim World 6: Thomas & Friends Edition also receives a 50% discount. However, this deal won’t last long. The weekend free play days will end late Sunday night, so you have until the end of March 29 to check them out.
- Number of devices simultaneously
- The standard subscription plan allows two accounts to play simultaneously, with four accounts playing simultaneously on the Friends and Family plan
- Highest resolution
- 1440p broadcast
- Number of accounts
- ~35 million subscribers
- Compatibility
- Xbox Series X|S, PC, ROG Xbox Ally, Android, iOS, Samsung and LG TVs, Meta Quest, web browser
- Price per month
- Essential $9.99 | Premium $14.99 | Ultimate $29.99
- Price per year
- 12 month membership codes only available at select retailers