Here are the free Xbox Live Gold Games for December

The Escapists 2 

It's time to escape from that cursed prison again. And it's entirely up to you how you're going to do that. So first you’ll have to let your creativity run free, before you can (ha-ha). But all kidding aside, you're behind bars and have to stick to the daily routine of this prison. Are you not in time for breakfast? That's suspicious! This makes it more difficult for yourself, because security is suddenly on edge. And that doesn't make escaping any easier. Contrasting with that repetitive 'prison routine' is the fact that you can go completely wild when it comes to crafting and customizing. Before you know it, you'll have the perfect tool for digging a tunnel or demolishing a wall. That comes in handy!

You can also completely customize not only your own appearance, but that of every other prisoner and guard! Make a prison of all your colleagues or classmates. Or put your entire (in-law) family in jail. Ideal for the holidays! You can play the game together with up to 3 others in multiplayer or versus mode. These modes make it just that little bit more exciting and strategic. Whether you go for teamwork or constantly hinder each other, The Escapist 2 is a challenging game that’ll certainly keep you captive for a while. Become a prisoner of your own couch, you’ll never want to leave! This game can be downloaded for free throughout all of December!

Tropico 5 - Penultimate Edition

Have you always wondered what it would be like to be a tough, ruthless dictator? Rule your dynasty with an iron fist, or don a velvet glove? Whatever you decide, in Tropico 5 you will return to the remote island of Tropico in this 'dictator sim'. Determine your regime in the colonial era and ensure that your society successfully reaches the 21st century. And that's easier said than done!

The life of a dictator is not all fun and games. Stand your ground during various world wars, depressions and revolutions. Get a good trading position and a strong fleet, you're going to need it! Watch your industry, technology, economy and population grow and develop, all thanks to your unbridled commitment, of course. In the multiplayer function up to 4 players you work with or against each other, but we all know that only one dictator can be the strongest. You, of course! Show the world what you've got and play Tropico 5 now for free, available from December 16, 2021 to January 15, 2022.

Orcs must die!

The longer you play this tower defense game, the more satisfying it becomes. The way the cartoonish orcs are eliminated is a bit sadistic, which makes your killing spree all the more rewarding. Design your own murderous maze full of traps and take hordes of Orcs (horcs?) to the afterlife. As you progress, these mechanical killing machines will become more and more effective, for the highest level of orc slaying. AnNo orc-trap is the same! Launch your orcs into the hot lava with a life-size catapult? Life is a party, but you have to hang the orc-naments yourself, is the motto here!

Each level is a new challenging adventure in which you play the main role as War Mage who single-handedly fights orcs. You still get most of the kills from strategic traps and mechanical contraptions, but your character can make just that difference on the battlefield! Any orcs that pass under the radar are yours. Of course, it's all about a healthy balance between manual orc extermination and backing up technical orc-killing gizmos. Go on this cheerful killing spree until December 15th!

Insanely Twisted Shadow Planet

Make your way to the center of the unknown Shadow Planet, that's the goal of this twisted game. Along the way on your adventures you will encounter the craziest environments, weird creatures and complex puzzles. You can upgrade your ship with mysterious alien inventions. Do what you have to do, because it's up to you to save your own world!

The style of this unique game looks beautiful and is indeed 'Insanely Twisted', just like the enemies you encounter. The puzzles are innovative and are interspersed with intense action scenes at just the right time. Also nice: you can explore the Insanely Twisted Shadow Planet alone or with friends, because this game also has a multiplayer function. You can play it for free from December 16 to 31 and believe us, you definitely want to pay a millionaire to visit this Shadow Planet!

All this and more is waiting for you in the Xbox Live Gold subscription. Wonderful to have, but also makes a great gift!