Return to Ash is the latest game that can be grabbed for free on Epic Games store during the give away period. Imagine waking up in a place that’s not quite heaven, not quite hell—just an endless white void. That’s where Return to Ash begins, pulling you into a short but powerful story about what comes after life.
This visual novel, made by Serenity Forge, came out in July 2025. It’s perfect for anyone who loves deep stories without long playtimes. You play as Ashleigh, or Ash—a girl who’s spent years in a hospital bed. Now, she’s free of pain but stuck in purgatory. The goal? Face tough trials from a creepy figure called “Death” and maybe find a way back to the living world.
Waking Up in the Afterlife
The game starts simple. Ash opens her eyes in a bright, empty hospital room. No beeping machines, no nurses—just silence and a window showing nothing but white. Is this a dream? Or the end? Right away, you’re making choices: leave the room, wait, or… something darker.
As you explore this strange limbo, you meet others like you—lost souls with regrets and dreams. There’s Celadon, a nervous guy in glasses; Scarlet, with her tough vibe; and Death themselves, masked and scythe-wielding but oddly chatty. Each chat builds bonds or breaks them. The story digs into big ideas: loneliness, lost friends, and second chances. It’s emotional without being sappy, like a quiet talk with an old friend.
Choices That Matter
What makes Return to Ash shine is how your picks change everything. Talk to someone? Help them in a trial? Trust Death’s games? Every decision leads to one of six endings. Some are hopeful, others heartbreaking. You can see them all in 2-4 hours, making replays quick and fun.
No combat or puzzles—just pure story. But the trials feel tense, like mind games where one wrong word dooms you. It’s easy to pick up (runs on almost any PC), with controller support too. Achievements reward explorers, like unlocking every path.
Art and Sound That Pull You In
The black-and-white art is a standout. Hand-drawn in a sketchy, anime style, it feels raw and real. Grey tones match the lonely mood—hospitals look sterile, the void endless. Characters pop with big eyes and expressive faces, showing fear or hope without words.
The soundtrack is gentle piano and strings, swelling during big moments. It’s on the menu anytime, so you can relive feels. Full-page backgrounds let you soak in the world, like art in a gallery.
Conclusion
Return to Ash packs a punch in a small package. Serenity Forge, pros at story games like Doki Doki Literature Club Plus!, nails themes of connection in isolation. If you’ve ever wondered “What if?” about death, this is your answer. Short, sweet, and unforgettable—play it tonight and see where Ash’s journey takes you. You might just find a bit of your own story there.
Claim the Giveaway
In order to claim the giveaway game, you can visit Epic Games store webpage https://store.epicgames.com/en-US/p/return-to-ash-dee3ff login to your Epic Games account and then click on the Get button. You will have to use Epic Games Launcher in order to download and install it.