Xbox users the world over anticipate the arrival of a new month, as it brings with it a bevy of brand new titles that are made available completely free-of-charge through the system's Games with Gold feature. All that players require to get a monthly serving of freebies is a gold-level subscription to Xbox Live on either Xbox One or Xbox 360 and they'll be set to receive some goodies – potentially even in time for this December's lineup of Games with Gold.

Although November's Games with Gold selection was far superior, Xbox One gamers will still get the better end of the stick this month since the console is (more or less) completely backward compatible. Still, those gamers will be able to download and play both Q.U.B.E. 2 and Never Alone on their more powerful hardware. And, if that's not already enough, they can then add the Xbox 360's Dragon Age II and the original Xbox's Mercenaries: Playground of Destruction to their ever-growing collections.

XBOX FREE GAME WITH GOLD FOR DECEMBER 2018: Q.U.B.E. 2



A puzzle game set in an alien world, Q.U.B.E. 2 will surprise gamers looking for a very different take on the genre. The title itself features first-person action that's reminiscent of Valve's Portal franchise, with a major focus on clearing rooms in order to progress to the next stage. It's sure to pose a challenge to any puzzling aficionado, but at least their frustration over being stumped by a puzzle will be met with a sense of financial relief in knowing that Q.U.B.E. 2 was free through Games with Gold.

XBOX FREE GAME WITH GOLD FOR DECEMBER 2018: NEVER ALONE



This side-scrolling platformer also features puzzle elements, much like the other Xbox One game on this list. Still, this stylized title from Upper One Games is based on the Iñupiaq tale known as "Kunuuksaayuka." Suffice it to say, there's a lot of history surrounding this story as a result, with gameplay that stands out from the rest of the pack by the player's ability to jump between control of the main heroine Nuna and her arctic fox friend.

XBOX FREE GAME WITH GOLD FOR DECEMBER 2018: DRAGON AGE II



Developed by BioWare, the same studio responsible for the Mass Effect series, Dragon Age II was a standout title when it debuted on the Xbox 360 back in 2011. Despite having received a sequel within that time for modern hardware, the second entry in the franchise remains a favorite for fans as it acted as a turning point that began to flesh out the world originally explored in the first title. With impressive RPG mechanics and countless hours worth of content, Dragon Age II is a great freebie to check out during the holiday break this month.

Plus, with Dragon Age 4 said to be in development, this serves as a nice piece addition to anyone's collection.

XBOX FREE GAME WITH GOLD FOR DECEMBER 2018: MERCENARIES: PLAYGROUND OF DESTRUCTION



Heralded as an open-world gem upon its release on the original Xbox in 2005, Mercenaries: Playground of Destruction is a true standout from the hardware's library that it debuted on. Exploring the world, balancing favor with feuding factions, and piloting a number of vehicles to wreak all sorts of havoc are the focus of this title, ensuring that it lives up to its Playground of Destruction subtitle.


The total value of all the above games is $59.96 USD, making it a decent haul for Xbox users this holiday season. Next month will feature an entirely different batch of titles ripe for the downloading as well, so stay tuned to Screen Rant for more information for future updates on the offerings for Games with Gold.