Intel is running a promotion to increase demand for its Arrow Lake and Raptor Lake CPUs by offering free copies of Sid Meier’s Civilization VII and Assassin’s Creed: Shadows. This limited-time bundle is available until March 31, 2025, for customers who purchase select Intel processors from participating retailers.
The promotion includes digital downloads of the games with purchases of specific 14th Gen processors, highlighting Intel’s commitment to enhancing gaming experiences with technologies like XeSS upscaling.
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Get Free Games with Your New Intel CPU
What’s the Deal?
Intel is giving away free copies of two big upcoming games when you buy certain new CPUs. This promotion includes Sid Meier’s Civilization VII and Assassin’s Creed Shadows. It’s designed to get people excited about Intel’s latest processors.
Which CPUs Qualify?
To get the free games, you need to buy a qualifying Intel CPU. This includes 14th Gen Raptor Lake desktop processors and the newer Core Ultra 200S (Arrow Lake) processors. Both desktop and mobile Arrow Lake chips are included, but only desktop 14th Gen processors qualify. This means if you buy a new laptop with an Arrow Lake chip, you are eligible. However, if you buy a 13th gen Intel desktop CPU you will not be eligible for the promotion.
- Intel Core 14th Gen (Raptor Lake):
- Intel Core i5-14600K
- Intel Core i5-14600KF
- Intel Core i7-14700K
- Intel Core i7-14700KF
- Intel Core i9-14900K
- Intel Core i9-14900KF
- Intel Core i9-14900KS
- Intel Core Ultra 200 (Arrow Lake):
- Intel Core Ultra 5 245KF
- Intel Core Ultra 5 245K
- Intel Core Ultra 7 265KF
- Intel Core Ultra 7 265K
- Intel Core Ultra 9 285K
When Can I Get the Games?
The promotion runs from January 22, 2025, to March 31, 2025. You must buy your CPU during this time. After you buy the CPU, you will receive a code. You have until May 15, 2025, to use this code. You will receive the game codes on or after their release date. Civilization VII is set to release on February 11th, and Assassin’s Creed Shadows will launch on March 20th. So, if you purchase a CPU after the release of Civ 7 you will get the code immediately.
What About the Games Themselves?
- Civilization VII: This is the newest game in the popular Civilization series. It’s a turn-based strategy game where you build and lead a civilization through history. The game will support Intel XeSS upscaling technology and other optimizations right when it launches.
- Assassin’s Creed Shadows: This is the next game in the Assassin’s Creed series. It’s an open-world action-adventure game. This game will also use Intel XeSS 2 at launch.
What is Intel XeSS?
Intel XeSS (Xe Super Sampling) is a technology that makes games run faster and look better on Intel graphics cards and integrated graphics. It uses AI to upscale images, which means it can make a lower-resolution image look like a higher-resolution one. This improves performance without a big loss in visual quality. The fact that both games will support XeSS means they should run well on Intel hardware.
What This Means for Gamers
This promotion is a good deal for gamers who are thinking about upgrading their computers. You get a new CPU and two new games. It also shows that Intel is working with game developers to make sure their games work well on Intel hardware.
Promotion Details At a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Promotion Dates | January 22, 2025 – March 31, 2025 |
| Code Redemption Deadline | May 15, 2025 |
| Qualifying CPUs | 14th Gen Raptor Lake (Desktop), Core Ultra 200S (Arrow Lake) (Desktop and Mobile) |
| Games Included | Civilization VII, Assassin’s Creed Shadows |
| Civilization VII Release Date | February 11, 2025 |
| Assassin’s Creed Shadows Release Date | March 20, 2025 |
| Technology Support | Intel XeSS (Civilization VII), Intel XeSS 2 (Assassin’s Creed Shadows) |
Considering AMD?
While Intel is offering this game bundle, AMD also offers competitive CPUs. If you are not set on getting the free games, it is worth comparing AMD CPUs. AMD CPUs often offer strong performance, especially in gaming. Look at benchmarks and reviews to see which CPU best fits your needs and budget. Consider factors like core count, clock speed, and price. Both companies offer great options, so research is key.
Short Summary:
- Free copies of Civilization VII and Assassin’s Creed: Shadows with select CPU purchases.
- Promotion available until March 31, 2025, across participating retailers globally.
- Specific Intel Core processors from the Raptor Lake and Arrow Lake series qualify for the offer.
Intel has continued its tradition of collaborating with renowned game developers by partnering with gaming giants 2K and Ubisoft to offer gamers an exclusive promotion. Starting January 22, 2024, anyone who purchases selected Intel Core CPUs will receive a free digital copy of *Civilization VII* and *Assassin’s Creed: Shadows*, both highly anticipated titles set for release in early 2025.
*Sid Meier’s Civilization VII*, the next installment in the beloved strategy franchise, is scheduled to launch on February 11, 2025. Meanwhile, *Assassin’s Creed: Shadows* will be released shortly after on March 20, 2025. This game features a rich narrative centered around the legendary samurai Yasuke and the skilled shinobi Naoe. Both titles are expected to fully utilize the enhanced performance capabilities of Intel’s latest processors.
“It’s hard to come up with franchises in the PC gaming industry more iconic than Sid Meier’s Civilization, and Intel is thrilled to continue its years-long partnership with 2K Games and Firaxis on the series’ latest installment. Whether it’s a marathon session with friends or just ‘one more turn’ before logging off, gamers around the world can depend on Intel Core and Core Ultra processors to deliver the best Civilization experience on a PC.” — Roger Chandler, VP and GM, Enthusiast and Workstation PC, Intel
This promotional offer is available for both the new Arrow Lake (Core Ultra 200 Series) processors and selected 14th Generation Raptor Lake chips. The eligible CPU models, which are part of this exciting deal, include:
- Intel Core 14th Gen (Raptor Lake):
- Intel Core i5-14600K
- Intel Core i5-14600KF
- Intel Core i7-14700K
- Intel Core i7-14700KF
- Intel Core i9-14900K
- Intel Core i9-14900KF
- Intel Core i9-14900KS
- Intel Core Ultra 200 (Arrow Lake):
- Intel Core Ultra 5 245KF
- Intel Core Ultra 5 245K
- Intel Core Ultra 7 265KF
- Intel Core Ultra 7 265K
- Intel Core Ultra 9 285K
It’s important for customers to note that participating retailers may vary by location, and not all retailers will necessarily apply the offer to every eligible CPU model, so checking beforehand is advisable. Specific retailers in the UK include PCSpecialist, Ebuyer, Overclockers UK, Scan, and Cyberpower, among others, while the promotion is broadly available on Intel’s official website.
To redeem the games, buyers must visit Intel’s promotional site at softwareoffer.intel.com, create an account, and follow the instructions provided for claiming their game codes upon CPU purchase. Purchasers are required to submit proof of purchase before the redemption deadline of April 15, 2025, with game codes available for collection thereafter, by May 15, 2025.
The partnership with 2K extends beyond mere promotional offerings, as both *Civilization VII* and *Assassin’s Creed: Shadows* are set to feature support for Intel’s advanced gaming technologies. For *Civilization VII*, players can expect the inclusion of XeSS-SR (Super Resolution), a technology that aims to enhance fidelity and performance in gaming environments, providing smoother gameplay experiences.
“Intel has a long-standing commitment to gaming, and it’s our mission to ensure that players get the ultimate experience out of their gaming rig. This exclusive offer not only enhances the value of our processors but also continues to build on our relationships with industry leaders like 2K and Ubisoft.”
Sid Meier’s Civilization VII has generated considerable anticipation, promising to usher in a new era for the franchise. Players will be able to harness resources, build civilizations, and engage in complex diplomatic strategies. The release of this game signifies a significant update to a series that has captivated millions.
Similarly, Assassin’s Creed: Shadows is set to continue the cinematic legacy of its predecessors by exploring rich narratives interwoven with historical contexts, providing players with multifaceted gameplay experiences.
By bundling these games with CPU purchases, Intel not only enhances the attractiveness of its products but also aims to solidify its position as a leader in the gaming industry. With a focus on quality and performance, gamers can expect their experiences with these new titles to be enhanced by top-notch hardware.
Overall, Intel’s collaboration with leading game developers to offer game bundles with CPU purchases reflects a broader strategy aimed at strengthening the connection between gaming enthusiasts and high-performance computing. As the gaming landscape continues to evolve, such promotions could be crucial in driving sales and improving customer satisfaction. This promotional package is undoubtedly advantageous for gamers looking to upgrade their systems while gaining access to some of the best upcoming titles.
The excitement surrounding these new releases is further intensified by the incentive to acquire the latest technology from Intel. With these well-established games set to hit the market and a promotional offer tailored to PC gamers, Intel is positioning itself for a successful quarter ahead. Don’t miss out on this opportunity—check with your local retailer to see if they are participating in this game-changing offer!
