Epic Games Launcher

Epic Games Launcher is a digital storefront and a game library manager developed and maintained by Epic Games Corporation, creators of the famous Unreal Tournament, Gears of War, and Fortnite game franchises.



Built from the ground up to mimic the features found in Valve’s Steam client, the most popular PC online game store available today.

Epic Games Launcher strives to become the viable alternative for promotion and distribution of not only games produced by Epic themselves but also a wide variety of 3rd party publishers and indie developers of all sizes.

This eye-catching and streamlined client can help gamers of all tastes to easily build, organize, and access games that are purchased via this platform.

As a new and developing storefront for PC games, It has started a rapid adoption of much-requested features needed to enable modern gamers to take full advantage of their software.

This includes built-in support for creating friend lists, accessing text and audio chat both outside and inside the games, and even adding games that are not part of the Epic Game’s still developing catalog.

Made By Epic Games

• Battle Breakers
• Fortnite
• Infinity Blade
• Robo Recall
• Shadow Complex
• Unreal Tournament

To install Epic Games Launcher, simply download and launch an installation app and follow a few simple on-screen instructions. After creating a new user account, users can access an online digital storefront where games can be purchased with a few simple clicks of a mouse.

In addition to premium titles, here you can also find access to a large offering of Free Play titles, including the highly popular online shooter Fortnite Battle Royale.



The game library manager enables users fast access to all their purchased games, which will always remain in contact with central servers and receive automatic game updates whenever they become available.

The user interface of this game launcher is lightweight, fast, and optimized for use on PCs with older or weaker hardware. The launcher will not put a strain on your desktop PC or laptop even when the games or their updates are being downloaded or installed.

As of early 2024, it still lacks the complete feature set and game availability found in the competing Steam client from Valve. However, the explosive growth and regular updates this app received with each passing month have changed the marketplace of game distribution on the PC platform, starting a new age of competition between storefronts which have inevitably lead to better game prices, the appearance of advanced secondary game services and easier access to games of all sizes, prices, and genres.

Key Features

Digital Game Store: The program connects users to the Epic Games Store, where they can browse, purchase, and download a wide array of games, including exclusive titles not available on other platforms.

Free Games: One of the key features of the this software is the weekly free game giveaway, making it a great value for users looking to expand their game libraries at no cost.

Cloud Saves: Cloud save support allows users to save their game progress on Epic’s servers, ensuring seamless continuation on any authorized device.

Library Management: The launcher organizes games neatly, enabling users to search, organize, and filter their games with ease.

Mod Integration: The launcher supports mods for various games, enabling players to download and install mods directly from the launcher for compatible titles.

Social Integration: Users can connect with friends, join parties, and chat via voice or text, enhancing the social gaming experience.

User Interface

The app features a dark-themed, minimalistic user interface with a sidebar that offers quick access to the Store, Library, Unreal Engine, and social features.



The main content area is dedicated to store promotions, game updates, and browsing categories. The Library view presents users with a grid of their owned games, which can be customized with filters or search terms.

Key features are easily accessible, with dedicated buttons for viewing game details, launching games, or accessing game settings. The layout is intuitive and responsive, making it easy to navigate for first-time users.

Installation and Setup

Download and Installation: Users can download the installer for the desktop app from the official Epic Games website or FileHorse. The installer file size is around 50 MB.

Running the Installer: Once downloaded, running the installer initiates a straightforward setup wizard, guiding users through the installation process, which typically takes less than five minutes.

Creating or Signing into an Account: After installation, users are prompted to sign in or create an Epic Games account. The account creation process requires a valid email address, and users have the option to sign in using their Google, Facebook, or gaming platform credentials.

Customizing Settings: After logging in, users can customize settings related to downloads, installation directories, and notification preferences.

How to Use

Purchasing and Installing Games: The Store section allows users to browse and purchase games, with clear “Buy” or “Get” buttons. Free games are often highlighted on the main page.

Launching Games: Once a game is installed, it appears in the Library. Users can click on the game tile to view details or launch it directly. The launcher checks for updates before launching.



Managing Downloads: The launcher offers basic download management tools, including pause/resume options, download prioritization, and bandwidth limits.

Adding Friends and Joining Parties: Users can add friends via their Epic Games account name or by linking social media accounts. The Friends section shows active friends, ongoing parties, and voice/text chat options.

Accessing Mods: For supported games, users can access mods from within the launcher, install them, and manage the mod settings directly.

FAQ

Is the Epic Games Launcher free to use?
Yes, the launcher is free to download and use. Additionally, Epic Games offers free games on a weekly basis through the launcher.

How do I enable or disable cloud saves?
Go to the Settings menu in the launcher, then scroll down to the game-specific section where you can toggle cloud saves on or off for each installed game.

How can I find and add friends on the Epic Games Launcher?
Navigate to the Friends section and click on the “Add Friend” button. You can search by username or email, or import friends from connected social accounts.

Can I change the download location for games?
Yes, users can change the default installation directory by going to Settings > Install Location. For individual games, the installation directory can be selected at the time of installation.

What should I do if my game is not launching correctly?
First, check for game updates in the Library. If issues persist, use the Verify option to check the game files for errors, or contact Epic Games Support.

Alternatives

Steam: Steam remains the largest and most comprehensive gaming platform with a massive library of games, community hubs, and a vast modding ecosystem. It offers more extensive social features and sales events.

EA App: Powering next generation of PC gaming. All-new, enhanced platform, where you can easily play your favorite game.

GOG Galaxy: GOG Galaxy is another alternative that emphasizes DRM-free gaming and cross-platform integration. It boasts a polished interface and strong support for classic games.

Ubisoft Connect: If you're a fan of Ubisoft games, Uplay provides a similar experience for managing and playing Ubisoft titles.

Xbox Game Pass: If you prefer a subscription-based model, Xbox Game Pass for PC offers access to a library of games, including some Ubisoft titles.

Pricing

The program itself is free to download and use. The cost comes from purchasing games within the store, which vary depending on the title.

There are frequent sales and promotions, as well as a weekly rotation of free games that users can claim and keep permanently.

System Requirements

• Operating System: Windows 11, 10, 8 or 7
• Processor: Intel or AMD dual-core CPU
• RAM: 4 GB minimum
• Storage: 200 MB for the launcher, additional space depending on installed games
• Internet Connection: Required for account management, downloading, and online features

PROS

• Free weekly game giveaways
• Clean and intuitive interface
• Integrated mod support
• Exclusive games and developer support
• Competitive pricing and frequent sales

CONS

• Smaller library compared to competitors
• Limited social and community features
• Inconsistent cloud save support across all titles
• Requires a separate account
• Some users report slow download speeds

Conclusion

Epic Games Launcher has become a formidable competitor in the digital distribution space, offering exclusive titles, free games, and a streamlined interface.

While it may not yet rival the sheer content and community features of its biggest competitor, Steam, Epic Games’ commitment to weekly free giveaways and exclusive titles has drawn a substantial user base.

The platform’s mod support, cloud saves, and Unreal Engine integration add additional layers of value for gamers and developers alike.

Also Available: Download Epic Games Launcher for Mac