Epic Games Store Gives All Users a Bonus Feature Steam Has Had For Years

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As a PC gamer, I’ve been watching the Epic Games Store improve over the years, and it’s cool to see it finally catching up to Steam. When it first launched, it was pretty basic compared to Steam, but they’ve been adding features consistently since 2018. Just recently, at the end of September, they added something a lot of us have been waiting for – pre-loading! It’s awesome that I can now download a game before it officially launches, just like on Steam and consoles. It’s a really convenient addition and makes the Epic Games Store even better.

Many other game platforms let you download games a few days before they officially launch, and now the Epic Games Store offers this too – up to five days early, if the game developer allows it. This means players can have the game fully downloaded and be ready to play as soon as it releases, avoiding potentially long wait times. It’s a great improvement that brings the Epic Games Store more in line with other popular online game stores, and it’s good to see them adding this feature.

With games getting increasingly huge, especially major titles, pre-loading has become a real benefit for players. The Epic Games Store’s initial lack of this feature was a noticeable problem, particularly for games released only on their platform. This, along with other missing features, is a key reason many PC gamers still prefer Steam. Whether this will convince players to switch platforms remains to be seen, but it’s a positive step, especially considering the free games Epic Games Store regularly offers.

Although it’s positive that pre-loading is now working, users are confused by the lack of an official announcement from the platform. It was discovered through online forums and spread by players, rather than being formally communicated by the company. This isn’t surprising, as the company has a history of making strange choices, like delaying essential features such as a shopping cart.

The Epic Games Store is expected to gain more features over time, though development will likely be gradual. Epic is working to improve its store and publishing capabilities, particularly as they continue to offer exclusive games and timed releases. Even if you prefer Steam, it’s worth keeping an eye on the Epic Games Store, if only to take advantage of the free games they regularly offer.

PC gamers aren’t limited to just one place to buy games online. While Steam and the Epic Games Store are the most popular, there are several other options available. Companies like Ubisoft, EA, Blizzard, and Riot Games all sell games directly, and platforms like Humble Bundle and GOG offer another route. Each storefront has its own benefits and drawbacks, and though it can be frustrating to use multiple launchers, some games are exclusive to certain stores or offer better deals elsewhere. The landscape is constantly evolving, with these stores frequently updating their services.

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2025-10-08 21:11