How to epic games
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Last updated: April 4, 2026
Key Facts
- Epic Games developed the widely popular game Fortnite.
- The Unreal Engine, developed by Epic Games, powers many modern video games.
- The Epic Games Launcher is required to download and play most of their titles.
- Epic Games Store offers free games periodically, often weekly.
- Epic Games is headquartered in Cary, North Carolina.
What is Epic Games?
Epic Games is a prominent American video game and software developer and publisher. Founded in 1991 by Tim Sweeney, the company has grown to become a major player in the gaming industry, renowned for both its groundbreaking game titles and its influential game development tools.
Key Products and Services
Epic Games is most famously known for a few core offerings:
Fortnite
Perhaps their most recognizable product is Fortnite, a free-to-play battle royale game that took the world by storm. Launched in 2017, Fortnite has become a cultural phenomenon, attracting millions of players globally with its unique building mechanics, frequent content updates, and live in-game events. Its success has been a significant driver of Epic Games' growth and influence.
Unreal Engine
Another cornerstone of Epic Games is the Unreal Engine. This powerful, real-time 3D creation toolset is licensed to game developers worldwide and is used to create a vast array of games across different platforms. Its advanced graphics capabilities, flexibility, and accessibility have made it a favorite among indie developers and major studios alike. Beyond gaming, the Unreal Engine is increasingly used in film, television, automotive design, and architectural visualization.
Epic Games Store
In 2018, Epic Games launched its own digital storefront, the Epic Games Store. This platform serves as a direct competitor to other PC game distribution services like Steam. The Epic Games Store is notable for its curated selection of titles, its developer-friendly revenue split (taking a smaller cut of sales compared to competitors), and its strategy of offering exclusive titles and frequent free game giveaways. These free games have been a major draw for users, encouraging them to download the launcher and build a library of games.
How to Access and Play Epic Games
To play games developed or published by Epic Games, or to purchase titles from the Epic Games Store, you will need to download and install the Epic Games Launcher. This is a free application available for Windows and macOS.
Steps to Get Started:
- Visit the Official Epic Games Website: Go to www.epicgames.com.
- Download the Launcher: Look for a prominent "Download" or "Get the Epic Games Launcher" button, typically found in the top navigation bar or footer.
- Install the Launcher: Once downloaded, run the installer file and follow the on-screen prompts to install the launcher on your computer.
- Create an Epic Games Account: You will need to create a free Epic Games account to use the launcher and access games. You can sign up using an email address or link existing accounts from platforms like PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo, Facebook, Google, or Steam.
- Browse and Download Games: Open the Epic Games Launcher. You can navigate to the "Store" tab to browse available games, including those developed by Epic Games and third-party titles. Many games will require purchase, while others, like Fortnite, are free-to-play. Look for the "Free Games" section to claim complimentary titles.
- Install and Play: Once you've selected a game, click the "Get" or "Purchase" button, then proceed to install it. The launcher will manage the download and installation process. After installation, you can launch the game directly from the Epic Games Launcher.
Additional Information
Epic Games has also been at the forefront of technological advancements in gaming, particularly with its push towards cloud gaming and virtual reality. The company's commitment to providing accessible tools and platforms has significantly shaped the modern landscape of video game development and consumption.
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Sources
- Epic Games - WikipediaCC-BY-SA-4.0
- Epic Games Storefair-use
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