Why Compare Epic vs Steam for Game Downloads? For PC gamers, Steam and the Epic games store are two of the most popular go-to platforms for buying, downloading and managing games. Both platforms have their own unique features, goodwill, exclusive titles, and incentives that continue to attract gamers. In this article, we are going to take a look at an Epic vs Steam for game downloads show-down to help you decide which launcher suits your gaming needs better.
Steam vs Epic comparison: download speeds and performance
For gamers, download speed and performance is important because who wants to wait around for a game to download? Steam has a track record of infrastructure with established content delivery networks (CDNs) and several regional Steam servers that usually provide consistent download speeds. The Epic Games Store has invested many resources into optimizing their CDN partnerships, and some users have stated they received faster download speeds on the Epic games store during peak Steam traffic.
- Steam Download Benefits: Steam offers download throttling, automatic network optimization, and scheduling, allowing you to manage bandwidth usage around your personal or work requirements.
- Epic Games Advantages: Epic Games Store allows you to pause and resume downloads across devices and provides more aggressive regional routing at times, which can reduce latency and improve peak-time speeds.
Epic Games Store Pros and Cons
Each platform has it’s pros and cons. Knowing what the Epic Games Store pros and cons are is important to know before settling on one launcher
Pros:
- Frequent Free Games: Epic gives away one to three free titles every week, helping you build a diverse library at no cost.
- Exclusive Titles: Epic holds timed exclusives for blockbuster games, attracting gamers seeking the latest releases.
- Developer Revenue Split: With a favorable 88/12 revenue share, Epic Games Store supports developers, potentially leading to a broader catalog of indie titles.
Cons:
- Smaller Community Features: Lacks the extensive forums, integrated mod support, and workshop features that Steam offers.
- Fewer Sales and Bundles: While Epic runs seasonal sales, they tend to feature fewer bundled discounts compared to Steam’s extensive sale events.
- Limited Social Tools: Friends lists and chat functionality are more basic when compared to Steam’s rich community ecosystem.
Steam Download Benefits: Library Management and Mod Support
Steam has been at the forefront of digital distribution, and its Steam download benefits extend beyond raw speed.
- Workshop Integration: Steam Workshop allows one-click mod downloads and easy updates, which is a huge draw for modding communities.
- Cloud Saves & Sync: Cloud saves back up all your game saves automatically when you play a game, which gives you peace of mind when playing on multiple devices, knowing you won’t lose progress.
- Library Organization: Steam makes organizing your library easier than everyone else with Collections, Tags, and the customizable shelving feature to help you keep track, find, and categorize your games.
Steam vs Epic comparison: Game Library and Exclusives
The breadth and depth of titles are important aspects of a platform’s allure.
- Steam has over 50,000 games, indie hits, VR titles, and multi-million dollar blockbusters.
- The Epic Games Store has a smaller catalog, but it is growing, and the library is centered on exclusives and high-profile releases. Games like Fortnite, Metro Exodus, and Control are part of Epic’s marketing effort to grab attention.
In the Steam vs Epic debate, Steam is the better platform for genre hopping and retro game players; Epic has a library that appeals to players after the next AAA exclusive.
Epic Games Advantages: User Interface and Shopping Experience
The Epic Games advantages include a streamlined, modern interface designed for ease of use.
- Minimalist Design: Epic’s launcher focuses on highlighting new releases, free games, and curated collections without overwhelming menus.
- One-Click Claim: Claiming free titles and installing them is as simple as a single button, reducing friction for new users.
- Built-in Storefront Analytics: Epic provides developers with detailed engagement metrics, making it easier for independent creators to optimize their storefront presence.
Pricing and Sales: Discounts, Free Games, and User Savings
Both platforms run sales, but their approaches differ.
- Steam offers more than 50,000 games, including tons of indie hits, VR titles, and multi-million-dollar blockbusters.
- The Epic Games store is still relatively small, but expanding; with a library based primarily on exclusives and high-profile releases.
- Epic Games Store Sales: Epic’s seasonal sales typically run shorter but include site-wide vouchers (e.g., $10 off $15+). Combined with free weekly games, this can offset purchase costs dramatically.
Community and Social Features
A vibrant player community can enhance your gaming experience through discussions, guides, and peer support.
- Steam Community: Integrated forums, user-generated guides, and workshop items foster a robust social ecosystem. Achievements, trading cards, and group chats further engage users.
- Epic Social: Epic’s friends list supports cross-platform integration with consoles, but lacks in-depth community hubs and guide-sharing found on Steam.
Security and Account Management
Keeping your account secure is vital for protecting purchases and personal data.
- Epic Games Store: Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) is optional but encouraged for account safety and claiming free games. Epic also alerts users to login attempts from new devices.
- Steam: Steam Guard offers email and mobile authenticator options, and community market restrictions add an extra layer of security for trading.
Cross-Platform Support and Modding
- Cross-play and modding can greatly enhance the longevity of a game. Steam offers Steam Workshop for mods and has full VR support – making it ideal for VR fans and modders.
- Epic Games Store: No mod support out of the box but Epic Games allows external launchers and promotes third party mod platforms like Nexus Mods. Cross-play is game-dependent rather than platform-driven.
Conclusion: Choosing Between Epic Games Store and Steam
In the Epic vs Steam for game downloads debate, no single platform reigns supreme. Your choice should depend on:Desired Titles. Opt for Epic if you’re chasing weekly freebies or timed exclusives; choose Steam for its vast library and mod support.Community Engagement: Steam is unmatched for community features, workshops, and user-generated content.Performance Needs: Both platforms offer solid download speeds, but Steam’s mature CDN can be more reliable.
Ultimately, many gamers maintain both launchers to leverage each platform’s strengths. By understanding the Steam download benefits and Epic Games Store pros and cons, you can craft a gaming setup that delivers the best of both worlds.
