What is Epic Games Store used for?

Epic Games Store is a PC and mobile game storefront and launcher from Epic Games, known for offering free games on a weekly basis. It is a good fit for PC players buying and downloading games, and developers distributing titles to players.

Is Epic Games Store free?

Yes. Epic Games Store has a free plan.

Is Epic Games Store open source?

No. Epic Games Store is proprietary (closed-source) software and can't be self-hosted. Open-source alternatives to Epic Games Store include Heroic Games Launcher, Playnite and Lutris.

What are some alternatives to Epic Games Store?

Epic Games Store competes with GOG, EA app and Ubisoft Connect. For open-source options, see Enlisted's ranked list of open-source Epic Games Store alternatives.

Epic Games Store: features, pricing and alternatives

About Epic Games Store

The Epic Games Store is a digital storefront and launcher run by Epic Games, the company behind Fortnite and Unreal Engine. Players buy, download and manage games through it on PC, and it also reaches mobile devices.

A defining feature is the free games program, which gives away selected titles on a recurring schedule. The store is a hosted commercial service operated by Epic, so players need an Epic account, while game developers and publishers use it as a distribution channel.

Key features

Digital game storefront
Game launcher and library
Weekly free game offers
PC and mobile availability

Good fit for

→PC players buying and downloading games
→Developers distributing titles to players

Tags: game-store; game-launcher; pc-gaming; free-games; epic-games; digital-distribution

Epic Games Store: questions and answers

What is Epic Games Store used for?: Epic Games Store is a PC and mobile game storefront and launcher from Epic Games, known for offering free games on a weekly basis. It is a good fit for PC players buying and downloading games, and developers distributing titles to players.
Is Epic Games Store free?: Yes. Epic Games Store has a free plan.
Is Epic Games Store open source?: No. Epic Games Store is proprietary (closed-source) software and can't be self-hosted. Open-source alternatives to Epic Games Store include Heroic Games Launcher, Playnite and Lutris.
What are some alternatives to Epic Games Store?: Epic Games Store competes with GOG, EA app and Ubisoft Connect. For open-source options, see Enlisted's ranked list of open-source Epic Games Store alternatives.