What Makes Epic Games Store’s Launchers Stand Out from the Competition?

21 July 2025

Let’s be honest — PC gamers are spoiled for choice these days. Steam, GOG, Origin, Battle.net, Ubisoft Connect… it's like a buffet of game launchers! But there's one name that has shaken things up since it blasted onto the scene: the Epic Games Store (EGS).

Now, I can already hear some eye-rolls. "Oh, Epic? Just another launcher to clutter up my desktop!" Hold on there, friend. Before you click away and go back to your 256th hour of Skyrim, let’s have a little heart-to-heart about what makes the Epic Games Store launcher stand out from the competition. Spoiler alert: it’s not just Fortnite.

The Underdog with a Punch

Let’s rewind the clock a bit. When Epic Games Store launched in December 2018, it rolled onto the battlefield dominated by Steam. It was the David to Valve’s Goliath. No one expected it to seriously challenge the status quo. But Epic came packing heat… and free games. Lots of 'em.

Unlike many others, EGS didn’t just sit quietly hoping people would notice it. It offered compelling reasons to shift loyalty: better revenue splits for developers, aggressive exclusives, and yep, those sweet, sweet free titles.

So what makes it different? Let’s break it down.

🎮 Free Games Galore: Like Oprah, but for Gamers

"You get a game! You get a game! Everybody gets a game!"

If you've ever claimed a freebie on Epic, you know the deal. From AAA blockbusters to quirky indie gems, Epic’s been handing out free games like they're going out of style. Every week, a new title (or two) shows up in your library… just for clicking a button.

And no, it’s not just shovelware. We're talking legit hits — GTA V, Control, Subnautica, Celeste, and more. It’s like a welcome mat made entirely of gold for new users. Steam? Not even close (unless you’re counting 90% discounts during sales).

Why it stands out: Free games create a habit. You log in, grab your loot, and maybe even play. It’s genius marketing that benefits both gamers and devs.

💸 Developer-Friendly Revenue Split

Here's a little industry secret: Steam takes a 30% cut from developers on game sales. Epic? Just 12%. That’s a whopping difference when you're talking millions in revenue.

Even better, if a game is developed using Unreal Engine (also made by Epic), they waive the 5% royalties if sold on EGS. Talk about keeping it in the family.

Why it stands out: Game creators get more of their hard-earned dough. That means more devs are tempted to go Epic-exclusive, giving the launcher a competitive edge in library variety.

🧠 Smart, Sleek UI That Doesn’t Think It’s Smarter Than You

We’ve all been there — opening a game launcher and getting bombarded with pop-ups, updates, recommendations, and a UI that feels like it was made in 2005.

Epic Games Store keeps it simple. Clean interface, minimal clutter, and a sense of calm that’s honestly refreshing. Finding your game, buying a new one, claiming your freebies — it all feels intuitive.

Why it stands out: Sometimes, less is more. While some launchers try to do everything (and fail), EGS focuses on doing the basics really well.

🕶️ Exclusive Titles That Turn Heads

Remember when everyone lost their minds because Metro Exodus went Epic-exclusive just before its release on Steam?

Epic’s exclusivity deals are controversial, sure, but they work. Titles like Borderlands 3, Assassin’s Creed Mirage, Hitman 3, and Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade made their debut (or had timed exclusives) on Epic.

Love it or hate it, exclusivity drives traffic. And Epic has the cash to make it happen.

Why it stands out: While Steam’s philosophy is open market, Epic’s method shakes the tree. It forces players to head over and see what the fuss is about.

🧾 Epic Coupons and Jaw-Dropping Sales

Who doesn’t love a good deal? Epic’s sales are spicy — and not just because they cut prices.

During major events like the Epic Mega Sale, the launcher drops Epic Coupons that knock $10 off any game over $14.99. Oh, and they keep giving you new coupons every time you use one.

It’s like a money-saving loop you actually want to be stuck in.

Why it stands out: Discounts are everywhere, but Epic’s stacking coupons make you feel like you've hacked the system (legally, of course).

👋 User-First Refund Policy

Ever bought a game, played for 20 minutes, and realized you made a terrible mistake? We’ve all been there.

Epic matches Steam’s refund policy — full refunds within 14 days and under 2 hours of playtime. No hoops. No drama. No email chains with support bots.

Why it stands out: It's simple, fair, and makes you feel confident when trying something new. That kind of trust goes a long way.

🤝 A Developer’s Paradise

We touched on this earlier, but let’s go deeper. Epic’s not just treating gamers well — it's basically rolling out the red carpet for developers.

From Epic Online Services (for multiplayer functionality) to early access funding and spotlight features, they’re positioning themselves as the BFFs of the game dev world.

This means more devs are choosing to launch on Epic FIRST, and that's a huge win for us players.

Why it stands out: Happy devs make great games. Epic’s support behind the scenes equals better content on the front-end.

🛠️ Constantly Evolving Features (Slowly But Surely…)

Okay, let’s be real for a second. At launch, EGS was a little… barebones. No shopping cart, no achievements, no forums, nada.

But Epic has been slowly but surely chipping away at a legit, full-featured launcher. Achievements? Now live on many games. Cloud saves? Got 'em. Shopping cart? Took time — but it's here.

Plus, they’re open with their roadmaps, so users can see what’s cooking.

Why it stands out: They listen. It might take some time, but Epic doesn’t brush off criticism. They roll up their sleeves and get to work.

📱 Cross-Platform and Social Integration

Epic’s making moves in the cross-play space. Through Epic Online Services, developers can build games that work seamlessly between PC, console, and mobile.

Also, Epic’s social features (like friend lists and party systems) sync easily with other platforms — thanks Fortnite!

Why it stands out: Seamless multiplayer between devices is the holy grail for modern gaming. Epic’s ahead of the curve here.

🧲 The Power of Fortnite and Unreal Engine

Let’s not ignore the elephant in the room: Fortnite is a behemoth with global pull. That player base alone is enough to keep the Epic launcher buzzing with activity.

And don’t forget Unreal Engine — one of the gaming industry's most powerful tools. Epic has literally created an ecosystem that starts with development and ends with delivery — all under one roof.

Why it stands out: It’s like Apple’s walled garden, but for game development. From start to finish, Epic’s got it covered.

💬 Community Features Are Coming (And They Might Be Good)

While Steam has community forums, guides, and reviews galore, Epic’s been slow on that front. However, they’ve started rolling out user ratings, polls, and tags, and there’s talk of more social features coming soon.

They’re taking a curated approach — less chaos, more quality. Will it work? Time will tell.

Why it stands out: It’s different — not a free-for-all, but a tailored community vibe. That could be a refreshing change in a sea of toxic review bombs.

Final Thoughts: Why Epic Deserves a Spot On Your Desktop

Look, we’re not saying Epic Games Store is perfect. It’s still got room to grow. But when you zoom out and look at the whole picture, it’s clear: this launcher has done more in a handful of years than some platforms attempt in a decade.

From snagging exclusives and offering free games to creating a dev-friendly ecosystem, Epic Games Store brings serious value to the table. It’s no longer “that thing I need to run Fortnite.” It’s a full-blown digital marketplace that’s earned its space — and probably a few GBs on our SSDs.

So next time you’re decluttering your desktop and eyeing EGS, maybe give it a second thought. It’s not just another launcher… it might just be the game-changer.

TL;DR – Quick Hits 🔥

- 🎁 Weekly free games (including big titles!)
- 💰 Generous revenue split for developers
- 🖥️ Clean, simple, user-friendly interface
- 🔐 Epic-exclusive releases attract attention
- 🔄 Refund policy that puts players first
- 🧾 Epic Coupons = More savings
- 🛠️ Evolving features and visible roadmap
- ⚙️ Supportive ecosystem for game creators
- 🤝 Cross-platform connectivity and services
- 🚀 Fueled by Fortnite and Unreal Engine power