The Epic Games Launcher is the free desktop client for the Epic Games Store. You use it to buy, download, update and launch games from Epic’s store, to claim the store’s regular free-game giveaways, and to install Unreal Engine. It also runs Epic’s own games such as Fortnite and Rocket League.
Who it suits
- PC and Mac players who claim Epic’s free games.
- Players of Epic-published titles such as Fortnite and Rocket League.
- Developers who install Unreal Engine.
How to get the official version
Download it from store.epicgames.com/download. The page offers the Windows installer and says the store is also available on macOS. After installation the launcher updates itself.
Epic also runs a separate Epic Games Store mobile app. According to Epic’s FAQ, it is available on Android worldwide, and on iPhone and iPad in the European Union and on iPhone in Japan and Brazil, with other regions to follow. Epic explains how to install it on its own mobile page. This catalogue entry covers the desktop launcher.
Cost
The launcher and an Epic account are free. Games and add-ons are sold individually. Free-to-play games and weekly giveaways cost nothing, though many free games offer in-app purchases.
Requirements
Epic’s FAQ lists Windows 10 (64-bit), Windows 11 or macOS 10.13 or higher; an Intel Core 2 Duo or AMD Athlon 2×2 processor; 2 GB of memory; a DirectX 9.0c compatible GPU; and 1.5 GB of disk space. Games have their own, usually much higher, requirements.
Safety notes
Scam sites promise free V-Bucks or “unlocked” games and ask for your Epic password. Download the launcher only from epicgames.com, enable two-factor authentication on your Epic account, and ignore offers of free currency.
Questions
Is the Epic Games Launcher free?
Yes. You pay only for games and items you choose to buy.
Do the weekly free games stay in my library?
Games you claim during a giveaway are added to your library. Check each giveaway’s page for its terms.
Can I install it with winget?
Yes: winget install EpicGames.EpicGamesLauncher.
