Epic Games Store in 2026: Is It Worth Using?

Quick answer: The Epic Games Store is a free PC game shop run by Epic Games, the maker of Fortnite. It is worth having in 2026 for its weekly free games and Epic Rewards. Most players still use Steam as their main store and keep Epic as a bonus.

Last updated: 4 November 2026

What is the Epic Games Store?

It is a digital shop and launcher for PC and Mac games. Epic opened it in December 2018. You make a free account, install the launcher, then buy or claim games.

Epic also runs a mobile version. It works on Android and on iPhone in a few regions where Apple’s rules now allow it. Epic says it has launched on iPhone in the EU, Japan, and Brazil. If you are in the UK, check the store’s own page before you plan around it.

How big is it in 2026?

Epic’s own 2025 report shows a record year. But the details tell a more careful story.

• 78 million monthly users in December 2025, an all-time high.
• $1.16 billion spent by players, up 6%.
• 6,000+ games in the catalogue.

Now the catch. The average for the whole year was 67 million monthly users, down 1%. Total hours played fell 14%.

In plain words: many people visit, especially at Christmas and for freebies. Fewer stay and play. Steam is still much bigger.

One bright spot is spending on games made by other studios. It rose 57% to $400 million. People are buying more than just Fortnite-style hits.

Why do people keep coming back?

One reason: free games. Epic gives away at least one game most weeks. The swap happens every Thursday at 4 pm UK time. Epic says players claimed 662 million free games in 2025.

Once you claim a game, it stays in your library for good. You do not need to play it right away.

The free list changes weekly, so always check the store’s Free Games page. Old articles go out of date fast.

Epic Games Store vs Steam

The refund rule matches Steam almost exactly. The big difference is on the developer side. Epic’s lower cut is why some indie studios launch there. That means you will sometimes see a game on Epic first.

What is changing right now?

• A rebuilt launcher. Epic has admitted the launcher feels slower and heavier than Steam. It says it is overhauling it.
• Mobile growth. The iPhone store arrived in Japan in March 2026 and in Brazil in June 2026.
• Indie focus. Epic’s Triple-i Initiative showcase in October 2026 lined up new indie games for the store.

Five tips for UK players

1. Claim every Thursday. Set a reminder. Free means free only for a week.
2. Turn on two-factor login. Some giveaways may ask for it anyway.
3. Keep your recovery email current. Users often complain about slow account recovery.
4. Use the refund window. You have 14 days, as long as you played for under 2 hours.
5. Check the price before buying. The same game can cost less on Steam during a sale.

FAQs

Is the Epic Games Store free? 

Yes. The launcher and account are free. Games cost money unless they are part of a giveaway.

Is the Epic Games Store safe?

Yes, it is Epic’s official store. The main complaints are about account recovery, so use two-factor login.

Should I use Epic or Steam?

Use both. Make an Epic account for the free games. Keep Steam for mods, reviews, and bigger sales.

The bottom line

The Epic Games Store is not a Steam killer. It is a smart add-on. Claim the free games, enjoy the exclusives, and compare prices before you pay.

Sources: Epic Games Store 2025 Year in Review (via PC Gamer, Games Market Global), GamesBeat (Unreal Fest 2026), Epic Games Newsroom, Epic’s revenue-share announcement, Notebookcheck.