Epic Games Launcher

Overview

Epic Games Launcher is the client for installing and launching games from an Epic Games Store library. It is best suited to players who want Epic’s weekly free games and play titles that support Epic account features. Its main trade-off is that offline play and cloud saves are not universal, so game-by-game support matters.

Key features

Library, free games and progression

The launcher provides access to install and launch games in an Epic Games Store library. Epic offers a new free game every Thursday on PC and mobile, giving players a recurring way to add games without an upfront purchase. The launcher is free, but optional in-app purchases and other game or content costs remain.

In supported games, an Epic account can carry progression across devices and platforms. Many Store games also support Cloud Saves, which store saves online for use across devices. Coverage varies: if a game lacks Cloud Saves, uninstalling it might delete save files in its installation location. Offline Mode works with eligible installed single-player games, but multiplayer, cloud saves, achievements and other online services may be unavailable. Players who need reliable saves or offline access should check support for each game before uninstalling or disconnecting.

Accounts and controls

Epic supports two-factor authentication through authenticator apps, SMS or email, and account sign-in through Facebook and Google. Epic accounts can have up to 1,000 friends through the Launcher or Epic Games Mobile App. Products using Epic account sign-in can verify identity; access to other account information requires explicit consent, and Epic says it does not share passwords or payment details with third-party products.

Parental controls let adults manage a child’s access across Epic products. The Player Support portal includes self-service account recovery, password help and two-factor-authentication tools. These options make the launcher more manageable for families and account holders, though they do not change which individual games support offline play or saves.

Pricing

Epic Games Launcher / Epic Games Store: free. The free plan includes free installation, optional in-app purchases and weekly free games or content. It suits players who want access to Epic’s library and recurring free offers without paying for the launcher; it does not mean every game or purchase is free.

Platforms

The desktop launcher supports Windows and macOS, with automatic updates and controller support. Listed requirements are Windows 10 64-bit or Windows 11, or macOS 13.5 or higher; an Intel Core i3 or AMD FX processor; 4GB memory; compatible DirectX 9 graphics; and 3GB storage.

The Epic Games Store is available globally on PC and Mac and worldwide on Android. On iPhone or iPad, access is limited to specified supported regions. The wider platform reach is useful to players with supported devices, but mobile availability is not uniform by platform and region. Mod support is not available through the launcher.

Who it's for

Choose Epic Games Launcher if you want to install Epic Store games, collect its weekly free games, and use Epic account features in supported titles. It is also a reasonable fit for households that want account security and parental controls in the same ecosystem. Look elsewhere if mod support is essential or if you need every game to provide cloud saves and offline play.

Pros and cons

• Pro: Weekly free games and content on PC and mobile provide a recurring no-cost option.
• Pro: Two-factor authentication, parental controls and self-service account tools cover useful account and family needs.
• Pro: Supported games can carry progress across devices and platforms.
• Con: Cloud Saves and Offline Mode work only for supported games, and offline use can lose online services.
• Con: No mod support limits its fit for players who want to manage mods through their launcher.
• Con: iPhone and iPad access is region-limited.

Alternatives

Minecraft Launcher is another free launcher, with access to games requiring ownership or a time-limited demo; choose it for Minecraft rather than Epic Store access.

Prism Launcher is a free, open-source option for Linux, macOS and Windows. Steam is also free and spans desktop and mobile platforms, with game and content prices varying. itch app is free for Linux, macOS and Windows, and its app project is open source.

GDLauncher is free to use, with no premium tier or overlay. Heroic Games Launcher is free and GPLv3 licensed. LaunchBox has a free Windows Starter plan for importing and playing games, alongside paid options. GOG Galaxy is free for macOS and Windows and requires a free GOG account; some platform-specific features require the relevant gaming client.

Browse Game Launcher Software for more options.

Verdict

Epic Games Launcher is a strong fit for players who want Epic Store access and weekly free games without paying for the launcher. Its account and parental tools add practical value, but limited mod support and title-dependent offline play and cloud saves are good reasons to choose another launcher if those features are priorities.