What the preload change means for players
Epic Games Store users now have access to a feature PC gamers have long enjoyed on Steam: preloading. Reported by PC Gamer and discussed on Epic’s community forums, the option lets you download a game’s files up to five days before its official release, roughly 129 hours ahead. When launch day arrives, you can jump straight into the action without waiting for a lengthy download. This is particularly welcome for titles with sizable install sizes or limited bandwidth windows.
How preloading works in practice
To take advantage of preloading, open the store page for a qualifying title and look for the preload option once the pre-release window opens. The files are downloaded to your PC ahead of time, so the moment a publisher unlocks the title, you’re ready to install and play. The goal is to smooth the first hours of a launch by reducing the toll of last-minute downloads and server congestion.
Steam vs Epic: a long-awaited feature finally arrives
Steam has offered preloading for many years, so the Epic Games Store addition is a notable step toward parity in user experience. It won’t instantly swing the pendulum toward Epic’s storefront, but it aligns the platform with gamers’ expectations for convenient, reliable access on release day.
Benefits for players and publishers
For players, preloading translates to a faster, smoother start: it minimizes bandwidth bottlenecks, avoids crowded download queues, and lets you jump into the game the moment the clock hits zero. For publishers and developers, preloading can lead to more predictable launch performance and fewer last-minute spikes on Epic’s servers, helping ensure a stable first day for new releases.
Potential caveats to watch
Preloading is not without considerations. It requires sufficient disk space and decent bandwidth in advance. Some titles may still require day-one verification or a brief online check, and regional unlocks or license checks could affect immediate access even after preloads complete. In some cases, a title may implement staggered unlocks by region, which could temper the immediacy of launch day access despite a completed preload.
What this says about Epic’s strategy going forward
Introducing preloading signals that Epic Games intends to invest in practical, user-friendly features that appeal beyond exclusive deals and free games. By aligning with Steam on a core quality-of-life aspect, Epic signals a broader ambition to become a more attractive, everyday PC gaming platform. If Epic continues to listen to player feedback and add conveniences, the store could become a more mainstream option for a larger segment of the PC gaming community.
Bottom line for PC gamers
Preloading is a welcome, practical improvement that enhances the day-one experience for Epic Games Store users. If you’re eyeing a forthcoming title, check the store page to see when preloading begins and ensure you have enough disk space ready. This feature, while not a game-changer on its own, demonstrates that Epic is listening to players and steadily refining the platform over time.
