Epic Games Store Preloading: A Steam-Style Feature Arrives
The Epic Games Store has quietly bridged a long-standing gap by introducing preloading—a feature Steam users have enjoyed for years. Spotted by PC Gamer and corroborated in posts on Epic’s official forums, the option lets players download game data up to five days, or 129 hours, before a title officially goes live. When the countdown begins, files are cached on the PC so players can dive in the moment the gates open. This marks a notable quality-of-life improvement for anyone who plans to play day one, especially for large downloads that can otherwise bottleneck launch days.
What is Preloading and How It Works
Preloading is the process of downloading the game files ahead of a title’s release window. On eligible games in the Epic Games Store, players can initiate a download well before the official launch time, so the installation completes by the moment the game becomes playable. The latest change mirrors Steam’s long-standing practice, but it also indicates Epic’s willingness to adopt practical features that help players manage bandwidth and storage more effectively. While not every title may support preloading immediately, the option is now part of the store’s recent feature set and should expand to more releases over time.
Why PC Gamers Should Welcome This Change
For many PC gamers, launch day can feel hectic, with servers under strain and rapid downloads competing with background updates. A Steam-style preloading option from Epic means less waiting on release day and a smoother start to campaigns, co-ops, and competitive sessions. It also reduces the risk of last-minute issues that can derail a first session, especially for those juggling multiple games or limited bandwidth. Even if this change won’t immediately rebalance the broader Epic-versus-Steam rivalry, it signals Epic’s ongoing commitment to practical, user-friendly features that enhance the overall experience.
How to Preload a Game on the Epic Games Store
To take advantage of this feature, a title must support preloading. Once available, you’ll typically see a preload option on the game’s storefront page or in the library entry. Here’s a quick guide:
– Open the Epic Games Store and navigate to the game page.
– Look for a preload or install option that appears before the official launch.
– Initiate the download; the files will be stored locally and ready to install once the release goes live.
– On launch day, you’ll be able to begin playing immediately without waiting for a long download to complete.
Implications for Epic and the Steam Rivalry
This addition doesn’t instantly flip the balance of power between Epic and Steam, but it does reduce one friction point for Epic users. The store’s evolution—improved library management, faster downloads, free games, and now preloading—adds to its appeal beyond exclusive titles and a Fortnite-centric install base. For players weighing where to purchase new releases, every convenience counts. Epic’s steady feature upgrades may encourage broader adoption, particularly among those who appreciate streamlined download workflows and a more predictable launch experience.
Looking Ahead
As Epic Games Store continues to roll out features that mirror Steam’s long-standing conveniences, the platform could become a more compelling daily driver for PC gamers. The key test will be how quickly Epic expands preload support to a wider array of titles and how other quality-of-life enhancements—such as library sorting, install management, and cross-store integration—are prioritized. For now, the arrival of Steam-style preloading is a welcome reminder that even seasoned players benefit from small, practical upgrades that save time and reduce launch-day headaches.
