Epic Games Store Finally Adds Pre-Loading
In a move long awaited by PC gamers, the Epic Games Store has introduced a pre-loading feature. This allows players to download game files up to five days (about 129 hours) before a title officially launches, so they’re ready to play the moment doors open. The discovery was noted by PC Gamer and shared on Epics own forums, marking a notable step toward parity with Steam’s longstanding convenience.
How pre-loading works on Epic Games Store
When a game supports pre-loading, its store page will display a pre-load option ahead of launch. Players can queue the download to their PC, and once the release time arrives, they can jump straight into play without a lengthy download during peak hours. In practice, this means the initial day-one experience is significantly smoother for those with limited bandwidth or who want to avoid last-minute bottlenecks.
Early access window
The earliest download window is five days before release, equating to roughly 129 hours. For titles with large day-one patches or updates, this can be a real time-saver, helping users stagger downloads and start playing a bit sooner than others who wait until launch day.
Why this matters for players and developers
Pre-loading is more than a convenience feature; it’s a signal that Epic Games Store is listening to user feedback and expanding on its core strengths. Steam’s pre-load functionality has long been a standard practice, and Epic’s adoption mirrors a broader industry shift toward smoother, more predictable launches. For developers, enabling pre-loading creates a more controlled day-one experience, reducing server strain and potential congestion as thousands of players hit ‘play’ at once.
Limitations and what to expect
As with any new feature, there are caveats. Not every title will support pre-loading immediately, and availability can vary by region or publisher agreement. If a game does support pre-loading, the option will appear on its store page along with a countdown to launch. Players should ensure adequate disk space and stable bandwidth so the initial download completes well before the actual release time.
Looking ahead: Epic’s ongoing feature roadmap
Epic’s introduction of pre-loading demonstrates the store’s ongoing evolution toward a fuller, more convenient PC gaming hub. While it may not instantly reverse Steam’s lead, it’s a meaningful step that could influence how players approach new releases and updates. If Epic continues to expand its feature set—potentially adding more social tools, library enhancements, or better launch reliability—the platform could become an even more attractive alternative for PC gamers who already rely on Epic for specific titles or free games.
Bottom line
Pre-loading on the Epic Games Store won’t instantly swing the pendulum away from Steam, but it’s a welcome upgrade that aligns Epic with player expectations. For fans who already associate Epic with Fortnite and other titles, this feature makes the store feel more like a comprehensive PC gaming hub—one that values time, convenience, and a smoother path to play.
