Epic Games Store Adds Frequently Requested Feature

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As a big fan of the Epic Games Store, I’m really happy they *finally* added the option to preload games! It’s awesome that I can download select titles *before* they actually come out. Preloading has been a pretty standard thing for a while now, especially since we all switched to getting games digitally, but the Epic Games Store was surprisingly behind on this feature… until now!

Recent data from 2024 indicates the Epic Games Store is approaching 300 million users. While the platform has grown significantly, it has faced criticism for missing common features – things like preloading and other improvements players have been asking for for a long time. Now, seven years after it first launched, the Epic Games Store appears to be finally adding some of these requested features.

Epic Games Store Adds Preloading for Select Games

In a short announcement, the Epic Games Store shared that developers can now turn on game preloading for titles available for pre-purchase on Windows. This lets players download a game up to five days before it officially releases. The store says games that support preloading will have a noticeable badge or icon, and the process will be easy – just a click of a dedicated button on the game’s store page. Sadly, this feature is currently only for Windows and isn’t available on the macOS version of the Epic Games Store, so Apple users won’t be able to preload games just yet.

It’s important to remember that Steam, the biggest competitor to the Epic Games Store, has allowed this feature almost from the beginning, making it standard for new digital game releases. However, Epic Games Store users are pleased to finally be able to play new games on release day without being delayed by download times. Please keep in mind that downloading a game before it launches requires preordering the game. You’ll also need to update the launcher to the newest version to use the preloading feature. Learn more here.

A key game expected to take advantage of the Epic Games Store’s new feature is EA’s upcoming first-person shooter. Battlefield 6 will allow players to begin downloading the game on most platforms from October 3rd. While neither the game creator nor the Epic Games Store has formally announced it, it’s probable this option will also be offered to Epic Games Store users.

Currently, people are wondering if the company will create a review system to compete with Steam’s. Even with continued updates to the Epic Games Store, a better and more in-depth review system-something beyond the existing 5-star rating-is still one of the most highly requested features.

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2025-10-03 12:04