According to a recent review by Digital Trends, Epic Games is undertaking a significant redevelopment of its Games Store launcher, dubbed Launcher V2, to address long-standing performance issues and expand functionality. The source reports that this new version promises dramatically faster startup times and smoother operation, alongside new features designed to enhance user engagement within the store ecosystem.
- Launcher V2 promises significant speed improvements on startup and resume
- New social and store features include player profiles and reviews
- Complete rebuild removes Unreal Engine base for better performance
Product angle
The source review highlights that the Epic Games Store launcher has faced criticism for sluggish performance and a dated interface compared to its main competitor, Steam. Epic's decision to rebuild the launcher from the ground up — reportedly removing the Unreal Engine framework — signals a strategic shift to provide a faster, more responsive application. The planned enhancements, such as quicker cold starts and resume times, directly target user frustrations and aim to make the launcher feel more polished.
Beyond performance, the update also includes significant new features for gamers including player profiles with banners, achievements, and recent activity, alongside community features like player reviews and in-store patch notes. These additions are intended to transform the launcher into more than just a storefront, promoting social interaction and personalized user experiences while maintaining Epic's competitive push in the PC gaming market.
Best for / avoid if
This revamped launcher will be most appealing to PC gamers who currently use the Epic Games Store and seek improved speed and usability without switching platforms. Those who value a strong social ecosystem and personalized gaming hubs might find the new features especially beneficial as Epic integrates player data and community input more deeply into the platform.
Conversely, users who prioritize extensive game libraries, mature social systems, or more established third-party features might still prefer Steam or other competitors in the short term, as the Epic Games Store rebuild is positioned as an evolution rather than a full Steam replacement. Additionally, gamers with very limited internet bandwidth might not immediately benefit from the upcoming faster download speeds if local infrastructure remains a bottleneck.
Pricing and alternatives to check
Details regarding pricing changes or new subscription plans related to Launcher V2 were not disclosed in the source review. The Epic Games Store continues to operate as a free platform for users with no reported shifts toward monetized launcher features. Buyers interested in cost comparisons should note that Epic’s model centers around free-to-use access supplemented by exclusive game deals and promotions.
Alternatives worth considering include Steam, which remains the dominant PC game platform known for its vast library, mature ecosystem, and extensive community features. Other storefronts like GOG Galaxy and Microsoft's Xbox app also provide options for users seeking different balances of performance, social interaction, and game availability. Buyers should weigh Epic’s upcoming improvements against these established platforms depending on their priorities.