Steam vs Epic Games Store 2025—compare features, exclusives & speed to find out which platform wins for gamers. Make the right pick today!
Choosing between Steam and Epic Games Store in 2025 is like picking your favorite console all over again—but for PC gamers. The digital storefront war is real, and it’s heating up more than ever.
With Steam being the old-school favorite and Epic Games shaking things up with freebies and exclusives, it’s no wonder players are asking: Which is better? As someone who’s worked in digital gaming and SEO content for over five years, I’m here to give you the most straightforward, honest comparison—backed by features, performance, and what gamers actually care about in 2025.
So, whether you’re in it for Steam games, juicy Epic Games freebies, or just trying to play Rocket League without switching accounts, we’ve got you covered.
Platform Overview: Steam and Epic Games Store at a Glance
- Steam launched in 2003 and has become the go-to hub for PC gaming, known for its massive game library, rich community tools, and integration with the Steam Deck.
- Epic Games Store entered the scene in 2018 and rapidly gained traction through exclusives and a generous free game model.
- In 2025, both platforms have grown: Steam remains dominant in market size, while Epic continues to carve out loyal fans—especially among Fortnite and Unreal Engine users.
According to a recent Statista report on PC game distribution platforms, Steam continues to dominate the market in 2025, holding a significant share compared to Epic Games Store. But Epic’s growth curve shows it’s steadily closing the gap, especially among younger audiences and indie devs.
Game Library and Exclusive Titles
- Steam games count has surpassed 70,000 titles, including indie gems, early access games, and AAA blockbusters.
- Epic Games Store has fewer titles overall but focuses heavily on exclusive releases, often timed for 6–12 months.
- In 2025, major exclusives like Alan Wake 2 Enhanced Edition and ARK 2 launched first on Epic.
- Steam continues to host older titles and mod support, giving it a broader appeal for retro and custom content fans.
Pricing, Discounts, and Free Games
- Steam is known for its Seasonal Sales—Summer, Winter, and everything in between. You can grab popular games at 50–90% off.
- Epic offers free games every week, which in 2025 included titles like Death Stranding, NBA 2K25, and even GTA V Enhanced.
- Steam offers transparent regional pricing and refund policies.
- Epic’s 88/12 revenue share model still beats Steam’s 70/30, which has helped it win over more developers.
User Interface and Features
- Steam’s interface in 2025 is more customizable and feature-rich, including features like:
- Big Picture Mode
- Native support for the Steam Deck
- Cloud saves, game mods, and achievement tracking
- Big Picture Mode
- Epic’s interface has improved with 2025 updates, offering:
- Faster downloads for many users
- Clean UI, good for new gamers
- Recently added wishlist, library filters, and performance overlays
- Faster downloads for many users
Steam’s mature social features—forums, mod sharing via Workshop, and trading—still outpace Epic’s offerings. TrustedReviews highlights Steam’s edge in “rich community tools and integration,” calling it the stronger launcher in terms of user engagement. (TrustedReviews: Steam vs Epic comparison)
Community and Social Features
- Steam continues to dominate here. It offers:
- User forums, reviews, guides, and groups
- Steam Workshop for mods and user-generated content
- Trading cards and leveling system for active users
- User forums, reviews, guides, and groups
- Epic has added:
- Achievements, party systems, and improved chat
- But it still lacks the depth of community engagement Steam offers
- Achievements, party systems, and improved chat
Developer and Publisher Support
- Epic Games attracts developers with its lower revenue cut and tight integration with Unreal Engine.
- Indie devs benefit from better profit margins on Epic, plus support for timed exclusives.
- Steam still provides a massive audience and robust backend tools like Steamworks.
Security, DRM, and Privacy Policies
- Steam uses its own DRM system and offers reliable cloud saves and refund policies.
- Epic Games Store is slightly more lenient on DRM but still secure, with two-factor authentication and competitive refund options.
- Both platforms have improved their privacy policies in response to user demand and global data regulations in 2025.
Concerns around DRM, data collection, and account security are front of mind. Epic stepped up privacy measures in 2025—tightening data protections and introducing optional DRM modes. As GamesRadar outlines in its coverage of Epic’s privacy policy enhancements, these steps aim to bolster user trust.
Platform Ecosystem and Integration
- Steam is tightly integrated with:
- SteamOS and Steam Deck
- VR systems like the Valve Index
- SteamOS and Steam Deck
- Epic Games syncs well with:
- Unreal Engine
- Cross-platform tools for PC, console, and mobile
- Unreal Engine
- Steam’s hardware advantage (Steam Deck, VR) gives it a more seamless ecosystem for advanced users.
Pros and Cons Summary
Steam Pros:
- Massive game library
- Mod support and vibrant community
- Seasonal sales with deep discounts
- Seamless Steam Deck support
Steam Cons:
- Heavier DRM
- Developer revenue split not as generous
Epic Games Store Pros:
- Weekly free games
- Strong developer support
- High-quality exclusives
- Faster download speeds (in some cases)
Epic Cons:
- Smaller library
- Limited community features
- Still catching up on launcher features
Conclusion: Which Platform Wins in 2025?
At the end of the day, Steam vs Epic Games isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer. If you’re a hardcore gamer who loves a massive library, mods, and deep community tools, Steam is still the king. But if you’re looking to score free games, play the latest Epic exclusives, or support indie devs, the Epic Games Store has made serious strides in 2025.
Final Tip? Use both. They’re free to install and offer different perks. There’s no harm in claiming a weekly freebie from Epic while stocking your long-term library on Steam.
FAQ: Covering the Hot Topics!
Steam offers more features and a larger library, while Epic focuses on exclusives and free games. Steam is better for community-driven experiences; Epic is ideal for free and newer AAA titles.
It depends on your gaming style. Steam is better for variety, mods, and community tools. Epic is better for exclusive deals and free games. Ideally, use both.
Yes! In 2025, GTA V Enhanced Edition was made available on the Epic Games Store, often during promotional events or free giveaways. It runs as smoothly as its Steam counterpart.
Since 2020, Rocket League has been exclusive to the Epic Games Store. You can no longer download or update the game via Steam if you’re a new user. However, existing Steam players can still play it with cross-platform support.
In 2025, Epic Games Store has improved download speeds and installation times for many users, especially on SSDs. However, speed can vary based on region and internet provider.
As of 2025, Steam still holds the majority of the market with over 60% of PC game distribution, while Epic Games sits around 15–20%, depending on the region and exclusive launches.
