Can I Transfer Games from Epic Games to Steam?
In recent years, the gaming industry has seen a surge in popularity of digital distribution platforms, with Epic Games and Steam being two of the most prominent players. As gamers, we often find ourselves juggling multiple accounts across different platforms, with games scattered across different stores. The question on many gamers’ minds is: can I transfer games from Epic Games to Steam?
The Short Answer
In short, yes, you can transfer some games from Epic Games to Steam. However, the process is not straightforward, and not all games are eligible for transfer. We’ll dive deeper into the details below.
Epic Games’ Game Library
Epic Games, the creator of Fortnite and Unreal Engine, launched its digital storefront in 2018 with a focus on exclusives and a more streamlined experience. As of now, the Epic Games store has a growing library of over 100 games, including popular titles like Borderlands 3, Satisfactory, and What Remains of Edith Finch.
Steam’s Game Library
Steam, on the other hand, is one of the largest digital distribution platforms in the world, with a massive library of over 30,000 games. Steam has been around since 2004 and has become synonymous with PC gaming.
Transferring Games from Epic Games to Steam
To transfer games from Epic Games to Steam, you’ll need to follow these steps:
- Check if the game is eligible for transfer: Not all games on Epic Games are eligible for transfer to Steam. Check the Epic Games store page for the game you want to transfer to see if it has a "Steam Key" or "Steam-compatible" tag.
- Make sure you own the game on Epic Games: You need to own the game on Epic Games and have it linked to your Epic Games account.
- Get the Steam key: If the game is eligible for transfer, you’ll need to obtain a Steam key from Epic Games. This can be done by going to the game’s store page on Epic Games, clicking on the "Purchase" button, and selecting "Steam Key" as the purchase option.
- Link your Epic Games account to Steam: To transfer the game, you’ll need to link your Epic Games account to Steam. To do this, go to your Steam account settings, click on "Account", and select "Link Accounts". Follow the prompts to link your Epic Games account to Steam.
- Transfer the game: Once your accounts are linked, you’ll be able to transfer the game from Epic Games to Steam. This process may take a few minutes, depending on the game’s size.
Limitations and Considerations
While transferring games from Epic Games to Steam is possible, there are some limitations and considerations to keep in mind:
- Not all games are eligible for transfer: As mentioned earlier, not all games on Epic Games are eligible for transfer to Steam. Some games may not be compatible with Steam, or may not have a Steam key available.
- Transfer process may take time: The transfer process can take a few minutes, depending on the game’s size. Be patient and don’t worry if the process takes a little longer.
- You may lose some game content: In some cases, transferring a game from Epic Games to Steam may result in some game content being lost or not being compatible with the Steam version.
- Some games may not be available on Steam: Unfortunately, some games may not be available on Steam at all, even if they are eligible for transfer. In these cases, you may need to purchase the game separately from the Epic Games store.
Comparison of Epic Games and Steam
Here’s a comparison of the two platforms:
| Epic Games | Steam | |
|---|---|---|
| Library Size | Over 100 games | Over 30,000 games |
| Exclusive Titles | Yes (e.g. Fortnite, Borderlands 3) | No |
| Game Compatibility | Not all games are compatible with Steam | Most games are compatible with Epic Games |
| Price | Often lower than Steam | Often higher than Epic Games |
Conclusion
In conclusion, while transferring games from Epic Games to Steam is possible, it’s not a straightforward process. You’ll need to check if the game is eligible for transfer, obtain a Steam key, link your accounts, and transfer the game. Keep in mind that not all games are eligible for transfer, and some games may not be available on Steam. Ultimately, the choice between Epic Games and Steam depends on your personal preferences and gaming needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about transferring games from Epic Games to Steam:
- Q: Can I transfer multiple games at once? A: No, each game must be transferred individually.
- Q: Will I lose my progress when transferring a game? A: In most cases, your progress will be preserved, but it’s always a good idea to back up your saves before transferring.
- Q: Can I transfer a game to Steam if it’s not compatible with Steam? A: No, the game must be compatible with Steam to transfer.
- Q: Can I refund a game after transferring it to Steam? A: Refund policies vary depending on the game and the store, so it’s best to check with Epic Games and Steam for more information.
Table: Transfer Process Steps
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Check if the game is eligible for transfer |
| 2 | Make sure you own the game on Epic Games |
| 3 | Get the Steam key |
| 4 | Link your Epic Games account to Steam |
| 5 | Transfer the game |
Conclusion
In conclusion, transferring games from Epic Games to Steam is a possible option, but it requires some effort and planning. By following the steps outlined above and being aware of the limitations and considerations, you can successfully transfer your games from Epic Games to Steam. Happy gaming!