Can You Link Epic Games to Steam? Unlocking the Multi-Platform Gaming Experience

The short answer is no, you cannot directly “link” your Epic Games library to your Steam account to merge your game collections or launch Epic Games directly from Steam. However, you can add individual Epic Games titles to your Steam library as “non-Steam games”. This allows you to launch these games through the Steam client, granting you access to Steam’s overlay, friend list, and broadcasting features while playing your Epic Games titles. This is a useful workaround, but it doesn’t provide full integration between the two platforms. Let’s dive deeper into how you can partially integrate your gaming experience and answer some common questions.

Understanding the Limitations of Linking

It’s important to understand the distinction between adding a non-Steam game and true account linking. While adding a game grants you access to certain Steam features, it does not sync achievements, game progress, or cross-platform play in most cases. True account linking, where supported by specific games, usually allows for features like shared progression and cross-platform friend lists. The ability to link accounts depends entirely on the individual game developers and their implementation.

How to Add an Epic Games Title as a Non-Steam Game

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to add your Epic Games to Steam as non-Steam games:

1. Locate the Executable File: Find the .exe file for the game you want to add. This is typically located in the installation directory of the game, usually under “Program Files” or “Program Files (x86)” in the Epic Games folder.

2. Open Steam: Launch the Steam client on your computer.

3. Add a Non-Steam Game: Click on “Games” in the top menu bar, then select “Add a Non-Steam Game to My Library.”

4. Browse for the Game: A window will appear listing installed programs. If your game isn’t listed, click on the “Browse…” button and navigate to the .exe file you located in step one.

5. Select and Add: Select the .exe file and click “Open.” Then, make sure the checkbox next to the game’s name is selected in the “Add a Game” window, and click “Add Selected Programs.”

6. Customize (Optional): The game will now appear in your Steam library. You can right-click on it, select “Properties,” and customize the name, icon, and category for better organization.

Benefits of Adding Non-Steam Games

• Centralized Game Library: Manage all your PC games from one convenient location.
• Steam Overlay: Access Steam’s in-game overlay, including friend lists, chat, web browser, and performance monitoring tools.
• Broadcasting: Stream your Epic Games gameplay directly through Steam Broadcasting.
• Controller Support: Utilize Steam’s robust controller configuration options for games that may not natively support your controller.
• Screenshots: Easily capture and share screenshots of your Epic Games.

The Future of Cross-Platform Integration

While direct linking between Epic Games and Steam remains limited, the gaming industry is trending towards greater cross-platform integration. More and more games are implementing features like cross-play, cross-progression, and unified friend lists. This often requires linking accounts within the specific game itself, rather than a general platform-level connection. Keep an eye on updates from game developers to see if your favorite titles offer these features.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 15 frequently asked questions that provide more detail on the relationship between Epic Games and Steam.

1. Can I sync my Epic Games library to Steam?

No, you cannot sync your entire Epic Games library to Steam to directly launch games purchased on the Epic Games Store from within the Steam client. You can only add individual games as non-Steam games.

2. Will adding an Epic Games title to Steam sync achievements?

No, Steam achievements are independent of Epic Games achievements. Adding an Epic Games title to Steam will not sync or display your Epic Games achievements.

3. Does adding a game to Steam as non-Steam use more resources?

Adding a non-Steam game has a minimal impact on system resources. Steam’s overlay and background processes might consume a small amount of memory and CPU, but it’s generally negligible.

4. Can I use Steam Workshop with games added from Epic Games?

No, Steam Workshop is exclusive to games purchased and installed through the Steam platform. Non-Steam games cannot access Steam Workshop content.

5. How do I remove a non-Steam game from my Steam library?

Right-click on the game in your Steam library, select “Manage,” and then click “Remove non-Steam game from my library.”

6. Will cross-play automatically work if I add an Epic Games title to Steam?

No, cross-play functionality depends on whether the game itself supports cross-play and if you are logged in to the appropriate account that can access cross-play. Adding the game to Steam just allows launching it via Steam.

7. Why don’t all my Epic Games appear when I try to add a non-Steam game?

The “Add a Game” window only lists programs that Steam recognizes as potential games. If your game isn’t listed, you’ll need to manually browse to the .exe file.

8. Can I transfer save files between the Epic Games and Steam versions of a game?

This depends entirely on the game. Some games store save files in a standardized location, allowing you to manually copy them. Others use platform-specific save systems, making transfer impossible.

9. Is it against Steam’s terms of service to add non-Steam games?

No, adding non-Steam games to your library is a perfectly legitimate feature and does not violate Steam’s terms of service.

10. Will I get banned for using Steam Achievement Manager (SAM) to unlock Epic Games achievements?

Steam Achievement Manager only works on Steam achievements. Using it to unlock achievements on Epic Games titles is not possible. However, using SAM on Steam itself is against Steam’s Terms of Service.

11. What happens if I uninstall the Epic Games Launcher after adding games to Steam?

The games will no longer launch as they require the Epic Games installation and associated files to run.

12. Can I use Steam Input with non-Steam games from Epic Games?

Yes, Steam Input is one of the main benefits of adding non-Steam games. Steam Input allows you to use various controllers and customize their configurations for games that may not natively support them.

13. How do I troubleshoot if a non-Steam game doesn’t launch through Steam?

Verify that the .exe file path is correct in the game’s properties on Steam. Also, ensure that the Epic Games Launcher is installed and that you are logged into your Epic Games account.

14. Are there any games that fully integrate Epic Games and Steam features?

While no game offers full integration, some games support cross-progression or cross-play when you link your accounts within the game itself. This is a game-specific feature, not a platform-wide integration.

15. Will Epic Games and Steam ever fully integrate their platforms?

Given that Epic Games and Steam are competing platforms, a full integration is unlikely in the near future. However, as the gaming industry continues to evolve, collaborations and integrations are always a possibility. Additionally, research on serious games and their role in education is ongoing. The GamesLearningSociety.org website offers valuable insights into this field.

Conclusion

While you cannot directly “link” Epic Games and Steam accounts to merge libraries, adding Epic Games titles as non-Steam games provides a useful workaround for centralizing your game collection and utilizing Steam’s features. Keep an eye on individual game updates for potential cross-play and cross-progression features. For more information on the educational aspects of gaming, visit the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/. Understanding these limitations and possibilities allows you to optimize your multi-platform gaming experience.