5 Features Epic Games Store Does Better Than Other Platforms

16 March 2025

When it comes to gaming platforms, everyone has their favorites. Some love the sheer nostalgia of Steam, while others swear by GOG’s DRM-free model. But there's one platform that has carved a unique spot in the gaming ecosystem: Epic Games Store (EGS). Sure, it might still get a bad rap here and there—probably because it doesn’t have a shopping cart (seriously, Epic, what’s up with that?)—but you’d be surprised at how many things Epic does better than the competition.

Yep, that’s right—Epic Games Store deserves more credit than it gets. If you’re rolling your eyes right now, stick with me. Let’s break down the five features where Epic Games Store comes out on top, and dare I say, crushes the competition.

1. Free Games Galore (It’s Like Christmas Every Week)

Let’s get the elephant in the room out of the way: Epic’s free games are unmatched. The platform’s "Free Game of the Week" feature feels like Santa Claus dropped by, but instead of December 25th, it’s year-round.

Every week, Epic drops a free game (sometimes even two) into your lap—for nothing. We’re not talking some bottom-of-the-bargain-bin nonsense here either. These are legit, high-quality games. Titles like Civilization VI, Control, and GTA V have all been given away for free at one point. Seriously, when was the last time Steam or any other platform handed you a AAA title with a zero-dollar price tag?

Most platforms offer discounts, sure. But “free” is a whole different vibe. It’s like Epic is giving you a slice of pizza while other platforms are charging for the toppings. You could build an entire gaming library just by religiously checking their weekly freebies. And honestly? That’s a mic drop moment for this feature.

2. Developer-Friendly Revenue Split

Okay, let’s switch gears for a sec and talk about something that doesn’t affect players directly but still matters a ton: revenue sharing. If you’re a game developer, the Epic Games Store feels like the Robin Hood of platforms.

With Epic, developers keep 88% of the revenue, while Epic takes a modest 12% cut. Compare that to Steam, which takes a whopping 30%. Huge difference, right?

Now, I hear what you’re saying: “Why should I care? I’m not a developer!” But here’s the deal—this friendlier revenue split encourages more developers (especially indie ones) to publish their games on Epic. More games = more choices. Plus, supporting a platform that supports creators is just a win-win. It’s like tipping your favorite barista because they make your coffee just right.

3. Exclusive Titles That Turn Heads

Love it or hate it, exclusive games are part of the gaming landscape now. And let’s be real—Epic knows how to flex in this department.

Think about titles like Fortnite (obviously), Borderlands 3, The Outer Worlds, and Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade. These are big-deal games you won’t find on other platforms—at least not right away.

Sure, exclusivity can be a double-edged sword, especially for gamers who prefer everything in one place. But it’s also a bold move that gives Epic a distinct identity. It’s like when your favorite restaurant has a signature dish no one else makes. Epic’s exclusives may ruffle feathers, but they also bring in droves of players who want to be part of the action.

4. Epic’s Generous Refund Policy

We’ve all been there. You drop your hard-earned cash on a game, only to realize it’s not quite what you expected. Maybe the trailer oversold it, maybe the mechanics aren’t your jam, or maybe your toaster of a PC can’t handle the graphics. Whatever the reason, refunds are a gamer’s safety net.

Epic Games Store makes refunds pretty darn painless. Their policy lets you refund a game within 14 days of purchase, as long as you’ve played it less than 2 hours. That’s plenty of time to figure out if a game is a keeper or a dud.

And here’s the kicker: Epic doesn’t make you jump through a bunch of hoops. No 10-step process, no weird fine print. It’s simple, straightforward, and stress-free. Steam offers a similar refund policy, but Epic’s ease of use often makes it feel less like pulling teeth and more like, well, a normal transaction. Props to Epic for keeping it classy.

5. Unreal Engine Perks and Integration

Okay, gamers might not directly benefit from this one unless they dabble in game development, but hear me out. Epic’s Unreal Engine ties to the store are a game-changer—pun intended.

If you didn’t know, Unreal Engine is one of the most popular game engines out there (think Fortnite, Rocket League, and The Mandalorian if you want to count non-gaming content). Developers using Unreal Engine to create their games get some sweet perks, like waiving royalty fees for games sold on the Epic Games Store up to their first $1 million in revenue.

What does this mean for you, the average gamer? It means developers have greater incentives to create incredible games with fewer financial risks. The more developers thrive, the more we benefit as players. It’s like planting a garden—you might not see the fruit right away, but trust me, it’s coming.

A Quick Word About the User Interface

Before we wrap this up, a quick shout-out to EGS’s interface. While it’s not perfect (cough shopping cart cough), it’s clean, fast, and free of the clutter that plagues some other platforms. It’s like walking into a tidy, minimalist storefront—you know exactly where to go. No digging through layers of menus to find what you want. And honestly? That simplicity is refreshing.

The Bigger Picture

Love it or hate it, Epic Games Store has carved out its niche. It may not have the sprawling user base of Steam or the retro charm of GOG, but it knows exactly what it’s doing. By offering free games, supporting developers, securing exclusives, simplifying refunds, and leveraging Unreal Engine, Epic has created a platform that’s impossible to ignore.

And yeah, it’s still a work in progress. But isn’t that part of the charm? Like an underdog in a sports movie, EGS might not get everything right, but the things it does get right it absolutely nails.

Final Thoughts

So, next time you’re searching for your next gaming fix, maybe give Epic Games Store another shot. Whether you’re there for the freebies, the exclusives, or just because it makes life easier for developers, there’s something unique about this platform that’s hard to overlook. And who knows? It might just surprise you.