Epic Games Store: Tips for Managing Your Digital Game Collection

30 December 2024

Are you finding it tough to keep track of your growing digital game library on Epic Games Store? I mean, who could blame you? With their generous weekly giveaways (thank you, Epic!), irresistible sales, and exclusive titles, it’s so easy for our game collections to snowball out of control. Before you know it, you're scratching your head wondering, "Wait, when did I even get this game?" Don’t worry, you’re not alone—we’ve all been there, my friend.

Managing your digital game collection might sound like a chore, but trust me, with a few tweaks, it can feel as satisfying as organizing your sock drawer (if socks were as cool as games, of course). So, buckle up, because we're about to dive into some simple yet effective ways to organize and take control of your Epic Games Store library!

Why Bother Managing Your Digital Game Library?

Let’s face it—gaming is supposed to be fun, right? But scrolling endlessly through your library, trying to figure out where that one game you’re itching to play is hiding, can suck the joy out of your precious gaming time.

Imagine this: it’s Friday night, snacks and drinks are ready, and you've set aside a couple of hours to game, only to waste half of that time searching for your next adventure. Yep, annoying. Keeping your collection well-organized ensures you spend less time searching and more time immersing yourself in those fantastical worlds you love so much.

Besides, managing your collection also helps you rediscover hidden gems. You know, those games you downloaded during last year’s freebie frenzy but never got around to playing. They’re just sitting there, like forgotten treasures, waiting to be unearthed.

1. Utilize the Favorites Feature (Your Virtual Bookshelf)

Have you ever wished for a “go-to” section in your library? Say hello to the Favorites feature! Epic Games Store allows you to mark games as favorites, making it super simple to access your top picks.

Think of it as creating a digital bookshelf where only your most cherished titles sit. Whether it’s the games you're currently playing or the ones you can’t wait to dive into next, adding them to your favorites keeps them front and center.

Here’s how to do it (spoiler alert: it’s ridiculously easy):
1. Open your Epic Games Library.
2. Right-click on a game title or hover over it to find the "Add to Favorites" option.
3. Click, and voilà—your game is now in your favorites list!

Pro tip: Keep your favorites list small and manageable. Aim for around 5-10 titles, so it doesn’t become another cluttered mess.

2. Create Categories to Sort Like a Pro

Ever walked into a well-organized bookstore or music store? The way everything is sorted into genres or themes feels oddly satisfying, right? You can do the same with your Epic library by creating categories.

Unfortunately, Epic Games Store doesn’t (yet) offer native category folders like some other platforms, but you can still manually “mentally” or visually sort your games. For example, you can group games by:
- Genre: RPGs, shooters, indie gems, puzzle games—you name it.
- Status: Installed, not installed, recently played.
- Priority: Must-play-now, maybe-later, and someday-maybe.

Using symbols in game names (e.g., “🔫 Fortnite” or “🎮 Celeste”) can act as visual cues when browsing your library. It’s a creative workaround until Epic introduces folder support (hint, hint, Epic!).

3. Take Advantage of the Search Bar

Okay, this one might sound obvious, but seriously—how often do you actually use the search bar in your Epic Games launcher? Sometimes we forget about it and end up endlessly scrolling when we don’t have to.

The search bar is a godsend for larger libraries. All you need to do is type a few letters of the game you’re looking for, and bam—it pops up like a digital ninja. Plus, you can use it to search by genres or tags if you’re in the mood to browse a specific type of game.

Make it a habit, and you’ll wonder how you ever managed without it. It’s like having a GPS for your epic gaming adventures.

4. Filter Games by Genre or Tags

Filters are your best friend when it comes to narrowing down your options. Epic Games Store allows you to filter your library by installed games, platform (Windows or Mac), or even genres.

Want to play only your survival horror games tonight? Filter by genre and watch your library slim down like it’s on a diet. Filters make it easier not only to find what you want to play but also to discover games you may have forgotten were there.

It’s like opening a closet you hadn’t peeked into for months and finding your favorite hoodie—only much nerdier and way more exciting.

5. Uninstall Games You’re Done With

Let me be blunt here: keeping games you no longer play installed on your PC is like hoarding clothes that don’t fit anymore. They’re just taking up precious space.

Uninstalling doesn’t mean goodbye forever (thank you, Epic, for cloud saves!). It's more like saying, “Hey, I’ll catch you later.” Here’s why it’s a good idea:
- Free up storage for new games (because let’s be real, you’re definitely downloading more).
- Keep your library clutter-free.
- Reduce the mental overwhelm of seeing too many unused games.

Don’t worry about losing progress, either. Epic Games offers cloud-saving for most titles, so you can always pick up right where you left off.

6. Keep Your Installed Games to a Minimum

Speaking of uninstalling, let’s have a quick chat about managing your installed games. If you’ve got a beefy hard drive, it can be tempting to install everything. But trust me, too many installed games can lead to decision fatigue. You’ll waste more time deciding what to play than actually gaming.

Stick to a rotation system: maybe keep 5-6 titles installed at a time. Once you’re bored of one, uninstall it and bring in a fresh contender. This keeps things exciting and makes your gaming preferences feel dynamic rather than stagnant.

7. Back Up Your Library Information

Do you keep track of what games you own? If not, it’s time to start. Consider making a simple spreadsheet or using game-tracking apps like "GG" or "Backloggd" to monitor your library. Add columns for:
- Game name
- Genre
- Play status (e.g., completed, in progress, not started)
- Personal rating (to quickly remember what you loved or didn’t enjoy)

This might sound overly nerdy, but trust me—it’s a lifesaver, especially when your collection hits 100+ games. Plus, customization never goes out of style!

8. Set Reminders for Free Game Giveaways

Okay, I’ll admit it—free games are my kryptonite, and Epic Games Store is constantly dishing them out. The problem? It’s easy to lose track of what you’ve claimed, and let’s not even get started on forgetting to grab those limited-time freebies.

Here’s a neat trick: set a weekly reminder on your phone or calendar to check Epic’s free game offerings. Even better, make it a habit to claim every freebie, even if it’s not your cup of tea. You never know when your tastes might change, or when a friend might want to play co-op with you!

9. Take Breaks to Rediscover Old Favorites

Sometimes, you don’t need new games—you need to rekindle your love for the ones you already own. Dedicate a “retro gaming night” to revisit titles you haven’t touched in a while. It’s like rewatching your favorite movies—you notice details you missed the first time around.

Browse through your library and pick a game you loved but never finished. You might find a renewed appreciation for its story, mechanics, or just the nostalgia it brings. Trust me, it'll feel like catching up with an old friend.

Final Thoughts: Your Library, Your Rules!

At the end of the day, your digital game library is a reflection of you—your tastes, your moods, your guilty pleasures. Organizing it isn’t just about creating order; it’s about making your gaming experience smoother, more enjoyable, and stress-free.

Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution here. Maybe you want to stick to a minimalist “only-what-I’m-playing” approach, or maybe you’re a spreadsheet wizard who thrives on detailed categorization. Whatever your style, the point is to create a system that works for you.

So go on, open up the Epic Games Store launcher, and start taking charge of your digital collection. Your future self will thank you!