What Is the Epic Games Store and How Do You Use It? Account, Free Games, and Refunds

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The Epic Games Store is best known for handing out a free game every week, but it works a little differently from other PC storefronts. Many newcomers wonder where to start. What is the Epic Games Store, and what does it offer? How do you set up an account and claim your first game?

What Does the Epic Games Store Offer?

The Epic Games Store is the digital storefront run by Epic Games, the studio behind Fortnite. On PC and Mac it runs through the Epic Games Launcher, and on mobile it is available on Android worldwide and on iPhone and iPad in supported regions. Alongside paid games, the store lists free-to-play titles such as Fortnite, Rocket League, VALORANT, and Genshin Impact.

Every Thursday the store gives away a new free game on both PC and mobile. Epic Rewards returns between 5 and 20 percent of what you spend in the store. Account security options such as the Epic Authenticator add two-factor protection.

How Do You Create an Epic Games Account?

Follow the steps below to create an Epic Games account and install the launcher.

1. Open the download page on the official Epic Games Store website.
2. Click Install to download the Epic Games Launcher and run the installer.
3. Open the launcher and choose the option to create an account.
4. Sign up with your email address or a linked account.
5. Set your display name and finish the verification steps.
6. Turn on two-factor authentication to protect the account.

Creating an account and installing the launcher are both free. The same Epic account also works in other Epic games such as Fortnite, Rocket League, and Fall Guys. Parental controls for kids can be managed from that same account.

How Do You Get Games and the Weekly Free Game?

Follow the steps below to get a game from the Epic Games Store.

1. Sign in to the launcher and open the Store tab.
2. Open the page of the game you want.
3. Press Get if the game is free, or Add to Cart if it costs money.
4. Choose a payment method and complete the order.
5. Open the Library tab and find the game.
6. Click Install and launch it once the download finishes.

A new free game arrives every Thursday, and claiming it works exactly like a normal purchase without any payment. A game you claim before the offer ends is added to your library and stays on your account. Checking the weekly offer is an easy way to build a game collection at no cost.

What Are the Epic Games Store Refund Rules?

The store offers refunds for eligible items. On PC and Mac, an item marked as refundable can be returned within 14 days of purchase as long as you have played it for less than two hours. Items marked as self-refundable can be returned from the Transactions page in your account settings, though gifts, subscriptions, and in-game purchases are generally not refundable. Depending on the payment method, it can take up to 30 days for the money to return.

The Epic Games Store gives new players an easy way in through its weekly free games and popular free-to-play titles. Setting up the launcher and account takes only a few minutes, and buying and installing games then feels familiar. Knowing the refund rules makes it easier to try paid games with less worry. Tell us in the comments which free game you claimed this week.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Epic Games Store free to use?

Downloading the Epic Games Launcher and creating an account cost nothing. The store lists paid games and free-to-play games side by side. You only pay when you buy a paid title.

Can you use the Epic Games Store on a phone?

It is available on Android worldwide, while iPhone and iPad access depends on supported regions. Epic’s official page lists the European Union, Japan, and Brazil for iPhone. Availability on iPhone in other countries depends on your region.

Can you get a refund on an Epic Games Store purchase?

On PC and Mac, items marked as refundable can be returned within 14 days if you played under two hours. For mobile items the window is two hours from purchase. Gifts cannot be refunded.