An Epic Games Launcher download is usually driven by one of three things: you need it to install Fortnite or another Epic-published game, you want to claim that week's free giveaway title, or you're a developer pulling down Unreal Engine. Epic Games built the launcher as its own storefront and game-management client, competing directly with other PC game platforms, and it's required for any game purchased or claimed through the Epic Games Store. The launcher itself is free, and you only pay for whichever games you choose to buy. This page links to Epic's own installer for Windows and macOS.
Store Client and Unreal Engine Downloads in One App
Beyond game installs, the Epic Games Launcher doubles as the distribution point for Unreal Engine, so developers use the same app to download engine versions and manage engine-related projects.
The launcher runs on Windows and macOS; there's no native Linux client, though it works under compatibility layers like Proton on some Linux setups.
Who ends up using Epic Games Launcher
The Epic Games Launcher is downloaded almost entirely by Fortnite players and by people chasing its rotating free weekly game giveaways.
- Fortnite players needing the required launcher to install and update the game
- Bargain hunters claiming the weekly free game giveaways
- Game developers downloading Unreal Engine builds through the same client
Before you install
A couple of things worth knowing about Epic Games Launcher before you request the link: it covers Windows and macOS, so grab the build that matches the machine you're setting up. And on pricing, Epic Games Launcher is free to use outright — there's no paid tier hiding behind it, so what you install is the whole app. It's developed and maintained by Epic Games.
System requirements
- WindowsWindows 10 or 11 (64-bit); older 7/8.1 builds usually still run but no longer get official support
- macOSa recent macOS release — check the download page for the current minimum version, since Apple Silicon vs Intel builds sometimes differ
It's a lightweight tool, so there's no serious CPU/RAM/storage requirement beyond what its OS already needs to run comfortably.
Quick steps
- Download the Epic Games Launcher installer from this page
- Sign in with an Epic account or create a new one
- Browse the store or library to install a game or claim the current free title
Epic Games Launcher: the honest trade-offs
- Doubles as the Unreal Engine distribution point for developers
- Weekly free game giveaways add real value beyond just being a store
- Free to install, with cost only from games you choose to purchase
- No native Linux client, unlike some competing storefronts
- Library and social features are noticeably thinner than more established launchers
The installer here comes straight from Epic Games' own distribution, matching what's offered on the official Epic Games Store site.
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Keeping Epic Games Launcher up to date
Epic Games Launcher usually has a built-in updater or store-based auto-update (Microsoft Store / Mac App Store / Play Store, depending on platform); if you installed it manually, re-downloading the current build from the official source is the fallback. Sticking to the developer's own distribution channel — which is what this page links to — means you're never stuck on an old build with unpatched bugs just because a mirror site stopped updating its copy.
Features, install steps, alternatives and more detail live on the main Epic Games Launcher page.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need the Epic Games Launcher installed to play Fortnite?
Yes, Fortnite on PC requires the Epic Games Launcher as its installer and update mechanism.
Is there a native Linux version of the Epic Games Launcher?
No official native Linux build exists; Linux users typically run it through a compatibility layer such as Proton or Lutris.
