Epic Games Store Launcher Update: Faster Than Steam [Confirmed]

According to verified reports from PC Gamer published in early 2026, Epic Games has officially rolled out a total rebuild of its Epic Games Store launcher in preview, claiming performance speeds that outpace Steam by nearly 50 percent. The revamped client is currently available in beta for Windows and Mac users, while introducing native Linux support for the very first time. Demonstrations provided to media outlets highlight a dramatic reduction in startup latency, achieving cold-start-to-store-page speeds reported to be 46 percent faster than competing platforms. Alongside speed enhancements, the update features a completely redesigned library interface with built-in shortcut support for games installed via Steam and other third-party platforms. Notably, Epic developers described the underlying code as "vibe coded," referencing modern AI-assisted software generation techniques. This architectural overhaul aims to eliminate historical complaints regarding launcher bloat and sluggish navigation. For broader context on how modern software platforms evolve under technological shifts, players can review developments like the [Total War Shogun 2 Enhanced Edition: AI Backlash [Confirmed]](/news/total-war-shogun-2-ai-controversy). The preview phase allows community feedback to shape final optimizations ahead of the stable global rollout expected later this year.