Epic Games Store: The Best Place to Find Early Access Titles

2 April 2025

Let’s face it, gaming is evolving at a lightning pace. Gone are the days when you’d wait years for a polished, full-fledged game to hit the shelves. Nowadays, "early access" is the buzzword in the gaming world, and for a good reason. It’s like getting a sneak peek at a blockbuster movie before its official premiere! If you’re all about diving into fresh, unpolished but promising gaming experiences, the Epic Games Store is hands down one of the best places to find early access titles.

Why, you ask? Well, let’s break it down. Grab a comfy chair and a cup of coffee (or energy drink—whatever fuels your gaming sessions), and let’s delve into why this storefront has become a hotspot for early access games.

What Is “Early Access” Anyway?

Before we dive into Epic Games Store itself, let’s cover the basics. What exactly is early access? Imagine your favorite game as a meal being prepared by a chef. Early access is when the chef invites you into the kitchen to taste their cooking before it’s ready to be served. Sure, the dish isn’t complete—there might be a dash too much salt or not enough spice—but you get to enjoy it earlier than everyone else and even provide feedback to shape the final recipe.

In gaming terms, early access titles are games released in a work-in-progress form. Developers use these releases to gather player feedback, iron out bugs, and refine gameplay mechanics—all while earning funding to push development forward. You, as a player, get the chance to be part of the process, and trust me, shaping a game with your input feels pretty darn cool.

Why Early Access Matters

Here’s the thing—early access has fundamentally changed the way we experience games. It’s not just about playing something before its release date; it’s about being a part of the creative process. It’s about discovering (oops!) hidden gems before they blow up into mainstream hits. Remember Hades? That roguelike masterpiece started as an early access title. Without platforms catering to this format, we might’ve missed out on a ton of spectacular games.

In a gaming landscape saturated with high-budget, big-studio releases, early access is where the indies often shine. These smaller developers are bursting with creativity, and early access gives them a platform to showcase their ideas, even if they don’t have the financial backing of a AAA studio. It’s a win-win for gamers and developers alike.

And that’s where the Epic Games Store steps in to steal the show.

The Rise of Epic Games Store

You’ve heard of Epic Games, right? It’s the company behind the global phenomenon Fortnite. But they’re not just about battle royales and floss dance moves. When the Epic Games Store launched back in December 2018, it quickly positioned itself as a serious contender in the PC gaming market.

The store’s main selling points? Generous revenue splits for developers (88% goes to the devs, while Epic keeps just 12%) and a curated list of games. Unlike some other platforms that can feel like a giant, unorganized flea market, Epic takes a more curated approach. Every game on the platform feels like it’s there for a reason.

More recently, Epic Games Store has become a haven for early access titles. But what makes it stand out from the crowd? Let’s dive into it.

Why Epic Games Store Is Perfect for Early Access

1. Exclusive Titles and Hidden Gems

Epic Games Store has snagged some serious exclusives over the years, and early access games are no exception. This exclusivity often means you get early access titles that you won’t find elsewhere (at least not right away). Imagine being part of an inside club where you get to try these unique games before they even reach other platforms.

Take Satisfactory, for example. This beloved factory-building simulator debuted in early access on Epic Games Store before expanding to other platforms. By playing it on Epic, you were essentially one of the OGs. And honestly, who doesn’t want that bragging right?

2. Support for Independent Developers

Epic’s generous revenue split isn’t just a marketing gimmick—it’s a game-changer for indie developers. Early access is already a financial risk for most developers, and every extra penny counts. By choosing Epic Games Store, indie devs can pour more resources into polishing their games, and you, the player, benefit from that.

When you buy an early access game on Epic, you’re directly supporting the dreamers and innovators of the gaming industry. It’s like being a patron of the arts, but in a way cooler, more interactive form.

3. Regular Discounts and Free Game Drops

Okay, let’s talk money. Nobody likes paying full price all the time, which is why Epic Games Store’s regular discounts and free game giveaways are such a massive draw. While early access titles might not always be on sale (after all, they’re still being developed), Epic’s wallet-friendly approach means you can snag other games at a discount while waiting for your favorite early access title to update.

It’s like going into a store for one thing and coming out with a full cart—but for gamers.

4. A Growing Community

Playing early access games is all about community. The forums, the feedback systems, the passionate discussions about what’s working and what’s not—it’s all part of the fun. Epic Games Store, with its growing user base and integrated features, is becoming a great hub for these conversations. While it doesn’t have the same bustling forums as some older platforms just yet, it’s well on its way.

Plus, there’s something about being part of a smaller, scrappier community that feels special. It’s like being at the start of a new MMO and watching the world fill up with players over time.

Top Early Access Titles on Epic Games Store

If you’re wondering where to start, don’t worry—I’ve got you covered. Here are some standout early access titles on Epic Games Store that you should totally check out:

- Satisfactory: A factory-building game that’s as addictive as eating potato chips. You’ll tell yourself, “Just one more conveyor belt,” only to realize it’s 3 AM.
- Darkest Dungeon II: The sequel to the haunting, gothic RPG continues its journey on Epic in early access, building on its predecessor’s legacy.
- Core: Think of it as a platform for creating and playing games. Whether you want to make your own or explore creations from others, Core is packed with possibilities.

These are just the tip of the iceberg. Keep an eye on the Epic Games Store for more early access titles dropping regularly.

What Sets Epic Games Store Apart from Competitors

Sure, platforms like Steam might have more early access games simply because they’ve been around longer. But Epic Games Store offers something different. It’s like comparing a mom-and-pop coffee shop to a massive chain. Both have their perks, but there’s something charming about the smaller, curated experience Epic provides.

From its selective library to its developer-first approach, Epic Games Store feels like a platform for gamers who care about quality over quantity. And hey, less time scrolling through endless mediocre games means more time actually playing the good stuff.

Verdict: Is Epic Games Store Worth It for Early Access?

If you’re into early access titles, then yes, the Epic Games Store is absolutely worth your attention. Whether it’s the exclusive games, the indie-friendly policies, or just the overall vibe, there’s a lot to love.

The world of early access is like a treasure hunt—sometimes you strike gold, other times you hit a dud. But with Epic Games Store’s curated selection, the odds are tipped in your favor. So why not start your next adventure there? Who knows, you might just find the next big hit before everyone else jumps on the bandwagon.