Tech Users: There was a teenager. Let’s call him Jake. He wasn’t much of a gamer—more into music and art. But one boring summer afternoon, he stumbled across a free game called Fortnite. He downloaded it. Just to see what the hype was about.
Three hours later? He was dodging bullets, building forts like a madman, and shouting into his mic like a pro. That game? Published by Epic Games. That afternoon? It changed everything.
You could be the next Jake. Maybe you’ve never played an Epic title before. Maybe you’re curious. Or maybe you downloaded one by accident. Either way, welcome. Here’s what you need to know.
What Is Epic Games?
Epic Games isn’t just another game company. It’s a digital beast. Founded in 1991 (yeah, it’s older than some of us), the company exploded onto the global stage with its Unreal Engine. Think of it as the tool that powers everything behind the scenes. Like the engine of a race car.
But the real breakout? Fortnite. That colorful, chaotic, battle royale mayhem that took over the internet. It’s more than a game. It’s a cultural movement.
Epic doesn’t just make games. It also sells them through its Epic Games Store—a platform kinda like Steam. But more on that later.
You Don’t Have to Be a Gamer to Start
This isn’t some exclusive club. You don’t need a controller in your DNA. You just need curiosity.
Most Epic games, especially Fortnite, are super beginner-friendly. They guide you. Reward you. Make failing fun. The controls? Easy to pick up. The community? Huge. Millions of players. Every skill level. No one’s judging.
So if you’ve never played a game before? That’s fine. Epic’s got your back.
Step One: Download the Epic Games Launcher
Before you play anything, you need their launcher. It’s like a hub. Your game library. Your store. Your connection to everything Epic.
Install it. Set up an account. It’s free. Fast. Simple.
Once you’re in? A whole universe of games opens up.
Free Games? Oh, Yes.
Here’s something most beginners don’t know.
Epic gives away free games every single week. Not just random ones either. We’re talking big titles. Like, the kind people used to pay $60 for.
No strings. No catch. Just download and play. It’s Epic’s way of saying “Welcome to the party.”
If you’re just starting out, this is gold. You get to test different genres. Explore. Experiment. Without paying a dime.
Start with Fortnite. Really.
Yes, you’ve probably heard of Fortnite. Maybe you’ve rolled your eyes at it.
But here’s the thing. It’s more than a shooting game.
There’s a creative mode. Think of it like digital LEGO. You can build worlds, race cars, create obstacle courses. It’s chill. No combat. Just imagination.
And the battle royale? It’s not just guns and explosions. It’s strategy. It’s teamwork. It’s art in chaos. Plus, it’s constantly evolving. New events. New maps. Collaborations with Marvel, Star Wars, and even concerts inside the game.
Most Popular Titles in 2024 on Epic Games
In 2024, the Epic Games Store witnessed significant growth, reaching 295 million users and offering a diverse catalog of over 4,000 titles. Despite the influx of new games, the most popular titles were primarily established ones, reflecting their enduring appeal among players.
🎮 Mythic Tier: The Titans of 2024
The top five games in terms of player spending and engagement were:
- Genshin Impact
This action RPG from HoYoverse continued to captivate players with its expansive open world and gacha mechanics. - Rocket League
Psyonix’s unique blend of soccer and vehicular acrobatics maintained its popularity, offering both casual and competitive gameplay. - Honkai: Star Rail
Another title from HoYoverse, this turn-based strategy game garnered attention for its engaging story and character designs. - Grand Theft Auto V
Rockstar’s open-world action-adventure game remained a staple, with its rich narrative and expansive online mode. - Fortnite
Epic Games’ battle royale phenomenon continued to dominate, especially after its return to iOS and Android platforms in the EU .
🏆 Legendary Tier: Strong Contenders
The following games also saw significant engagement:
- EA Sports FC 24
The latest installment in EA’s football series attracted both newcomers and veterans. - Destiny 2: The Final Shape
Bungie’s expansion kept players invested with new content and challenges. - Alan Wake II
Remedy Entertainment’s psychological horror sequel impressed with its narrative depth and atmospheric design. - Fall Guys
The whimsical battle royale maintained its charm, offering fun and accessible gameplay. - Wuthering Waves
This new entry from May 2024 quickly gained traction, praised for its engaging combat and storytelling .
🎯 Epic Tier: Notable Mentions
Other games that stood out included:
- EA Sports FC 25
The latest football simulation continued to refine its gameplay mechanics. - Cyberpunk 2077
CD Projekt’s open-world RPG saw renewed interest, especially after significant updates. - The Sims 4
EA’s life simulation game remained popular, bolstered by regular expansions. - Black Myth: Wukong
This action RPG from China garnered attention for its impressive visuals and combat system.Game Rant+1News Minimalist+1 - Satisfactory
The factory-building simulator continued to engage players with its complex systems. - Warframe
Digital Extremes’ free-to-play shooter maintained a dedicated player base. - Farming Simulator 22
The farming simulation offered a relaxing and detailed experience. - Dead by Daylight
The asymmetric horror game remained a favorite for multiplayer sessions. - Red Dead Redemption 2
Rockstar’s open-world western continued to captivate with its rich narrative and expansive world. - Dead Island 2
The zombie action game offered chaotic fun and co-op gameplay.
Don’t knock it till you’ve tried it.
The Epic Games Store: Not Just a Shop
At first glance, it’s a game store. You browse. You buy. You play.
But look closer. It’s curated. Handpicked.
Epic sometimes gives developers better deals. That means indie creators—those small, passionate teams—can thrive. So you get access to unique games you might not find elsewhere.
Also, it’s clean. No clutter. No nonsense. Easy to navigate.
Perfect for someone just stepping into gaming.
Unreal Engine: If You Dream of Making Games
Okay, let’s switch gears.
What if playing games isn’t enough for you? What if you want to create one?
Epic gives away the Unreal Engine. For free.
Yes, free.
This is the same engine used to build AAA games and Hollywood movies. It’s complex, yes. But it’s also beginner-accessible. Tutorials. Templates. A massive community ready to help.
You don’t need a computer science degree. Just an idea. And patience.
You Don’t Need a Monster PC
Let’s clear this up.
No, you don’t need a $2,000 gaming rig. Many Epic games are optimized to run on mid-range systems. Fortnite itself runs on older hardware. There’s even a mobile version.
Epic is inclusive like that.
Sure, better specs mean better graphics. But you can still enjoy the experience on a laptop. Just tweak the settings.
Online Communities: Your New Best Friends
Getting stuck? Confused?
There’s always someone out there who’s been where you are. Reddit. Discord. YouTube. Twitch. Epic’s community is massive. And mostly welcoming. (Just ignore the occasional troll.)
Watch streamers. Learn strategies. Ask questions.
You’ll be surprised how fast you pick things up when you connect with others.
Epic’s Vision: Bigger Than Gaming
Here’s something that blew Jake’s mind.
Epic isn’t just making games. It’s shaping the future of digital interaction. With its concept of the Metaverse, Epic wants to blend gaming, social media, storytelling, and online identity into one immersive experience.
Think of it like… living inside the internet. Sounds wild, right?
Fortnite already hosts virtual concerts. Movies. Live events. It’s a testing ground for what’s next.
So when you play Epic games, you’re not just playing. You’re stepping into tomorrow.
Some Beginner-Friendly Games to Try
Let’s say Fortnite isn’t your style. That’s okay. Here are a few other beginner-friendly picks you might find on the Epic Games Store:
- Rocket League – Soccer with rocket-powered cars. Fast, fun, addicting.
- Fall Guys – A colorful battle of jelly beans and wacky mini-games.
- Slime Rancher – Chill, cute, and oddly satisfying.
- Among Us – Social deduction in space. Great with friends.
Again, many of these pop up in Epic’s free game giveaways. Stay alert.
A Word on Safety and Parents
If you’re a parent reading this—worried about your kid diving into Epic’s world—breathe easy.
There are solid parental controls. Age restrictions. Purchase limits. Privacy settings.
Just take 10 minutes to explore the settings. You’ll feel better knowing you’re in control.
So… Why Start With Epic?
There are a lot of game companies out there. So why Epic?
Because it’s approachable.
Because it’s generous.
Because it’s shaping the future while keeping things fun in the present.
Whether you’re here to kill time, connect with friends, or build your own dream world, Epic has space for you.
Final Thoughts
Jake? Yeah. He kept playing. Made friends. Got better. Started learning game design. Today, he’s building his first game in Unreal Engine.
It all began with one click—and a little guide on Epic Games for beginners.
Yours could too.
So go ahead. Download the launcher. Grab a free game. Jump in.
Who knows? You might just find something epic.
