Discover: Epic Games Store F2P Game Pre-Registration

What is pre-registration?

Pre-registration is a way to register your interest in a free-to-play game before it releases. When you pre-register for an eligible title, the game is added to your Library along with its release date, so you know when it's coming, and you can opt in to email updates from the developer.

Does pre-registering cost anything?

No. Pre-registration is free, and you aren't making a purchase. You won't be charged at any point, and no payment details are required.

Do I get a reward or bonus for pre-registering?

No. Pre-registering on the Epic Games Store doesn't unlock rewards, in-game items, currency, or early access. If a developer runs its own pre-registration reward campaign, that's run by the developer and any rewards come from them, not from the Epic Games Store.

Will the game download or install automatically when it launches?

No. Pre-registering doesn't download or pre-install the game. When the game releases, you'll need to start the download yourself from your Library, the same as any other free-to-play game.

So what actually happens when the game releases?

The game becomes available in your Library and you can install it. If you opted in to emails, the developer may email you around launch. Pre-registering is a way to keep the game on your radar, not a way to skip the download.

Where do I see the games I've pre-registered for?

In your Library. Pre-registered games appear there before release with a "Coming Soon" label and the release date, if the developer has set one.

Can I cancel a pre-registration?

If you no longer want a game you've pre-registered for, contact Epic Games Player Support (Opens in new tab) and they can help. Since pre-registering isn't a purchase, there's nothing to refund or cancel financially.

What happens if a game I pre-registered for is canceled?

If a game is canceled before it releases, it's removed from your Library along with your pre-registration. Since pre-registering is free, there's no charge and nothing to refund.

What if the release date changes?

If the developer changes the date, the new date shows in your Library and your pre-registration stays in place. You don't need to do anything.

Do I have to give my email address?

No. The email opt-in is optional, and you can pre-register without it.

Does pre-registering guarantee me access to the game?

Pre-registration isn't a reservation, and it doesn't hold a copy or a slot for you. Since the game is free to play, you'll be able to get it at launch whether or not you pre-registered.

Which games can I pre-register for?

Pre-registration is only available to participating free-to-play games. It's up to each developer whether to offer pre-registration or not, so not every upcoming game will have it. If a game supports it, you'll see a “Pre-Register” button on its store page.

What does "free to play" mean here?

The game itself is free to download and play. Free-to-play games often include optional in-game purchases that are up to the developer, and you can find details on the game's store page.

Do I need an Epic Games account?

Yes. You'll need to be signed in to an Epic Games account to pre-register, since the game is added to your Library.

Where does pre-registration work?

Pre-registration is available on the Epic Games Store, both in the Epic Games Launcher on PC and Mac and on the web.