Picture this: It’s a rainy Saturday afternoon, and you’re itching to dive into Rocket League with your buddies. You fire up Steam, only to realize your game progress is tied to your Epic Games account. Frustrating, right? As a gamer who’s juggled multiple platforms, I’ve felt the pain of scattered game libraries and disconnected friends lists. The good news? Syncing your games between Steam and Epic Games is possible—and it’s not as daunting as it seems. In this guide, I’ll walk you through every step, share personal anecdotes, and provide expert tips to make your gaming life seamless. Whether you’re chasing cross-platform progress, merging friends lists, or just want to launch Epic games from Steam, I’ve got you covered.
Let’s embark on this quest to unify your gaming world, with practical advice, a dash of humor, and a sprinkle of tech wizardry.
Why Sync Steam and Epic Games? The Gamer’s Dilemma
Before we dive into the how-to, let’s talk about why syncing matters. Steam and Epic Games are titans in the PC gaming world, but they don’t always play nice together. Steam boasts a massive library and robust community features, while Epic tempts us with free weekly games and exclusives like Fortnite. I remember snagging Subnautica for free on Epic, only to wish it was in my Steam library for easy access. Sound familiar?
Syncing offers several benefits:
- Cross-Platform Progress: Continue your game saves across platforms (for supported titles).
- Unified Friends Lists: Connect with Steam friends on Epic without juggling apps.
- Convenience: Launch Epic games from Steam’s interface for a streamlined experience.
- Achievement Hunting: Track progress in one place (though this depends on the game).
However, syncing isn’t perfect. Steam and Epic are competitors, so full library transfers or universal achievement syncing are rare. According to a Steam Community discussion, games bought on one platform typically stay there unless developers offer cross-platform keys. Still, with the right tools and know-how, you can bridge the gap.
Can You Really Sync Games? Setting Expectations
Let’s clear the air: you cannot transfer game ownership from Epic to Steam or vice versa. If you bought Cyberpunk 2077 on Epic, it won’t magically appear in your Steam library. However, you can:
- Link accounts for cross-play and friends syncing.
- Add Epic games to Steam as non-Steam games for easy launching.
- Use third-party tools to automate library syncing.
- Leverage game-specific cross-progression for saves and achievements.
I learned this the hard way when I tried to get my free Epic copy of Subnautica to show up on Steam. Spoiler: it didn’t work, but I found workarounds that made life easier. This guide will cover both official methods and creative hacks to achieve a near-seamless experience.
Step 1: Linking Your Steam and Epic Games Accounts
The first step to syncing is linking your accounts. This enables cross-play, friends list integration, and, in some cases, progress sharing. Here’s how I did it when I wanted to play Rocket League with my Steam friends via Epic.
How to Link Accounts
- Log into Epic Games: Visit the Epic Games website and sign in.
- Navigate to Connections: Click your username in the top-right corner, select “Account,” then choose “Apps and Accounts” from the sidebar.
- Connect to Steam: Scroll to the Steam section and click “Connect.” You’ll be prompted to sign into your Steam account.
- Authorize the Link: Enter your Steam credentials and authorize Epic to access your account. If you use Steam Guard, verify with the code sent to your email or phone.
- Confirm Success: Once linked, you’ll see your Steam account listed under “Apps and Accounts.”
Pro Tip: If Steam doesn’t appear as an option, ensure you’re signed into Steam on your computer, then restart the Epic Games Launcher. Epic’s support page confirms this fixes most connection issues.
What This Does
Linking accounts merges your friends lists and enables cross-play for games like Rocket League or Fortnite. For example, I could invite my Steam buddy to an Epic-hosted Rocket League match without hassle. However, this doesn’t sync game ownership or achievements—those are game-specific.
A Word of Caution
Be careful when linking accounts. A Reddit thread warned that Rocket League might auto-link to the wrong Epic account if you’re logged into multiple. Always double-check your primary account before confirming.
Step 2: Adding Epic Games to Steam as Non-Steam Games
If you want to launch Epic games from Steam (and see your status update for friends), adding them as non-Steam games is a game-changer. I used this trick for Tetris Effect from Epic, and it felt like a unified library.
How to Add Non-Steam Games
- Open Steam: Launch the Steam client.
- Access the Games Menu: Click “Games” in the top menu, then select “Add a Non-Steam Game to My Library.”
- Browse for Epic Games: Click “Browse” and navigate to the Epic game’s executable (.exe) file. These are usually in
C:\Program Files\Epic Games\[Game Name]. - Add the Game: Check the box next to the game and click “Add Selected Programs.”
- Customize (Optional): Right-click the game in your Steam library, select “Properties,” and add a name or custom artwork for a polished look.
Making It Work Smoothly
Some Epic games require the Epic Games Launcher to run, which can complicate things. A workaround from Sean Z Writes suggests creating a PowerShell script to launch the game via Epic’s URL handler. Here’s a simplified version:
- Find the Game’s URL: In the Epic Games Launcher, right-click a game, select “Create Shortcut,” and check the shortcut’s properties for the URL (e.g.,
com.epicgames.launcher://apps/[GameID]). - Create a Script: Write a PowerShell script to launch the URL and wait for the game to close.
- Add the Script to Steam: Add the PowerShell executable (
C:\Windows\System32\WindowsPowerShell\v1.0\powershell.exe) as a non-Steam game, and in the “Target” field, append-File "path\to\your\script.ps1".
This method ensures Steam tracks your playtime and status. It’s a bit technical, but it worked like a charm for me with *Tetris fused Borderlands 3.
Step 3: Cross-Progression for Supported Games
Some games support cross-progression, meaning your saves and progress sync between Steam and Epic. This is game-specific and depends on the developer’s implementation. Let’s explore how this works with examples.
Games with Cross-Progression
- Rocket League: After linking accounts, set Epic as your primary platform. Progress (ranks, items, Rocket Pass) syncs to Steam. I tested this, and my Epic rank carried over seamlessly.
- Dead by Daylight: Link your Steam and Epic accounts via the Behaviour account. Progress, DLCs, and levels transfer, but some in-game currency may not.
- Ark: Survival Evolved: Uses a custom account system for cross-platform saves. Ensure both platforms are linked to the same account.
How to Check for Support
Check the game’s official website or forums. For instance, Rocket League’s FAQ page details its cross-progression setup. If a game doesn’t support cross-progression, you’re stuck with separate saves.
My Experience
I was thrilled when my Rocket League progress synced, but Borderlands 3 (no cross-progression) forced me to start fresh on Steam. Always research before buying on a new platform!
Step 4: Using Third-Party Tools for Library Syncing
For a more automated approach, third-party tools like Steamsync can add Epic games to Steam. These tools scan your Epic library and create non-Steam shortcuts in Steam.
How Steamsync Works
- Install Steamsync: Download from GitHub and follow the setup instructions.
- Run the Tool: It detects Epic games and adds them to Steam with proper names and icons.
- Launch Games: Games still require the Epic Launcher but appear in Steam.
Alternatives
- GOG Galaxy: This launcher integrates Steam, Epic, and other platforms into one interface. It doesn’t sync ownership but shows all games in one place.
- UWPHook: Useful for syncing Microsoft Store games to Steam, but it can work with Epic games via similar principles.
Note: Third-party tools carry risks. Only download from trusted sources, as I learned after a sketchy app slowed my PC. Stick to well-reviewed tools like Steamsync.
Comparison Table: Syncing Methods at a Glance
| Method | Ease of Use | Features | Limitations | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Account Linking | Easy | Friends sync, cross-play, some progress | No game ownership transfer | Cross-play gamers |
| Non-Steam Games | Moderate | Launch Epic games from Steam | Requires Epic Launcher, manual setup | Unified library enthusiasts |
| Cross-Progression | Game-dependent | Syncs saves, progress | Limited to supported games | Multi-platform players |
| Third-Party Tools | Advanced | Automates library syncing | Potential security risks, complex setup | Tech-savvy users |
| GOG Galaxy | Easy | Unified interface for all platforms | No ownership sync, separate app | Casual users wanting simplicity |
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Syncing isn’t always smooth. Here are common problems and fixes:
- Steam Not Showing in Epic: Sign into Steam on your PC, restart the Epic Launcher.
- Game Won’t Launch: Ensure the Epic Launcher is running in the background.
- Progress Not Syncing: Verify you’ve set the correct primary platform (e.g., Epic for Rocket League).
- Unlinking Issues: Unlinking removes shared data (friends, etc.). Epic’s support page warns you can’t relink the same account.
When I unlinked my Steam account to test this guide, I lost my shared friends list but re-linked without issues. Contact support if you hit a wall.
Expert Insights: Why Full Syncing Is Rare
Why don’t Steam and Epic offer full library syncing? It’s all about business. A Quora post explains that platforms are walled gardens—Valve and Epic want you to buy on their store. Cross-progression is a compromise, driven by player demand and developer goodwill. For indie devs, offering Steam keys to Epic users (like some do) is a PR win, but AAA titles rarely budge.
FAQ: Your Burning Questions Answered
Q: Can I transfer a game I bought on Epic to Steam?
A: No, game ownership is tied to the platform. You can add Epic games to Steam as non-Steam games, but you’ll need to buy the game on Steam for full integration.
Q: Will achievements sync between platforms?
A: Only for games with cross-progression (e.g., Rocket League). Most games keep achievements separate, as I found with Borderlands 3.
Q: Is linking accounts safe?
A: Yes, if done through official websites. Always use strong passwords and enable two-factor authentication.
Q: Can I play Epic games on Steam Deck?
A: Yes, by adding them as non-Steam games or using tools like Heroic Games Launcher. Check ProtonDB for compatibility.
Q: What happens if I unlink my accounts?
A: Shared data (friends, some progress) is removed. You may face a cooldown (e.g., 90 days for Dead by Daylight) before relinking.
Conclusion: Unifying Your Gaming Universe
Syncing games between Steam and Epic Games is like herding cats—tricky but doable with patience. From linking accounts for cross-play to adding non-Steam games for a unified library, you’ve got options to streamline your gaming life. My journey from a scattered library to a semi-unified one taught me that while full syncing is a pipe dream, the workarounds are powerful. Whether you’re a casual gamer or a tech tinkerer, there’s a solution for you.
Start small: link your accounts, add a favorite Epic game to Steam, or explore cross-progression for titles like Rocket League. If you’re feeling adventurous, dive into tools like Steamsync. Whatever path you choose, you’re one step closer to a seamless gaming experience.
What’s next? Share your syncing adventures in the comments or try syncing another platform (like Microsoft Store) using similar tricks. Happy gaming, and may your saves always sync!