Epic Games Store is finally getting profiles, reviews, and controller support to take on Steam

At a glance:

• Epic Games Store's 2026 roadmap introduces Steam-like features including written reviews, profiles, and universal controller support.
• Hardware and controller upgrades include spec benchmarking and compatibility details for PlayStation and Xbox controllers.
• Community and commerce features include third-party forums, patch notes, cross-region gifting, and publisher-funded coupons.

What's Coming to Epic Games Store in 2026

Epic Games Store is preparing a significant overhaul aimed at bridging the gap with Steam, the dominant digital game distribution platform. According to a presentation shared by user ImAnthlon on the Epic Games PC subreddit, the 2026 roadmap includes several long-awaited features that users have been requesting for years. Among these, written reviews stand out as a major addition. While Epic currently allows users to rate games, the lack of written feedback has been a notable omission compared to Steam's established review system. The new update will also introduce user profiles and avatars, enabling players to create personalized identities on the platform.

Hardware and controller support is another focal point of the update. The presentation highlights a dedicated section for controller compatibility, specifying which controllers—such as PlayStation or Xbox—work seamlessly with each game. Additionally, a "Will my rig play it?" feature will provide hardware-based performance estimates, helping users gauge their PC's capability to run games at various graphical settings. These additions aim to make the Epic Games Store more user-friendly and competitive in the PC gaming market.

Why These Features Matter

Steam's success has long been attributed to its robust community tools and user-centric features, which Epic Games Store has historically lacked. The introduction of written reviews and profiles addresses a critical gap in user engagement, allowing players to share detailed experiences and connect with others. Controller support improvements are particularly relevant as gaming becomes more diverse, with players using various input devices beyond traditional mouse and keyboard setups.

The addition of third-party communities and patch notes reflects Epic's strategy to integrate external content and keep users informed about game updates. Cross-region gifting and publisher-funded coupons further enhance the platform's commercial flexibility, potentially attracting more developers and publishers by offering promotional tools similar to those available on Steam. These changes signal Epic's intent to not only match but innovate within the digital storefront space.

The Road Ahead

While the roadmap outlines ambitious plans, the timeline for implementation remains unclear. The features are expected to roll out throughout 2026, but no specific dates have been provided. This gradual approach may allow Epic to refine each feature based on user feedback, ensuring a smoother transition for its growing user base.

The move comes amid increasing competition in the gaming distribution market. Platforms like GOG and Microsoft's Xbox Store have carved out niches, but Steam's entrenched position makes it the primary target for challengers. Epic's strategy of leveraging its free game promotions alongside these new features could help it gain traction, though success will depend on execution and user adoption.

The presentation also hints at potential partnerships with hardware manufacturers and community platforms, though details are scarce. For now, the focus remains on delivering a more comprehensive and Steam-like experience while maintaining Epic's unique value propositions, such as its revenue-sharing model for developers.

Historical Context and User Expectations

Steam has maintained its dominance largely due to its early adoption of community-driven features. Reviews, forums, and detailed hardware compatibility information became standard expectations for users, creating a high bar for competitors. Epic Games Store, launched in 2018, initially focused on exclusives and free game giveaways but faced criticism for its limited social and technical tools.

The new roadmap addresses these criticisms directly. Profiles and avatars, for instance, are features that Steam introduced in its early days, making their absence on Epic feel glaring. Similarly, the lack of written reviews has been a pain point for users who rely on detailed feedback to make purchasing decisions. By incorporating these elements, Epic aims to retain its existing user base while attracting Steam users seeking alternatives.

Technical and Community Enhancements

The spec benchmarking feature represents a technical leap for the platform. By analyzing a user's hardware against a game's system requirements, Epic can provide tailored recommendations, a service that could reduce the friction of game discovery. This is particularly valuable for PC gamers, who often face compatibility issues with newer titles.

Third-party communities and patch notes integration suggest a shift toward fostering external engagement. While Steam has long allowed community hubs and mod support, Epic's approach may involve partnerships with existing forums or platforms to avoid building everything from scratch. This strategy could accelerate feature development while leveraging established community ecosystems.

Cross-region gifting addresses a long-standing limitation in digital game distribution. By enabling users to send games across geographic boundaries, Epic aligns with the global nature of gaming communities. Publisher-funded coupons, meanwhile, offer a monetization tool that could attract more developers to the platform, especially those seeking flexible promotional strategies.

Challenges and Opportunities

Despite the promising roadmap, Epic faces hurdles in implementation. Steam's review system, for example, has evolved over years to include moderation and spam detection mechanisms. Epic will need to invest in similar infrastructure to maintain quality and trust. Additionally, controller compatibility data requires ongoing maintenance, as new devices and firmware updates can affect performance.

The opportunity lies in differentiating Epic's offerings. While matching Steam's features is essential, introducing unique elements—such as integrated streaming tools or enhanced cross-platform play—could set Epic apart. The success of these updates will ultimately depend on how well they integrate into the existing user experience and whether they drive meaningful engagement.

Conclusion

Epic Games Store's 2026 roadmap marks a pivotal moment in its evolution as a Steam competitor. By addressing core feature gaps and expanding its technical capabilities, the platform aims to solidify its position in the PC gaming market. However, the challenge will be executing these updates effectively while maintaining the momentum built through its free game promotions and developer-friendly policies. For users and developers alike, the changes signal a more mature and competitive digital storefront landscape.