Have you been dreaming of playing your favorite Epic Games titles like Fortnite, Fall Guys, or Rocket League Sideswipe directly on your iPad? Well, you're in luck! While the situation for Epic Games on iOS devices has evolved, especially with recent changes in app store policies, it is indeed possible to get your game on. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the various methods, ensuring you can enjoy Epic Games on your iPad. Let's dive in!
How to Install Epic Games on iPad: A Comprehensive Guide
Installing Epic Games directly on an iPad, particularly for games like Fortnite, has a nuanced answer due to the ongoing legal and policy changes between Apple and Epic Games. However, there are indeed ways to play! We'll cover both direct installation (where applicable) and cloud gaming alternatives.
Step 1: Determine Your Region and iPadOS Version
This is a critical first step because the availability of the Epic Games Store app directly on your iPad depends heavily on your geographic location.
Sub-heading: European Union (EU) and Other Regions with New App Store Laws
If you reside in the European Union, or in a region that has adopted similar legislation like the Digital Markets Act, then you are in a privileged position! Epic Games has launched its own mobile store for iOS devices in these areas.
- iPadOS Requirement: To install the Epic Games Store, your iPad will need to be running iPadOS 18 or later. If your iPad is older and cannot update to this version, you might need to explore cloud gaming options.
Sub-heading: United States (US) and Other Regions
For users in the United States, as of late 2024/early 2025, Fortnite has returned to the Apple App Store. However, the full Epic Games Store for direct installation on iPad may not be available in the same way it is in the EU. Other Epic Games titles (like Fall Guys or Rocket League Sideswipe) might still require cloud gaming solutions.
- iPadOS Requirement (for Fortnite): If Fortnite is available directly in your regional App Store, ensure your iPad meets the game's specific system requirements (e.g., iOS 17.4 or later).
Step 2: Direct Installation (for EU/Specific Regions)
If you are in a region where the Epic Games Store is directly available for iPad, this is the most straightforward method.
Sub-heading: Installing the Epic Games Store App
- Open Safari: On your iPad, launch the Safari web browser.
- Go to the Epic Games Mobile Download Page: Navigate to the official Epic Games mobile download page. You can typically find this by searching "Epic Games Store mobile download" or checking the official Epic Games website. Look for a QR code or a direct link to download the app.
- Initiate Download: Tap the download button or scan the QR code. You will likely see a pop-up warning that your iPad isn't set up to install new marketplaces from the web yet. Don't worry, this is normal!
- Adjust iPad Settings:
- Tap OK on the pop-up.
- Go to your iPad's Settings app.
- You should see a banner at the top of the Settings screen that says "Allow Marketplace from Epic Games" or similar. Tap on it.
- Confirm by tapping "Allow" when prompted.
- Return to Safari and Install: Go back to your Safari browser. Tap the "Install" button again. You'll get another iPadOS pop-up asking if you want to install the Epic Games Store. Tap "Install App Marketplace."
- Launch the Epic Games Store: Once the installation is complete, the Epic Games Store app icon will appear on your iPad's home screen. Tap to open it.
Sub-heading: Downloading Games within the Epic Games Store
- Sign In: Upon opening the Epic Games Store, you'll need to sign in with your existing Epic Games account. If you don't have one, you can create one directly through the app.
- Browse and Select: Browse the available games. At launch, you'll find games like Fortnite, Fall Guys, and Rocket League Sideswipe.
- Download the Game: Select the game you want to install and tap "Get" or "Download."
- Confirm Installation: You might receive one last iPadOS pop-up asking for confirmation to install the game. Tap "Install."
- Play! Once the game downloads and installs, you can launch it directly from the Epic Games Store app or its new icon on your home screen.
Step 3: Cloud Gaming (for All Regions, Especially Outside EU)
If you're outside the EU or prefer not to install direct apps for every game, cloud gaming is an excellent and increasingly popular alternative. This method streams the game from powerful servers directly to your iPad, meaning the game itself isn't installed on your device. All you need is a stable internet connection and a compatible browser.
Sub-heading: Option 1: Xbox Cloud Gaming
Xbox Cloud Gaming allows you to play a library of games, including Fortnite, directly through your web browser. A key advantage is that Fortnite is available for free through Xbox Cloud Gaming, even without an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription.
- Open Safari: Launch the Safari web browser on your iPad.
- Go to Xbox Cloud Gaming: Navigate to
xbox.com/play - Sign In to Microsoft Account: Click "SIGN IN" and log in with your Microsoft account. If you don't have one, you can create one.
- Add to Home Screen (Optional but Recommended): For easier access, once you're signed in, you can add a shortcut to your iPad's home screen that acts like an app.
- Tap the Share button (the square with an arrow pointing upwards) in Safari.
- Select "Add to Home Screen."
- You can rename it if you like, then tap "Add."
- Launch Fortnite: Find Fortnite in the game library and click "PLAY NOW."
- Connect a Controller (Optional but Recommended): While Fortnite on Xbox Cloud Gaming supports touch controls, playing with a Bluetooth controller (like an Xbox controller) offers a much more console-like experience. Ensure your controller is paired with your iPad via Bluetooth settings.
Sub-heading: Option 2: NVIDIA GeForce NOW
GeForce NOW is another robust cloud gaming service that allows you to stream PC games you already own from platforms like the Epic Games Store. It offers different membership tiers, including a free tier with limitations and paid tiers for enhanced performance and longer session times.
- Open Safari: Launch the Safari web browser on your iPad.
- Go to GeForce NOW: Navigate to play.geforcenow.com.
- Create a Home Screen Shortcut: Similar to Xbox Cloud Gaming, it's highly recommended to create a home screen shortcut for easier access.
- Tap the Share button in Safari.
- Select "Add to Home Screen."
- Tap "Add."
- Sign In/Create Account: Open the GeForce NOW shortcut. You'll need to sign in with an NVIDIA account. If you don't have one, you'll be prompted to create one.
- Link Epic Games Account: This is a crucial step for playing Epic Games titles.
- Go to Settings within the GeForce NOW interface.
- Find "Connections" and locate "Epic Games" from the list.
- Click "CONNECT." A new browser window will open, directing you to your Epic Games account.
- Log in to your Epic Games account if you're not already.
- You'll see a prompt to link GeForce NOW to Epic Games. Click "ALLOW."
- Once confirmed, close the Epic Account window.
- Play Your Games: Go to your GeForce NOW library. You should now see Epic Games titles that are supported by GeForce NOW and that you own on the Epic Games Store. Select a game and click "PLAY!"
- Consider a Membership: For the best experience (longer sessions, higher resolutions, ray tracing), consider a paid GeForce NOW membership.
Step 4: Ensuring Optimal Performance
Regardless of whether you're directly installing or cloud gaming, a few things will significantly impact your experience.
Sub-heading: Internet Connection is Key
- Strong Wi-Fi: For cloud gaming especially, a fast and stable Wi-Fi connection is paramount. Ideally, you want a broadband connection with low latency.
- Avoid Public Wi-Fi: Public Wi-Fi networks can be unreliable and have high latency, leading to a poor gaming experience.
- Ethernet Adapter (Advanced): For the absolute best cloud gaming experience, consider a USB-C to Ethernet adapter for your iPad (if your model supports it) to get a wired connection.
Sub-heading: Device Compatibility
- Latest iPadOS: Always ensure your iPad is running the latest compatible version of iPadOS. This helps with security, performance, and compatibility.
- Sufficient Storage (for direct install): If you're directly installing games, make sure you have enough free storage on your iPad. Games like Fortnite can be quite large (e.g., 10-13 GB after initial download).
Sub-heading: Peripherals for Enhanced Gameplay
- Bluetooth Controller: For many games, particularly action-oriented ones like Fortnite, a Bluetooth controller (Xbox Wireless Controller, PlayStation DualSense, or MFi controllers) will provide a far superior experience compared to touch controls.
- Headphones: Using headphones will help you immerse yourself in the game and hear crucial in-game audio cues.
Step 5: Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even with the best preparation, you might encounter minor hiccups.
Sub-heading: "Not Available in Your Region" Message
- If you're trying to directly install the Epic Games Store and receive this message, it means your current location doesn't support direct sideloading of app marketplaces. You'll need to rely on cloud gaming services.
Sub-heading: Lag or Poor Performance in Cloud Gaming
- Check Internet Speed: Perform an internet speed test. If your download speed is low or your ping is high, this is likely the culprit.
- Reduce Network Congestion: Disconnect other devices using your Wi-Fi network, or move closer to your router.
- Switch Wi-Fi Bands: If your router supports both 2.4GHz and 5GHz, try connecting to the 5GHz band for better speeds and less interference.
- Close Background Apps: On your iPad, close any unnecessary apps running in the background to free up resources.
Sub-heading: Login Issues
- Double-check Credentials: Ensure you're entering your Epic Games, Microsoft, or NVIDIA account details correctly.
- Reset Password: If you've forgotten your password, use the "Forgot Password" option on the respective service's login page.
- Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Make sure your 2FA is set up correctly and you have access to your verification method.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to play Fortnite on iPad in 2025?
You can play Fortnite on iPad in 2025 either by downloading the Epic Games Store app (if you're in the EU or a region with similar app store laws and your iPad runs iPadOS 18+) or by streaming it via cloud gaming services like Xbox Cloud Gaming (which offers Fortnite for free) or NVIDIA GeForce NOW.
How to download Epic Games Launcher on iPad?
The Epic Games Launcher, as seen on PC/Mac, isn't directly available for iPad. Instead, in the EU and other supporting regions, you download the "Epic Games Store" app, which functions as their mobile marketplace. For other regions, you play Epic Games titles via cloud streaming.
How to get Fall Guys on iPad?
Similar to Fortnite, if you're in the EU and meet the iPadOS 18+ requirement, you can download Fall Guys directly from the Epic Games Store app. Otherwise, you'll need to play it through a cloud gaming service that supports Fall Guys, such as NVIDIA GeForce NOW (which requires you to own the game on the Epic Games Store).
How to use Xbox Cloud Gaming for Epic Games on iPad?
To use Xbox Cloud Gaming, open Safari on your iPad, go to
How to set up NVIDIA GeForce NOW on iPad for Epic Games?
Open Safari on your iPad, go to play.geforcenow.com, create a home screen shortcut, sign in with your NVIDIA account, and most importantly, link your Epic Games account within GeForce NOW's settings to access your owned Epic Games titles.
How to improve performance when playing Epic Games on iPad via cloud gaming?
Ensure a strong and stable Wi-Fi connection (preferably 5GHz), close background apps on your iPad, and if possible, use an Ethernet adapter. Consider upgrading your cloud gaming service membership for better quality and less latency.
How to connect a controller to iPad for Epic Games?
Go to your iPad's Settings, tap on Bluetooth, and put your controller into pairing mode. Select the controller from the "Other Devices" list to connect it. Most Xbox Wireless Controllers, PlayStation DualSense/DualShock controllers, and MFi controllers are compatible.
How to troubleshoot "region unavailable" for Epic Games Store on iPad?
If you see a "region unavailable" message when trying to install the Epic Games Store app, it means direct installation is not supported in your current location. You must use cloud gaming services like Xbox Cloud Gaming or NVIDIA GeForce NOW to play Epic Games titles.
How to play Rocket League Sideswipe on iPad?
Rocket League Sideswipe is a separate mobile-exclusive title available on the Apple App Store globally. You can download it directly from there. However, if you're looking for the full Rocket League experience, you'd typically need to play it via a cloud gaming service like GeForce NOW (if you own it on PC) or through a console.
How to check my iPadOS version for Epic Games compatibility?
Go to your iPad's Settings app, then tap on General, and finally tap on About. Your iPadOS version will be listed there. Ensure it meets the requirements (e.g., iPadOS 18+ for direct Epic Games Store, or iOS 17.4+ for Fortnite on the App Store).
