How to Download Epic Games on Your iPad: A Comprehensive Guide
Ever dreamed of diving into the expansive worlds of your favorite Epic Games titles right from the comfort of your iPad? Well, good news! Thanks to recent developments and shifts in app store policies, it's now more accessible than ever to get the Epic Games Store, and with it, games like Fortnite, directly on your Apple tablet. This lengthy guide will walk you through every step of the process, ensuring a smooth and successful installation.
Understanding the Landscape: Why Now?
For a long time, the relationship between Epic Games and Apple was, shall we say, complicated. This led to a period where games like Fortnite were unavailable on iOS devices through the official App Store. However, with new regulations like the Digital Markets Act (DMA) in the European Union, Apple has been mandated to allow alternative app marketplaces. This has paved the way for Epic Games to launch its own store directly on iOS and iPadOS.
It's important to note that the availability of the Epic Games Store on iPad currently varies by region. While it's broadly available in the European Union, its rollout to other regions like the UK, Japan, and potentially the US is ongoing as new legislation comes into effect.
Step 1: Check Your iPad's Compatibility and Region
Before you even think about downloading, let's make sure your iPad is ready for the Epic Games experience.
Sub-heading: iPadOS Version
First things first, your iPad needs to be running a sufficiently recent version of iPadOS. Epic Games states that the Epic Games Store mobile app requires iPadOS 18 or later.
- To check your iPadOS version:
- Go to Settings.
- Tap on General.
- Select About.
- Look for "Software Version" or "iPadOS Version." If it's below iPadOS 18, you'll need to update your device.
Sub-heading: Regional Availability
As mentioned, the Epic Games Store for iPhone and iPad is primarily available in the European Union at the moment.
- If you are in the European Union: Great! You should be able to proceed with the direct download.
- If you are outside the European Union (e.g., US, India, etc.): You might need to wait a little longer for the official Epic Games Store to launch in your region. However, you can still play some Epic Games titles like Fortnite through cloud gaming services. We'll touch upon this later as an alternative.
Are you ready to proceed? If your iPad meets the OS requirements and you're in a supported region, let's get to the good stuff!
Step 2: Accessing the Epic Games Store Download Page
This isn't like going to the App Store for a typical download. You'll be initiating the download directly from Epic Games' website.
Sub-heading: Navigate to the Official Epic Games Website
- Open your preferred web browser on your iPad (Safari is usually the default and works perfectly).
- In the address bar, type in the official Epic Games website:
https://epicgames.com/
or specifically for mobile:https://store.epicgames.com/en-US/mobile/ios
. - Press Go or Enter.
Sub-heading: Locating the Download Button
Once on the Epic Games website, you'll need to find the download prompt for the mobile store.
- Look for a prominent "Install" or "Download" button. This is often located in the top right corner or prominently displayed on a banner related to the mobile store launch.
- Sometimes, the website might automatically detect you're on an iPad and present the appropriate download option. If you see a specific section for "Epic Games Store for iPhone, iPad and Android," tap on it.
Step 3: Initiating the Download and System Prompts
Once you tap the download button, your iPad will begin a series of prompts that require your attention to allow the installation of an app from outside the App Store. This is a crucial step to ensure the Epic Games Store can be installed.
Sub-heading: The "Marketplace Installation" Message
- After tapping "Install," you will likely see a pop-up message regarding "Marketplace Installation" or a similar prompt. This is your iPad warning you that you're about to install an app from a source other than the official Apple App Store.
- Read the message carefully. It will explain that by default, your device does not allow web installations from Epic Games.
- Tap on "OK" or "Continue" to acknowledge this message.
Sub-heading: Allowing Installation from Epic Games in Settings
This is where you grant your iPad permission to install the Epic Games Store.
- The prompt will likely direct you to your iPad's Settings.
- Navigate to Settings > General > VPN & Device Management (or similar, the exact path might vary slightly with iPadOS versions, but it's usually under "General" and related to app installations or profiles).
- You should see an option to "Allow Marketplace from Epic Games" or a similar entry related to Epic Games.
- Tap on this option.
- You will then be asked to "Allow" the installation to confirm your decision. You might need to enter your iPad's passcode or use Face ID/Touch ID to authorize this.
Step 4: Completing the Installation of the Epic Games Store
Now that you've given your iPad permission, you can go back to the browser and finalize the installation.
Sub-heading: Returning to Your Browser
- After allowing the installation in Settings, return to your web browser where you started the download process.
- The Epic Games website should now recognize that you've granted the necessary permissions.
- Tap "Install" again on the Epic Games website.
- You might see another confirmation like "Install App Marketplace." Tap "Confirm" to proceed.
Sub-heading: Locating the Epic Games Store App
Once the installation is complete, you should find the Epic Games Store app icon on your iPad's home screen. It might appear on a new page or within an existing folder.
- Swipe through your home screens to locate the new app icon.
- You can also use the Search bar (swipe down from the middle of the home screen) and type "Epic Games Store" to quickly find it.
Step 5: Setting Up and Downloading Games within the Epic Games Store
Congratulations! You now have the Epic Games Store on your iPad. The next steps involve logging in and getting your favorite games.
Sub-heading: Launching the Epic Games Store
- Tap on the Epic Games Store app icon on your home screen.
- The app will launch, and you'll likely be greeted with a login screen.
Sub-heading: Logging In or Creating an Epic Games Account
- If you already have an Epic Games account: Enter your email and password to log in. You can also log in using connected accounts like Google, Facebook, or your console accounts (PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo, etc.).
- If you don't have an Epic Games account: Follow the prompts to create a new one. It's a straightforward process, and you'll need to provide some basic information.
Sub-heading: Downloading Your Desired Games (e.g., Fortnite)
Once logged in, you're ready to explore and download games!
- Browse the store: You'll see featured games, popular titles, and categories.
- Search for a specific game: If you're looking for something specific, like Fortnite, use the search bar within the Epic Games Store app.
- Select the game: Tap on the game you want to download.
- Initiate Download: Tap the "Get" or "Install" button on the game's product page.
- Confirm Installation: The app will prompt you to confirm the download. Be aware that some games, especially larger titles like Fortnite, can be several gigabytes in size, so ensure you have enough storage space and a stable Wi-Fi connection.
- The game will then download and install automatically. You can usually monitor the progress within the Epic Games Store app or by looking at the app icon on your home screen (it might show a progress bar).
Step 6: Playing Your Games and Ongoing Management
Once downloaded, your games are ready to play!
Sub-heading: Launching Games
- After a game has finished installing, you can launch it directly from the Epic Games Store app by tapping "Play."
- Alternatively, the game's icon will also appear on your iPad's home screen, allowing you to launch it directly like any other app.
Sub-heading: Updates and Performance
- Automatic Updates: Games downloaded through the Epic Games Store on iPad should update automatically, similar to apps from the App Store.
- Performance: For optimal performance, especially with graphics-intensive games, ensure your iPad is adequately charged and consider closing other background apps. If you experience performance issues, restarting your iPad can often help.
Alternative: Cloud Gaming for Epic Games Titles (Especially Fortnite)
If you're outside the EU or prefer not to install the Epic Games Store directly, cloud gaming offers a fantastic alternative for playing many Epic Games titles, including Fortnite, on your iPad. This streams the game to your device, so you don't need to download the full game.
Sub-heading: Popular Cloud Gaming Services that Support Fortnite on iPad
- Xbox Cloud Gaming: If you have an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription, you can access Fortnite and other Xbox games through your browser on iPad.
- NVIDIA GeForce NOW: This service allows you to stream games you already own on PC (including those from the Epic Games Store) to your iPad.
- Amazon Luna: Another cloud gaming service that offers a selection of games, potentially including Epic titles, for streaming.
Sub-heading: How to Use Cloud Gaming
- Subscribe to a service: Choose a cloud gaming service that supports the games you want to play.
- Access via browser: Open your iPad's web browser and navigate to the cloud gaming service's website.
- Log in: Sign in with your service account and link your Epic Games account if required.
- Launch the game: Select the game you want to play, and it will stream directly to your iPad. A stable, fast internet connection is crucial for a good experience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to install the Epic Games Store if I'm not in the EU?
Currently, the direct installation of the Epic Games Store on iPad is primarily for users in the European Union. For other regions, you might need to wait for further regulatory changes or utilize cloud gaming services to access Epic Games titles.
How to check my iPadOS version for compatibility?
Go to Settings > General > About and look for "Software Version" or "iPadOS Version." You'll need iPadOS 18 or later for the Epic Games Store.
How to troubleshoot if the Epic Games Store won't download?
Ensure you have a stable internet connection. Double-check that you've correctly granted permission in Settings > General > VPN & Device Management to allow installations from Epic Games. If problems persist, try restarting your iPad and attempting the download again.
How to find the Epic Games Store app after installation?
The app icon should appear on your home screen. You can also use the iPad's search function (swipe down from the middle of the home screen and type "Epic Games Store").
How to log in to my existing Epic Games account on iPad?
Once you open the Epic Games Store app, you'll be presented with login options. You can use your Epic Games email and password or link accounts like Google, Facebook, or your console accounts.
How to download Fortnite from the Epic Games Store on iPad?
After installing the Epic Games Store and logging in, search for "Fortnite" within the store, then tap "Get" or "Install" to download it.
How to play games purchased on PC through the Epic Games Store on iPad?
For games directly available on iPad through the Epic Games Store, your purchases should sync if they are cross-platform. For PC-only games, you would typically need to use a cloud gaming service that streams PC games to your iPad.
How to update games downloaded from the Epic Games Store on iPad?
Games installed through the Epic Games Store on iPad should automatically update, similar to apps from the App Store. You can also check for updates within the Epic Games Store app itself.
How to uninstall the Epic Games Store or games from my iPad?
To uninstall, simply press and hold the app icon on your home screen until it jiggles, then tap the "X" or "Remove App" option.
How to contact Epic Games support for issues on iPad?
You can visit the Epic Games support website (https://www.epicgames.com/help/
) and search for relevant articles or submit a support ticket.