Is Epic Games safe? Yes, Epic Games remains safe for most users when you follow basic precautions. Whether you’re a newcomer or a regular player, knowing how secure Epic Games really is helps you safeguard your data, account, and gaming experience from malware, hacking, or privacy risks.
In this guide, we examine the Epic Games safety landscape, including trust measures, account protection, parent controls, and how tools like TurisVPN can further enhance your security.
Is Epic Games Safe?
Yes, Epic Games is safe. The Epic Games Store is a legitimate digital storefront run by a major American company. Users often worry about Epic Games being hacked or about malware in the launcher. Rest assured, because the official installer is verified as clean, containing no viruses or cryptocurrency miners.
From a technical perspective, your payments are secure. The store uses standard HTTPS encryption, scrambling card details during transactions. This security is vital whether you are buying a game or researching how to buy V-Bucks in Singapore safely. Epic Games also follows all major international privacy laws.
We know some players also ask if the launcher slows down their PC. While early versions had performance issues, and updating large files can be resource-intensive due to the patching process, the application itself is safe and is not designed to lag your system.
Sticking to official channels, like using reputable download sites for games, ensures you receive clean software that poses no inherent harm to your device.
Why Does Epic Games Have a “Bad Reputation”?
The scepticism about whether Epic Games is safe or not largely stems from its ownership structure and aggressive business tactics. In 2012, the Chinese tech giant Tencent acquired a 40% stake in Epic Games. This sparked fears among privacy advocates. Many gamers worried that the launcher was secretly spyware designed to send user data to the Chinese government.
However, verified security audits and network traffic analyses have shown no evidence of this. The data the launcher sends is standard telemetry information about crashes and hardware specs, which is common practice in the tech industry.
Security incidents also impact trust. Past vulnerabilities, such as the 2019 Fortnite token hijacking, shook user confidence despite Epic’s swift mitigation efforts. These historical events make some users hesitant even today.
“Exclusive” game deals also contribute to the bad reputation. Paying developers to keep games off Steam upset the PC gaming community. Such frustration often morphs into rumours about Epic Games’ safety.
Although aggressive, these business tactics pose no security threat. The backlash is primarily related to consumer choice, not actual technical danger.
Does Epic Games Collect Data?
Yes, Epic Games collects data, as every digital service does. When investigating whether Epic Games is safe, data privacy is a huge factor. They collect your name, email address, payment information, and technical details about your computer. They use this to process payments, run the games, and improve their software.
They also track how you use the store, including the pages you visit and the time you spend playing games. This is standard behaviour for companies like Valve (Steam), Amazon, and Google. The fear often comes from the Tencent connection we mentioned earlier.
However, Epic Games is a US-based company subject to US laws. Tim Sweeney, the CEO and majority shareholder, has stated repeatedly that Tencent does not have access to customer data.
If you are comfortable using other major tech platforms, the data collection here is very similar. It is focused on commerce and functionality rather than malicious surveillance.
Can Your Epic Games Account Be Hacked?
The answer is yes; no account is 100% hack-proof. Your Epic Games account can be hacked, but typically not because Epic’s servers have been breached. The vast majority of hacked accounts are due to poor user security habits.
Hackers use “credential stuffing.” This is when they take passwords stolen from other website leaks (like an old Yahoo or LinkedIn breach) and try them on Epic Games. If you reuse the same password, they get in. Once inside, they can buy games with your saved card or sell your account, especially if it has rare Fortnite skins.
Phishing is another major threat. Scammers create fake websites promising free V-Bucks. If you type your login into these fake sites, you hand your account over to criminals.
And while many players have concerns about whether a VPN protect you from hackers, the truth is a VPN only secures your connection; it can’t save you if you willingly give your details to a phishing page.
Common Security Risks with the Epic Games Launcher
When users ask if the Epic Games launcher is safe, they are often worried about how the software behaves on their PC. While the software is generally safe, there are risks associated with its interaction with the internet and other users.
Account Security Risks
- Phishing: Credential theft via imitation websites or email scams remains a recurring threat.
- Token hijacking: Exploited in rare incidents, allowing attackers to bypass traditional password systems.
Hackers often use stolen accounts for cheating in games like Fortnite. Epic Games detects the violations and issues Fortnite’s IP ban, which often blocks entire home networks, leaving legitimate owners panicked about whether their innocent connection will face permanent blocklisting.
Technical and Software Vulnerabilities
- Installer flaws: Past versions of the launcher had permission issues, allowing low-privilege attackers to escalate access on Windows systems.
- Unpatched software: Failure to update the Epic Games launcher can expose users to known security vulnerabilities and exploits. Always restart and update the launcher to stay protected.
Epic Games provides security patches frequently and encourages all users to activate auto-update features to minimise exposure. For further reading on how VPNs interact with game launchers, our analysis on whether a VPN can be hacked offers insight.
How Safe Is Epic Games?
To truly determine how safe Epic Games is, we must examine the specific Epic Games trust and safety measures currently in place. The company invests heavily in protective tools to keep user accounts secure.
Account Security
The system constantly scans for suspicious activity. Logging in from a new location usually triggers an immediate lockdown or a request for email verification. These automated checks act as a primary defence line, while CAPTCHA challenges prevent bots from repeatedly trying to guess passwords.
Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) remains the most effective security option available. Requiring a secondary code from your phone or email ensures that a password alone is never enough to access your data.
Epic Games even incentivises this step by offering free in-game items, like the Fortnite Boogie Down emote, to anyone who enables the feature. Such rewards prove that the company prioritises user security.
Parental Controls & Cabinet Accounts
For parents asking if Epic Games is safe for children, the answer is yes, if you use the tools provided. “Cabined Accounts” are a great feature. If a player indicates they are under 13 (or the age of digital consent in their country), the account is limited. Chat is disabled, and purchases are blocked until a parent gives permission.
Privacy
You have full control over your digital footprint. Settings allow you to hide your game library or block friend requests entirely. Restricting these social features prevents strangers from tracking your online status or sending unwanted harassment.
Bug Bounty Program
Epic runs a bug bounty program on HackerOne to identify coding errors. White-hat hackers receive payments for finding weaknesses before malicious criminals can exploit them. Such a strategy demonstrates that the developers are proactive in addressing deep technical issues.
Reporting Misconduct
Epic Games’ trust and safety relies on community reporting. If you encounter a cheater or abusive language, you can report them directly. Epic reviews these reports and issues bans, ensuring the ecosystem remains free from toxicity and fair for everyone.
Conclusion on Safety: Based on these measures, we find the platform robustly secured. Epic Games’ trust and safety teams utilise comprehensive, multi-layered defences. Their investment clearly shows that Epic Games is a safe platform.
Other Ways to Protect Your Epic Games Account from Being Hacked 
Even though Epic Games is safe, you play a big role in your own safety. Here are actionable steps to lock down your digital life.
Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
This is non-negotiable. Without 2FA, your password is your only defence.
How to Enable 2FA on Epic Games:
- Log in to your Epic Games account on their official website.
- Hover over your username in the top right and click Account.
- Select Password & Security from the left-hand menu.
- Scroll down to the Two-Factor Authentication section.
- Choose your method: Third-party Authenticator App (most secure), SMS Authentication (good), or Email Authentication (okay).
- Follow the prompts to enter the code sent to your device to complete the setup verification.
Use a Strong, Unique Password
- Avoid using personal details or common words (such as Password1234…)
- Utilise password managers to keep track of credentials.
- Change your password every few months and after any suspicious activity.
Secure Your Associated Email
Your email address is the primary means of accessing password resets and account verification. Strengthen its security by:
- Enabling 2FA on your email account.
- Use a distinct password, unrelated to your gaming credentials.
- Regularly reviewing device access logs.
Players often face hacks where attackers run wild, trigger bans, and lock legit owners out cold. For tips on account recovery or dodging region bans after chaos like that, our Rocket League unban guide shows proven steps to regain access fast.
TurisVPN Enhances Epic Games Security on Mobile and Web Access
Epic Games Launcher runs mainly on Windows and macOS desktops, but users often handle accounts through mobile browsers or web access on the go. Logging into Epic from phones, managing libraries via a website, or browsing the store over public Wi-Fi exposes real risks like IP leaks or DDoS hits from rivals.
TurisVPN layers on extra shields where desktop protections fall short. Full traffic encryption hides everything while payments stay locked tight on open networks. Here is how to use a VPN to secure Epic Games:
- Download and install the TurisVPN app on your mobile device or browser.
- Open the app and log in with your credentials.
- Select a server location close to the game server you are playing on (for speed) or in a specific country (for store browsing).
- Click the distinct Connect button.
- Once connected, navigate to the Epic Games Store in your browser.
- Your IP is now hidden, and your data is encrypted.
Understanding the distinction between paid and free VPNs helps you choose the right plan for your needs. TurisVPN provides reliable options across both tiers to ensure your anonymity. Using a direct route through our service is also the best way to achieve low ping in Fortnite without sacrificing privacy.
Bottom Line
So, is Epic Games safe? Yes, absolutely. The launcher is secure, the company is legitimate, and the rumours of spyware are largely unfounded. However, the safety of your specific account depends heavily on you. By practising good digital hygiene and using robust security tools, you can enjoy your gaming without fear.
We recommend combining the built-in Epic Games safety features with the network protection of TurisVPN. This ensures that whether you are battling in Fortnite or downloading a new indie gem, your personal data remains strictly yours.
