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The Epic Games Store has become a true competitor to Steam as a PC game storefront and game hub. Still, robust Epic Games controller support doesn't exist and can't support any platform with its ambition needs, leading many players to seek a workaround. Ironically, they found one, and it involves launching their EGS purchases through Steam.
Though Epic Games Store has only been around since the end of 2018, the platform has quickly made a name for itself and carved out a sizable userbase. Titles like Fortnite, The Outer Worlds and Hitman 3, and future exclusives Assassin's Creed Mirage and The Wolf Among Us 2 have helped the platform gain momentum among players, but it still lacks some all-important features.
The Epic Game Store Lacks Controller Support
A glaring problem with EGS' library is that it contains titles that were designed to played with a controller rather than a mouse and keyboard. As it stands, there is minimal controller support that exists on EGS. It seems like a glaring omission, but that seems to be the norm for Epic Games Store.
There's no way to use a controller to navigate the Epic Games Store launcher, however developers can implement gamepad support within the title itself. While many developers choose to do this, only Xbox One gamepads can reap the rewards. Naturally, this comes as a bitter pill to swallow for those who already own a perfectly functional PS4, PS5, Switch Pro or any number of third-party controllers that exist. Those all work on Steam, and many even on GOG Galaxy too, but not EGS -- at least not natively.
How to Use a Controller on Epic Games Store Titles
In a hilarious bit of irony, players have found that it's possible to connect a controller to an EGS title by launching the game through Steam. To do this, players need to pick the "Add a Non-Steam Game to My Library" option from Steam's "Games" tab. After locating the "Epic Games Launcher" and choosing "Add Selected Programs," the launcher will show up in the player's Steam library. Opening it then allows Steam's controller support and recognition to be overlain in EGS games. There are other workarounds people have found as well, but those require downloading additional software.
Checking any thread of complaints about EGS will reveal plenty of users find themselves in a controller plight. Though there are ways players can finagle more accessible controller support, either via Steam or other software, it's kind of absurd that players have to work around the very platform they used to purchase a game to play it as intended. Hopefully, Epic Games Store will start listening to its users soon and find ways to make these sorely needed changes to its platform.