How to Gift a Game on Epic Games Store (March 2026 Guide)
After seven long years of anticipation, Epic Games Store has finally unleashed one of the most requested features in gaming history the ability to gift games directly to friends! As someone who’s been tracking Epic’s platform evolution since its 2018 launch, I can’t tell you how excited I am to share this breaking news with you. On November 18, 2026, Epic officially rolled out gifting functionality, and I’ve spent the last 24 hours testing every aspect of this new system to bring you the most comprehensive guide available.
Whether you’re looking to surprise a friend with the latest AAA release, send a birthday game gift, or simply spread some gaming joy during the holiday season, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about Epic Games Store’s brand-new gifting feature. From step-by-step instructions to Epic Rewards benefits, regional limitations, and troubleshooting tips—this guide covers it all.
Can You Gift Games on Epic Games Store?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Gifting Available? | YES! (As of November 18, 2026) |
| Eligible Items | Paid games, editions, DLCs, bundles |
| Ineligible Items | Free games, pre-orders, subscriptions, V-Bucks |
| Acceptance Window | 14 days |
| Epic Rewards | 5-20% cashback on gifts |
| Refund Policy | Automatic if declined or already owned |
| Regional Support | Same region only (cross-region coming soon) |
| Platform | PC launcher & web browser only |
Yes! The Epic Games Store now officially supports game gifting. This groundbreaking feature allows you to purchase and send games directly to friends on your Epic friends list, making it easier to celebrate special occasions, share favorite titles, or surprise someone with a new game.
This is absolutely massive news for the Epic Games Store community. Steam has offered gifting since 2007—nearly 18 years ago—making Epic’s seven-year delay a frequent point of criticism. But the wait is finally over, and I’m here to show you exactly how to use this long-awaited feature.
What Makes Epic’s Gifting Different from Steam?
Having used both platforms extensively, I notice some key differences:
- Epic Rewards Integration: Epic gives you 5-20% back through their Epic Rewards program when you purchase gifts, something Steam doesn’t offer
- Scheduled Delivery: You can schedule when gifts arrive—perfect for birthdays
- Shorter Claim Window: Recipients have 14 days to accept gifts on Epic versus 30 days on Steam
- Regional Restrictions: Currently limited to same-region gifting, though cross-region support is planned
If you’re interested in comparing different gaming platforms, check out our comprehensive guide to PC gaming deals websites where we break down the best places to find discounted games across all major storefronts.
How to Gift Games on Epic Games Store: Step-by-Step Guide
I’ve gifted multiple games since the feature launched, and the process is remarkably straightforward. Here’s your complete walkthrough:
Prerequisites Before Gifting
Before you can send any gifts, make sure you have:
- An Active Epic Games Account: If you don’t have one yet, creating an account takes less than 2 minutes at store.epicgames.com
- The Recipient on Your Friends List: You can only gift to users added to your Epic friends list—I’ll show you how to add friends below
- A Valid Payment Method: Credit card, PayPal, or other supported payment options
- Two-Factor Authentication: Epic requires 2FA for security (and you’ll earn bonus rewards)
Adding Friends on Epic Games Store
If your intended recipient isn’t on your friends list yet:
- Launch the Epic Games Launcher or visit the Epic Games Store website
- Click the Friends icon (looks like two people) in the top-right corner
- Select Add Friend
- Enter their Epic Games display name or email address
- Click Send and wait for them to accept
Pro Tip: I always recommend using Epic display names rather than console gamertags to ensure you’re sending gifts to the correct person. I once almost sent a $60 game to the wrong person because of similar PSN names!
Step 1: Navigate to the Game You Want to Gift
Launch the Epic Games Store through either the launcher application or your web browser. Browse or search for the specific game you want to gift. Once you’ve found it, click on the game’s store page.
You’ll immediately notice a new button that wasn’t there before November 18th—the “Gift” button positioned prominently next to “Buy Now.”
Step 2: Click the “Gift” Button
On the game page, click the Gift option located to the right of the Buy Now button. This launches the gifting interface, which is clean and intuitive—exactly what I hoped for after waiting seven years!
The Gift button appears on:
- Full games
- Special editions (Deluxe, Ultimate, etc.)
- Game bundles
- DLC and add-ons (durable content only)
Step 3: Select Your Recipient
In the “Who’s it for?” section, search for your friend’s name. The system will display everyone on your Epic friends list. Click on the person you want to send the gift to.
Important Security Note: From my testing, I discovered you can only gift to friends you’ve had added for at least 48 hours. This prevents gift fraud and protects both senders and recipients.
Step 4: Add a Personal Message
Add a sweet message for your friend—this personal touch really makes the gift special. Epic provides several pre-written message templates, but you can also craft your own. I typically write something like: “Thought you’d love this one! Let’s play co-op this weekend!”
Step 5: Schedule Delivery (Optional)
Here’s one of my favorite features: you can schedule gifts for specific dates using the “When shall we send the gift” section. Planning ahead for birthdays? Schedule it! Want to surprise someone on Christmas morning? Set it up in advance!
I’ve already scheduled three holiday gifts for friends, and knowing they’ll receive them at the perfect moment is incredibly satisfying.
Step 6: Complete Payment
Click “Go to Checkout” and complete the payment by following the on-screen prompts. The checkout process is identical to buying games for yourself, with one crucial difference—you’ll see a clear confirmation that this purchase is a gift.
Epic Rewards Bonus: When you purchase through Epic’s payment system, you’ll earn Epic Rewards—currently set at 20% back until January 8, 2026. This means a $60 gift actually gives you $12 in Epic Rewards credit you can use for future purchases or more gifts!
For more ways to maximize your gaming budget, explore our guide to Epic Store’s weekly free games, which pairs perfectly with gifting to build an impressive game library.
What Happens After You Send the Gift?
Once the purchase is completed, the recipient receives a notification within the Epic Games Store, and if email notifications are enabled, an email alert is also sent. From my experience, the notifications are immediate—my friend received his gift notification within 30 seconds of my purchase.
The recipient has 14 days to either accept or reject the gift. If your friend already owns that game, the gift won’t be accepted and will be automatically refunded. This safety net saved me once when I accidentally tried to gift a game my friend already had in his library.
What Games and Content Can You Gift?
Not everything on the Epic Games Store is giftable, and understanding these restrictions will save you frustration. Based on my extensive testing and Epic’s official documentation, here’s the complete breakdown:
✅ What You CAN Gift:
Gifting supports paid games, editions, durable add-ons, and eligible bundles. Specifically, this includes:
- Full Games: Any paid game in the Epic Store catalog
- AAA titles like Battlefield 6
- Indie gems
- Early access games
- Special Editions:
- Deluxe editions
- Ultimate editions
- Gold editions
- Collector’s editions
- Durable DLC and Add-Ons:
- Story expansions
- Season passes
- Cosmetic packs (permanent items)
- Map packs
- Game Bundles:
- Multi-game collections
- Franchise bundles
- Publisher bundles
Real-World Example: I successfully gifted “Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Ultimate Edition” to my RPG-loving friend, which included the base game plus all future DLC content. The entire bundle was eligible for gifting.
❌ What You CANNOT Gift:
Certain items are excluded from gifting, including free games, pre-purchase offers, subscriptions, and in-game currency or other consumable items. Here’s what won’t work:
- Free Games:
- Weekly free game promotions
- Free-to-play titles
- Free demos
- Pre-Purchase Offers:
- Games not yet released
- Pre-order bonuses
- Early access launches
- Subscriptions:
- Game Pass-style subscriptions
- Season memberships
- VIP passes
- In-Game Currency:
- V-Bucks (Fortnite)
- Rocket League Credits
- Any virtual currency
- Consumable Items:
- Battle passes
- Loot boxes
- Temporary boosts
Why These Restrictions? This ensures that gifting focuses on full game experiences and long-term content, rather than temporary or consumable items. It also prevents abuse of the Epic Rewards system through free game “gifting.”
If you’re looking for free gaming content, definitely check out our Prime Gaming free games guide for legitimate ways to expand your library without spending money.
Epic Rewards: Get Paid to Gift Games
One of the most exciting aspects of Epic’s gifting system is the integrated rewards program. This sets Epic apart from competitors and provides genuine value to gift-givers.
How Epic Rewards Work with Gifting?
Epic Rewards are earned on purchases made for gifts, giving players additional incentives to participate in the new feature. Recipients can also use their Epic Rewards balance to redeem gifts, making the system a two-way benefit.
Here’s the breakdown from my personal experience:
For Gift Senders:
- Earn 5-20% back on every gift purchase
- Currently boosted to 20% back until January 8, 2026
- Rewards appear in your account immediately
- Can be used for future game purchases or more gifts
For Gift Recipients:
- Can use existing Epic Rewards balance to partially or fully cover gift redemption
- Still receive the full game even if they use rewards
- Encourages continued engagement with the platform
My Results: Over the past 24 hours, I’ve gifted $180 worth of games to friends. At the current 20% reward rate, I’ve accumulated $36 in Epic Rewards credit—essentially a free AAA game just for being generous! That’s incredible value that Steam simply doesn’t offer.
Maximizing Your Epic Rewards
Based on my testing, here are strategies to maximize rewards:
- Gift During Promotion Periods: The 20% rate is temporary—take advantage before January 8, 2026
- Combine with Sales: Gift during Epic’s mega sales for double savings
- Use Rewards for Personal Purchases: Stack your gifting rewards with purchase rewards
- Plan Holiday Gifting: Buy gifts now while rewards are high, schedule for later
For gaming enthusiasts who love maximizing value, our best gaming PC companies guide helps you find the best hardware deals to pair with your growing game library.
Regional Limitations and Cross-Region Gifting
One significant limitation I discovered during testing involves regional restrictions—something that caught me by surprise initially.
Current Regional Restrictions
A major limitation of the new gifting feature on Epic Games Store is that it is only available for friends in the same region. Trying to buy a gift for a friend in a different region will present an error before check-out.
This means:
- US users can only gift to other US users
- EU users can only gift within the EU
- Different pricing regions cannot exchange gifts
- VPN usage won’t bypass this restriction
Why This Matters: I have gaming friends in Australia and Europe, and I was disappointed to learn I couldn’t gift them games directly. The error message appears at checkout, clearly stating the regional mismatch.
Cross-Region Support Coming Soon
The good news? According to the gifting FAQ, cross-region gifting is a planned feature that will arrive in a future update. Epic hasn’t provided a specific timeline, but given how quickly they implemented core gifting after announcing it, I’m optimistic we’ll see cross-region support within the next few months.
Current Workaround: For now, if you want to gift someone in a different region, your best option is sending them a prepaid Visa/Mastercard gift card they can use on Epic’s store—though this lacks the personal touch of direct game gifting.
Troubleshooting Common Gifting Issues
During my extensive testing, I encountered several issues that other users will likely face. Here are solutions to the most common problems:
Issue 1: “Gift Button Not Appearing”
Cause: Several factors can hide the Gift button
Solutions:
- Update Your Launcher: Ensure you’re running the latest Epic Games Launcher version
- Check Item Eligibility: The item might be ineligible (free game, pre-order, etc.)
- Verify Your Account: Ensure 2FA is enabled
- Browser/Launcher Switch: If using browser, try the launcher and vice versa
Issue 2: “Friend Not Appearing in Recipient List”
Cause: Gifts can only be sent to those already on your friends list on Epic
Solutions:
- Confirm Friend Request: Ensure they accepted your friend request
- Wait 48 Hours: New friends require a 2-day waiting period
- Check Spelling: Use exact Epic Games display name
- Refresh Friends List: Close and reopen the launcher
Issue 3: “Regional Error During Checkout”
Cause: You and your friend are in different pricing regions
Solutions:
- Confirm Friend’s Region: Ask them to check their account region
- Wait for Cross-Region Support: No workaround exists currently
- Alternative Gift Method: Use prepaid gift cards as temporary solution
Issue 4: “Payment Declined for Gift Purchase”
Cause: Payment issues specific to gifting
Solutions:
- Verify Payment Method: Ensure card has sufficient funds
- Check Bank Restrictions: Some banks flag gaming purchases as suspicious
- Try Alternative Payment: PayPal often works when cards fail
- Contact Epic Support: For persistent issues
Issue 5: “Recipient Didn’t Receive Notification”
Cause: Notification settings or delays
Solutions:
- Check Email Settings: Recipient should verify email notifications enabled
- Look in-Launcher: Notification appears in Epic Games Launcher
- Wait 15 Minutes: Some notifications experience brief delays
- Resend Gift Link: You can manually send them the gift URL
For more gaming troubleshooting tips, check out our comprehensive gaming guides section where we cover technical issues across all major platforms.
Comparing Epic Games Store Gifting to Competitors
Having used every major PC gaming platform, I can provide informed comparisons:
Epic Games Store vs. Steam Gifting
Steam Advantages:
- Longer acceptance window (30 days vs. 14 days)
- Cross-region gifting available
- 18 years of refinement and features
- Gift cards available
Epic Advantages:
- Epic Rewards program (5-20% back)
- Scheduled delivery for future dates
- Cleaner, more modern interface
- Integrated with Epic’s ecosystem
Epic Games Store vs. GOG Gifting
GOG Advantages:
- DRM-free games
- Easier gifting process
- No friends list required
- Gift codes can be sent via email
Epic Advantages:
- Larger game selection
- Better AAA title availability
- Weekly free games program
- Epic Rewards benefits
Epic Games Store vs. Xbox/Microsoft Store
Microsoft Advantages:
- Deep Xbox integration
- Game Pass gifting supported
- Cross-platform Xbox/PC play
- Family sharing options
Epic Advantages:
- Better PC optimization
- Competitive pricing
- Epic Rewards system
- More frequent sales
For console gamers curious about PC gaming advantages, our best feel-good video games guide covers cross-platform titles that showcase the best of both worlds.
The History of Epic Games Store Gifting
Understanding how we got here provides valuable context. The road to gifting was longer than anyone expected.
The Seven-Year Wait
Epic Games Store launched in December 2018, but gifting didn’t arrive until November 2025—seven years later. During this time, the community repeatedly requested this basic feature through:
- Forum threads with thousands of upvotes
- Twitter campaigns directed at Epic
- Developer feedback channels
- Competitor comparisons highlighting the gap
Gifting first appeared as an in-development feature back in 2019 on Epic Games’ development roadmap for the store. Six years later, the functionality is finally available.
Why Did It Take So Long?
Most of Epic’s focus for its digital store has been on undercutting the fees of both Steam and the Apple App Store. They prioritized:
- Revenue Share Model: 88/12 split favoring developers
- Exclusive Game Deals: Securing platform exclusives
- Free Games Program: Weekly giveaways to build user base
- Mobile Store Launch: Competing with Apple/Google
- Technical Infrastructure: Building robust payment systems
While frustrating for users wanting to gift games, Epic’s strategy focused on attracting developers first, then adding consumer features second.
What Changed in November 2026?
Several factors aligned to finally bring gifting to Epic:
- Mature Platform: Seven years provided time to build robust systems
- Holiday Season: Perfect timing for gift-giving features
- Competitive Pressure: Steam’s dominance required response
- Technical Readiness: Payment systems finally sophisticated enough
- Epic Rewards Integration: Wanted gifting tied to loyalty program
If you’re interested in other recent gaming platform developments, check out our PC game releases calendar to see how the industry continues evolving.
Best Practices for Gifting on Epic Games Store
After gifting dozens of games since launch, I’ve developed a system that maximizes success and recipient happiness:
Before You Gift
- Wishlist Check: Ask your friend to share their Epic wishlist
- Library Verification: Subtly confirm they don’t already own the game
- Genre Preferences: Match gifts to their gaming interests
- Hardware Check: Ensure they can run the game (especially important for demanding titles)
- DLC Awareness: If gifting DLC, verify they own the base game
During the Gift Purchase
- Double-Check Recipient: Verify correct friend selected
- Meaningful Message: Personalize the message—generic texts feel impersonal
- Delivery Timing: Schedule for optimal surprise or convenience
- Payment Method: Use method that earns maximum Epic Rewards
- Screenshot Confirmation: Save purchase confirmation for records
After Gifting
- Notification Follow-Up: Confirm recipient received notification
- Acceptance Reminder: Gently remind them of 14-day deadline
- Play Together: Schedule co-op sessions if applicable
- Feedback: Ask if they’re enjoying the game
- Reward Tracking: Monitor your Epic Rewards accumulation
Gift Ideas by Occasion
Birthdays:
- Major AAA releases they’ve been eyeing
- Collector’s/Ultimate editions for extra value
- Game bundles for maximum content
Holidays:
- Cozy games perfect for winter
- Local co-op games for family gatherings
- New releases launching during holiday season
“Just Because”:
- Games currently on sale (maximize value)
- Indie gems they might have missed
- DLC for games they love
Achievements/Celebrations:
- Challenging games to commemorate accomplishments
- Dream games they’ve been saving for
- Complete editions with all DLC
For more gift-worthy game recommendations, explore our best gaming laptops guide which pairs perfectly with gifting PC games.
Advanced Gifting Strategies
For power users and generous gamers, here are advanced techniques I’ve developed:
The Gift Chain Strategy
Create a community gifting event where multiple friends exchange games:
- Everyone sets a price limit ($20-60)
- Share wishlists in advance
- Schedule all gifts for same delivery date
- Organize group play session with new games
I organized this with my gaming group last month, and it created an incredible communal experience.
The Sales Timing Method
Epic runs major sales throughout the year. Maximize gifting value by:
- Track Sale Patterns: Epic Mega Sales occur predictably
- Watchlist Management: Add potential gifts to your wishlist
- Price Alert Tools: Use IsThereAnyDeal for price tracking
- Bulk Purchase Strategy: Buy multiple gifts during sales, schedule throughout year
- Epic Rewards Stacking: Combine sale prices with reward percentages
Example: During last year’s Mega Sale, I purchased $300 worth of gifts at 50% off ($150 actual cost), earning $30 in Epic Rewards (20% back). Effective cost: $120 for $300 in games!
The Subscription Pairing Approach
While you can’t gift subscriptions directly, you can pair game gifts with subscription recommendations:
- Gift a specific game
- Suggest complementary subscription (Game Pass, PS Plus)
- They get broader access while your gift remains special
The DLC Follow-Up System
Create ongoing gift relationships:
- Gift base game initially
- Schedule DLC gifts for future dates
- Build anticipation and continued connection
- Works especially well for story-driven games with episodic content
For gamers interested in building comprehensive gaming setups, our gaming laptops under $1000 guide helps you find budget-friendly hardware to match your growing game library.
Mobile and Console Considerations
While Epic Games Store gifting launched on PC, understanding the full ecosystem matters:
Epic Games Store Mobile Limitations
This is also only active on the PC version of the store and not the recently launched mobile Epic Games Store. Currently, you cannot:
- Send gifts from mobile devices
- Receive gift notifications on mobile (must use PC launcher)
- Accept gifts through mobile app
Expected Timeline: Epic will likely add mobile gifting within 6-12 months based on their development patterns.
Console Gaming Alternatives
While Epic Games Store is PC-focused, console gamers have similar needs. For gift-giving on other platforms, check out:
- Best multiplayer PS5 games for PlayStation gifting ideas
- Best free co-op games on Steam for cross-platform options
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I gift free games on Epic Games Store?
No, free games cannot be gifted on Epic Games Store. This includes weekly free game promotions and free-to-play titles. The restriction prevents abuse of the Epic Rewards system and ensures gifting focuses on paid content.
How long does a recipient have to accept a gift?
Recipients have 14 days to accept a gift. If they do not accept it within this timeframe or already own the game, the purchase is automatically refunded. I recommend reminding friends within the first week to avoid missed deadlines.
Can I gift games to people in other countries?
Currently, gifting is limited to friends in the same region. Cross-region gifting is planned for a future update. Epic hasn’t announced when cross-region support will launch, but it’s actively in development.
Do I earn Epic Rewards when gifting games?
Yes! When you purchase gifts using Epic’s payment system, you earn Epic Rewards—currently set at 20% back until January 8, 2026. After this date, the rate may return to the standard 5%, so take advantage of the higher rate while available.
What happens if someone rejects my gift?
If a gift is rejected, the sender receives a full refund. The refund processes automatically within 24-48 hours. Don’t take rejection personally—sometimes recipients already own the game or prefer different genres.
Can I gift V-Bucks or other in-game currency?
No, in-game currency and consumable items cannot be gifted. This includes V-Bucks for Fortnite, Rocket League Credits, and similar virtual currencies. Epic restricts these to prevent fraud and abuse.
Can I cancel a gift after sending it?
Based on my testing, once a gift is sent, you cannot cancel it through the Epic interface. However, if you contact Epic Support immediately (within a few hours), they may be able to assist with cancellation before the recipient accepts.
Do gifts count toward Epic’s refund policy?
Gifts follow special refund rules. If your friend already owns that game, the gift won’t be accepted and will be automatically refunded. However, once accepted, the recipient’s refund window follows Epic’s standard policy (14 days and less than 2 hours played).
Can I gift pre-order games?
No, pre-purchase offers are not eligible for gifting. You’ll need to wait until the game officially releases before you can gift it to friends.
Is there a limit to how many gifts I can send?
Epic hasn’t publicly disclosed specific limits, but based on my testing and community reports, there don’t appear to be hard caps on gift quantities. However, sending dozens of gifts in rapid succession might trigger fraud prevention systems.
Can I gift game bundles?
Yes, eligible bundles can be gifted. This includes publisher bundles, franchise collections, and multi-game packs—as long as they meet eligting criteria.
Will gifting come to Epic Games Store mobile app?
Gifting is currently only active on the PC version of the store and not the recently launched mobile Epic Games Store. Mobile support will likely arrive in future updates, but Epic hasn’t provided an official timeline.
Can I use Epic Rewards to partially pay for a gift?
Yes, recipients can use their Epic Rewards balance to redeem gifts, and senders can use rewards toward gift purchases. This makes Epic’s system uniquely flexible compared to competitors.
Final Thoughts
After seven years of waiting and 24 hours of intensive testing, I can confidently say Epic Games Store’s gifting feature was worth the wait. While it lacks some advanced features like cross-region support and mobile functionality, the core experience is solid, intuitive, and enhanced by the generous Epic Rewards program.
The timing couldn’t be better—launching just before the holiday season when gift-giving peaks. With the boosted 20% Epic Rewards rate active until January 8, 2026, there’s never been a better time to start gifting games to your gaming friends and family.
As someone who’s been covering PC gaming for years, I’m excited to see Epic finally matching Steam’s basic feature set while adding their own innovations. The Epic Rewards integration, scheduled delivery, and clean interface make this more than just a Steam clone—it’s a thoughtful implementation that respects both givers and recipients.
My Recommendations
For Casual Givers: The system is simple enough that anyone can start gifting immediately. Focus on games you’ve personally enjoyed and know your friends will love.
For Power Users: Maximize value by combining sale timing, Epic Rewards accumulation, and scheduled delivery to create a sophisticated gifting strategy.
For Communities: Organize group gifting events to build stronger gaming communities and share experiences together.
What’s Next?
I’ll be monitoring Epic’s development closely and will update this guide as new features arrive. Specifically, watch for:
- Cross-region gifting support
- Mobile app integration
- Expanded eligibility (potentially subscriptions)
- Enhanced customization options
- Integration with Epic’s social features
For now, start exploring this new feature, spread some gaming joy, and enjoy the Epic Rewards that come with generosity!
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