Steam vs Epic: What the Launcher Speed Test Really Means for…

For players, this means Steam is now faster to launch, and Epic's bold claim may not hold up. It also shows Valve's quiet updates can speak louder than marketing hype.

For players, this means Steam is now faster to launch, and Epic's bold claim may not hold up. It also shows Valve's quiet updates can speak louder than marketing hype.

Key points - Epic Games overhauled its launcher with generative AI, claiming it's faster than Steam. - Valve released a Steam update one day earlier with improved startup performance. - Users on X tested both launchers and found Steam opens in five seconds, contradicting Epic's claim. - The Steam update also included Big Picture Mode changes and in-game overlay improvements.

Timeline - One day before Epic's claim: Valve releases Steam update with improved startup performance. - October 15, 2026: Epic Games unveils AI-powered launcher, claims it's faster than Steam. - After Epic's claim: Users test both launchers, find Steam opens in five seconds, debunking Epic's claim.

FAQ

Q: Did Epic really claim its launcher is faster than Steam? A: Yes, Epic said its new AI-powered launcher is "faster than the other guy" and encouraged users to test it themselves.

Q: How fast does Steam actually open now? A: Multiple users report Steam opens in five seconds after Valve's update, which is faster than Epic's claimed speed.

Q: What else was in the Steam update? A: Besides startup improvements, the update brought Big Picture Mode changes, layout tweaks, and in-game overlay enhancements.