Steam Client now launches faster than Epic’s new launcher
Valve has reclaimed the startup speed advantage over Epic Games following a rapid software update. Epic released a preview version of its rebuilt launcher boasting a boot time of approximately 5.47 seconds. Within twenty-four hours, Valve deployed a silent client update that reduced Steam cold startup times to 5.23 seconds. Testing places Steam narrowly ahead of its competitor, though exact testing conditions and broader performance metrics remain unclear.
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- ✓ Epic Games released a preview version of its new vibe-coded Epic Games Launcher.
- ✓ Epic Games stated its new launcher features a boot time of 5.47 seconds.
- ✓ Valve responded with a client update that dropped Steam startup speeds to 5.23 seconds.
- ✓ The updated Epic Games Store client represents a total rebuild and is currently in preview or beta.
What changed
Valve deployed a silent client update that dropped Steam startup speeds to 5.23 seconds to beat Epic Games Launcher V2.
Live updates
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Steam Client Retakes Startup Speed Crown From Epic Launcher
Valve has reclaimed the startup speed advantage over Epic Games following a rapid software update. Epic released a preview version of its rebuilt launcher boasting a boot time of approximately 5.47 seconds. Within twenty-four hours, Valve deployed a silent client update that reduced Steam cold startup times to 5.23 seconds. Testing places Steam narrowly ahead of its competitor, though exact testing conditions and broader performance metrics remain unclear.
Why it matters
Epic Games recently introduced a preview version of its completely rebuilt client, dubbed a vibe-coded launcher, specifically designed to outpace Steam. The rivalry between major digital storefront clients often hinges on responsiveness and resource efficiency. Valve responded almost immediately to the speed claims with its own optimization patch.
What is confirmed
- Epic Games released a preview version of its new vibe-coded Epic Games Launcher.
- Epic Games stated its new launcher features a boot time of 5.47 seconds.
- Valve responded with a client update that dropped Steam startup speeds to 5.23 seconds.
- The updated Epic Games Store client represents a total rebuild and is currently in preview or beta.
Still unconfirmed
- Wider test conditions and results outside of cold-boot startup speeds remain unclear.
What to watch next
- Wider benchmark testing under varied system conditions
- Official rollout of the Epic Games Launcher preview out of beta
confidence 95%Sources used for this update (12)
- Epic Games — The new Epic Games Launcher is finally here in Preview
- Ars Technica — Epic says its new vibe-coded Epic Games Launcher is faster than Steam
- Engadget — Epic Thinks You'll Love Its New Vibe Coded Game Launcher
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- VideoCardz.com — Steam Client now launches faster than Epic’s new launcher
- TechPowerUp — New Steam Update Puts Startup Times Back Ahead of Epic's Vibe-Coded Launcher
- www.pcgamer.com — Epic says its new 'vibe coded' Epic Games Store launcher is faster than Steam | PC Gamer
- respawnfirst.com — 24 Hours After Epic's Vibe-Coded Client Bragged About Speed, Steam Launched A New Update To Beat It - RespawnFirst
- aussieoppa.com — Steam Games on MacBook: 7 Checks Before You Buy
- 1023jack.com — Steam Client Is Now Faster Than Epic's New Vibe Coded Launcher - 1023 Jack
- tcgmeta.com — Steam Client Is Now Faster Than Epic’s New Vibe Coded Launcher
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