How to Gift Games on Epic Store – Full (May 2026) Guide

There’s no better feeling for a gamer than receiving a surprise game from a friend. After years of waiting, Epic Games Store finally introduced gifting capabilities, allowing you to share your favorite titles with friends and family. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, holiday, or just want to surprise someone special, this comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about gifting games on the Epic Games Store.

Quick Overview: Epic Games Store Gifting (2026)

Feature	Details
Availability	PC version only (not mobile)
Gift Types	Paid games, editions, durable add-ons, eligible bundles
Cannot Gift	Free games, pre-purchases, subscriptions, in-game currency
Acceptance Period	14 days
Regional Restrictions	Same region only (currently)
Rewards	Earn Epic Rewards on purchases

What You Can and Cannot Gift?

Understanding what’s eligible for gifting is crucial before you start the process. Epic Games Store has specific guidelines about what can and cannot be sent as gifts.

✅ What You CAN Gift:

• Paid Games: Any full-priced or discounted paid game
• Game Editions: Special editions, deluxe editions, collector’s editions
• Durable Add-ons: DLCs, expansion packs, season passes
• Eligible Bundles: Game bundles that include multiple titles or content

❌ What You CANNOT Gift:

• Free Games: Any game currently available for free
• Pre-purchase Offers: Games available for pre-order
• Subscriptions: Recurring subscription services
• In-game Currency: V-Bucks, real money purchases for in-game items
• Consumable Items: One-time use items or temporary boosts

Prerequisites for Gifting

Before you can start sending gifts to your friends, make sure you meet these requirements:

Account Requirements:

• Active Epic Games Account: You need a verified Epic Games account
• Friends List: The recipient must be on your Epic friends list
• Same Region: Both you and the recipient must be in the same region (currently)
• Payment Method: Valid payment method linked to your account

Technical Requirements:

• PC Access: Gifting is only available on the PC version of Epic Games Store
• Internet Connection: Stable internet connection for the purchase process
• Updated Client: Ensure your Epic Games Launcher is up to date

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Gift a Game

Follow these detailed steps to successfully gift a game on the Epic Games Store:

Step 1: Launch Epic Games Store and Log In

1. Open the Epic Games Launcher on your PC
2. Log in to your Epic Games account using your credentials
3. Ensure you’re on the Store tab (it should be selected by default)

Step 2: Find the Game You Want to Gift

1. Browse the store or use the search function to find the game
2. Click on the game’s title to open its store page
3. Verify that the game is eligible for gifting (no free games or pre-orders)

Step 3: Select the Gift Option

1. On the game’s store page, look for the “Gift” button
2. This button is typically located near the “Buy Now” button
3. Click on “Gift” to initiate the gifting process

Step 4: Choose Your Recipient

1. A new window will appear asking “Who’s it for?”
2. Search for your friend by typing their Epic Games username
3. Select the correct friend from your friends list
4. Important: The friend must be on your Epic friends list to appear

Step 5: Add a Personal Message (Optional)

1. You’ll see an option to add a personal message
2. Write a thoughtful message for your friend (character limit may apply)
3. This step is optional but adds a personal touch to your gift

Step 6: Schedule Your Gift (Optional)

1. Look for the “When shall we send the gift?” section
2. Choose between:
   • Send Now: Immediate delivery
   • Schedule for Later: Pick a specific date for delivery
3. This is perfect for birthdays, holidays, or special occasions

Step 7: Complete the Purchase

1. Review your gift details (recipient, game, message, delivery date)
2. Click “Go to Checkout” to proceed
3. Select your preferred payment method
4. Complete the purchase following the on-screen prompts
5. Earn Epic Rewards: You’ll earn rewards on your purchase!

Step 8: Confirmation and Notification

1. After successful purchase, you’ll receive a confirmation
2. Your friend will receive:
   • In-app notification in Epic Games Store
   • Email notification (if they have email notifications enabled)
3. The gift will appear in their account or on the scheduled date

What Happens After Sending a Gift?

Understanding the post-gifting process helps you manage expectations and handle any issues that might arise.

For the Recipient:

• 14-Day Acceptance Window: Your friend has 14 days to accept the gift
• Notification Methods: They’ll be notified in-app and via email
• Acceptance Process: They need to log in and accept the gift
• Account Addition: Once accepted, the game is added to their library

For the Sender:

• Confirmation: You’ll receive confirmation when the gift is sent
• Acceptance Notification: You’ll be notified when your friend accepts
• Refund Process: Automatic refund if the gift isn’t accepted or if they already own it

Common Scenarios and Outcomes (2026)

Scenario	Outcome
Friend accepts gift	Game added to their library, purchase complete
Friend rejects gift	Full refund to sender’s account
Friend already owns game	Automatic refund, gift cannot be accepted
14-day window expires	Automatic refund to sender
Regional restriction issue	Error message, purchase blocked

Troubleshooting Common Gifting Issues

Even with a straightforward process, you might encounter some issues. Here are solutions to common problems:

Issue 1: Gift Option Not Showing

Problem: You don’t see the “Gift” button on the game page Solutions:

• Check if the game is eligible for gifting (not free, not pre-order)
• Ensure you’re using the PC version of Epic Games Store
• Update your Epic Games Launcher
• Try a different browser if using web version

Issue 2: Friend Not Appearing in Friends List

Problem: Your friend doesn’t show up when searching for recipients Solutions:

• Verify they’re on your Epic friends list
• Check if you’re in the same region
• Ask your friend to accept your friend request
• Ensure both accounts are active and in good standing

Issue 3: Payment Processing Errors

Problem: Payment fails during checkout Solutions:

• Verify your payment method is valid and up-to-date
• Try a different payment method
• Check your bank for any holds or issues
• Contact Epic Games support if the problem persists

Issue 4: Gift Not Received

Problem: Friend says they didn’t receive the gift Solutions:

• Check the delivery date (if scheduled)
• Verify the correct Epic account was selected
• Ask friend to check spam folder for email notifications
• Resend the gift if necessary

Issue 5: Regional Restrictions

Problem: Cannot send gift to friend in different region Solutions:

• Currently, gifting is limited to same-region friends
• Epic is working on enabling cross-regional gifting
• Consider alternative gift options for now
• Stay updated on Epic Games Store news for changes

2026 Pro Tips for Epic Games Store Gifting

Maximizing Your Gifting Experience:

1. Time Your Purchases: Look for sales and discounts to get more value
2. Use Epic Rewards: Earn rewards on purchases and use them for future gifts
3. Schedule Ahead: Plan gifts for birthdays and holidays in advance
4. Check Wishes: Ask friends what games they want before purchasing
5. Keep Records: Save confirmation emails for reference

Avoiding Common Mistakes:

1. Double-Check Ownership: Verify your friend doesn’t already own the game
2. Verify Eligibility: Ensure the game can be gifted (not free, not pre-order)
3. Confirm Region: Make sure you’re in the same region as your friend
4. Test Friendship: Confirm you’re actually friends on Epic Games
5. Check Dates: Verify scheduled delivery dates are correct

Epic Games Store vs. Steam Gifting

If you’re familiar with Steam’s gifting system, here’s how Epic Games Store compares:

Feature	Epic Games Store	Steam
Gifting Availability	PC only	PC, Mac, Linux
Regional Restrictions	Same region only	Cross-region with restrictions
Gift Scheduling	Yes	Yes
Refund Policy	14-day window	Similar window
Rewards Program	Epic Rewards	No direct rewards
Wishlist Integration	Limited	Full wishlist support

Future of Epic Games Store Gifting

Epic Games has announced plans to improve the gifting system:

Upcoming Features:

• Cross-Regional Gifting: Enable gifting between different regions
• Mobile Support: Extend gifting to mobile Epic Games Store
• Enhanced Wishlist Integration: Better wishlist-based gifting
• Group Gifting: Multiple contributors for single gifts
• Gift Wrapping: Virtual gift wrapping and presentation options

Stay Updated:

• Follow Epic Games Store on Twitter
• Check the Epic Games Store news page
• Join the Epic Games community for updates

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I gift games to friends in other countries?

Currently, gifting is limited to friends within the same region. Epic Games has announced they’re working on enabling cross-regional gifting, but it’s not available yet. Both you and your recipient need to be in the same geographic region for gifting to work.

What happens if my friend already owns the game I gifted?

If your friend already owns the game, the gift cannot be accepted. Epic Games will automatically refund your purchase in full. You’ll receive notification that the gift couldn’t be delivered due to duplicate ownership, and the refund will be processed to your original payment method.

How long does my friend have to accept a gifted game?

Your friend has 14 days from the time the gift is sent to accept it. If they don’t accept within this timeframe, the gift will expire, and you’ll receive a full refund. The 14-day window starts immediately after sending, even if you schedule the gift for a future date.

Can I schedule gifts for future dates?

Yes! Epic Games Store allows you to schedule gifts for specific future dates. This is perfect for birthdays, holidays, or special occasions. You can choose the exact date you want the gift to be delivered, making it easy to plan surprises in advance.

Do I earn Epic Rewards when gifting games?

Absolutely! When you purchase a gift using Epic’s payment system, you’ll earn Epic Rewards on your purchase just like any other store purchase. This makes gifting even more rewarding, as you can use these rewards for future purchases or gifts.

Can I gift in-game currency or V-Bucks?

No, in-game currency, V-Bucks, and other consumable items cannot be gifted through the Epic Games Store gifting system. Gifting is limited to paid games, editions, durable add-ons, and eligible bundles only.

What payment methods can I use for gifting?

You can use any payment method that’s normally accepted on the Epic Games Store, including credit/debit cards, PayPal, and your Epic Games balance. The same payment options available for regular purchases work for gifting as well.

Can I gift games on the mobile Epic Games Store?

Currently, gifting is only available on the PC version of the Epic Games Store. The mobile version does not support gifting functionality yet. You’ll need to use the Epic Games Launcher on PC or the web version to send gifts.

Is there a limit to how many gifts I can send?

Epic Games hasn’t specified a daily or monthly limit for gifting games. However, they may implement reasonable limits to prevent abuse. For reference, Fortnite gifting has a limit of 5 gifts per day, but this doesn’t necessarily apply to store gifting.

Can I return or cancel a gift after sending it?

Once a gift is sent, it cannot be cancelled or returned by the sender. The recipient has the option to reject the gift, which would result in a refund to the sender. If you need to make changes, you’ll need to wait for the recipient to reject the gift or for the 14-day window to expire.

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Final Thoughts

Gifting games on the Epic Games Store is finally here, and it’s easier than ever to share your favorite titles with friends. While the system has some limitations compared to more established platforms like Steam, it’s a solid first step that will only improve with time.

Remember to double-check eligibility, verify your friend’s ownership status, and take advantage of the scheduling feature for special occasions. With Epic Rewards on every purchase, gifting becomes even more rewarding for both you and your friends.

Pro Tip: Bookmark this guide and check back regularly for updates as Epic Games continues to improve their gifting system. The gaming community has been asking for this feature for years, and it’s exciting to see it finally implemented!