What you need to create an Epic Games account

An Epic Games account is a login you create at epicgames.com that lets you read and play games, buy items in games, and connect your account across different devices. You need one to play Fortnite, Unreal Engine projects, or any other Epic Games title. Creating one takes about five minutes and requires only an email address and a password you choose yourself.

You do not need a credit card to make the account. You only need a payment method if you want to buy something — like cosmetics in Fortnite or a game from the Epic Games Store. A free account gives you access to free games Epic offers regularly and lets you play free-to-play titles.

Key Takeaways

  • Go to epicgames.com, click Sign Up, and enter your email address and a password you create yourself.
  • Check your email for a verification link from Epic Games and click it to confirm your account is real.
  • Add your date of birth and choose a display name — this is what other players see in games.
  • You can add a payment method later if you want to buy games or in-game items, but it is not required to play free games.
  • If you already play on PlayStation, Xbox, or Nintendo Switch, you can link your Epic Games account to that console account to keep your progress.

Step-by-step: Creating your account

Open a web browser and go to epicgames.com. In the top right corner, click the Sign Up button. You will see a form asking for your email address. Type in an email you check regularly — this is how Epic Games will send you important messages and password reset links if you need them.

Create a password in the password field. Epic Games requires at least 8 characters, and it is stronger if you mix uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols like ! or @. Write this password down somewhere safe, or use a password manager like Bitwarden or 1Password to store it. Do not use a password you already use for other accounts.

Check the box that says you agree to the Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. Then click Create Account. Epic Games will send a verification email to the address you entered. Open your email, find the message from Epic Games, and click the Verify Email button or link inside it. This proves the email address is yours and is active.

Completing your profile information

After you verify your email, you will be asked to enter your date of birth. Epic Games needs this because some games have age ratings, and the account needs to know whether you are old enough to play them. You will also choose a display name — this is the name other players see when you play multiplayer games or chat. You can change your display name later, though Epic Games may limit how often you can do this.

You can upload a profile picture if you want, but it is optional. Some players use a real photo, others use a cartoon character or logo. This picture shows up on your profile and in some games when you play with friends.

Linking your account to a console or other platform

If you already play games on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, or Nintendo Switch, you can link your Epic Games account to that console. This keeps your progress, cosmetics, and V-Bucks (the in-game currency) in sync across devices. For example, if you buy a skin in Fortnite on your PlayStation, you can use that same skin when you play on your computer.

To link your console, sign into your Epic Games account on epicgames.com. Go to Account Settings, then Connections. Find the console you use and click Connect. You will be asked to sign into your console account (your PlayStation Network ID, Xbox Live account, or Nintendo account). Approve the connection, and your accounts are now linked.

Adding a payment method (optional)

You do not need to add a payment method to create your account or play free games. If you want to buy something — like a game from the Epic Games Store, V-Bucks in Fortnite, or cosmetics in another game — you will need to add a credit card, debit card, or PayPal account.

To add a payment method, sign into epicgames.com, go to Account Settings, then Payment Methods. Click Add Payment Method and choose whether you want to use a card or PayPal. Enter your information and click Save. Epic Games will not charge you until you actually buy something. You can remove a payment method at any time from the same screen.

What to do if you forget your password

Go to epicgames.com and click Sign In. Below the password field, click Forgot Password. Enter the email address you used to create your account. Epic Games will send you a link to reset your password. Click that link, create a new password, and you can sign in again. If you do not see the email, check your spam or junk folder — sometimes password reset emails end up there by mistake.

If you no longer have access to the email address you used to create your account, you will need to contact Epic Games Support. Go to support.epicgames.com, click Contact Us, and describe your situation. They can help you regain access to your account, but it may take a few days.

Keeping your account find

Use a strong, unique password that you do not use anywhere else. If someone gets your password, they can buy games with your payment method or change your display name. Epic Games offers two-factor authentication, which adds an extra security step when you sign in. To turn it on, go to Account Settings, then Password & Security, and follow the steps to enable it. You can use an authenticator app like Google Authenticator or Authy, or have Epic Games send you a code by email or text message.

Never share your password with anyone, even if they say they work for Epic Games. Epic Games employees will never ask for your password. If someone claims to be from Epic Games and asks for your password, account details, or payment information, it is a scam.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I create an Epic Games account without an email address?

No, you need an email address to create an account and to verify it. The email is how Epic Games sends you important messages, password resets, and security alerts. Make sure you use an email address you actually check.

Can I change my display name after I create my account?

Yes, you can change your display name in Account Settings under General. Epic Games may limit how often you can change it — usually you can change it once every 30 days, but this can vary. Your old display name becomes available for other players to use.

What happens if I link my Epic Games account to my console?

Your progress, cosmetics, and V-Bucks sync across that console and your computer. If you play Fortnite on PlayStation and buy a skin, you can use that skin when you play on PC with the same Epic Games account. Unlinking the account does not delete your progress — it just stops the sync.

Is it safe to add my credit card to Epic Games?

Epic Games uses encryption to protect your payment information, similar to other major gaming platforms. Only add a payment method if you trust the company. You can remove it anytime, and you can also set spending limits or parental controls if you share your account with a child.

Can I delete my Epic Games account?

Yes, you can request account deletion in Account Settings under General. Epic Games will give you a 30-day window to change your mind. After 30 days, your account and all associated data are permanently deleted. Any games you bought cannot be transferred or recovered.