Metro Exodus will preload on Steam but not the Epic Games Store

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It seems weird, but that's how it is.

Metro Exodus is exclusive to the Epic Games Store, unless you pre-purchased it on Steam prior to January 29, in which case you'll get it on Steam. It's a little strange, but probably the least-awkward way to handle the awkwardness of switching platforms just a few weeks before release. 

What's even stranger is that, according to the Metro Exodus Twitter account, people who get the game on Steam will be given a preload period, but those on Epic's store will not. 

"Preloading" is simply the process of downloading and installing a game ahead of its release date, so you can jump in and start playing the moment it goes live. For people with slow or unstable internet connections, being able to preload a big game like Metro—the download clocks in at around 50GB—can mean the difference between playing on launch day and playing a day (or two) after.

Deep Silver did not say why preloading won't be available through the Epic Games Store, but a rep confirmed that the tweets are accurate. We'll have a review of Metro Exodus this week.

Andy Chalk
Andy Chalk
US News Lead

Andy has been gaming on PCs from the very beginning, starting as a youngster with text adventures and primitive action games on a cassette-based TRS80. From there he graduated to the glory days of Sierra Online adventures and Microprose sims, ran a local BBS, learned how to build PCs, and developed a longstanding love of RPGs, immersive sims, and shooters. He began writing videogame news in 2007 for The Escapist and somehow managed to avoid getting fired until 2014, when he joined the storied ranks of PC Gamer. He covers all aspects of the industry, from new game announcements and patch notes to legal disputes, Twitch beefs, esports, and Henry Cavill. Lots of Henry Cavill.