So, you wanna play your Epic Games library on your Steam Link? Awesome! Many gamers find themselves in this exact situation. While Steam Link is designed to stream games directly from your Steam library, there's a neat little workaround to get your Epic Games titles running smoothly on it too. Let's dive into how you can make this happen, making your gaming experience even more versatile.

Understanding Steam Link and Its Limitations

Before we get started, it's good to understand what Steam Link is and why it doesn't natively support Epic Games. Steam Link is essentially a device (or an app) that allows you to stream games from your main computer to another screen, like your TV. It's fantastic for playing PC games from the comfort of your couch. However, it's primarily designed to work within the Steam ecosystem. This means it looks for games installed through Steam and streams them directly. Epic Games, being a separate platform, isn't directly integrated.

Think of it like this: Steam Link is a train that runs on Steam tracks. To get your Epic Games titles on board, we need to find a way to load them onto the Steam train. That's where the workaround comes in. We're essentially going to trick Steam into thinking that our Epic Games are Steam games. Don't worry, it's not as complicated as it sounds! By adding the Epic Games launcher as a non-Steam game, we can then launch our Epic Games from within Steam, and thus, stream them using Steam Link. It's a clever little hack that opens up a whole new world of gaming possibilities.

Adding Epic Games Launcher as a Non-Steam Game

Alright, let's get down to the nitty-gritty. The first step is to add the Epic Games Launcher to your Steam library as a non-Steam game. This is the key to making everything work. Here’s how you do it:

1. Open Steam: Fire up your Steam client on your computer.
2. Add a Non-Steam Game: In the bottom-left corner of the Steam window, you’ll see a button labeled "Add a Game." Click it, and then select "Add a Non-Steam Game…"
3. Browse for Epic Games Launcher: A window will pop up with a list of programs on your computer. If you see the Epic Games Launcher, great! Just check the box next to it. If not (and it probably won't be there), click the "Browse…" button.
4. Locate the Launcher: Navigate to the directory where the Epic Games Launcher is installed. The default location is usually C:\Program Files (x86)\Epic Games\Launcher\Portal\Binaries\Win64. Find the EpicGamesLauncher.exe file and select it.
5. Add the Program: Click "Open" and then "Add Selected Programs." The Epic Games Launcher should now appear in your Steam library.

Once you've added the Epic Games Launcher, you can customize its appearance in your Steam library. Right-click on the Epic Games Launcher in your library, select "Properties," and you can change the name and even add custom artwork to make it look more like a proper Steam game. This is purely cosmetic, but it can make your library look much cleaner and more organized. Trust me, a little bit of organization goes a long way when you have a ton of games installed!

Configuring Steam Link for Streaming

Now that you've added the Epic Games Launcher to Steam, it's time to configure Steam Link for streaming. This part is pretty straightforward.

1. Start Steam Link: Turn on your Steam Link device and make sure it’s connected to the same network as your computer.
2. Connect to Your Computer: On the Steam Link, select your computer from the list of available devices.
3. Start Streaming: Click "Start Streaming." This will initiate the streaming session from your computer to your Steam Link.

Once the streaming starts, you should see your Steam Big Picture mode on your TV. From there, navigate to your library and find the Epic Games Launcher. Launch it, and voila! You should now be able to access your Epic Games library from your Steam Link. It’s like magic, but it’s actually just clever configuration! Now, you can launch any game you have installed in your Epic Games launcher and play on your TV.

Launching and Playing Epic Games

With everything set up, launching and playing your Epic Games is a breeze. Here’s what you need to do:

1. Launch Epic Games Launcher via Steam Link: From the Steam Big Picture mode on your Steam Link, navigate to your library and launch the Epic Games Launcher.
2. Sign In (If Necessary): If you're not already signed in, the Epic Games Launcher will prompt you to enter your credentials. Use your Epic Games account information to log in.
3. Choose Your Game: Once you're logged in, you'll see your Epic Games library. Select the game you want to play and click "Launch."
4. Enjoy!: The game should now start streaming to your Steam Link, allowing you to play on your TV. Get ready for some big-screen gaming action!

Sometimes, you might encounter minor hiccups, like the game not launching immediately or the stream quality not being perfect. Don't worry; we'll cover some troubleshooting tips in the next section.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even with everything set up correctly, you might run into a few snags. Here are some common issues and how to fix them:

• Game Doesn't Launch: Sometimes, the game might not launch directly from the Epic Games Launcher within Steam Link. If this happens, try launching the game from the Epic Games Launcher on your computer first, then close it, and try launching it again through Steam Link. This often resolves the issue.
• Poor Streaming Quality: If you're experiencing lag or low-quality streaming, there are a few things you can try. First, make sure your computer and Steam Link are connected to the network via Ethernet cables rather than Wi-Fi. This will provide a more stable and faster connection. Also, adjust the streaming settings in Steam Link. You can lower the resolution or bitrate to improve performance. Experiment with different settings until you find a balance between quality and performance that works for you.
• Controller Issues: Occasionally, your controller might not work correctly with Epic Games through Steam Link. This can usually be fixed by ensuring that your controller is properly configured in Steam. Go to Steam settings, then "Controller," and make sure your controller is detected and configured correctly. You might also need to enable controller support in the Epic Games Launcher settings.
• Audio Problems: If you're not getting any audio, check your audio settings on both your computer and Steam Link. Make sure the correct audio output device is selected and that the volume is turned up. Sometimes, restarting the game or Steam Link can also resolve audio issues.

Benefits of Streaming Epic Games on Steam Link

Streaming your Epic Games library on Steam Link offers several advantages. First and foremost, it allows you to play your games on a bigger screen, like your TV, providing a more immersive gaming experience. It also lets you play games from the comfort of your couch, which is always a plus. No more hunching over your computer monitor! Additionally, it centralizes your gaming experience. Instead of switching between different devices or inputs, you can access both your Steam and Epic Games libraries from one convenient location.

Another significant benefit is the flexibility it provides. You can use Steam Link to stream games to any TV in your house, as long as it's connected to the same network as your computer. This means you can move your gaming setup from room to room without having to physically move your computer. It's perfect for family gaming nights or for simply enjoying a change of scenery. Streaming Epic Games on Steam Link truly enhances your gaming lifestyle.

Conclusion

Playing Epic Games on Steam Link might seem a little tricky at first, but with these steps, you should be up and running in no time. It's a fantastic way to enjoy your entire game library on the big screen. So go ahead, give it a try, and elevate your gaming experience! Remember, a little bit of configuration can go a long way in creating the ultimate gaming setup. Happy gaming, guys! Enjoy diving into your favorite Epic Games titles from the comfort of your couch, and make the most of your gaming experience.