If you’ve recently tried searching for Fall Guys on Steam and come up empty-handed, you’re not alone. The popular multiplayer party game — known for its colorful characters, chaotic obstacle courses, and battle royale-style gameplay — has been removed from Steam’s storefront in its free-to-play form. This shift has left many gamers puzzled and asking: Why is the free-to-play version of Fall Guys no longer available on Steam? In this article, we’ll dive deep into the reasons behind the change, how it affects current and future players, and what alternatives are available to keep the fun going.
A Quick Recap: What Is Fall Guys?
Fall Guys: Ultimate Knockout was launched in August 2020 by Mediatonic and quickly became a viral sensation. Players compete in whimsically designed rounds resembling game shows like “Wipeout” or “Takeshi’s Castle,” aiming to outlast others and be the last one standing.
Initially released as a paid game on Steam and PlayStation, it gained massive popularity for its accessible gameplay, quirky design, and lively soundtrack. In June 2022, the game transitioned to a free-to-play model and expanded its availability to other platforms including Xbox and Nintendo Switch, thanks to the resources provided by Epic Games — who had acquired Mediatonic in 2021.
The Epic Acquisition and Platform Shift
One of the major turning points in the game’s lifecycle came when Epic Games acquired Mediatonic in March 2021. As part of Epic’s broader strategy to create a gaming ecosystem centered around the Epic Games Store, the developers began gradually shifting away from Steam.
This move aligns with Epic’s prior practices — the company had already rerouted downloads of Fortnite and Rocket League (another title that went free-to-play after Epic’s acquisition of Psyonix) to be exclusive to their platform.
So, why did Fall Guys follow this same path? Simple: consolidation under Epic Games’ umbrella.
Why Fall Guys Was Pulled from Steam
As of June 2022, when the game went free-to-play, the developers made the decision to remove the game from being accessible to new users on Steam. While this may seem surprising, the decision was driven by several key factors:
- Platform Unity: Making the Epic Games Store the central hub helps standardize updates, user experience, and backend services.
- Incentive to Build Epic Accounts: With cross-platform functionality and integration with Epic’s services like friends lists and achievements, pushing new users to Epic’s store helps grow their ecosystem.
- Monetization Alignment: As a free-to-play title, syncing monetization tools and in-app purchases with Epic’s infrastructure ensures consistency and control over revenue streams.
It’s important to note that existing Steam players still have access to the game. The Steam version continues to receive all updates and content drops just like its Epic counterpart. However, new users must download and play Fall Guys via the Epic Games Store.
What This Means for Steam Users
If you already own the game on Steam, there’s no cause for concern. Mediatonic has committed to fully supporting the Steam version moving forward. This means:
- You will continue to receive regular updates.
- Cross-platform play is still fully functional.
- Your progress and purchases are synced via your Epic Games account.
However, new users looking to jump into the bean-filled chaos must go through the Epic Games Store. This change may seem limiting for players who prefer Steam’s interface, community discussions, or achievements system, but from Epic’s perspective, it’s a calculated and strategic business decision.
Is Steam Removal a Deal Breaker?
Some might view this decision as a discouragement to new players. Steam remains the dominant PC gaming platform, and many users are hesitant to adopt yet another launcher. However, from an industry perspective, Epic’s move isn’t unprecedented. Here’s why this isn’t necessarily a bad thing:
Pro #1: Improved Features and Backend Systems
Fall Guys benefits from Epic’s robust backend services, such as matchmaking, anti-cheat mechanisms, and faster update rollouts. These advantages translate into a better long-term experience for players.
Pro #2: Cross-Platform Ecosystem
By focusing on the Epic platform, Fall Guys simplifies its cross-progression and account management system, making it easier for players to carry their data across devices and platforms.
Con #1: Multiple Launchers
Users who prefer the convenience of having their library consolidated in Steam may find the switch frustrating. Having to juggle different launchers can impact user experience—especially for those with slower systems or limited storage.
Con #2: Fragmentation of User Base
Although updates remain synchronized, the decision somewhat fragments the community between Steam veterans and Epic newcomers. Features like Steam-exclusive achievements or overlays are not available to new Epic users.
What If You Already Have the Steam Version?
If you were fortunate enough to download Fall Guys before its removal from the Steam store, you can still launch and play the game normally. Here’s what you need to keep in mind:
- Automatic Updates: Updates will roll out simultaneously across all platforms, including Steam.
- Epic Account Login Required: You must link an Epic Games account to continue playing, regardless of your platform.
- No Reinstall from Steam for New Users: If you uninstall the game and don’t have access to your previous library, you can’t just redownload it from Steam. New installations must go through Epic.
Is There Any Way Steam Will Bring It Back?
Currently, there are no official plans to re-list the game on Steam for new users. Unless Epic Games changes its distribution policy, Fall Guys will remain exclusive to the Epic Games Store for new installs.
This could change in the future, but given Epic’s ongoing strategy and previous decisions with other games, such as Fortnite and Rocket League, it seems unlikely in the near term.
Alternatives and Similar Games on Steam
If you’re truly set on staying within Steam’s ecosystem, there are alternatives that deliver similar fun and chaotic multiplayer experiences. Here are a few suggestions:
- Party Animals – A wacky multiplayer physics-based brawler featuring cuddly animals in action-packed arenas.
- Stumble Guys – A close challenger to Fall Guys with similar gameplay and vibrant visuals.
- Human: Fall Flat – A puzzle-focused, physics-based platformer that offers chaotic fun with friends.
While none of these exactly replicate Fall Guys, they do offer engaging multiplayer fun and are available directly through Steam.
Final Thoughts
The removal of the free-to-play version of Fall Guys from Steam reflects a broader industry trend of centralizing games within a publisher’s proprietary ecosystem. While it may be inconvenient for some, the move also brings technological and gameplay benefits backed by Epic’s infrastructure.
As long as you’re still excited to jump, dive, and wobble through kaleidoscopic obstacle courses, Fall Guys is just a download away — it just happens to be through a different store now.
For those who miss the old days of buying their favorite games directly on Steam, this change is a reminder that in the evolving world of gaming, distribution methods and platforms are always shifting. Just remember: the fun never stops — it only relocates.
