Shortly after Epic Games released its new launcher, Valve launched a Steam Consumer replace that dramatically reduces Steam’s launch instances. This undermines Epic Video games’ declare that its new recreation launcher is quicker than Steam. That mentioned, the principle draw of Epic’s improved launcher is that it’s a lot quicker than its previous launcher, not essentially quicker than Steam.
Yesterday, Epic Video games claimed that their new launcher began 46% quicker than Steam. Now, Valve has sped up Steam’s launch instances, and early testers declare Steam now boots marginally quicker than the brand new Epic Video games launcher.
Valve’s newest Steam Consumer replace says it “improved Steam Consumer startup instances”. Sadly, Valve hasn’t mentioned how a lot quicker the up to date consumer is.
In response to @grilglock_ on X, their Steam consumer now begins up in 5.23 seconds on their system. That is quicker than the said Epic Video games Retailer launch instances above. Be aware that whereas this take a look at highlights enhancements in Steam’s launch instances, we’ve not seen how briskly the brand new Epic Video games launcher boots on this technique. The outcomes above common 13 completely different Home windows PCs. If this 5.23-second boot time comes from a faster-than-average PC, the brand new Epic Video games launcher might nonetheless be quicker.
Extra scientific testing is required earlier than we will affirm which launcher is the quickest.
that is such a great day to be a sweeney hater.. not even 24h later lmao https://t.co/hjf5Q9NV3C pic.twitter.com/XXLcIqYTT7
— dea (@girlglock_) October 15, 2026
Did Valve plan this?
One factor’s for sure: Valve’s timing right here is fascinating. Epic Video games confirmed in June that it was constructing a brand new launcher and that it could be quicker. This possible gave Valve the time they wanted to work on Steam’s startup instances. Whereas it’s doable that Valve timed this replace to undermine Epic Video games, it’s equally possible that this replace’s timing is only a coincidence. Regardless, Valve has undermined Epic Video games’ newfound benefit with their latest Steam consumer replace. Whereas it’s unclear which app is quicker, the distinction between the 2 is now more likely to be negligible.
Be a part of the dialogue on Steam’s reduced client startup times on the OC3D Forums.