Lords of the Fallen 2 Drops Epic Games Store Exclusivity, Shifts to Steam
CI Games and Epic Games terminate exclusivity deal for Lords of the Fallen 2, shifting PC launch to Steam in 2026. The move reflects changing industry attitudes toward platform exclusivity.
Introduction: A Major Shift in Distribution Strategy
In a surprising turn of events, CI Games has officially terminated the PC exclusivity deal that would have kept Lords of the Fallen 2 locked to the Epic Games Store. Originally announced last summer with a gameplay reveal at The Game Awards 2025, the action RPG is now expected to launch on Steam alongside other platforms when it hits the market in 2026. This move marks a significant pivot from the studio’s earlier strategy and has major implications for the game’s audience and commercial prospects.
Background: The Lords of the Fallen Series
From Original to Reboot
The Lords of the Fallen franchise began in 2014 with a soulslike title developed by Deck13 and CI Games. After a lukewarm reception, the series was effectively rebooted in 2023 with a new game simply titled Lords of the Fallen (often called Lords of the Fallen 2023), developed by Hexworks. This reboot—which is technically the second game but acts as a fresh start—received stronger critical praise. Now, the upcoming Lords of the Fallen 2 is actually the third title in the franchise if we count the reboot, a nuance that has caused some confusion among fans.
The Announcement and First Gameplay
Last summer, CI Games officially announced Lords of the Fallen 2 with a teaser. The first real gameplay footage was showcased during The Game Awards 2025, revealing a darker, more refined combat system and an interconnected world. The game is slated for a 2026 release, though an exact date has not been given. At the time of announcement, the developer confirmed that the PC version would be an Epic Games Store exclusive, following a trend set by many AAA and indie titles in recent years.
The Exclusivity Deal and Its Termination
Why CI Games Initially Chose Epic
Epic Games Store exclusivity deals often come with attractive upfront payments and revenue guarantees, making them tempting for developers seeking financial security. For a project as ambitious as Lords of the Fallen 2, the deal likely provided significant funding to support development. CI Games likely viewed this as a way to de-risk the project while ensuring a strong launch on a platform that actively supports their games through promotions and free giveaways.
The Sudden Pivot Away from Exclusivity
However, recent reports indicate that CI Games and Epic have mutually terminated the exclusivity agreement. The exact reasons remain unconfirmed, but industry speculation points to a shift in market dynamics. Players have increasingly voiced frustration with timed exclusivity, and many developers have realized that a simultaneous release on Steam can maximize reach and pre-order sales. Additionally, Epic’s store has struggled to maintain the same level of user engagement as Steam, which may have influenced CI Games’ decision to bring the game to a broader audience.
What This Means for Players
Accessibility and Choice
The termination of the Epic exclusivity is a win for PC gamers who prefer to keep their libraries on Steam. Steam offers a mature ecosystem with extensive community features, cloud saves, and proven refund policies. By releasing on Steam from day one, Lords of the Fallen 2 will be accessible to a much larger pool of potential buyers, which could translate into stronger sales and a more vibrant online community.
Potential Delays or Benefits?
Some worry that dropping the exclusivity might cause delays or affect the game’s development timeline. However, CI Games has not announced any changes to the 2026 window. In fact, the move might streamline distribution, as the team now only needs to prepare a single unified PC launch rather than managing a staggered release. It also avoids the backlash that often accompanies timed exclusives, such as negative user reviews and boycotts.
Industry Context: The Rise and Fall of Epic Exclusives
Epic Games Store launched in 2018 with an aggressive strategy of securing exclusive titles, including Metro Exodus, Borderlands 3, and Control. While this helped the store grow, it also sparked controversy among PC gamers. Over the past few years, exclusivity deals have become shorter and less common. Games like Hades and Satisfactory eventually came to Steam after their exclusive windows, but many new titles now launch on multiple stores simultaneously. The termination of the Lords of the Fallen 2 deal suggests that even mid-sized developers are reconsidering the cost-benefit of platform exclusivity.
Looking Ahead: What to Expect from Lords of the Fallen 2
As development continues, fans can anticipate more information about the game’s story, classes, and world design. The shift to Steam may also open up the possibility for a console cross-play launch, though that has not been confirmed. CI Games has promised an ambitious sequel that builds on the reboot’s strengths while addressing community feedback. With the exclusivity hurdle removed, the studio can focus entirely on delivering a polished experience across all platforms in 2026.
Conclusion
The decision to terminate the Epic Games Store exclusivity for Lords of the Fallen 2 reflects a broader trend in the PC gaming industry: players increasingly value choice, and developers are adapting. While the deal initially offered financial stability, CI Games has pivoted to prioritize broader availability. Whether this move pays off will be seen when the title launches on Steam and other platforms in 2026. For now, the gaming community can look forward to a more inclusive launch that puts the game directly into the hands of as many players as possible.