CI Games has officially ended its Epic Games Store exclusivity agreement for Lords of the Fallen 2, opening the door for the upcoming soulslike title to launch on additional storefronts, including Steam.
The separation agreement, publicly posted on May 18, 2026, confirms that the exclusivity arrangement between CI Games and Epic Games was terminated on April 14, 2026. While the agreement is described as “conditional in nature,” it removes the contractual restriction that previously tied the game exclusively to the Epic Games Store on PC.
Importantly, the separation does not impact the game’s use of Unreal Engine 5 or any Epic Online Services already integrated into the project. Development of the title reportedly continues as planned.
Steam Release Now Appears Likely
With the exclusivity deal no longer active, many players now expect Lords of the Fallen 2 to launch simultaneously across multiple PC storefronts instead of remaining tied to Epic’s platform.
Steam remains the most requested platform among PC players, and online reactions suggest the decision may help the game avoid the backlash that often surrounds timed exclusivity agreements. Over the years, many PC gamers have openly criticized Epic exclusives, arguing that restricting launches to a single storefront fragments communities and limits player choice.
Several major titles in recent years reportedly experienced strong sales surges after eventually arriving on Steam following timed Epic exclusivity periods. In some cases, developers even treated the Steam launch as a second major release window due to renewed interest and expanded audience reach.
While CI Games has not publicly explained why the agreement ended early, many players believe the company may be attempting to maximize the game’s visibility and commercial potential ahead of release.
A Crucial Release for the Franchise
Lords of the Fallen 2 serves as the next major entry in the franchise following the 2023 reboot. That reboot launched with mixed reviews and technical criticism but slowly gained a dedicated community through patches, balance changes, and post-launch support.
The series carved out its own identity within the crowded soulslike genre thanks to its dual-world mechanic, allowing players to shift between the living realm and the world of the dead in real time.
Interest in the sequel remained relatively high after CI Games confirmed continued investment in the franchise, which likely contributed to Epic securing the original exclusivity agreement back in 2024.
Summer Games Fest Rumors Continue
Although no official release date has been announced, reports still point toward a 2026 launch window. Speculation is also growing that the game could appear during Summer Games Fest with a new trailer or gameplay reveal.
The timing would make sense, especially now that the exclusivity limitations have been removed. A wider storefront rollout could significantly boost marketing momentum heading into launch.
Controversies Could Still Impact Reception
Despite renewed interest in the game itself, CI Games has also faced several public controversies in recent months. CEO Marek Tyminski drew criticism online over public statements that sparked debate within gaming communities, while separate discussions surrounding female armor designs in the game also generated backlash.
Whether these controversies will meaningfully impact launch performance remains unclear, but public sentiment around studios and executives increasingly plays a role in how games are received commercially.
For now, however, the removal of Epic Games Store exclusivity is being viewed by many players as positive news — especially among PC users who strongly prefer keeping their libraries centralized on Steam.
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