Metro Exodus Drops Steam Release, Moves to the Epic Store

Well, this is awkward. We just published Metro Exodus‘ official system requirements, linking the game’s Steam store page so people interested in 4A Games’ latest release can pre-order it there… and now we just got word that Metro Exodus will be removed from sale on Steam later today, not returning there until February 2020. Why is that? Well, it’s the latest AAA Epic Store exclusive.

I’m not particularly thrilled by this news, as store exclusivity is an anti consumer practice that so far was confined to the console space. I understand that Epic wants to challenge Valve’s dominance in the PC digital distribution market, but I personally don’t think this is the way to do it, as users are forced to move to a competing store only because there’s no other way to get their games. Competition should not involve this kind of deal, and customers should be able to decide whether they get their games on X store over Y store based on features, pricing, accessibility, etc. and not plain old exclusivity.

Of course, I’m not the one in charge, and I just simply report the news. So there you have it, Metro Exodus will leave Steam today, and from that moment until February 14, 2020, the only place that will sell the game digitally on PC will be the Epic Store.

Here’s a detailed FAQ on the Epic Store move:

As of 28th January 2019, Metro Exodus is now available to purchase through the Epic Games store (EpicGames.com) and has been removed from other Digital stores, including Steam.

All existing pre-orders through those stores will be honored.

#1 – FAQ FOR EXISTING STEAM PRE-ORDER CUSTOMERS

I already pre-ordered Metro Exodus on Steam. What happens to my order?

Your pre-order on Steam will be honored, and you will be able to download and play Metro Exodus on release day (15th February 2019).

If I pre-ordered the Gold Edition on Steam, will I still get my future Expansion Pass on Steam?

Yes, your Expansion Pack content will become available for download via Steam, when released.

Will I still get my pre-order bonuses – the Digital Artbook and Official Soundtrack on Steam?

Yes, your pre-order bonuses will be honored and delivered by Steam.

I ordered the Standard Edition – will I be able to purchase the Expansion Pass in the future on Steam?

Yes, if you own the Standard Edition on Steam, you will be able to purchase the Expansion Pass or standalone DLC on Steam when it releases in the future.

Does the Epic Store have any exclusive or timed exclusive DLC?

No. All future DLC for Metro Exodus will be released simultaneously on all platforms.

Are there any differences in content between the version on the Epic Games store and the version on Steam?

No, they have the same pre-order bonuses and in-game content. All future title updates, patches, and free and premium DLC will be released simultaneously across both versions.

Will Metro Exodus ever return to Steam?

Yes – Metro Exodus will return to Steam and on other store fronts after 14th February 2020.


#2 – FAQ FOR EPIC GAMES STORE CUSTOMERS

How much will Metro Exodus cost on the Epic Games Store?

Metro Exodus is available in Standard and Gold Editions. The Gold Edition includes the Expansion Pass, granting access to upcoming premium DLC.

The Standard Edition is priced at $49.99 in North America, £49.99 in the UK and €59.99 in most other European counties (further regional pricing may vary).

The Gold Edition is priced at $74.99 in North America, £69.99 in the UK and €84.99 in most other European counties (further regional pricing may vary).

When will I receive the Official Soundtrack and Digital Artbook pre-order bonuses on the Epic Games Store?

These will be delivered with the full game download on 15th February.  

Will other Metro games be coming to the Epic Games Store? If so, when?

Deep Silver and 4A Games will bring Metro 2033 Redux and Metro: Last Light Redux to the Epic Games store later this year.

I bought the Gold Edition. When will I get my Expansion Pass content?

The release dates of the Expansion Pass content have not yet been announced. Expect an update after the full game release on February 15th 2019.

Are there any differences in content between the version on the Epic Games store and the version on Steam?

No, they have the same pre-order bonuses and in-game content. All future title updates, patches, and free and premium DLC will be released simultaneously across both versions.

#3 – FAQ FOR PHYSICAL EDITION CUSTOMERS

I have pre-ordered a physical copy of Metro Exodus for PC. How will this news affect me?

This will not affect you at all. You will receive your packaged game with a key allowing you to play.


#4 – FAQ FOR CUSTOMERS OF HUMBLE BUNDLE AND OTHER STEAM KEY SELLERS

I pre-ordered Metro Exodus through Humble Bundle or similar key seller – what happens to my order?

Your pre-order will be honored and you will receive your key on release – 15th February 2019.


One thought on “Metro Exodus Drops Steam Release, Moves to the Epic Store

  1. Pingback: Metro Exodus System Requirements Revealed | Gaming on PC

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