Game Engines That Power the Biggest Titles on Epic Games Store

13 July 2025

When it comes to the games we love, we often rave about their graphics, mechanics, and crazy immersive worlds. But have you ever stopped to wonder what magic works behind the scenes? Yep, I'm talking about game engines—the unsung heroes of the gaming world. These are the software frameworks that serve as the foundation of pretty much every video game. Whether it's the breathtaking details in Fortnite or the haunting landscapes of Death Stranding, game engines are doing some heavy lifting.

If you've ever browsed the Epic Games Store, you know it's a haven for big-name titles. But let’s dive a little deeper and talk about the engines that run the biggest hits on the platform. You’ll be surprised to know that while some engines are as famous as the games they power, others quietly work their magic without much fanfare.

What Exactly Is a Game Engine?

Alright, before we geek out about specific engines, let’s cover the basics. A game engine is like the Swiss Army knife of game development. It handles all the core stuff—rendering graphics, running physics simulations, setting up audio, managing user input, and so much more. Think of it as the skeleton of a game, holding everything in place while the developers add the muscles (mechanics), skin (textures), and personality (story).

Ever hear the saying, "Don’t reinvent the wheel"? Game engines live by that motto. They save developers from coding common features from scratch and let them focus on making the game fun and unique instead. Without these engines, every little piece of a game would take forever to develop. Ain’t nobody got time for that.

Now, with that crash course out of the way, let’s shine a spotlight on the top game engines powering the blockbusters on the Epic Games Store.

1. Unreal Engine: The King of the Game Engine Jungle

The Backbone of Epic Games

No surprise here, right? Unreal Engine, developed by Epic Games itself, is the powerhouse behind many of the store’s best-selling titles. Whether it's massive open-world RPGs, fast-paced shooters, or cinematic masterpieces, Unreal Engine is the go-to choice for developers aiming for AAA-quality games.

Why Unreal Engine Stands Out

Unreal Engine is like the Ferrari of game engines—sleek, fast, and absolutely jaw-dropping. Its high-fidelity graphics are unmatched, thanks to features like real-time ray tracing and photorealistic rendering. Developers also love its versatility. From creating photorealistic humans (hello, uncanny valley) to crafting dynamic weather systems, this engine can do it all.

Epic Games Store Hits Powered by Unreal Engine

- Fortnite: You know it, you’ve probably played it, and yep, it’s built on Unreal Engine. The game’s smooth animations, massive maps, and constant updates are a testament to the power of this engine.
- The Outer Worlds: This sci-fi RPG impresses not just with its story but with its vibrant, alien landscapes that come alive, courtesy of Unreal’s tech.
- Borderlands 3: All that explosive, in-your-face action? Thank Unreal Engine for making mayhem look so good.

2. Unity: The Underdog with Unlimited Potential

More Than Just an Indie Darling

While Unity is often thought of as the indie favorite (and for good reason), it’s also used to create larger projects. Unity’s strength lies in its flexibility. It’s like an all-terrain vehicle that handles both tiny indie games and bigger hits with ease.

Unity’s Secret Sauce

Unity is known for its accessibility. The engine works well for 2D and 3D games, giving developers complete creative freedom. Plus, its library of assets and tools for cross-platform development makes it a fan favorite.

Epic Games Store Titles Built with Unity

- Hollow Knight: This modern classic is a stunning example of what Unity is capable of. The game’s hand-drawn art style and smooth animations make it unforgettable.
- Cuphead: Got a soft spot for that 1930s cartoon vibe? Unity helped bring those iconic and painstakingly detailed frames to life.

3. Decima Engine: Guerilla Games’ Marvel

The Tech Behind Death Stranding

If you’ve ever played Death Stranding and found yourself floored by its surreal landscapes, you’re looking at the handiwork of the Decima Engine. Developed by Guerilla Games, this engine is all about delivering mind-blowing visuals and seamless open-world gameplay. Kojima Productions (the studio behind Death Stranding) knew what they were doing when they picked this tech.

Decima’s Standout Features

Decima doesn’t just make games look good; it ensures they feel good too. Its ability to craft vast, detailed worlds while keeping loading times shockingly low makes it perfect for narrative-driven open-world titles.

Epic Games Store Gems Running on Decima

- Death Stranding: Rain-soaked mountains, eerie holograms, and Norman Reedus looking better than ever—that’s the Decima Engine for you.

4. CryEngine: Crytek’s Visual Powerhouse

A Feast for the Eyes

If you love games that push the boundaries of realism, you’ve likely encountered CryEngine. This beast of an engine is famous for delivering jaw-dropping visuals while also keeping gameplay silky smooth. And while Crytek isn’t churning out as many games these days, third-party developers still use CryEngine to create some absolute stunners.

CryEngine’s Claim to Fame

CryEngine specializes in realism, whether it’s ultra-detailed foliage swaying in the wind or dynamic lighting that feels straight out of a movie. It’s one of those engines that makes you stop mid-game and just… stare.

Notable CryEngine Titles on Epic Games Store

- Hunt: Showdown: This PvPvE shooter excels at creating dark, foreboding atmospheres. Thanks, CryEngine.
- Crysis Remastered: The game that once melted PCs is back, and it’s shining brighter than ever with CryEngine’s updates.

5. Frostbite: EA’s Secret Weapon

Built for Battle

The Frostbite Engine, created by EA DICE, is all about immersion. From destructible environments to photorealistic character models, this engine makes sure no corner of its games feels lazy or unfinished.

What Makes Frostbite Special?

Its destruction physics. You know those insane moments in games where walls crumble, buildings collapse, or explosions send debris flying everywhere? That's Frostbite showing off.

Epic Games Store Titles Running Frostbite

While Frostbite is mostly seen in EA-published games on other platforms, its influence has started creeping into the Epic Games Store too, especially as the store’s catalog grows.

6. REDengine: CD Projekt Red’s Masterpiece

The Engine Behind The Witcher Series

CD Projekt Red’s in-house engine, REDengine, was tailored specifically for story-heavy, open-world games. It’s like a custom-made suit—perfectly matched to the developer’s needs.

Why REDengine Deserves Kudos

This engine handles sprawling, highly detailed worlds and intricate quest lines without breaking a sweat. Plus, it’s optimized for emotion-heavy cutscenes and character interaction, which is kind of CD Projekt Red’s bread and butter.

Epic Games Store Winner

- The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. Enough said. From its vibrant sunsets to its rain-drenched fields, this engine delivers a fantasy world that feels alive and full of wonder.

Final Thoughts: What’s Next for Game Engines?

Game engines are evolving faster than ever, driven by new tech like AI and cloud computing. Expect more realistic graphics, smarter NPCs, and even fully procedurally generated worlds in the near future. And while Unreal Engine might sit comfortably on its throne for now, competition from other engines ensures that the future of gaming will be nothing short of epic.

So, next time you’re diving into a game, take a moment to appreciate the engine behind it. It’s like the unsung bassist in your favorite band—quietly holding everything together.