Get Hogwarts Legacy on Steam for the Best Overall Experience

As an avid gamer and content creator who has covered Hogwarts Legacy extensively, I recommend purchasing the game on Steam if possible. While the Epic Games Store version is solid, Steam‘s social features, frequent discounts, workshop mods, and controller support give it the edge for most players.

Game Performance and Hardware Requirements

Hogwarts Legacy‘s stunning open world is demanding on hardware. But according to WB Games, both the Steam and Epic versions have the same minimum and recommended PC requirements.

Minimum

• OS: Windows 10 64-bit
• CPU: Intel Core i5-8400 or AMD Ryzen 5 2600
• RAM: 16GB
• GPU: Nvidia GTX 960 4GB or AMD RX 470 4GB
• Storage: 85GB HDD

Recommended

• OS: Windows 10 64-bit
• CPU: Intel Core i7-8700 or AMD Ryzen 5 3600
• RAM: 16GB
• GPU: Nvidia GTX 1080 Ti or AMD RX 5700 XT
• Storage: 85GB SSD

So if your PC can handle these specs, Hogwarts Legacy should perform well regardless of buying it on Steam or Epic. Smooth 60fps gameplay at 1080p resolution is achievable on the recommended hardware.

According to Tom‘s Hardware testing, an RTX 3060 TiFounders Edition GPU averaged 86fps at 1080p ultra settings. And the game is well-optimized across various PC configurations.

Hogwarts Legacy Benchmark Data

Credit: Tom‘s Hardware GPU benchmark testing on Hogwarts Legacy demo

So while the Epic Store version won‘t perform any worse, Steam games do have access to optimizations provided by the Steam Deck verification process.

Exclusive Content and DLC

As covered by fellow gaming sites like IGN and GameSpot, the initial exclusive quest and cosmetics for PlayStation Hogwarts Legacy players will launch on Xbox and PC later this year.

The Haunted Hogsmeade quest, featuring an alternate ending and the Shopkeeper character pack, are timed exclusives until July 2023 based on leaks. The Felix Felicis potion recipe is permanent for PlayStation.

For DLC plans, the game director did confirm future expansions are being actively discussed in interviews. So expect substantial future content given the game‘s success. And any DLC would launch across all platforms.

So while minor exclusive items exist, Steam and Epic will have access to the same core game and upcoming additional content.

Storefront Features and Mod Support

Hogwarts Legacy mods are already being built by fans before release. But Steam Workshop integration makes finding and installing community mods much easier compared to manual Epic installations.

Some mods shown pre-launch include:

• Custom character creation assets
• New spells and abilities
• Overhauled sorting hat quiz
• Next gen graphics updates

Steam also offers more social features, especially as Hogwarts Legacy has full multiplayer co-op integration now. Steam groups, achievement showcases, friend activity feeds, and remote play together support enhances the social experience.

Other Steam perks like forums, user reviews, and controller customization tools are valuable as well. I use the integrated DualSense controller support myself for most third person action RPGs.

Meanwhile, the Epic Games Store has weekly free game offerings and a clean, simple design. But frequent sales discounts on Steam make up for this difference.

Pricing and Refund Policy

Both Steam and Epic offer a no-questions-asked refund policy within 14 days of purchase and under 2 hours playtime.

For pricing, Hogwarts Legacy‘s cost is the same $59.99 on PC across platforms. Regional pricing can vary. And you‘ll need a Steam account and the client app installed obviously, which are also free.

Historically, Steam hosts seasonal sales more frequently. So cost-conscious gamers may find cheaper discounts on Steam over time.

For example, according to SteamDB pricing data, popular games see an average discount of:

• Steam seasonal sales: 60% off
• Epic limited-time sales: 50% off

So Steam often edges out Epic Games pricing, but both offer refund flexibility.

Wrapping Up

While you can happily enjoy Hogwarts Legacy on either platform, Steam ultimately provides the most robust overall experience. Rich mod support, a thriving social environment, frequent discounts and seamless controller integration give it the edge. Combined with the same great core game as the Epic release, I suggest all PC gamers get Hogwarts Legacy on Steam if possible.

Let me know if this overview helps explain the key Steam vs Epic differences for the game! I‘m happy to answer any other questions my fellow witches and wizards may have.