Summary

  • EDF6 removes Steam-Epic Games account linking requirement after backlash.
  • Controversial account requirement resulted in the game getting review bombed.
  • Fans express relief over removal of requirement.

Earth Defense Force 6 has announced the removal of players needing to sign in and link their Steam account with Epic Games in order to play the game's online multiplayer mode on PC. Earth Defense Force 6 is the latest release in the niche sci-fi third-person shooter series, where players are tasked with defending the earth from alien invasions. EDF6 was finally released in the West for the first time in July 2024 for the PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and PC, after being a Japan-only release for two years. While the cult following of fans were mostly pleased with its release on consoles, the PC version of the game sparked quite a bit of backlash.

Earth Defense Force 6 was review bombed on Steam during its initial release, with negative reviews flooding the game's page due to a requirement that was not communicated to its players. While most reviews did criticize the graphics and poor performance on PC, the main crux of the ire was drawn from how Earth Defense Force 6 required players to connect to their Epic Games Store account for online play. The backlash of players requiring a third-party account just to play on Steam was enough for the developers to address it, saying that some changes would be made.

Some Earth Defense Force 6 players are facing frustrating desync issues
Some Earth Defense Force 6 Players Are Having Desync Issues

Adding to the existing issues in Earth Defense Force 6, some players are now facing frustrating desync problems and seeking help from the community.

By 

In a recent statement on EDF6's Steam page, it was announced that the latest version of the game has dropped the original Epic Games account sign-in requirements. Players who update their game to the latest version can play Earth Defense Force 6's online missions without needing to sign in, and they can unlink their Steam account from their Epic Games account if they wish.

Earth Defense Force 6 Online Multiplayer No Longer Requires Steam and Epic Games Account Linking

Many players of the game were glad that D3Publisher and Sandlot addressed this controversial requirement, some expressing excitement about being able to play the game with their friends without needing to link their Steam account to another third-party service. The update also gave fans some instructions on how to unlink the two accounts for any players of Earth Defense Force 6's PC version who already linked the two accounts.

The initial requirements of players needing to link their Steam account to a third-party service was compared to Helldivers 2's infamous PSN linking controversy, which also resulted in the game getting review bombed on release. Sony ultimately rescinded Helldivers 2's PSN account requirements on Steam after it faced massive amounts of public backlash. While Earth Defense Force 6 fans are ultimately pleased at the removal of the controversial requirement, some fans are raising their concerns over how the game is still experiencing desyncing issues and crashes.

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Earth Defense Force 6 Tag Page Cover Art

Earth Defense Force 6
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Third-Person Shooter
Action
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Systems
PC-1 PlayStation-1
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Top Critic Avg: 74 /100 Critics Rec: 67%
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Released
July 24, 2024
ESRB
M For Mature 17+ Due To Blood, Intense Violence
Developer(s)
Sandlot
Publisher(s)
D3Publisher
Engine
Havok
Multiplayer
Online Co-Op, Local Co-Op
Franchise
Earth Defense Force
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WHERE TO PLAY

SUBSCRIPTION
DIGITAL
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Live the future of despair.

2022 AD. The sequel to "EARTH DEFENSE FORCE 5" depicts the battle between the EDF and alien life forms that have suddenly attacked the Earth. Players take on the role of an EDF soldier in this third-person shooter in which they must destroy a large number of giant enemies.

Story:
The year is 2024 AD. Mankind has won the long battle against the unknown invaders. The enemy Primers are now gone and peace has returned to Mother Earth. However, the population has shrunk to 10% and the world was on the verge of collapse. The survivors fought against the remaining threats while trying their best to continue their recovery. Three years passed in the year 2027. In a new world without hope, the time has come to once again resist the fate of the Earth.

Save the future of Earth in the new world.
The identity of the invader that has long tormented Earth is finally revealed. A chain of deep despair that strikes in a devastated world for the first time in the series...But your presence as a soldier of the EDF will lead humanity to the greatest joy. Now you must face it with courage and wisdom.

The largest volume in the history of the series. Supports online co-op play.
The largest number of missions and weapons ever included. All missions support online co-op play for up to four players. Take control of four different soldier classes and fight alongside real EDF members from across the country.

Genre(s)
Third-Person Shooter, Action
OpenCritic Rating
Fair