Download & Installation
Prey (2017) – Complete Download & Installation Guide
This guide covers all official ways to download and install Prey (2017) on PC (Steam, Epic Games Store, Xbox Game Pass for PC), Xbox One/Series X|S, and PlayStation 4 (including backward compatibility on PS5). Prey is not available on Nintendo Switch, Android, or iOS.
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Platform Overview & Legitimate Sources
| Platform | Store / Subscription | Account Required | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| PC (Windows) | [Steam](https://store.steampowered.com/app/480490/Prey/) | Steam account | DRM-free? No, uses Denuvo (removed in later updates? Actually Denuvo was removed in 2020, so no DRM now). |
| PC (Windows) | [Epic Games Store](https://store.epicgames.com/en-US/p/prey) | Epic Games account | Includes all DLC (Mooncrash). |
| PC (Windows) | Xbox Game Pass (PC) | Microsoft account | Requires active Game Pass subscription. Uses Xbox app. |
| **Xbox One / Series X\ | S** | Microsoft Store (digital) / Physical disc | Microsoft account (for digital) |
| PlayStation 4 / PS5 | PlayStation Store (digital) / Physical disc | PlayStation Network account | PS5 runs via backward compatibility; no native PS5 version. |
| PC (Windows) | Bethesda.net Launcher (legacy, now closed) | N/A | No longer available; migrate to Steam.[^1] |
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System Requirements (PC)
#### Minimum
- OS: Windows 7/8/10 (64-bit)
- CPU: Intel Core i5-2400 or AMD FX-8320
- RAM: 8 GB
- GPU: NVIDIA GTX 660 (2 GB) or AMD Radeon 7850 (2 GB)
- DirectX: Version 11
- Storage: 20 GB free space (HDD recommended; SSD improves loading)
- Sound: DirectX compatible
- OS: Windows 10 (64-bit)
- CPU: Intel Core i7-2600K or AMD FX-8350
- RAM: 16 GB
- GPU: NVIDIA GTX 970 (4 GB) or AMD R9 290 (4 GB)
- DirectX: Version 11
- Storage: 20 GB free space (SSD strongly recommended)
- Sound: DirectX compatible
- Digital: Purchase from Microsoft Store on console or web. It auto-adds to your library. Go to My games & apps → select Prey → Install.
- Physical: Insert disc. Console installs from disc (and downloads patches).
- Storage: ~20 GB. Ensure enough internal or external drive space.
- Playing on Series X|S: Prey runs via backward compatibility with auto HDR and faster load times.
- Digital: Buy from PlayStation Store (on console or web). Download from Library → Purchased.
- Physical: Insert disc. Install from disc.
- PS5: Insert PS4 disc (or launch digital version from library). PS5 runs in backward compatibility mode. No separate PS5 version.
- Storage: ~20 GB. Use internal or external USB drive (PS4 games can be played from extended storage on PS5).
- Steam: Free Steam account; must own game.
- Epic Games: Free Epic account; game must be purchased.
- Xbox (PC/Console): Microsoft account; Game Pass subscription needed for PC Game Pass.
- PlayStation: PlayStation Network account; game must be purchased.
#### Recommended
Note: The game runs well on modern hardware. For ray tracing or high FPS, stronger GPU/CPU is needed – Prey does not support RTX natively.
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Installation Step-by-Step by Platform
#### PC – Steam
1. Install Steam: Download from [store.steampowered.com](https://store.steampowered.com) and install.
2. Create/Log in to your Steam account.
3. Purchase Prey (or redeem a key). Go to Store → search "Prey". Add to cart and complete purchase.
4. Install: Go to your Library → find Prey → click Install.
5. Choose Location: Select drive (ensure at least 20 GB free). Click Next.
6. Download: Steam downloads ~20 GB. Internet speed affects time.
7. Launch: After download, click Play. First launch may install prerequisites (DirectX, Visual C++).
#### PC – Epic Games Store
1. Install Epic Games Launcher from [epicgames.com](https://www.epicgames.com/store/en-US/).
2. Log in to your Epic account.
3. Claim/Buy Prey: Search "Prey" in store. If purchased, it appears in Library.
4. Install: In Library, click Prey → Install. Choose location and confirm.
5. Wait for Download: Similar size ~20 GB.
6. Launch: Click Launch button.
#### PC – Xbox Game Pass
1. Subscribe to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate or PC Game Pass via Microsoft Store or [xbox.com](https://www.xbox.com/en-US/games/pc-game-pass).
2. Install Xbox App from Microsoft Store (if not already).
3. Log in with your Microsoft account.
4. Find Prey: In Xbox App, search "Prey". Click Install.
5. Select Drive: The app installs to default WindowsApps folder (customizable in Settings).
6. Download & Play: Installation proceeds; click Play when ready.
#### Xbox One / Series X|S
#### PlayStation 4 / PS5
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Account Requirements
No additional Bethesda.net login is required for any version (legacy launcher discontinued).
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First Launch Setup
1. Graphics Options: At first launch, the game detects hardware. Adjust settings:
- Resolution: Match your monitor.
- V-Sync: Off if you have adaptive sync monitor.
- Graphics Quality: Start with High; lower if FPS below 60.
- FOV: Default 90; can increase for wider view (up to 110).
2. Audio: Ensure correct output device and language.
3. Controls: Keyboard/mouse or gamepad. Adjust sensitivity.
4. Accessibility: Subtitles can be toggled, text size options exist.
5. Save & Exit: Once in main menu, settings saved automatically.
Note: The game may prompt to install additional components (DirectX, VC++). Accept.
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Common Installation Errors & Fixes
| Error | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Disk Write Error (Steam) | Corrupted download cache or insufficient permissions | Verify integrity (see below); run Steam as admin; clear download cache in Settings → Downloads. |
| Missing DLL (e.g., xinput1_3.dll) | DirectX not installed | Install DirectX from [Microsoft](https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=35) or from _CommonRedist folder in game directory. |
| Low FPS / Stutter | Outdated drivers or background apps | Update GPU drivers (NVIDIA/AMD); close overlays (Discord, Xbox Game Bar); lower graphics settings. |
| Installation stuck at 0% (Xbox App) | Corrupted Microsoft Store cache | Run `wsreset` in Command Prompt as admin; reset Xbox app via Settings → Apps. |
| Game won't launch / black screen | Antivirus blocking | Add game executable to antivirus exceptions; run as admin. |
| Sound issues | Audio format mismatch | Set Windows audio to 16-bit 48000 Hz; disable spatial sound. |
| Save game corruption (rare) | Cloud sync conflict | Disable cloud saves temporarily (Steam: right-click game → Properties → General → uncheck cloud). |
- Steam: Right-click Prey → Properties → Local Files → Verify integrity of game files.
- Epic: In Library, click three dots on Prey → Manage → Verify.
- Xbox App: In My Library, select Prey → ... → Manage → Files → Verify and repair.
- Console (Xbox/PS): No direct verify; delete local save? Uninstall and reinstall if issues persist.
- Denuvo Removal: Prey's original Denuvo DRM was removed in a 2020 update; no performance impact from DRM now.
- Mods: Prey supports mods (via Nexus Mods). Install using Vortex or manually. Enable mods in `Documents\My Games\Prey\gameprefs.ini`.
- Ultrawide Support: Native 21:9 support is good; HUD can be modded for 32:9.
- High Refresh Rate: The engine (CryEngine) supports high FPS; cap via in-game V-Sync or external.
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Post-Installation Verification
1. Launch the game and check that the main menu loads without errors.
2. Start a new game and play for at least 5 minutes to ensure no crashes.
3. Check for updates:
- On PC, store/launcher auto-updates. Manually check for patches.
- On console, ensure latest console system update and game patch installed.
4. Verify DLC (Mooncrash): If purchased, it should appear in main menu under "New Game" → "Mooncrash".
5. Adjust settings for optimal performance. Use benchmarks like inside the game (Volta area) or external tools.
6. Back up saves:
- Steam: `C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\userdata\[userID]\480490\remote`
- Epic: `C:\Users\[username]\Documents\My Games\Prey\SaveGames`
- Xbox: Cloud saves only (manual backup not possible).
- PlayStation: Cloud save via PS+ or USB backup.
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Additional Tips
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[^1]: Bethesda.net launcher shut down in May 2022. Players could migrate their game libraries to Steam. If you owned Prey on Bethesda.net, you should have received a free Steam key. Contact Bethesda support if missing.