Best PC Game Clients

by

Gamers often end up with many different programs installed on their computers just to play games. Platforms like Steam, Epic Games Store, and the EA App all require their own application, which can quickly clutter a PC. These programs act as central hubs where players can browse, purchase, and launch their games, essentially creating a digital game collection.

PC game launchers aren’t all the same. Some focus on games from a single developer, while others offer a broad selection. With so many options available, which launchers give you the best value? We’ll be looking at how many games they offer, how easy they are to use, how well they perform, their deals and rewards programs, how much they cost, and what social features they include to help you decide.

Itch.io App

The Best Place for Indie and Browser Games

If you’re a fan of indie games, you definitely need to get the Itch.io app for your computer. It’s full of unique and interesting games, many of which are very affordable or even free! It’s a great option for gamers who want to have fun without spending a lot of money and are excited to try out new, undiscovered titles. You won’t find major, blockbuster games here, but the sheer number of promising indie projects more than makes up for it.

A great thing about the Itch.io app is its ability to add games you find on the Itch.io website directly into the app. This means you can still play those games, even without an internet connection. Plus, it works perfectly for players using Linux!

Xbox App

Easy Access to Game Pass Titles on PC

If you have Xbox Game Pass, the PC app is essential. Even though the Ultimate plan recently got more expensive, the Essential and Premium plans still offer a good selection of games. A great perk of Game Pass is the ability to easily switch between playing games on your PC and your Xbox Series X/S console.

Even if you don’t have an Xbox console, the Xbox App and Game Pass still offer great value, especially with the PC Game Pass which includes new releases on day one. For anyone wanting access to a lot of games with a monthly subscription, this is the best option for your money.

Epic Games Launcher

Must-Have for Its Free Giveaways

The Epic Games Launcher is a good choice for gamers looking to save money. Every week, Epic gives away free games – usually on Thursdays – for both PC and mobile. These aren’t just small, unknown games either; you can often find double-A and even triple-A titles that would normally cost a significant amount.

Epic Games has given away a lot of free games over the years – enough to make creating an account worthwhile. Just between 2024 and 2025, players could get titles like Control, Vampire Survivors, Ghostrunner 2, Dredge, and Dead Island 2 for free. Plus, any money you do spend on Epic Games earns you Epic Rewards, which you can use on future purchases. While Epic’s game selection isn’t as huge as Steam’s, the combination of free games and rewards makes it a great option for building a game library without spending a lot of money.

GOG Galaxy

Best for Older and DRM-Free Games

CD Projekt, the creators of popular games like The Witcher and Cyberpunk 2077, also developed GOG Galaxy. This PC game platform is a strong competitor to platforms like Steam and Epic Games. One of its biggest strengths is its library of classic games, which surpasses what many other platforms offer. For instance, fans of the Silent Hill series can find the fourth game in the series on GOG Galaxy, but it isn’t available on Steam.

GOG Galaxy’s commitment to DRM-free games is a real advantage, even though you can find some DRM-free titles on other platforms. Being able to play games without an internet connection is great, and it’s nice that GOG Galaxy sees itself as a helpful tool rather than something you need to play your games – that’s a welcome approach these days.

Steam

The Most Complete PC Game Client

For years, Steam has been the leading platform for PC gamers because it prioritizes its users and isn’t overly focused on maximizing profits. People often share positive stories about Steam’s customer service – and for good reason. They’re known for quickly resolving problems, processing refunds, and securing accounts that have been compromised.

Steam’s biggest strength is its incredible variety of games, offering everything from major releases to independent creations and free-to-play options. Frequent sales and special offers make it easy for players to find great deals. While the Steam interface hasn’t had a major visual overhaul, its consistent functionality proves how well it works. It’s simple, reliable, and often faster to navigate than other PC gaming platforms.

That’s only a small part of what makes Steam great. Its social features, like Workshops, game guides, and voice chat, are excellent. Plus, the fact that you can play many Steam games on Linux using Proton is a huge achievement for Valve, and that alone makes it the best PC game platform out there.

Read More

2025-11-01 10:34