Steam alternatives are other places to get and play PC games, such as publisher launchers, indie stores and DRM-free shops. Publisher launchers carry their own big games, indie stores are great for small and experimental titles, and DRM-free shops let you keep and install games without an online check. Most PC gamers end up using two or three.
Steam is the biggest PC game store, but it isn't the only one, and some games never appear there at all. If you play on PC, you've probably already got a second launcher whether you wanted one or not.
Here are ten Steam alternatives, in no particular order and sorted alphabetically. They include launchers from big publishers, stores for indie games and a shop built around DRM-free games.
Each one has a different reason to exist. Some carry games you can't get anywhere else, some regularly give games away, and some focus on small creators.
The biggest difference, though, is how they treat the games you own, and that's where DRM comes in.
Steam alternatives compared
In the free plan column, Yes means the store's own site offers free games or a free service, and No means that isn't stated there. Every store here is free to browse, but check what a free game includes before you download it.
| Tool | Type | Good for | Free plan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Battle.net | Publisher launcher | Blizzard and partner games | Yes |
| EA app | Publisher launcher | EA games and free-to-play titles | Yes |
| Epic Games Store | PC game store | Exclusives and free game offers | Yes |
| Game Jolt | Indie games platform | Small indie games and creators | No |
| GOG | DRM-free game store | Classic and DRM-free games | Yes |
| Humble Store | PC game store | Bundles and store sales | No |
| Indiegala | PC game store | Bundles and free giveaways | Yes |
| itch.io | Indie game store | Experimental and free indie games | Yes |
| Ubisoft Connect | Publisher launcher | Ubisoft games across PC and console | Yes |
| Xbox app | PC game launcher | Xbox games on Windows PCs | No |
Ten Steam alternatives for PC gamers
Battle.net
Best for: Players of Blizzard games and the other big titles sold through its launcher.
EA app
Best for: Fans of EA games who want their library and free-to-play titles in one place.
Epic Games Store
Best for: PC players who like big exclusives and keep an eye out for free game offers.
Game Jolt
Best for: Players who enjoy small indie games and following the people who make them.
GOG
Best for: Players who want to own their games outright and love classics as well as new releases.
Humble Store
Best for: Bargain hunters who like game bundles and supporting good causes as they shop.
Indiegala
Best for: Players who like bundles, store sales and the occasional free giveaway.
itch.io
Best for: Curious players who want experimental indie games, many of them free.
Ubisoft Connect
Best for: Ubisoft fans who want rewards and progress across PC and console.
Xbox app
Best for: Windows players who want Xbox games and the Xbox library on their PC.
What DRM-free means for the games you own
Here's the difference most players never think about until it bites. GOG's about page says that on its store you won't be locked out of titles you own or constantly asked to prove you own them, and calls this DRM-free gaming. It also says its desktop client is optional.
In practice, that means you can download the installer and keep it, so a game still works if a launcher changes or your connection drops. On most other stores, the launcher stays between you and the game, which is fine until it isn't.
Free games and giveaways across stores
Several stores on this list give games away or carry free-to-play titles, which is a lovely way to try something new. Claim them when they're offered, even if you won't play straight away, because they stay in your library once claimed on most stores.
Just keep an eye on what you install. Free-to-play games often lean on in-game shops, so check the store page before you hand the game to a younger player in the family.
Want AI doing the heavy lifting in your marketing?
I build the systems that handle the boring 80 percent, so you get your week back. Done properly, with the human kept in.
Choosing which launchers to keep
- Exclusives: some games only come out on one store.
- Ownership: DRM-free stores let you keep installers.
- Friends: pick the launcher your friends play on.
- Free games: some stores give games away regularly.
- PC resources: every launcher running at startup slows things down.
Keeping several launchers tidy
- Install only the launchers for games you play.
- Turn off launch at startup in each launcher's settings.
- Use the same email and a password manager for every account.
- Turn on two-step login to protect your libraries.
- Uninstall launchers you haven't opened in months.
Playing more for less
Free games and subscriptions can stretch your library a long way. Here's how to claim free PC games through gaming subscriptions without missing the good ones.
And if you play away from a good connection, my guide on whether you can play Terraria offline shows how much difference the store and settings make.
Do you make PC game stores or launchers? Tool makers can ask to be considered for a featured place on this list.
My plain advice on Steam alternatives
Keep Steam if you like it, and add other stores only when a game you want lives there. There's no prize for having every launcher on your PC.
If owning your games matters to you, give a DRM-free store a look for older favourites. And whichever stores you use, protect each account with two-step login, because a stolen game library is a horrible thing to lose.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best alternative to Steam?
It depends on the games you play. Publisher launchers carry their own games, and indie stores suit smaller titles.
Are there free games on Steam alternatives?
Yes. Several stores offer free-to-play games or regular free giveaways.
What does DRM-free mean?
It means you can download and keep a game's installer without an online check to play.
Do I need a launcher to play PC games?
On most stores, yes. DRM-free stores let you install games without one.
Can I move my Steam games to another store?
No. Games stay on the store where you got them.
Is it safe to use several game launchers?
Yes, if you use strong passwords and two-step login on each account.
Which store is best for indie games?
Indie-focused stores have the widest range of small and experimental games.
Do game launchers slow down my PC?
They can if they all start with Windows, so turn off launch at startup.
Can I play Xbox games on a PC?
Yes. Microsoft's app brings Xbox games to Windows PCs.
Why are some games only on one store?
Publishers sometimes release games only on their own launcher or one store.
Can I play my games offline?
DRM-free games can be played offline. Other launchers may need you online now and then.
How do I keep track of games across stores?
Keep a simple list, or use a launcher that shows libraries from other stores.
