Uncovering the Best Epic Games Store Alternatives for PC Gamers
The Epic Games Store has carved out a significant niche in the PC gaming landscape, offering exclusive titles, developer-friendly revenue splits, and frequent free game giveaways. However, for various reasons, including specific game libraries, community features, or personal preferences, many gamers look for robust Epic Games Store alternative platforms. Whether you're seeking broader game selections, DRM-free options, or more integrated community experiences, there's a digital storefront out there for you.
Top Epic Games Store Alternatives
If you're ready to explore beyond the Epic Games Store, a wealth of excellent platforms awaits. Each offers unique advantages, from massive game catalogs to developer-focused initiatives. Here are some of the leading contenders:
Steam
Steam, developed by Valve Corporation, is arguably the most dominant digital distribution platform for PC games. It offers a massive library, extensive community features like integrated chat and social feeds, and robust tools like Proton support for Linux users and comprehensive controller support. If you're looking for a mature, feature-rich platform with a colossal game selection, Steam is a prime Epic Games Store alternative available on Freemium, Mac, Windows, Linux, Web, Android, and iPhone.
GOG.com
GOG.com (Good Old Games) stands out as an excellent Epic Games Store alternative, primarily for its commitment to DRM-free gaming. This means you own your games outright, without needing an active internet connection to play them. GOG.com offers a curated selection of classic and modern PC games, updated to run on the latest operating systems, and includes features like achievements, ad-free experience, and an optional launcher, making it available on Freemium, Mac, Windows, Linux, Web, and Software as a Service (SaaS).
Humble Bundle
Humble Bundle offers a unique approach to game distribution, combining commercial game sales with charitable giving. You can buy bundles of games, set your own price (within limits), and contribute to charity in the process. Most games are DRM-free and compatible with Windows, Mac, and Linux, making it a compelling Epic Games Store alternative for value-conscious and charity-minded gamers. It's available on Commercial, Mac, Windows, Linux, Web, Android, and Android Tablet.
GOG GALAXY
GOG GALAXY is more than just a game launcher; it's a client designed for a convenient purchasing, playing, and updating DRM-free games. What makes it a standout Epic Games Store alternative is its ability to unify your game libraries from various platforms into one place, offering features like achievements, auto-updates, cloud sync, and cross-platform online play. It's available for Free on Mac, Windows, and Snapcraft.
itch.io
itch.io is an online game marketplace and community that focuses on independent game developers. It offers a vast collection of unique and experimental titles, often with flexible pricing models (including pay-what-you-want). As an open-source, DRM-free platform with an app for managing downloads and updates, itch.io is a fantastic Epic Games Store alternative for discovering innovative indie games and directly supporting creators. It's available for Free and Open Source on Mac, Windows, Linux, Web, Android, and Android Tablet.
Origin
Origin is Electronic Arts' (EA) digital distribution platform, serving as the primary portal for their extensive catalog of games. If you're a fan of EA titles like Battlefield, FIFA, or The Sims, Origin is a necessary Epic Games Store alternative. It's a Free platform available on Mac, Windows, and Web, providing a dedicated downloader for all your EA game needs.
Battle.net App
The Battle.net App is Blizzard Entertainment's official desktop application, designed to streamline the experience of playing Blizzard games like World of Warcraft, Overwatch, and Diablo. It's an essential Epic Games Store alternative for fans of Blizzard's specific franchises, offering a centralized games library and integrated chat functionalities. It's available for Free on Mac and Windows.
Uplay
Uplay is Ubisoft's digital distribution platform, providing access to their wide range of PC games, including popular franchises like Assassin's Creed, Far Cry, and Rainbow Six. As a dedicated platform for Ubisoft titles, Uplay serves as a crucial Epic Games Store alternative for players heavily invested in their ecosystem, offering multi-platform support for gaming. It's available for Free on Windows.
Desura
Desura is a digital distribution service that focuses on independent games, mods, and downloadable content, making it a robust Epic Games Store alternative for discovering niche titles. It offers a DRM-free approach to many of its offerings and incorporates social network features for its community. While perhaps less mainstream, Desura provides a unique platform for gamers looking for diverse and often experimental content. It's available for Free on Windows and Linux.
Twitch App
While primarily known for game streaming, the Twitch App also functions as a game launcher and a platform for communicating with friends and teammates. With features like auto-updates, in-game overlay, and voice chat, it can serve as an Epic Games Store alternative, especially for those who are already deeply integrated into the Twitch ecosystem and enjoy game streaming and community interaction. It's available for Free on Mac, Windows, Web, Android, iPhone, Android Tablet, and iPad.
Ultimately, the best Epic Games Store alternative depends on your individual priorities as a gamer. Whether you prioritize a vast game library, DRM-free ownership, indie titles, or specific publisher ecosystems, there's a platform designed to meet your needs. Explore these options and find the perfect digital home for your gaming adventures.