Steam, operated by Valve, has long been the dominant force in PC game distribution, offering an unparalleled library, community features, and sales events. However, the modern digital landscape for gamers is far richer, featuring several robust alternatives that cater to niche audiences, offer unique value propositions, or provide access to different exclusive titles. Diversifying your digital game shelf beyond Steam can lead to better deals, a focus on specific genres like gambling360 online pokies Australia, and new features you might not find elsewhere.
Here are five of the best Steam alternatives that every PC gamer should consider.
1. Epic Games Store:
The Epic Games Store (EGS) burst onto the scene as Steam’s primary challenger, largely due to its aggressive market strategy built on two key pillars: free games and developer-friendly terms.
EGS has attracted millions of users by giving away at least one, and often two, high-quality games each week. Once claimed, these games are permanently added to the user’s library, allowing players to quickly amass an impressive collection without spending a dime. Additionally, EGS takes a significantly smaller revenue cut from developers (12% versus Steam’s standard 30%), a model that encourages developers to publish their games on the platform and occasionally secure exclusive titles. While EGS initially lacked many of Steam’s community features, like forums or a mod workshop, its interface is sleek, and it continues to add features, making it a viable primary launcher for many modern titles.
2. GOG (Good Old Games):
GOG.com operates on a fundamental philosophy centred on digital ownership: when you buy a game, you should truly own it, free from restrictive Digital Rights Management (DRM). This means every game purchased on GOG comes with an optional standalone installer, allowing users to download, backup, and play their games offline forever, without ever needing the GOG Galaxy client or an internet connection to launch.
While GOG is renowned for preserving classic “good old games” (often pre-configured to run perfectly on modern Windows systems), its library has expanded significantly to include many newer AAA and indie titles. Their optional GOG Galaxy client is also one of the best available, offering a universal library that unifies and manages games installed from Steam, EGS, and other launchers into a single interface. This platform is the undisputed choice for gamers who prioritise ownership, game preservation, and anti-DRM principles.
3. Xbox App / PC Game Pass:
For gamers who prefer playing a wide range of games without the commitment of purchasing each one individually, the Xbox App on PC, combined with the PC Game Pass subscription, offers unmatched value. This service is often described as the “Netflix for games.”
For a single monthly fee, subscribers gain access to a rotating catalogue of hundreds of PC games. Critically, this includes all new titles from Xbox Game Studios (such as Starfield and Forza Horizon) on the day they release, along with a large selection of popular third-party and indie games. The Xbox App integrates seamlessly with Windows, supporting cross-play with the Xbox console ecosystem and enabling easy cloud saves and achievements. It is an ideal alternative for budget-conscious gamers and those who enjoy constantly trying out the newest releases.
4. itch.io:
Itch.io is the platform for those who want to explore the bleeding edge of independent and experimental game development. Unlike the mass-market appeal of Steam or Epic, itch.io is a community-driven marketplace explicitly built to empower indie creators.
The platform offers developers maximum freedom, including the option to set their own revenue split (often 0%) and customise their storefront pages. Consequently, the library is filled with unique, personal, and often experimental projects, many of which originated in “game jams” or use a pay-what-you-want pricing model. If you are looking for niche genres, narrative-driven experiences, prototypes, or want to support small creators directly, itch.io provides an authentic and unfiltered view into the world of independent game design.
5. Humble Bundle:
Humble Bundle started as a platform selling limited-time, pay-what-you-want game bundles, with a portion of the proceeds going to charity. Today, it has evolved into a full digital storefront and subscription service, retaining its charitable mission.
Humble Bundle excels at offering steep discounts through its themed bundles, where users can acquire multiple high-quality games at very low prices while supporting various charitable causes. Its monthly subscription service, Humble Choice, curates a selection of games that members can download and keep forever. While most games purchased here are delivered as Steam keys, Humble also sells titles directly, offering a great way to expand your game library affordably and ethically, making it a reliable resource for conscious consumers and dedicated deal hunters.