Best PC Game Platforms Like Steam, Epic Games Store and GOG
Your PC game library might be spread across five different apps right now. That gets messy fast, because each store has its own sales, rules, and sign-in. So this guide looks at the best PC game platforms, including Steam, Epic Games Store, and GOG.
By the end, you will know how each store handles price, free games, and ownership. Whether you own a gaming rig or an older laptop, one of these PC game platforms should suit you. A few smaller stores also get a quick look.
What PC Game Platforms Actually Do
A PC game platform is a store and an app rolled into one. You buy a game on the store side, and the app downloads, updates, and launches it. Because of this, most players never touch a raw game file anymore. Instead, you click Play and let the platform handle the rest.
Platforms also exist because publishers want a place to sell games directly. A digital store gives developers a way to reach players without printing discs. On the player side, people enjoy faster buying and instant access. Of course, that convenience means your games live inside an account, which is worth remembering.
Most platforms also keep your progress online, which is called a cloud save. If your computer fails, your progress usually survives. Meanwhile, many apps add friend lists, chat, and achievements. Not every game supports every feature, though, so check each store page before you buy. Here is what you will usually get:
- Buying and downloading games
- Automatic updates
- Cloud saves
- Friend lists and chat
- Sales, wishlists, and refunds
Steam
Steam, made by Valve, is the most widely used of all PC game platforms. It opened in 2003, and it grew into the default store for many players. Because the library is huge, you can find big releases and tiny experiments side by side. Even so, that size can feel overwhelming at first.
Steam shines when it comes to community tools. User reviews help you spot weak games before you spend money. The Steam Workshop lets players share mods, which are fan-made changes to a game. In addition, Steam Remote Play lets you stream a game from your PC to another device.
Steam also runs big seasonal sales, so patient shoppers often save a lot. Family Sharing lets you share your library with people in your household, though some rules apply. Wishlists help too, since Steam can tell you when a wanted game goes on sale. Because of these perks, it is hard to ignore Steam, even if you like another store better.
Valve also sells the Steam Deck, a handheld gaming PC that went on sale in 2022. Your Steam library comes along with it. The downside is that store pages can look crowded, and a few games still need a second launcher. My take is that Steam is the safest first install on any new gaming PC.
Epic Games Store
Epic Games opened its store in December 2018. The company also makes Fortnite and the Unreal Engine, which is a toolkit many studios use to build games. Epic is best known for free games, since it hands out titles on a regular schedule. As a result, plenty of players keep the launcher installed just to claim them.
On the business side, Epic takes a 12% cut from developers, while the standard cut on Steam is 30%. That gap helped Epic win exclusive deals in its early years. Some players disliked those deals, so the store got a mixed reputation at first. Since then the launcher has improved, yet it still offers fewer community tools than Steam.
Epic supports cloud saves for many games, and in my view its store pages look cleaner than most. Games you claim for free stay in your library after the giveaway ends. However, you must claim them during the free window, so a missed week means a missed game. For that reason, many players set a weekly reminder.
Epic has also run a cashback program called Epic Rewards. Terms have changed over time, so check the current rules before counting on it. In my opinion, the free games alone make Epic worth a free install.
GOG
GOG stands for Good Old Games, and it belongs to CD Projekt, the studio behind The Witcher and Cyberpunk 2077. Its main selling point is that games are DRM-free. DRM means digital rights management, which is software that limits how you copy or run a game. Without it, you can keep an offline installer and reinstall whenever you like.
Some players love GOG because it keeps old games playable. Even so, you still need to read each store page, since features differ by game. For example, some titles include bonus content such as soundtracks, while others do not. If you care about owning your games for years, GOG deserves a spot among your PC game platforms.
GOG also focuses on older classics that work on modern Windows. The optional GOG Galaxy app adds cloud saves and friend features, and it can pull other launchers into one view. On the other hand, the catalog is smaller than Steam, so some big releases never show up there.
Other PC Game Platforms Worth Knowing
Several publishers run their own stores. The Xbox app on Windows sells games and supports Xbox Game Pass, a monthly subscription with a rotating library. Meanwhile, the EA app covers Electronic Arts titles, and Ubisoft Connect handles Ubisoft games. Blizzard titles live in Battle.net.
For small indie games, which are made by independent studios, itch.io is worth a look. Developers there can pick their own revenue share, so many small creators like it. You will also find game jam entries and free experiments. Still, treat it as a place to browse rather than a full replacement for a big store.
Best PC Game Platforms Compared
Think of this table as a starting map for the best PC game platforms. Prices and free-game schedules change often, so always check the live store page. Beginners will probably feel at home on Steam first, then add others later.
| Platform | Best For | Standout Feature | Main Drawback |
| Steam | Largest library | Reviews, Workshop, Steam Deck | Crowded store pages |
| Epic Games Store | Free games | Regular free titles | Fewer community tools |
| GOG | Classic and DRM-free games | Offline installers | Smaller catalog |
| Xbox app | Subscription players | Xbox Game Pass | Needs a paid plan |
| itch.io | Indie games | Developer-set revenue share | Uneven quality |
How to Pick the Right Platform
You do not have to pick just one of the PC game platforms. Many players use Steam as a main library and add Epic for free titles. Others add GOG for older games they want to keep. Because every launcher is free to install, trying them costs nothing. These steps keep the choice simple:
- Check where your favorite game is sold.
- Decide if you want a file you own or just convenience.
- Install the free launchers and browse before you buy.
- Compare the price on each store, since sales differ.
Storage matters as well, because big games can fill a drive quickly. So check how much free space your PC has before you install several launchers and games. At the same time, keep your internet plan in mind, since large downloads use plenty of data. A fast drive also helps games load sooner.
If you want a closer look at the top two, a Steam vs Epic Games Store comparison covers the details. Players with weak hardware can also try cloud gaming services that skip the download. And if too many apps annoy you, learn how game launchers work and why every publisher has one.
Key Takeaways
- Best pick for most players: Steam
- Best for free games: Epic Games Store
- Best for ownership: GOG
- Best for indie games: itch.io
- Best for subscriptions: Xbox app
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the best of the PC game platforms for beginners?
Steam is the easiest start because of its huge library and helpful user reviews.
Is Epic Games Store free to use?
Yes, the launcher is free, and the store gives away some games on a regular schedule.
What does DRM-free mean on GOG?
It means the game does not use copy protection software, so you can keep an offline installer.
Can I use more than one PC game platform?
Yes, many players run Steam, Epic, and GOG side by side on the same computer.
Do these platforms work on a weak laptop?
The apps run on most laptops, but each game still needs hardware that meets its own requirements.
Conclusion
Choosing among the best PC game platforms comes down to what you value. Steam leads on library and community, Epic wins on free games, and GOG protects your ownership. Pick one as your main hub, then add the others as needed. That way, your favorite PC game platforms work together instead of fighting for attention.
