The era of multiple video game clients continues to persist. From Steam to Epic to EA Apps, it doesn't take long for gamers' PCs to become completely bloated with a variety of gaming clients. It's basically an app that allows players to discover, shop, purchase, and play video games from the comfort of one place where they can build their own digital video game library.
That said, not all PC gaming clients are created equal. Some clients mainly handle games from a specific studio, while others handle a variety of titles. Considering that less is more, and no one wants to have 12 different clients, which client gives you the most bang for your buck when it comes to PC gaming? The list takes into account game variety, user-friendliness and performance, sales, rewards, pricing, as well as social features.
Itch.io app
The best place for indie and browser games
Anyone who calls themselves an indie game enthusiast should install Itch.io's gaming client on their PC. This platform is full of cool and quirky games. Many of them are incredibly cheap and some are completely free. It's the perfect place for gamers who are on a budget but still want to play games and aren't afraid to discover new games. There are no triple-A titles here, but the abundance of indie potential makes up for it.
One of the best features of the Itch.io gaming client is the ability to sync browser games to the client itself. This allows players to conveniently access it even when offline. Bonus points for not discriminating against Linux users.
Xbox app
Easily access Game Pass titles on your PC
The Xbox for PC app is a must-have for those who own an Xbox Game Pass subscription plan. Despite the recent price increase for Game Pass' Ultimate tier, the Essential and Premium tiers still offer a wide selection of games. The benefit of this plan is that players will be able to seamlessly switch between PC and Xbox X/S consoles.
Even if you don't have a console, the Xbox app and Game Pass benefits exist thanks to the PC-exclusive Game Pass, and you'll also get the benefit of day one launch. In summary, anyone looking to access multiple games for a monthly price tag will find that they get the most bang for their buck here.
Epic Games Launcher
Essentials of Free Giveaways
Epic Games Launcher is another great option for players on a tight budget. The main advantage comes from weekly free game drops. Every Thursday, Epic gives away free games to users on both PC and mobile platforms. This giveaway applies to smaller indie titles as well as double-A and even triple-A titles that cost a pretty penny.
The list of free games released by Epic Games in the past alone is impressive enough to create an account for this client, and between 2024 and 2025, players could get their hands on these great titles: Control, Vampire Survivor, Ghostrunner 2, Dredgeand dead island 2. No matter how much a player spends with Epic Games, each purchase accumulates Epic Rewards that can be used for future purchases. While Epic's overall library doesn't quite match Steam's vast variety, it's hard to argue against the power of free game drops and rewards programs for anyone looking to build a library on a budget.
GOG Galaxy
Best for older, DRM-free games
CD Projekt is the company behind GOG Galaxy. the witcher and cyberpunk 2077 Fans will know it well. The PC gaming client presents a truly solid alternative to competitors like Epic Games and Steam. What makes it stand out compared to other PC gaming clients is its impressive selection of older games that puts other PC gaming clients to shame. for example, silent hill Fans of the franchise will be happy to know that the fourth installment in the series is available on GOG Galaxy (but not on Steam).
Even though some DRM-free games exist in other PC gaming clients, the fact that GOG Galaxy's core value is DRM-free is also a bonus. There's value in accessing games offline, and it's refreshing in the modern digital age to know that GOG Galaxy views games as just a tool and not a requirement to own and enjoy them.
steam
The most complete PC gaming client
Steam has been the leading PC gaming client for years due to its user-first approach and lack of profit-seeking. There's a reason Steam's customer service has been the subject of many positive memes over the years. We are known for quickly handling issues, refunds, account hacks, etc.
Steam's second trump card is diversity. Steam has everything from triple-A titles to indie releases and free-to-play titles. Thanks to seasonal sales and mid-week discounts, there are plenty of opportunities for players to grab their favorite titles for less. The client noted that it hasn't changed much in terms of appearance over the years, which shows how functional it is. It simply works, and game navigation is often much faster than with other PC gaming clients.
And that's just the tip of the iceberg. From the Workshop to game guides to built-in voice chat, Steam's social and community features are top-notch. Being able to access Steam games on Linux thanks to Proton is just a huge win for Valve, and that accessibility alone makes it worthy of being the king of PC gaming clients.
