12 Premier Steam Alternatives for PC Gaming Needs

Valve’s Steam has reigned as the foremost digital marketplace for the gaming community for a decade. It offers an extensive collection, enticing deals, and a secure platform for gamers to manage their library. However, despite its simplicity and functionality, Steam has its drawbacks. The platform imposes a 30 percent revenue cut on developers, provides subpar customer service, and lacks indie games. These shortcomings prompt many gamers to seek out viable alternatives to Steam.

Fortunately, numerous Steam alternatives exist, each with unique approaches: offering discounted games, employing a ‘pay what you want’ model, or providing indie developers a cost-effective platform to promote their creations. If you’re weary of Steam and seek fresh PC gaming experiences, explore the 12 best alternatives below.

Top Steam Alternatives of 2020

1. Good Old Games (GOG)

GOG, a subsidiary of the CD Projekt group, developers of The Witcher series, offers incredible deals on popular and DRM-free classic computer games at affordable prices for flexible enjoyment. Additionally, you can discover outstanding indie games on GOG, often with attractive price tags.

While GOG’s game selection may not rival that of Steam, it still presents a respectable array of enjoyable PC games. Furthermore, it frequently hosts sales and offers substantial discounts. Currently, during its Summer Sale promotion, you can acquire renowned titles such as The Witcher 3 and more at significantly reduced prices.

2. Origin

Origin provides a one-stop shop for all EA titles. Monthly, visitors enjoy discounts on favorite franchises, including The SIMS and FIFA. Team gaming features live chat and audio, mimicking console experiences. Broadcasting on Twitch? Origin simplifies it. Free trials and demos are available for most games.

Origin Access offers an all-access subscription for gamers keen on trying the newest titles. This EA property provides previews of upcoming titles and up to 10% discounts on every purchase. Unlike some services, canceling purchases is easy. It stands as one of the best Steam alternatives.

3. GreenMan Gaming

This newcomer in the streaming market aims to distinguish itself with a console-streaming program. Despite being in early stages, the company pledges a swift launch. GreenMan presents a design akin to its competitors for other platforms. Users access a growing list of PC and Mac titles in the expanding catalog. Early access is granted for anticipated franchise entries.

Gamers keen on indie titles will appreciate the service’s unique selection, highlighting the best of indie gaming. The site offers rotating deals with discounts of up to 90% off retail prices.

4. G2A

G2A allows users to buy, sell, and trade game keys from all platforms. Its design resembles that of bigger services like Origin and GOG.Com. One intriguing aspect is its Random Key offers, where gamers can purchase one or more Steam keys for access to randomly selected games. It’s an option for users open to switching genres and those looking to broaden their gaming horizons. Additionally, G2A now accepts Paypal.

The G2A Goldmine program offers gamers a chance to earn money by doing what they love. It includes a referral system that utilizes social media tools, potentially leading to significant payoffs with a high number of referred friends.

5. Humble Bundle

At Humble Bundle, it’s all about the bundle. Gamers can choose from their own selections or curated bundles. Available games cover famous titles as well as indie selections. A connection with game streaming services like Twitch makes it easy to find undiscovered titles or purchase selections highlighted by other gamers.

Humble Monthly offers additional discounts while sending players specially selected choices from new and established franchises. Promotions are always available through the site, including special deals during E3. What sets Humble Bundle apart is its book section, offering fans of graphic novels and popular genres uniquely tailored bundles.

6. GamersGate

GamersGate offers PC and MAC users a comprehensive catalog of games, sourced from leading publishers and indie developers, creating a one-stop gaming destination. The platform also features a straightforward rewards program.

Players accumulate blue coins through regular activity and participation in the Tutor area, where gamers unite to overcome challenging game levels or chapters. Notably, the Tutor feature is complimentary, making it a standout among Steam alternatives.

7. Microsoft Store

Many of us overlook the Microsoft Store on our Windows 10 PCs due to the lack of quality apps. However, it hosts a game store where you can find a variety of titles. Navigate to the ‘Games’ tab to explore the collection. You might need to search within categories and use rating filters to locate specific titles.

The Microsoft Store offers popular games such as Forza Horizon 4 and Rise of the Tomb Raider, accessible via Xbox Live. Hardcore gamers despise its exclusivity, as these titles are solely available on the Microsoft Store.

8. Itch.io

Steam, the largest games marketplace, constantly adds new titles. Indie games often get overlooked amidst popular ones, but Itch.io fills that gap. It serves as a marketplace for hosting indie titles, employing a classic ‘pay what you want’ model. Developers can effortlessly upload games with an asking price of $0 or more. For lovers of indie games, Itch.io stands out as one of the top alternatives to Steam.

Itch.io empowers developers, whether a team or independent, with complete control over game distribution and customizable game pages. While customization adds a personal touch, it can lead to excessive flashy elements. Despite this, the platform boasts a vast collection worth exploring.

9. Epic Games Store

In response to the competitive landscape against Steam, Epic Games, the creators of Fortnite, launched the Epic Games Store in late last year. Initially featuring a modest selection of around a dozen PC titles, including exclusives like Ashen and World War Z, the platform shows promise despite its limited game library.

The Epic Games Store won’t replace Steam soon, but it capitalizes on a growing collection, timed exclusives, and an enticing 88% revenue share for developers—superior to Steam. It also aims for tighter integration between game developers’ social media and game pages, promising an intriguing approach.

10. Uplay

Like Steam, Uplay is a digital distribution platform for games operated by Ubisoft. Ubisoft also operates a separate online store, but now all purchases and licenses are synchronized with Uplay, simplifying game management. Additionally, Uplay features tools for online interaction, allowing users to make friends, chat, play together, and form communities similar to Steam. Uplay provides a comprehensive experience for game management and socializing. Moreover, it offers weekly deals and promotions, including a 20% Club discount on your next Ubisoft Store purchase.

If you’re unfamiliar with Ubisoft Club, completing in-game objectives and challenges earns you currency or Club units for purchasing new games. Uplay also offers Uplay+, a subscription plan granting access to over 100 PC games, including new releases, classic titles, and premium editions, along with early betas and more, all for $14.99 per month. Games available include Ubisoft titles like Assassin’s Creed, Rainbow Six Siege, Ghost Recon, and others, alongside a selection of PC games from other popular franchises, albeit smaller in size. In essence, if you enjoy Ubisoft Studio games, Uplay offers a cost-effective and superior alternative to Steam.

11. Blizzard

Blizzard, also known as Battle.net, is a Steam alternative powered by a major gaming studio, a subsidiary of Activision Blizzard. It publishes and distributes games from both Activision and Blizzard studios, hosting popular PC games like Overwatch, Call of Duty, Starcraft, Diablo, and more. In 2017, Blizzard revamped its platform, enhancing social interaction. Now, you can chat with friends and see the games they’re playing. Blizzard also offers some games for free, such as Call of Duty Warzone.

Explore games on Game Jolt for music, themes, trailers, and early previews. Blizzard also offers classic games like Warcraft, The Lost Vikings, and Diablo. Blizzard, while not a complete Steam alternative, exclusively offers Activision and Blizzard studio games. If you enjoy titles from these studios, Blizzard is an excellent platform for purchasing digital licenses.

12. Game Jolt

While Steam boasts a vast game collection, it’s often seen as a mainstream hub for popular titles. For those seeking new and indie experiences, Game Jolt steps in. Specializing in indie games, Game Jolt ranks among the top platforms. Like Steam, it organizes its library into genres such as horror, action, RPG, and platformer. What sets Game Jolt apart is its diverse selection, including a notable array of FNaF games, which have established a genre of their own.

For those unfamiliar, FNaF games (Five Nights at Freddy’s) constitute a gaming franchise centered on a pizza restaurant. Beyond this, Game Jolt fosters social interaction with numerous communities spanning from Minecraft to 3D Art. Join, chat, and play alongside fellow gamers. In summary, for entry into the indie gaming scene, Game Jolt stands as the premier destination.

Bonus: 1. Kartridge

Kartridge, a game distribution platform, carries a nostalgic charm in its name reminiscent of the era when cartridges dominated. Kongregate has joined forces to boost indie developers, launching Kartridge in open beta a couple of months ago. Despite not surpassing Steam yet, Kartridge aims to enhance discoverability for indie titles while enriching the experience with community and engagement features.

Developers on Kartridge have the autonomy to tailor their game page to their audience’s preferences, fostering a personalized experience.

Bonus: 2. Amazon

Amazon, the benchmark for online shopping, lags behind competitors in the gaming market. Nevertheless, it can serve as a substitute for Steam. Games are available in the site’s games and apps section, adopting a model akin to music or app downloads. However, this setup falls short in catering to gamers seeking streaming options.

Deals are scarce on the site, and when available, they are typically limited to one-day sales. Notably, Amazon boasts strong customer service, providing assistance promptly when issues arise. Gamers using the Amazon Fire Stick also benefit from the convenience of purchasing titles directly through Amazon.

Explore These Steam Alternatives for Gaming Solutions

While Steam remains a dominant force in gaming, numerous competitors are emerging, offering comparable experiences for PC gamers. This surge of alternatives heralds an exciting era for gaming enthusiasts. With more services available, players enjoy a broader range of titles, competitive pricing, and enticing deals. We hope you discover the perfect Steam alternative here. If you have any other favorites we haven’t mentioned, feel free to share them in the comments below.