For years, Steam has dominated the PC gaming market, acting as the go-to platform for buying, downloading, and managing games. But while it’s still a powerhouse, many gamers are looking for an alternative to Steam—whether due to better discounts, DRM-free games, exclusive titles, or just a different experience.
If you’re wondering where else you can buy PC games, you’re in the right place. In this guide, we’ll explore the best alternative to Steam in 2025, break down what makes each platform unique, and help you decide where to buy your next game.
Why Look for an Alternative to Steam?
Steam may be the biggest digital game store, but that doesn’t mean it’s the best choice for everyone. Here are some reasons why players are looking for an alternative to Steam:
- Better Discounts: Steam sales are famous, but other platforms often have lower prices on new and old games.
- DRM-Free Options: Some players dislike Steam’s Digital Rights Management (DRM) system, which requires you to launch games through Steam. DRM-free stores let you truly own your games.
- Exclusive Games: Some publishers only release their games on certain platforms, making an alternative necessary.
- Fewer Restrictions: Steam has refund rules and regional restrictions that may limit what you can buy. Other platforms offer more flexibility.
- Better Revenue Sharing for Developers: Steam takes a 30% cut from developers, which has led some companies to launch their own storefronts.
Whatever your reason, there are plenty of great alternatives to choose from. Let’s dive into the best alternative to Steam for different types of gamers.
1. Epic Games Store – Best for Free Games and Exclusives
The Epic Games Store has emerged as a major competitor to Steam, largely thanks to its weekly free games and exclusive titles.
Why Choose Epic Games Store?
- Free Games Every Week: Epic gives away high-quality games for free, no strings attached.
- Exclusive Titles: Many major games launch only on Epic for a limited time before coming to Steam.
- Better Revenue Share for Developers: Epic takes only a 12% cut compared to Steam’s 30%, which means more developers are supporting it.
Downsides:
- Smaller Game Library: While growing, Epic still lacks the vast selection of Steam.
- Limited Features: No forums, reviews, or community hubs like Steam.
For players who want free games and exclusive titles, the Epic Games Store is the best alternative to Steam.
2. GOG (Good Old Games) – Best for DRM-Free Games
GOG, owned by CD Projekt Red (the company behind The Witcher and Cyberpunk 2077), is the best choice for players who want true game ownership.
Why Choose GOG?
- DRM-Free Gaming: Once you buy a game, it’s yours. No need for a launcher or internet connection to play.
- Classic PC Games: GOG specializes in older games that may not be available on Steam.
- Refund Policy: Offers 30-day money-back guarantees even if you’ve downloaded the game.
Downsides:
- Fewer New Releases: Not all modern games come to GOG.
- No Multiplayer Services: Lacks community and multiplayer support like Steam.
If you want to truly own your games, GOG is the best alternative to Steam.
3. Humble Bundle – Best for Charitable Gamers
Humble Bundle is a unique digital store that lets you pay what you want for game bundles while donating a portion to charity.
Why Choose Humble Bundle?
- Bundle Deals: Get multiple games for a fraction of their normal price.
- Charitable Donations: A percentage of your purchase supports various charities.
- Humble Choice Subscription: Monthly subscription service that gives you free games and discounts.
Downsides:
- Games Often Require Steam: Many games purchased on Humble Bundle still need a Steam account.
- Not a Full Game Library: Doesn’t have all the latest releases.
For gamers who want great deals while supporting a good cause, Humble Bundle is an excellent alternative to Steam.
4. Microsoft Store & Xbox Game Pass – Best for Subscription Gaming
Microsoft’s Xbox Game Pass for PC has revolutionized gaming, offering a Netflix-style subscription where you can play hundreds of games for a monthly fee.
Why Choose Xbox Game Pass?
- Huge Game Library: Access to 100+ high-quality PC games.
- First-Party Games on Day One: Microsoft releases all its own games (like Halo and Forza) on Game Pass.
- Great for Trying New Games: Play expensive AAA titles without paying full price.
Downsides:
- Subscription-Based: You don’t own the games—you’re renting them.
- Requires Microsoft Account: Some players dislike Microsoft’s ecosystem.
For gamers who play a lot of different games, Xbox Game Pass is the best alternative to Steam.
5. Green Man Gaming – Best for Legitimate Discounted Keys
Green Man Gaming (GMG) is a third-party key reseller, meaning it buys games directly from publishers and sells them at lower prices than Steam.
Why Choose Green Man Gaming?
- Lower Prices: Often cheaper than Steam, especially for new releases.
- Official Partner of Game Publishers: Unlike shady key resellers, GMG gets its keys from developers.
- Frequent Discounts & Coupons: Daily and seasonal sales offer deep discounts.
Downsides:
- Limited Refunds: Unlike Steam, you can’t return games easily.
- Some Keys Still Require Steam: Many purchases still require activation on Steam.
For players who want legit cheap game keys, Green Man Gaming is a fantastic alternative to Steam.
Which Alternative to Steam is Right for You?
The best alternative to Steam depends on what you’re looking for:
- Want free games? → Epic Games Store
- Want to own your games? → GOG
- Want the best discounts? → Green Man Gaming
- Want to support charity? → Humble Bundle
- Want a gaming subscription? → Xbox Game Pass
No matter what type of gamer you are, there’s a great alternative to Steam that suits your needs.
The Importance of a High-Quality Monitor for Gaming
When choosing an alternative to Steam and diving into PC gaming, having the right hardware is just as important as picking the right platform. A high-quality gaming monitor can drastically improve your experience, ensuring smooth gameplay, better visuals, and faster reaction times.
Refresh Rate and Response Time Matter
A high refresh rate (measured in Hz) means your monitor refreshes the image more times per second, leading to smoother gameplay. Most standard monitors have a 60Hz refresh rate, but serious gamers opt for 144Hz, 165Hz, or even 240Hz for a competitive edge.
- 60Hz – Standard for office work and casual gaming.
- 144Hz – 165Hz – Ideal for most competitive games like Counter-Strike 2, Valorant, and Fortnite.
- 240Hz+ – Designed for high-end esports players who need the fastest possible refresh rates.
A low response time (measured in milliseconds) ensures there’s no lag between your actions and what appears on the screen. 1ms to 5ms is ideal for gaming to avoid ghosting and motion blur.
Resolution vs. Performance
While 4K gaming monitors offer stunning visuals, they demand high-end graphics cards to run smoothly. 1440p (2K) gaming is a great middle ground, providing sharper details without the massive performance hit of 4K. However, 1080p (Full HD) at high refresh rates remains the most popular choice among competitive players due to the balance between performance and speed.
- 1080p (Full HD) – Best for esports and high refresh rates.
- 1440p (2K) – A balance of sharp visuals and performance.
- 4K (Ultra HD) – Stunning visuals but requires a powerful GPU.
G-Sync and FreeSync for Smooth Gameplay
If you experience screen tearing or stuttering, a monitor with NVIDIA G-Sync (for NVIDIA GPUs) or AMD FreeSync (for AMD GPUs) can help. These technologies synchronize the refresh rate of your monitor with your graphics card to prevent screen tearing and improve smoothness, especially in fast-paced games.
Choosing the Right Monitor for Your Gaming Needs
When selecting a monitor, think about the type of games you play.
- Competitive Shooters (CS2, Apex Legends, Call of Duty) → High refresh rate (144Hz+) and low response time (1ms).
- Story-Driven and Open-World Games (Cyberpunk 2077, The Witcher 3, Elden Ring) → Higher resolution (1440p or 4K) with great color accuracy.
- Strategy and RPGs (Civilization, Baldur’s Gate 3, Starfield) → Large screen size and high resolution for better detail.
Investing in a high-quality monitor ensures you’re getting the most out of your gaming experience, whether you’re playing on Steam or an alternative to Steam.
The Future of PC Game Stores
While Steam remains the biggest platform, alternatives continue to grow. Epic Games Store, GOG, and Xbox Game Pass are all challenging Steam’s dominance, offering players more choices, better deals, and new gaming experiences.
As gaming evolves, we may see even more platforms rise as the best alternative to Steam. Whether it’s through blockbuster exclusives, cheaper prices, or subscription models, gamers now have more options than ever before.
Are you sticking with Steam, or are you switching to an alternative to Steam in 2025? Let us know in the comments!
