Best video game stores to have PC games offer a wide selection of titles, great discounts, and user-friendly experiences. Discover the top platforms like Steam, Epic Games Store, GOG, and more for finding your next favorite game, whether you’re into AAA releases or indie gems.
Criteria for Choosing the Best Video Game Stores
When selecting a platform to purchase PC games, there are several factors that can influence a gamer’s decision. Here are the key criteria to consider:
- Selection of Games: A great store offers a broad library of titles, ranging from AAA blockbusters to indie gems. The more variety, the more likely you’ll find what you’re looking for.
- Pricing & Discounts: Sales events and competitive pricing make some stores more attractive. Regular discounts or bundles can save gamers a lot of money in the long run.
- User Interface & Experience: A well-designed store that’s easy to navigate makes the buying process smoother. This includes intuitive search options, user reviews, and detailed game descriptions.
- DRM & Digital Rights: Some platforms have strict Digital Rights Management (DRM), which can affect game ownership and access. Other stores, like GOG, offer DRM-free titles, ensuring you truly own the game.
- Community Features: Stores like Steam allow players to engage with a community, read reviews, and share mods, making the gaming experience more social and collaborative.
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Top 10 Best Video Game Stores to Buy PC Games
1. Steam
Steam is the largest and most popular PC gaming platform. With a massive game library and a vibrant community, it’s the go-to choice for many gamers.
- Key Features:
- Extensive game library including indie and AAA titles.
- Frequent sales such as the Summer and Winter Sales, offering deep discounts.
- Steam Workshop for mods and community-driven content.
- Why It’s a Top Choice: Steam combines a vast selection, regular sales, and community features, making it a one-stop shop for PC gamers.
2. GOG (Good Old Games)
GOG is famous for offering DRM-free games, ensuring players own their titles outright. It also specializes in classic games that may not be available elsewhere.
- Key Features:
- No DRM, meaning you have full ownership of your games.
- Large selection of retro and classic PC titles.
- Cross-play with other platforms, making multiplayer more accessible.
- Why It’s Great: GOG is perfect for gamers who value game ownership and have a love for classic PC games.
3. Epic Games Store
Relatively new but quickly gaining popularity, the Epic Games Store offers weekly free games and exclusive titles not available on other platforms.
- Key Features:
- Weekly free games, often including AAA titles.
- Exclusive games like Fortnite, Borderlands 3, and Hades.
- Simple, user-friendly interface.
- Why It’s Gaining Popularity: Epic is known for giving away high-quality games, making it a must-have for any PC gamer.
4. Humble Bundle
Humble Bundle is well-known for offering bundles of games at a “pay-what-you-want” price, with part of the proceeds going to charity. It also sells individual games, often at discounted prices.
- Key Features:
- Game bundles at steep discounts, supporting charity with every purchase.
- Extensive selection of indie and AAA games.
- Subscription service offering monthly curated bundles.
- Why It’s a Great Choice: Humble Bundle offers incredible value, especially with its bundles, making it ideal for gamers on a budget who also want to support charitable causes.
5. Green Man Gaming
Green Man Gaming offers significant discounts on popular titles and has partnerships with major publishers, allowing it to sell digital keys for platforms like Steam.
- Key Features:
- Regular sales with steep discounts on AAA games.
- VIP discounts for members.
- Digital game keys for multiple platforms (Steam, Uplay, etc.).
- Why It’s Great for Bargain Hunters: Green Man Gaming is a solid choice for gamers looking for great deals on big-name games.
6. Origin
Origin is EA’s dedicated platform, offering exclusive access to EA titles and a subscription service called EA Play, which provides access to a large library of EA games.
- Key Features:
- Exclusive access to EA games like The Sims, FIFA, and Battlefield.
- EA Play subscription offers access to a vault of older games.
- Regular sales on EA titles.
- Why It’s a Must for EA Fans: Origin is the go-to platform for fans of EA’s massive library of popular franchises.
7. Ubisoft Store
The Ubisoft Store is the exclusive platform for Ubisoft’s game library, including popular franchises like Assassin’s Creed, Far Cry, and Rainbow Six.
- Key Features:
- Ubisoft+ subscription offers access to the full Ubisoft game catalog.
- Exclusive Ubisoft titles.
- Regular sales and discount offers.
- Why It’s Ideal for Ubisoft Fans: Ubisoft Store is perfect for those who enjoy the studio’s franchises and want early access or exclusive content.
8. Fanatical
Fanatical is a lesser-known but highly valuable platform for buying discounted game bundles, often offering huge savings on digital PC game keys.
- Key Features:
- Deep discounts on game bundles and individual titles.
- Regular promotions with high-value bundles.
- Digital keys for Steam, Uplay, and other platforms.
- Why It’s Great for Deals: Fanatical offers some of the best deals on PC game bundles, making it a haven for gamers on a budget.
9. Microsoft Store
With Xbox Game Pass for PC, Microsoft’s store offers not only PC games but also cross-platform play and access to exclusive Xbox titles.
- Key Features:
- Xbox Game Pass for PC gives access to a rotating library of games.
- Cross-play with Xbox users.
- Exclusive access to Microsoft games like Halo and Forza.
- Why It’s a Must-Have: The Microsoft Store is ideal for those who enjoy Xbox games and want access to them on PC.
10. Itch.io
Itch.io focuses on indie games and experimental projects, often offering a pay-what-you-want model. It’s a great place to discover unique, lesser-known titles.
- Key Features:
- Huge selection of indie games, often DRM-free.
- Pay-what-you-want pricing on many games.
- Focus on creativity and experimental projects.
- Why Indie Enthusiasts Love It: Itch.io is the ultimate platform for gamers looking to explore unique, indie titles not available on mainstream platforms.
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Comparison of the Top Video Game Stores
When comparing these platforms, a few key factors stand out:
- Selection: Steam and Epic Games Store offer massive libraries, while Itch.io focuses on indie titles.
- Pricing: Stores like Fanatical, Green Man Gaming, and Humble Bundle offer the best discounts, especially during sales.
- Exclusives: Epic Games Store, Ubisoft Store, and Origin are known for exclusive titles, while GOG offers DRM-free games.
- Community: Steam leads the pack with its extensive community features, including reviews, guides, and mod support.
Depending on your preferences, each platform offers something unique, whether it’s community engagement, sales, or exclusive content.
How to Choose the Best Store for You
Selecting the right store depends on your gaming preferences:
- Casual vs. Hardcore Gamers: If you’re a casual gamer who likes occasional sales, stores like Humble Bundle and Fanatical may be best. For more hardcore gamers, Steam and Epic Games Store offer deeper game libraries and features.
- Indie vs. AAA: Indie enthusiasts will love Itch.io, while AAA gamers will find plenty to enjoy on Steam, Epic Games Store, and Origin.
- DRM vs. DRM-Free: If you care about game ownership, GOG’s DRM-free titles are the best option. Otherwise, Steam’s DRM system is reliable but ties you to the platform.
Ultimately, the best store for you depends on the types of games you play, how much you’re willing to spend, and whether you value DRM-free titles or community features.
