Best Epic Games Store Alternatives in 2026
The top Epic Games Store alternatives are Steam, GOG Galaxy and Xbox app for PC: 15 PC game launchers our editors would look at instead of Epic Games Store, in our ranking order.
Epic Games Store: A free launcher for claiming games and managing a library across PC, Mac, and mobile. Where it falls short: individual games, add-ons, and some subscriptions cost extra..
Switching from Epic Games Store? For most pc game launchers buyers the best Epic Games Store alternative is Steam, built for pC gamers seeking a free, feature-rich game library. On a budget, Ubisoft Connect starts at $7.99/mo.
Why People Look for an Epic Games Store Alternative
- Individual games, add-ons, and some subscriptions cost extra
- Cloud saves, offline play, and achievements depend on the game
- No third-party game imports or mod integration
- No third-party game import — 4 of the alternatives below have it
- No mod integration — 4 of the alternatives below have it
Quick Picks by What You Need
- Best overallSteam9.4
PC gamers seeking a free, feature-rich game library
Visit Steam - Lowest priceUbisoft Connect8.0
Paid plans from $7.99/mo
Visit Ubisoft Connect - Best free optionSteam9.4
Has a free plan
Visit Steam - Best for third-party game importSteam9.4
Third-party game import (Epic Games Store: no)
Visit Steam
All 15 Epic Games Store Alternatives, Ranked
Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.
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Best forPC gamers seeking a free, feature-rich game library
- Better than Epic Games Store:
- Third-party game import
- Mod integration
- Editor score 9.4 vs 8.7
A free game library and launcher with community tools, mods, cloud saves, and offline play.
- Third-party game import
- Mod integration
- Offline mode
9.4/10★★★★★Visit Steam -
Best forDRM-conscious multi-library users
- Better than Epic Games Store:
- Third-party game import
- Mod integration
- Editor score 9.1 vs 8.7
A free library hub with offline support and rollback for supported games.
- Third-party game import
- Mod integration
- Offline mode
9.1/10★★★★★Visit GOG Galaxy -
Best forGame Pass subscribers
- Better than Epic Games Store:
- Third-party game import
- Mod integration
- Editor score 8.9 vs 8.7
A free Windows launcher with a paid PC Game Pass catalog and cross-store features.
- Third-party game import
- Mod integration
- Subscription catalog
8.9/10★★★★☆Visit Xbox -
Best forOrganizing multi-store PC libraries
LaunchBox organizes multi-store PC and emulated games in one customizable library.
8.5/10★★★★☆Visit LaunchBox -
Best forLinux users combining stores and emulators
A flexible Linux launcher for multi-store libraries, emulators, and compatibility layers.
8.4/10★★★★☆Visit Lutris -
Best forEA and connected-platform players
- Better than Epic Games Store:
- Third-party game import
A free EA launcher with library tools, offline mode, and optional EA Play access.
- Third-party game import
- Subscription catalog
- Offline mode
8.2/10★★★★☆Visit EA app -
Best forUbisoft game subscribers
A useful Ubisoft hub with a free launcher and optional game subscriptions.
- Subscription catalog
- Cloud saves
8.0/10★★★★☆Visit Ubisoft -
Best forPlayers of games and software from itch.io
A free, open-source desktop app for managing itch.io downloads across three operating systems.
- Offline mode
7.9/10★★★★☆Visit itch.io -
Best forBlizzard and free-to-play game libraries
A free Blizzard launcher with strong social tools and a focused game library.
7.8/10★★★★☆Visit Battle.net -
Best forParadox strategy-game players
- Better than Epic Games Store:
- Mod integration
A free launcher for managing Paradox games, DLC, achievements, and mod playsets.
- Mod integration
7.7/10★★★★☆Visit Paradox -
Best forPlaying supported mobile games on Windows
A free Windows launcher for supported mobile games, with PC controls and synced progress.
- Subscription catalog
- Cloud saves
7.5/10★★★★☆Visit Google Play -
Best forPlayers of supported Nexon games
A free Windows and macOS launcher focused on managing and playing Nexon games.
7.4/10★★★★☆Visit Nexon -
Best forRuneScape players on Windows or macOS
A free Windows and macOS launcher for RuneScape, Old School RuneScape, and RuneLite.
7.3/10★★★★☆Visit Jagex Launcher -
Best forPlayers managing Wargaming games on Windows or macOS
A free launcher for managing Wargaming game installs, updates, and accounts.
7.1/10★★★★☆Visit Wargaming -
Best forMY.GAMES players on Windows
A free Windows hub for MY.GAMES titles, library organization, updates, and social features.
6.9/10★★★☆☆Visit MY.GAMES
Epic Games Store Alternatives: Common Questions
What is the best alternative to Epic Games Store?
Steam: #1 in our PC Game Launchers ranking, with an editor score of 9.4 out of 10. A free game library and launcher with community tools, mods, cloud saves, and offline play.
Is there a free alternative to Epic Games Store?
Yes. Steam, GOG Galaxy, Xbox app for PC, LaunchBox and Lutris have a free plan or a free tier (15 of the 15 alternatives on this page).
What is the cheapest paid alternative to Epic Games Store?
Of the alternatives here that publish a price, Ubisoft Connect starts lowest, at $7.99/mo.
Why do people look for Epic Games Store alternatives?
Individual games, add-ons, and some subscriptions cost extra; Cloud saves, offline play, and achievements depend on the game; No third-party game imports or mod integration.
How do I switch from Epic Games Store?
Back up your world, configs and mods from Epic Games Store's panel, or download the server folder over SFTP. Create the server on the new host with the same game version (and the same modpack or loader, if you use one). Upload the world and config files, start the server once and check that the mods and plugins load. Share the new address with your players or point your domain at it, then cancel Epic Games Store after a test session.
How to Switch from Epic Games Store
- Back up your world, configs and mods from Epic Games Store's panel, or download the server folder over SFTP.
- Create the server on the new host with the same game version (and the same modpack or loader, if you use one).
- Upload the world and config files, start the server once and check that the mods and plugins load.
- Share the new address with your players or point your domain at it, then cancel Epic Games Store after a test session.
Epic Games Store vs Each Alternative
| # | Tool | Free plan | Paid from | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | Epic Games Store | Yes | 8.7 | |
| 1 | Steam | Yes | Free | 9.4 |
| 2 | GOG Galaxy | Yes | Free | 9.1 |
| 3 | Xbox app for PC | Yes | $13.99/mo | 8.9 |
| 4 | LaunchBox | Yes | $30 one-time | 8.5 |
| 5 | Lutris | Yes | Free | 8.4 |
| 6 | EA app | Yes | $39.99/yr | 8.2 |
| 7 | Ubisoft Connect | Yes | $7.99/mo | 8.0 |
| 8 | itch app | Yes | Free | 7.9 |
| 9 | Battle.net | Yes | Free | 7.8 |
| 10 | Paradox Launcher | Yes | Free | 7.7 |
| 11 | Google Play Games on PC | Yes | Free | 7.5 |
| 12 | Nexon Launcher | Yes | Free | 7.4 |
| 13 | Jagex Launcher | Yes | Free | 7.3 |
| 14 | Wargaming.net Game Center | Yes | Free | 7.1 |
| 15 | MY.GAMES Launcher | Yes | Free | 6.9 |
Head-to-Head
- Epic Games Store vs Steam
- Epic Games Store vs GOG Galaxy
- Epic Games Store vs Xbox app for PC
- Epic Games Store vs LaunchBox
- Epic Games Store vs Lutris
- Epic Games Store vs EA app
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update