Introduction: The Game Launcher Battle of 2025
With all the changes happening in PC gaming, the battle of the best game launcher of 2025 may be more important than ever. Players now have more choices compared to the major PC game launchers in 2015, with Steam, Epic Games, GOG Galaxy and Xbox App as possible contenders. The question arises: is Steam still the best option for managing a digital game library, a gaming community, and game updates? In this article we explore and dissect how Steam stacks up against other launchers in 2025 to help you identify the best launcher for your overall gaming experience.
Steam in 2025: One Foot in the Door, the Other in the Future
For almost two decades, Valve has consistently pushed the envelope of PC gaming and their colossally popular product Steam from its inception to the present. In 2025, Steam has stayed ahead of the other launchers in terms of install base, games for sale, and library organization. Let’s take a brief look at the Steam advantages in 2025 before comparing the leading game launchers today.
Steam Advantages in 2025
- Massive Game Library
Steam hosts over 50,000 games from AAA blockbusters to indie hits, with strong regional pricing and regular discounts.
- Robust Game Library Management
Dynamic collections, tagging, advanced filters, and favorites allow users to organize vast libraries efficiently.
- Community Features
Steam Workshop, game forums, user reviews, broadcasts, and the Steam Points Shop add social depth unmatched by competitors.
- Cross-Platform Play and Cloud Saves
Seamless cross-save across PCs, and some titles support Linux and Steam Deck natively.
- Steam Deck Integration
Optimized for Valve’s handheld console, giving players on-the-go access to their entire library.
Compare Steam with Launchers: Who Are the Main Competitors?
To fully explore Steam vs other launchers 2025, we compare Steam with the four most popular alternative platforms:
| Feature | Steam | Epic Games Store | GOG Galaxy 2.0 | Xbox PC App | Ubisoft Connect |
| Game Library Size | Extremely large (50,000+ titles) | Medium-sized, limited to exclusives and free titles | Medium-sized with DRM-free focus | Moderate, supports Game Pass games | Limited to Ubisoft games |
| Library Management Tools | Advanced tagging, filters, dynamic collections | Basic, no advanced sorting or filters | Offers unified library tools across platforms | Basic sorting and search | Very basic, minimal management |
| Mod Support | Extensive via Steam Workshop | Limited, few games support mods | Moderate, some games allow external modding | Basic or unsupported | Limited to official mods |
| DRM-Free Games | No, DRM tied to Steam account | No DRM-free support | Yes, all purchases are DRM-free | No, requires Microsoft account login | No, always requires Ubisoft login |
| Exclusive Titles | No timed exclusives | Yes, regular timed and full exclusives | Few exclusives, mostly older titles | Includes many Microsoft-published games | Ubisoft exclusives available only here |
| Cloud Save Support | Yes, automatic cloud saving | Yes, cloud saves available | Yes, optional cloud backups | Yes, through Microsoft sync | Yes, tied to Ubisoft account |
| Controller Support | Excellent, full Steam Input support | Good, standard support | Good with most controllers | Excellent, Xbox controller optimized | Good, Xbox controller preferred |
| Mobile/Console Integration | Compatible with Steam Deck | Android store only | No mobile or console support | Full Xbox console and cloud integration | Ubisoft+ supports cross-platform access |
Epic Games Store in 2025: Still Free but Still Barebones?
Since 2018, Epic has gained ground with free weekly games, Unreal Engine integration, and exclusive titles like Alan Wake II and Fortnite. However, compared to Steam’s organizational tools, Epic remains simplistic.
Key Pros:
- Frequent free game giveaways
- Exclusive deals with developers
- Lower commission rates for publishers
Key Cons:
- No tagging or dynamic collections
- Limited social features
- Still lacks achievements in many games
If your focus is on free games and exclusives, Epic is a strong supplement to Steam—but not a full replacement.
GOG Galaxy 2.0: A Unified Experience for DRM-Free Gamers
GOG by CD Projekt remains the go-to for DRM-free games, emphasizing user ownership. With Galaxy 2.0, GOG allows gamers to import and manage games from Steam, Epic, Xbox, Origin, and even console accounts.
Advantages:
- All-in-one launcher with third-party integrations
- Completely DRM-free purchases
- Import achievements and playtime from other platforms
Drawbacks:
- Fewer AAA exclusives
- Smaller game catalog compared to Steam
- Sync issues occasionally reported
If digital ownership and offline access matter to you, GOG is unmatched. But it may lack the massive community and update automation of Steam.
Xbox App on PC: Microsoft’s Ecosystem Advantage
The Xbox PC App, backed by Game Pass, is Microsoft’s push into PC gaming. In 2025, it boasts tight integration with Xbox Cloud Gaming and console libraries.
Strengths:
- Game Pass PC: Play 100+ games for a flat subscription fee
- Shared achievements and save data with Xbox consoles
- EA Play integration
Weaknesses:
- Poor library management tools
- Occasional download bugs or installation errors
- No support for mods or external tools
Great for casual and subscription-focused gamers—but lacks the personalization and curation that Steam provides.
Ubisoft Connect and EA App: Narrowed Purpose, Broader Problems
Both Ubisoft and EA offer proprietary launchers but often push users back to Steam or Epic after launching their games.
- Ubisoft Connect remains necessary for franchises like Assassin’s Creed, but it’s redundant when integrated through Steam.
- EA App replaces Origin but is often plagued by login bugs and sync issues.
These platforms are rarely primary choices unless you’re loyal to a specific franchise.
Is Steam Still the Best in 2025?
So, is Steam still the best launcher in 2025? Based on library size, organizational power, device integration, mod support, and marketplace features, the answer remains yes—especially for power users or those with large game libraries.
Summary of Steam’s Key Advantages:
- Custom collections, tagging, and filtering tools unmatched in the industry.
- Seamless performance on Steam Deck, PC, and Linux.
- Active community and developer engagement.
- Automated cloud saving, patching, and Steam Workshop support.
- Continual updates, beta opt-ins, and controller configuration tools.
Best Game Launchers 2025: Final Rankings
Here’s how the best game launchers 2025 stack up:
- Steam – Best all-rounder for library size, tools, and community.
- GOG Galaxy 2.0 – Best for DRM-free gaming and unified launcher experience.
- Epic Games Store – Best for free games and exclusives.
- Xbox App – Best for Game Pass value and console-PC integration.
- Ubisoft Connect / EA App – Franchise-specific usage only.
Conclusion: Choose the Right Launcher for Your Gaming Style
Whether you’re a minimalist, a collector, or a casual gamer, understanding Steam vs other launchers 2025 helps you make smarter decisions. Steam continues to shine as the top choice for PC gamers who value organization, freedom, and community. However, alternatives like GOG and Epic have carved their niches too.By mixing platforms based on your priorities—free games, DRM-free titles, or subscription bundles—you can build a powerful, personalized gaming setup in 2025.
