So you’ve got a brand new gaming PC and you’re ready to start building up your library. But buying every single game you want to play can get really expensive really fast. The good news is there are plenty of sites where you can download high quality PC games for free. In this article, we’re going to cover some of the best sites for downloading games so you can start playing right away without dropping a ton of cash. Whether you’re into the latest blockbusters, indie darlings, retro classics or something else entirely, you’ll find a huge selection of games to choose from. And the best part is, they’re all available to download directly to your PC for free. Ready to start saving money and fill up your hard drive with awesome games? Let’s dive in.
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Steam: The Obvious Choice for Download games for PC
Steam is the obvious first choice for downloading PC games. This popular digital distribution platform has the largest selection of games available.
- Steam offers thousands of games across many genres like action, adventure, RPG, simulation, and indie. There are popular titles as well as hidden gems. You’re sure to find something you’ll love.
- Steam frequently has massive sales where you can get games for up to 90% off. You can often grab great games for just a few bucks. Watch for the big seasonal sales in summer and winter for the best deals.
- Steam has a simple interface and makes it easy to browse games, read reviews, watch trailers, and make purchases. You can even follow curators and see lists of recommended games in genres you enjoy.
- Once you buy a game, it’s added to your library and you can download and install it on as many PCs as you like. Your save files, achievements, and other progress are stored in the cloud so you can pick up where you left off on any computer.
- Steam has a huge community of gamers. You can join groups, chat with other players, and even stream games or watch streams on Steam. It’s a great way to connect with fellow gamers who share your interests.
With a vast selection, frequent sales, cloud saves, and a massive community, Steam is hands down the best place for downloading and playing PC games. You’ll never run out of amazing new worlds to explore. What are you waiting for? Start your download today.
GOG: DRM Free Classic and Indie PC Games
If you’re looking for classic PC games without annoying DRM restrictions, GOG.com is your new best friend. This digital distribution platform focuses on bringing you DRM free downloads of retro games from the ‘80s, ‘90s, and 2000s.
GOG has a huge catalog of over 3,000 titles to choose from, including cult classics like System Shock 2, Deus Ex, and Planescape: Torment. They work directly with publishers to release DRM free versions of the games, so you can download and play them whenever and wherever you want without needing an internet connection.
The site makes it easy to browse by genre, year of release, operating system, and more. Once you buy a game, you can download it as many times as you want and even grab extras like soundtracks, wallpapers, and avatars. GOG frequently runs sales where you can grab bundles of games for up to 90% off the regular price.
For retro game enthusiasts, GOG is a goldmine. They’ve made many older games compatible with modern PCs so you can relive the glory days. The site has a fun, nostalgic vibe and active community forums where you can get tips on running games or just chat about your favorite classics from the good old days of PC gaming.
If you’re looking to build up your library of DRM free games or want to take a trip down memory lane, GOG should definitely be one of your first stops. Their passion for preserving PC gaming history and providing a great experience for gamers makes them a platform worth supporting.
Origin: EA’s Platform to Download PC Games
Origin is EA’s own platform for downloading and playing PC games. If you’re a fan of franchises like The Sims, Battlefield, FIFA, Madden NFL, or Star Wars, Origin is a must have.
Massive Catalog of EA Titles
Origin gives you access to a huge catalog of popular games from EA, including many titles that are only available on Origin. You can find the latest entries in blockbuster franchises like:
- The Sims
- Battlefield
- FIFA and Madden NFL
- Star Wars like Jedi: Fallen Order and Star Wars: Squadrons
New releases are added all the time, so you’ll never run out of games to play.
Regular Sales and Discounts
Origin frequently runs sales where you can get 50 75% off popular games. They also offer special promo codes and coupons you can find online to save even more. If you’re on a budget, the Origin Access subscription service gives you a library of over 100 games for just $4.99/month.
Achievements and Rewards
As you play games on Origin, you can unlock achievements and earn rewards points which can be redeemed for discounts and free games. The more you play, the more you can save. Origin also has a rewards app you can download on your phone to get points for doing simple tasks like watching trailers, voting in polls, and sharing on social media.
Easy Downloads and Installation
Downloading and installing games through Origin is simple. Just find the game you want, purchase or redeem it, and Origin will automatically download and install it for you. Your games are saved to your Origin library so you can download them again whenever you want.
Origin provides an easy, affordable way for PC gamers to access a huge library of popular titles. With frequent sales, rewards, and a simple download process, Origin makes it convenient to build up your collection and play more of the games you love.
Uplay: Ubisoft’s “Download games for PC”
Uplay is Ubisoft’s own PC game download platform where you can buy and download popular Ubisoft titles. If you’re a fan of franchises like Assassin’s Creed, Far Cry, Rainbow Six, and Watch Dogs, Uplay is a must have.
Large selection of Ubisoft games
Uplay offers a huge catalog of Ubisoft’s biggest hits, from action adventure games to first person shooters and everything in between. You’ll find all the latest releases like Assassin’s Creed Valhalla and Watch Dogs: Legion as well as older classics. Uplay frequently runs sales where you can score Ubisoft games at a steep discount.
Exclusive rewards and bonuses
By creating a free Uplay account, you’ll earn Uplay points for every purchase and in game achievement which you can redeem for exclusive in game content like weapons, outfits, and boosters. Uplay also frequently gives away free games, DLC, and other bonuses just for logging in.
Easy download and installation
Downloading and installing games through Uplay is simple. Just purchase a game through the Uplay desktop app or website and the download will start automatically. Uplay will handle the entire installation process so you can start playing as soon as the download completes.
Optional game updates
Uplay will automatically check for game updates to ensure you have the latest patches installed. However, you have the option to turn off automatic updates if you prefer. You can also schedule updates to install at a specific time or limit the download speed.
Share game progress between platforms
If you play Ubisoft games on multiple platforms like PC, Xbox, and PlayStation, Uplay lets you share your game progress, unlocks, and achievements between platforms so you can pick up right where you left off. Your Uplay points and rewards also carry over to any linked Uplay accounts.
Uplay is the best way for PC gamers to build a library of Ubisoft titles. With frequent sales, exclusive bonuses, automatic updates, and cross platform progression, Uplay offers a ton of value for Ubisoft fans. Download Uplay for free and start enjoying popular franchises at your fingertips.
Epic Games Store: Fortnite Creator’s New Gaming Platform
The Epic Games Store is the latest digital storefront looking to compete with Steam. Launched in 2018 by Epic Games, the creators of Fortnite, the Epic Games Store aims to challenge Steam’s dominance in the PC gaming market.
A Curated Selection
Unlike Steam’s open marketplace with thousands of games, the Epic Games Store has a small, curated selection of games. Epic Games handpicks titles to feature on their store, focusing on high quality, innovative games. This makes it easier to discover great new games without sifting through endless lists of mediocre titles. The Epic Games Store also frequently gives away free games to build up your library.
Exclusive Releases
To attract gamers to their new platform, Epic Games has signed deals with publishers for exclusive PC releases of major franchises like Borderlands 3, The Outer Worlds, and Control. These timed exclusives, typically lasting 6 12 months, are only available on the Epic Games Store. If you want to play the latest blockbusters, the Epic Games Store is the only place you can get them on PC.
Developer Friendly Terms
Epic Games only takes a 12% cut of revenue from games sold on their store, compared to Steam’s 30% cut. This means more money goes back to the developers and publishers, allowing them to invest in creating better games. Some of this extra revenue is passed onto gamers through lower prices on the Epic Games Store.
Fortnite Cross Promotions
Since Epic Games developed Fortnite, the Epic Games Store is the only place you can purchase V Bucks, Fortnite’s in game currency. The store also frequently features cross promotions where you can get free V Bucks or in game items by purchasing certain games. For Fortnite fans, the Epic Games Store offers unique benefits you can’t get anywhere else.
The Epic Games Store is still growing, but with major exclusives, giveaways, and its connection to Fortnite, it provides some compelling reasons for PC gamers to start building their library there. As the store continues improving its features and selection, it may eventually go head to head with Steam.
Itch.io: Indie Game Downloads Galore
A Treasure Trove of Indie Games
If you’re looking to discover unique, creative indie games, Itch.io is the place to go. This popular PC game download site focuses exclusively on indie titles from small developers. It’s a treasure trove of innovative, artistic, and downright quirky games you won’t find anywhere else.
Browse through the catalog of over 200,000 free and paid indie games to find ones that pique your interest. The selection is extremely eclectic, ranging from short experimental art games to full length retro style RPGs and everything in between. New games are added daily, so there’s always something fresh to check out.
Many of the games are available for free or on a pay what you want basis, allowing you to try them out risk free. If you find a game you enjoy, you have the option to support the developer by paying for the download or providing a tip. This helps indie game makers continue creating and releasing their passion projects.
How to download games for PC from Itch.io
Downloading and installing games from Itch.io is simple. Just find a game that catches your eye, select “Download Now” or “Add to Cart” if it’s a paid title, complete the purchase if needed, and the file will automatically download to your computer. Most games are small in size, so they download and install quickly.
Itch.io also has an open revenue sharing model that gives developers more of the profits from game sales. On average, developers receive over 90% of revenue from purchases and donations made on the site. This makes Itch.io an attractive platform for indie devs to share their games, and in turn provides you with a diverse catalog of experimental titles you can’t get anywhere else.
If you’re an avid PC gamer looking for unique indie experiences, Itch.io should be one of your go to resources. You never know what hidden gem you might uncover in their massive collection of imaginative, one of a kind games. Happy downloading.
Game Jolt: Free Indie Download games for PC
Game Jolt is a popular site for downloading free indie games for PC. With thousands of titles to choose from, you’re sure to find something that piques your interest.
Browse by Genre
Game Jolt offers games in categories like action, adventure, horror, puzzle, RPG, simulation, and more. You can browse the latest releases in each genre or view games that are trending. Some popular genres on Game Jolt are:
- Platformer: Games like Super Mario Bros. where you jump between platforms.
- Retro: Games with an old school 8 bit or 16 bit style.
- Horror: Spooky games meant to scare you.
Discover Upcoming Games
See what hot new games are in development and add them to your wishlist. That way you’ll get notified as soon as they release so you can download them right away. Some games even offer early access so you can play before the full launch.
Follow Your Favorite Developers
When you find a developer that makes games you enjoy, follow them on Game Jolt. You’ll get updates whenever they release a new game or update one of their existing titles. Some of the most popular developers on Game Jolt are Radical Fish Games, Nifflas, and Octavi Navarro.
Leave Reviews and Ratings
After playing a game, leave a review to share your thoughts with others. Let people know what you liked or didn’t like to help them decide if it’s worth downloading. You can also rate games from 1 to 5 stars to give an quick overview of how good or bad you thought it was.
Download and Play
Once you find a game that interests you, just click the download button to get it on your PC for free. Most games are small in size, around 50 to 500 MB, so they download quickly. You can then play offline whenever you want.
With a huge selection of indie games that span many genres, Game Jolt is an excellent resource for discovering fun new PC games without spending a time. Check it out and start downloading.
PC Game Downloads: Fan Made and Abandonware Games
Abandonware and Fan Made Games
Some of the best free PC game downloads are abandonware titles and fan made games. Abandonware refers to games that are no longer commercially distributed or supported by the creator. Often the copyright has expired or the developer has gone out of business. These old DOS games from the ‘80s and ‘90s have been made available by fans to download and play for free.
Fan made games are created by independent developers and released for free. These include mods that modify existing games, remakes of old classics, and entirely new games made from scratch. The quality can vary but some fan made games rival commercial titles. They are made purely out of passion for gaming, not for profit.
Some recommended sites for abandonware and fan made to free download games for PC:
- My Abandonware: Huge catalog of classic DOS games from the ‘80s and ‘90s no longer sold commercially. Genres include RPG, strategy, adventure and more. Easy to browse and download.
- Mod DB: Largest site for fan made mods, remakes and indie games. Thousands of free downloads for many popular franchises like Half Life, Skyrim, Fallout and Civilization. Quality varies but many highly rated, well made games.
- Itch.io: Marketplace for free indie and fan made games of all genres. Anyone can upload their creations. Some real gems here if you dig around. Many innovative and experimental titles you won’t find anywhere else.
- GOG: In addition to selling classic games, GOG has a selection of free fan made remakes, mods and freeware games. High quality curated selection, easy to download and play.
- Indie DB: Large catalog of free indie and fan made games for PC. New games added daily. Can filter by genre, platform, and rating to find the best titles. News and updates on the latest releases from independent developers.
Exploring abandonware and fan made games is a great way to discover new old classics and experience gaming creativity at its best. You never know what hidden gems you might uncover. And the price is right—free.
Conclusion
So there you have it, the best sites to download games for your PC. With a huge selection of free games available, you’ll never run out of options to keep you entertained. Whether you’re into action packed shooters, mind bending puzzles, or retro arcade games, you can find pretty much any genre you want. And since they’re free, you’ve got nothing to lose by trying out a few games you normally wouldn’t. Go ahead, take a walk on the wild side of gaming. Your PC will thank you, and your wallet definitely will too. Happy downloading and happy gaming The virtual worlds await.
Download Games for PC FAQs: Common Questions Answered
So you want to download some PC games but have a few questions first. No worries, we’ve got you covered. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about downloading games for PC.
Which websites are best to download games for PC?
Some of the top sites for downloading PC games are:
- Steam: The most popular digital distribution platform. It has a huge selection of games at discounted prices.
- GOG: Offers DRM free games, both new and retro. It has frequent sales and bundles.
- Humble Bundle: Pay what you want for bundles of games. A portion of sales go to charities.
- Epic Games Store: Up and coming storefront with exclusive games and free games given away weekly.
- Origin: EA’s platform to download EA games like The Sims, FIFA, and Battlefield.
- Uplay: Ubisoft’s platform to download Ubisoft games like Assassin’s Creed, Far Cry, and Watch Dogs.
Are the games free to download?
Some games are free to download, like Fortnite Battle Royale, Warframe, and Path of Exile. However, most major titles are not free and typically range from $20 to $60 depending on if it’s a new release or has been out for a while. The good news is stores frequently have sales with big discounts. You can also find bundle deals, especially on Humble Bundle.
How much space will games take up?
The amount of space a game takes up depends on the title. Some smaller indie games may only require a few gigabytes while large open world games like Red Dead Redemption 2 can take up 100 GB or more. In general, you’ll want at least 1 2 TB of storage for a decent sized gaming library. It’s a good idea to uninstall games you’re no longer playing to free up space.
Do I need a gaming PC to play downloaded games?
For most downloaded games, you will need a gaming desktop or laptop to play them properly. Requirements will vary but you’ll typically want a dedicated graphics card like an NVIDIA GeForce or AMD Radeon, a fast multi core processor, at least 8 16 GB of RAM, and Windows 10. Some less demanding games may run on a regular PC but performance won’t be ideal. Check the recommended specs for any game before downloading to ensure your hardware can handle it.
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