Steam vs Epic Games Store vs GOG – Complete Comparison 2026
Which PC game store should you use? Here's an objective breakdown of the three major platforms.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Steam | Epic Games Store | GOG |
|---|---|---|---|
| Library Size | 100,000+ | 3,000+ | 6,000+ |
| DRM | Steamworks (optional) | Epic DRM (optional) | DRM-Free always |
| Free Games | F2P section | Weekly giveaways | Occasional giveaways |
| Refund Policy | 2hrs/14 days | 2hrs/14 days | 30-day guarantee |
| Social Features | Full suite | Basic | Basic |
| Offline Mode | Yes | Yes | Yes (no launcher needed) |
| Linux Support | Proton/Steam Deck | Limited | Native where available |
| Mod Support | Steam Workshop | Manual only | Manual only |
| Cloud Saves | Yes | Yes | GOG Galaxy |
| Regional Pricing | Extensive | Good | Good |
Detailed Breakdown
Steam – The Market Leader
Pros:
- Largest game library by far
- Steam Workshop for easy mod management
- Steam Deck / Proton for Linux gaming
- Community features (forums, guides, screenshots)
- Big Picture Mode for TV gaming
- Remote Play Together
- Family Sharing
Cons:
- 30% revenue cut (controversial)
- DRM can be intrusive (though optional for developers)
- Library can feel overwhelming
- Some predatory early access titles slip through
Best for: Power users who want every feature, Steam Deck owners, mod enthusiasts.
Epic Games Store – The Challenger
Pros:
- Free games every week (often AAA)
- 12% revenue cut attracts exclusives
- Clean, simple interface
- Unreal Engine integration
- Occasional $10 coupons during sales
Cons:
- Missing features (no shopping cart until recently, limited social)
- Exclusivity deals frustrate some users
- No user reviews on store
- Limited mod support
- No Linux client (though some games work via Heroic Launcher)
Best for: Bargain hunters who claim weekly free games, Fortnite players.
GOG – The DRM-Free Champion
Pros:
- 100% DRM-free – own your games truly
- 30-day refund policy (most generous)
- GOG Galaxy 2.0 unifies all libraries
- Classic game preservation focus
- Can play offline without any launcher
- Curated quality – less shovelware
Cons:
- Smaller library
- Some AAA titles never come to GOG
- Community is smaller
- No workshop/mod support
- Some multiplayer features may differ
Best for: Digital ownership advocates, classic game fans, offline gamers.
Price Comparison
Prices vary by game and region. General patterns:
| Scenario | Best Store |
|---|---|
| New AAA release | Usually same everywhere |
| During major sales | Check all three + ITAD |
| Indie games | Steam often cheapest |
| Older games | GOG or Steam |
| With coupons | Epic (during coupon events) |
The Multi-Store Strategy
The smartest approach is using all three:
- Claim Epic free games every Thursday (costs nothing)
- Buy on GOG when you want DRM-free ownership
- Buy on Steam for multiplayer, mods, and Steam Deck
- Use GOG Galaxy 2.0 to unify your libraries in one launcher
FAQ
Q: Can I move games between stores? A: No, game licenses are store-specific. Some games offer cross-save between stores.
Q: Which store pays developers most? A: Epic (88%), GOG (70-80%), Steam (70-80% with sliding scale).
Q: Do I need all three launchers installed? A: GOG games don't need a launcher. Steam and Epic games need their respective launchers.
Q: Which store has the best sales? A: They're competitive. Steam Summer/Winter sales are iconic, but Epic's coupon events and GOG's DRM-free deals are equally good.