The safe way to download PC games is through an official launcher or store: Steam, the Epic Games Launcher, the Xbox app, the EA app, Battle.net, Ubisoft Connect, GOG GALAXY or a publisher's own client such as the Rockstar Games Launcher or the Roblox and Minecraft launchers. Install the launcher from the publisher's website, sign in, then download each game inside it.
This guide groups every game and launcher page on techdows by job: stores, free shooters, MMOs, simulators, family games, cloud and VR, and gaming tools. It also lists official minimum system requirements for headline games and routes the most common launcher errors to their fixes.
Where to download PC games safely
Every major game ships through a launcher run by its publisher or a big store. Pirate sites, "repack" pages and unofficial mirrors are where most game-related malware comes from, so skip them even for free games.
- Decide which store sells or hosts the game. The tables below name the launcher for each title.
- Open the publisher's own website and download the launcher installer from there, or install it from the Microsoft Store.
- Run the installer, then sign in or create a free account.
- Search the store for the game and select Install, Get or Play.
- Choose the drive and folder, check the free space shown, and let the download finish before you launch.
Grand Theft Auto V is a good example of a game sold in several stores but always started through one client: you can get GTA V Enhanced or Legacy on Steam or Epic, and the Rockstar launcher still runs it.
Download free PC games by category
Pick the category first, then the launcher. Most free-to-play games make money from optional cosmetics or passes, so the download itself costs nothing.
| What you want | Usual launcher or store | Cost to download |
|---|---|---|
| Competitive shooters and battle royale | Steam, Epic Games Launcher, Battle.net, Riot Client | Mostly free-to-play |
| MMOs and online RPGs | Publisher launcher or Steam | Free-to-play or free trial |
| Driving and flight simulators | Steam, Xbox app, publisher site | Paid, some demos |
| Family and mobile-style games | Microsoft Store, phone app stores, browser | Mostly free |
| Cloud gaming and VR | Vendor app (GeForce NOW, SteamVR, Meta Quest Link) | Free app, paid tiers or hardware |
| Story and indie hits | Steam, GOG GALAXY, Xbox app | Paid |
Hand-picked shortlists help too: the best free PC games this year and the wider pick of PC games worth playing now.
PC game launchers and stores to download
You rarely need all of these. Install the one that sells the game you want, and add others only when a game requires them.
| Launcher or store | Publisher | Free or paid | Get it |
|---|---|---|---|
| Epic Games Launcher | Epic Games | Free app | Epic Games Launcher download |
| Xbox app (PC Game Pass) | Microsoft | Free app, paid subscription | Xbox app for Windows |
| EA app | Electronic Arts | Free app | EA app installer |
| Origin (replaced by EA app) | Electronic Arts | Free app | what happened to Origin |
| Battle.net | Blizzard | Free app | Battle.net desktop app |
| Ubisoft Connect | Ubisoft | Free app | Ubisoft Connect for PC |
| GOG GALAXY | GOG | Free app | GOG GALAXY client |
| Rockstar Games Launcher | Rockstar Games | Free app | Rockstar launcher download |
| Amazon Games | Amazon | Free app | Amazon Games app |
| Big Fish Games | Big Fish | Free app, paid games | Big Fish Games app |
| Minecraft Launcher | Mojang / Microsoft | Free app, paid game | Minecraft Launcher setup |
Steam itself comes from store.steampowered.com. Since January 1, 2024 the Steam client supports only Windows 10 and later, so older PCs need an upgrade before installing it.
Top free games
These shooters, battle royale and arena games cost nothing to download. Several need a kernel anti-cheat driver that the launcher installs for you.
| Game | Launcher or store | Free or paid | Get it |
|---|---|---|---|
| Counter-Strike 2 (replaced Counter-Strike: Global Offensive) | Steam | Free-to-play | Counter-Strike 2 download |
| Fortnite | Epic Games Launcher | Free-to-play | Fortnite for PC |
| VALORANT | Riot Client | Free-to-play | VALORANT installer |
| Marvel Rivals | Steam, Epic | Free-to-play | Marvel Rivals download |
| Overwatch | Battle.net, Steam | Free-to-play | Overwatch for PC |
| PUBG: Battlegrounds | Steam | Free-to-play | PUBG Battlegrounds download |
| Rainbow Six Siege | Ubisoft Connect, Steam | Free-to-play | Rainbow Six Siege download |
| Destiny 2 | Steam | Free-to-play, paid expansions | Destiny 2 for PC |
| Warframe | Steam, Epic, official launcher | Free-to-play | Warframe download |
| War Thunder | Steam, official launcher | Free-to-play | War Thunder for PC |
| World of Tanks | Official launcher, Steam | Free-to-play | World of Tanks download |
| Brawlhalla | Steam | Free-to-play | Brawlhalla for PC |
| Fall Guys | Epic Games Launcher | Free-to-play | Fall Guys download |
| Escape from Tarkov | Official launcher | Paid | Escape from Tarkov launcher |
| Apex Legends | EA app, Steam | Free-to-play | No techdows page yet |
Free MMO and online RPG downloads for PC
Online role-playing games either run free-to-play or offer a free trial with a level cap. The trial lets you check performance before you subscribe.
| Game | Launcher or store | Free or paid | Get it |
|---|---|---|---|
| Genshin Impact | HoYoPlay, Epic | Free-to-play | Genshin Impact for PC |
| Honkai: Star Rail | HoYoPlay, Epic | Free-to-play | Honkai: Star Rail download |
| Guild Wars 2 | ArenaNet launcher, Steam | Free core game | Guild Wars 2 download |
| World of Warcraft | Battle.net | Free trial, subscription | World of Warcraft trial |
| Final Fantasy XIV | Square Enix launcher, Steam | Free trial, subscription | Final Fantasy XIV free trial |
| Dota 2 | Steam | Free-to-play | Dota 2 for PC |
| Star Stable Online | Official launcher | Free to start, paid membership | Star Stable Online download |
Editor’s picks: top free PC games
These well-known free-to-play titles do not have a techdows download page yet. Search the exact name inside Steam or the publisher's launcher rather than on the open web, so you land on the official listing.
| Game | Type | Where to search |
|---|---|---|
| League of Legends | MOBA | Riot Client |
| Hearthstone | Card game | Battle.net |
| Halo Infinite (multiplayer) | Shooter | Steam, Xbox app |
| Team Fortress 2 | Shooter | Steam |
| Paladins | Hero shooter | Steam |
| The Finals | Shooter | Steam |
| Delta Force | Shooter | Steam |
| Arena Breakout: Infinite | Extraction shooter | Official launcher, Steam |
| FragPunk, Strinova, Blood Strike | Shooters | Steam |
| Path of Exile | Action RPG | Steam, official site |
| Lost Ark | Action MMO | Steam |
| Smite | MOBA | Steam |
| Runescape | MMO | Jagex Launcher, Steam |
| Eve Online | Space MMO | Official launcher, Steam |
| Albion Online, Once Human | Online survival and MMO | Steam |
| Wuthering Waves, Zenless Zone Zero | Action RPGs | Official launcher, Epic |
| Marvel Snap, Yu-Gi-Oh! Master Duel, Gwent: The Witcher Card Game | Card games | Steam |
| Limbus Company | Strategy RPG | Steam |
| Doki Doki Literature Club!, The Awesome Adventures of Captain Spirit | Story games | Steam |
Simulator and racing games download for PC
Simulators are paid and large, so check the requirements and free disk space first. Flight and driving sims also benefit from a wheel, stick or controller.
| Game | Launcher or store | Free or paid | Get it |
|---|---|---|---|
| Microsoft Flight Simulator | Xbox app, Steam | Paid, Game Pass | Flight Simulator download |
| X-Plane 12 | Official site, Steam | Paid, free demo | X-Plane 12 demo |
| Forza Horizon 5 | Xbox app, Steam | Paid, Game Pass | Forza Horizon 5 for PC |
| Assetto Corsa | Steam | Paid | Assetto Corsa download |
| American Truck Simulator | Steam | Paid | American Truck Simulator download |
| Farming Simulator 22 | Steam, Epic, publisher store | Paid | Farming Simulator 22 for PC |
| Universe Sandbox | Steam | Paid | Universe Sandbox download |
| The Sims 2 Legacy Collection | EA app | Paid | The Sims 2 Legacy Collection |
| The Sims 3 | EA app, Steam | Paid | The Sims 3 for PC |
Popular paid PC games to download
Paid games often go on sale in every store at once. Buy from whichever store you already use, because your library stays tied to that account.
| Game | Launcher or store | Free or paid | Get it |
|---|---|---|---|
| Red Dead Redemption 2 | Rockstar launcher, Steam, Epic | Paid | Red Dead Redemption 2 for PC |
| The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition | Steam, Xbox app | Paid | Skyrim Special Edition download |
| Sea of Thieves | Xbox app, Steam | Paid, Game Pass | Sea of Thieves download |
| Minecraft Dungeons | Minecraft Launcher, Steam | Paid | Minecraft Dungeons for PC |
| Stardew Valley | Steam, GOG | Paid | Stardew Valley download |
| Terraria | Steam, GOG | Paid | Terraria for PC |
| Cuphead | Steam, GOG, Xbox app | Paid | Cuphead download |
| Undertale | Steam, GOG | Paid | Undertale for PC |
| Phasmophobia | Steam | Paid | Phasmophobia download |
| Poppy Playtime | Steam | Chapter 1 free, later chapters paid | Poppy Playtime for PC |
| Hello Neighbor | Steam, Xbox app | Paid | Hello Neighbor download |
| Among Us | Steam, Epic | Paid on PC | Among Us for PC |
| Bloons TD 6 | Steam, Epic | Paid | Bloons TD 6 download |
| Plants vs. Zombies | EA app, Steam | Paid | Plants vs. Zombies for PC |
Free PC games on other platforms
Many family favourites are phone games first. Some have a Windows version or a PC launcher, others play only on iPhone, iPad, Android or in the browser. Each page below says which devices are supported.
| Game or app | Where it runs | Free or paid | Get it |
|---|---|---|---|
| Microsoft Solitaire Collection | Windows, iPhone, Android | Free with ads | Microsoft Solitaire Collection |
| Candy Crush Saga | Windows, iPhone, Android | Free-to-play | Candy Crush Saga download |
| Candy Crush Soda Saga | PC, iPhone, Android | Free-to-play | Candy Crush Soda Saga |
| Clash Royale | Phones, PC options | Free-to-play | Clash Royale download |
| Brawl Stars | iPhone, iPad, Android | Free-to-play | Brawl Stars download |
| Boom Beach | Phones, PC options | Free-to-play | Boom Beach download |
| Subway Surfers | Android, iPhone, Chromebook | Free-to-play | Subway Surfers download |
| The Battle Cats | iPhone, iPad, Android | Free-to-play | The Battle Cats download |
| The Sims FreePlay | iPhone, iPad, Android | Free-to-play | The Sims FreePlay download |
| Pokémon GO | iPhone, Android | Free-to-play | Pokémon GO download |
| Pokémon TCG Live | PC, Mac, phones | Free-to-play | Pokémon TCG Live for PC |
| Toca Boca World | PC, iPhone, iPad, Android | Free to start | Toca Boca World download |
| PBS KIDS Games | PC, Mac | Free | PBS KIDS Games app |
| Scratch | PC, Mac, browser | Free | Scratch desktop app |
| Minecraft Education | PC, Mac | Free trial, licence | Minecraft Education trial |
| KaraFun | PC, Mac, phones | Free app, paid catalogue | KaraFun karaoke app |
| EA SPORTS FC Companion | PC, Mac, phones | Free | EA SPORTS FC Companion |
Cloud gaming, remote play and VR apps for PC
These apps stream games or connect a headset rather than install a game library. They need a fast, stable connection or a supported headset.
| App or game | Job | Free or paid | Get it |
|---|---|---|---|
| GeForce NOW | Cloud gaming from your existing store libraries | Free tier, paid tiers | GeForce NOW app |
| PS Remote Play | Stream a PS5 or PS4 to the PC | Free | PS Remote Play for PC |
| Steam Link | Stream Steam games to another screen | Free | Steam Link app |
| SteamVR | Run PC VR games from Steam | Free | SteamVR download |
| Meta Quest Link | Use a Quest headset with PC VR | Free | Meta Quest Link software |
| VRChat | Social VR, also works without a headset | Free-to-play | VRChat download |
| Gorilla Tag | VR movement game | Paid on Steam | Gorilla Tag for PC VR |
| Twitch | Watch and stream gameplay | Free | Twitch desktop app |
Gaming apps for PC: Discord, Overwolf and Xbox Game Bar
Voice chat, overlays and controller tools sit alongside your launchers. Install only the ones you will use, since each adds a startup app.
| Tool | Job | Free or paid | Get it |
|---|---|---|---|
| Discord | Voice and text chat for groups | Free, optional Nitro | Discord for Windows |
| Discord on a Mac | Same app for macOS | Free | Discord macOS installer |
| Xbox Game Bar | Overlay for capture, performance and party chat | Free, built into Windows | Xbox Game Bar app |
| Xbox Accessories | Remap and update Xbox controllers | Free | Xbox Accessories app |
| Overwolf | In-game overlay apps and mods | Free | Overwolf for PC |
| Razer Cortex | Game booster and library | Free | Razer Cortex download |
Discord's core features cost nothing, and the paid Nitro plan adds perks; the Discord pricing breakdown lists what each tier includes.
PC game system requirements: minimum specs for popular games
Compare your PC with the publisher's minimum before you download a large game. Figures below come from each game's official Steam store page.
| Game | Minimum OS | Processor | Memory | Graphics | Storage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grand Theft Auto V Enhanced | Windows 10 | Intel Core i7-4770 or AMD FX-9590 | 8 GB | GeForce GTX 1630 or Radeon RX 6400 (4 GB) | 105 GB |
| Counter-Strike 2 | Windows 10 | 4 CPU threads, Intel Core i5 750 or higher | 8 GB | 1 GB DirectX 11 card, Shader Model 5.0 | 85 GB |
| Marvel Rivals | Windows 10 64-bit (1909 or newer) | Intel Core i5-6600K or AMD Ryzen 5 1600X | 16 GB | GTX 1060, RX 580 or Arc A380 | 70 GB |
| Dota 2 | Windows 10 (Steam client) | Dual core at 2.8 GHz | 4 GB | GeForce 8600/9600GT or Radeon HD2600/3600 | 60 GB |
Minimum specs usually mean low settings at modest frame rates. Check the recommended column on the same store page if you want higher settings.
How to download games on PC with Steam
Steam is the biggest PC store, and many games from other publishers also install through it.
- Download the Steam installer from store.steampowered.com and run it.
- Sign in, or select Create a free account.
- Open Store, search the game and select Play Game (free) or Add to Cart (paid).
- Pick the install drive in the dialog and select Install.
- Watch progress under Library > Downloads.
When the system drive fills up, you can add a second Steam library folder on another drive. The extra installers Steam runs on first launch are Steamworks common redistributables such as DirectX and Visual C++ runtimes; leave them installed.
Minecraft download for PC with the Minecraft Launcher
The Minecraft Launcher installs Java Edition, Bedrock Edition and spin-offs from one window. Sign in with the Microsoft account that bought the game.
- Install the Minecraft Launcher from minecraft.net or the Microsoft Store.
- Sign in with your Microsoft account.
- Pick Minecraft: Java Edition or Minecraft for Windows in the left pane.
- Select Install or Play.
Java Edition can also play older Minecraft versions through Installations > New installation. To host a world for friends, run the free Minecraft Java server software on a spare PC.
Roblox download for PC and playing in the browser
Roblox installs a small player app the first time you join an experience from roblox.com, and the Microsoft Store has a version too.
- Sign in at roblox.com.
- Open any experience and select Play.
- Accept the prompt to install Roblox, then select Play again.
School and work PCs that block installs can still play Roblox in a browser through a cloud service. Roblox updates itself on launch, but a stuck client may need a manual Roblox update on Windows. Creators build their own experiences in the free Roblox Studio editor.
Set up the EA app and Xbox app after installing
Both launchers install without a desktop icon by default on some PCs and need the right account before games appear.
- Sign in to the EA app with your EA account, and to the Xbox app with the Microsoft account that holds your Game Pass subscription.
- In the Xbox app, open Settings and choose the default install folder and drive.
- In the EA app, open My Collection to see owned games, then select Download.
- Pin each launcher to the taskbar or Start for quick access.
If you prefer an icon, add the EA app to the desktop from its install folder. Mac users have no Xbox app and play Game Pass titles through cloud gaming instead.
Anti-cheat software for PC games: Easy Anti-Cheat and Riot Vanguard
Online games ship anti-cheat drivers that must be installed and running. A missing or damaged one is a common reason a game closes at launch or will not join matches.
| Anti-cheat | Used by | What to do when it fails |
|---|---|---|
| Easy Anti-Cheat | Many Steam and Epic games | Repair Easy Anti-Cheat on Steam from the game's install folder |
| Riot Vanguard | VALORANT, League of Legends | Reinstall the Riot Vanguard driver and restart the PC |
| BattlEye | PUBG, Rainbow Six Siege and others | Verify the game files in the launcher |
Why are my games downloading slow on PC?
Slow game downloads usually come from the download server region, a bandwidth limit inside the launcher, or other traffic on the network.
Every game downloads slowly
Wi-Fi, other traffic on the network or a launcher bandwidth limit
- Pause other downloads, streams and cloud backups.
- Use a wired Ethernet connection instead of Wi-Fi where possible.
- In the launcher's download settings, remove any bandwidth limit.
One launcher is slow while others are fine
A distant download region or a damaged download cache
- Change the download region or server to one near you.
- Clear the launcher's download cache and restart it.
Steam has its own set of causes, including the region setting and the cache; work through the fixes for slow Steam downloads in order.
Game launcher not working on Windows: common fixes
Steam will not open
A stuck background process, a damaged client file or a blocked connection
- End every Steam process in Task Manager and start Steam again.
- Restart the PC.
- Work through the remaining Steam not opening fixes if it still fails.
Rockstar Games Launcher not working
Corrupt launcher files or a failed service
- Restart the PC and run the launcher as administrator.
- Reinstall the launcher, then apply the other Rockstar launcher fixes.
Minecraft crashes with "Exit code: 1"
Mods, an outdated graphics driver or a bad Java setting
- Remove recent mods and launch the plain game.
- Update the graphics driver.
- Try the other Minecraft exit code 1 fixes.
Discord will not download or install
Leftover files from an old install or a running Discord process
- Close Discord in Task Manager.
- Delete the old Discord folders, then reinstall Discord on Windows from discord.com.
Game will not start after download
Missing runtime files or damaged game files
- Use the launcher's Verify or Repair option for the game.
- Install pending Windows updates and the latest graphics driver.
Questions about free PC games
Where can I download PC games for free?
Use official stores: Steam, the Epic Games Launcher, the Xbox app, Battle.net, the EA app, Ubisoft Connect, GOG GALAXY and publisher launchers. Each has a free-to-play section, and Epic also gives away paid games for a limited time.
Can you download PC games for free legally?
Yes, when the publisher offers them free: free-to-play games, demos, free trials and store giveaways. Paid games offered free on unofficial sites are pirated and often carry malware.
Can I download games on my laptop?
Yes. Laptops run the same launchers as desktops. Check the game's minimum requirements, especially graphics and free storage, before downloading.
What is a game launcher?
A game launcher is a desktop app from a store or publisher that downloads, updates and starts your games, and holds your library and friends list.
Is there a game launcher for all PC games?
No single launcher sells every game. GOG GALAXY and the Xbox app can show games from other stores in one library, but each game still needs its own store's client to run.
Can I play games while downloading on PC?
Yes. Most launchers let you play an installed game while another downloads, though the download may slow or pause, and online games can lag while bandwidth is shared.
Why is my PC taking so long to download games?
Modern games are often 60 GB to over 100 GB. Speed also drops with Wi-Fi, a distant download region, launcher bandwidth limits or other traffic on the network.
How do I download GTA 5 on PC?
Buy Grand Theft Auto V on Steam, the Epic Games Store or the Rockstar Store, install it from that store, and sign in to the Rockstar Games Launcher when it starts.
