Steam vs GOG: which PC game store should you use?

Use Steam if you want a much larger PC catalogue, richer community features, Workshop mods, controller tools and straightforward Steam Deck support. Use GOG if DRM-free offline installers, launcher-free single-player use and long-term access matter more. For most PC simmers, Steam is the practical default; GOG is stronger for classics and preservation.

Steam vs GOG at a glance

Steam wins on selection and ecosystem, while GOG gives you greater control over the files you have purchased.

Which store should you use?

For general PC gaming, choose the store whose account, modding and update system best fits how you intend to use the game.

Choose Steam when these features matter

Steam is the safer default for new releases, online games and simulators built around DLC or community content.

• You want the widest choice of games and editions.
• The game uses Steam Workshop for aircraft, routes, scenarios, scenery or other mods.
• Your friends use the Steam edition and the game does not guarantee cross-store multiplayer.
• You rely on Steam Input, Remote Play, cloud saves or community controller layouts.
• You use a Steam Deck or Linux PC and want the most direct installation process. Our overview of flight simulators suited to Steam Deck explains the extra compatibility considerations for sims.

Choose GOG when control matters more

GOG is the better choice when preserving a working installer is more valuable than integrated store features.

• You want to install and launch a single-player game without keeping a store client running.
• You maintain offline backups or machines that are not always connected to the internet.
• You want an older game packaged for modern versions of Windows.
• You need to retain a known working build instead of accepting every update immediately.
• The GOG edition includes the same content and mod support you need.

Is Steam or GOG cheaper?

Neither store is consistently cheaper, so compare the complete package rather than the headline discount.

Check the base game, required expansions and any edition-specific extras. This matters with DLC-heavy train and flight simulators: a cheap starter package can cost more once the routes, aircraft or rolling stock you actually want are included.

What does GOG being DRM-free actually mean?

GOG's DRM-free model lets you download an installer, back it up and reinstall the game on a compatible PC without authenticating through a launcher.

You still receive a personal licence rather than unrestricted ownership of the intellectual property, so the files cannot legally be distributed to other people. DRM-free also cannot preserve multiplayer servers, cloud services or other network features if the developer withdraws them.

Steam Offline Mode is useful, but it is not the same thing. It generally requires the client and saved credentials to be prepared beforehand, while third-party launchers or always-online components can still prevent a game from starting. Some Steam games contain no effective DRM, but Steam does not promise DRM-free operation across its catalogue.

Will Steam and GOG mods, DLC and saves work together?

Mods, DLC and saves do not automatically become cross-store compatible just because the game has the same name.

• Workshop mods: A Steam Workshop subscription normally requires the Steam edition. Owning the game on GOG does not grant access to its Workshop installation system.
• Manual mods: These often work on either edition when the executable version and folder structure match. Read the mod's version requirements and select the actual installation directory rather than copying files blindly.
• DLC: Buy downloadable content for the same storefront as the base game. A GOG expansion will not normally attach to a Steam licence, or vice versa.
• Save files: Local saves may be transferable, but cloud locations, account binding and format changes can interfere. Back up the original save directory before testing it in another build.
• Multiplayer: Cross-store play exists only when the developer supports it. Some games separate players by storefront or require different account systems.
• Game versions: Patches do not always reach both stores at the same time. A small build difference can break multiplayer, save compatibility or a complex simulator add-on.

For flight and train simulators, the most common mistake we see is assuming an add-on installer will detect every storefront edition. If it does not, choose the game folder manually and confirm that the add-on supports that exact build. Avoid editing core game files when a dedicated mod folder is available, because verification or updates may overwrite them.

Can you transfer a GOG game to Steam?

You cannot transfer a store licence, achievements, DLC entitlement or Workshop access between GOG and Steam.

A GOG executable can be added to Steam as a non-Steam shortcut, but that only places it in the launcher. It does not turn the purchase into a Steam copy or provide Steam updates, cloud saves and Workshop subscriptions. Moving to another storefront usually means buying the game again unless the publisher explicitly supplies a separate entitlement.

Is GOG better for old PC games?

GOG is often the better starting point for old PC games because many releases include preconfigured compatibility components, manuals and other original material.

That does not guarantee flawless operation on every modern PC. Display scaling, controller detection, audio systems and operating-system security can still cause trouble, and the Steam release may sometimes use the same underlying game build. Compare the supported operating systems and included extras for the specific title rather than choosing by store reputation alone.

Which store is better for flight and train simulators?

Steam is usually better for modern flight and train simulators, while GOG makes more sense for older simulation titles that you want to preserve offline.

Steam's broader catalogue, DLC handling and Workshop integration make it the practical option for many active simulator ecosystems. You can compare the strongest flight simulators sold through Steam before committing to one platform.

The store rarely decides whether a joystick, yoke or throttle will work. Windows-compatible simulation hardware is usually detected by the game itself, although Steam Input can remap controllers unexpectedly. If axes or buttons behave incorrectly in a Steam simulator, test with Steam Input disabled for that game before changing drivers or control profiles.

Which store has the better refund policy?

GOG offers the longer standard request window, while Steam uses a more tightly defined combination of purchase date and recorded play time.

Under Steam's standard policy, a game normally qualifies when the request is made within 14 days and recorded play time is under two hours. Requests outside those limits may still be reviewed, but approval is not guaranteed. Our explanation of Steam refund steps, eligibility and exceptions covers the process in detail.

GOG's standard policy normally permits a request within 30 days, including after downloading or launching the game, but it can refuse abuse and apply content-specific exceptions. On either store, test demanding simulators promptly: time spent in a launcher, shader compilation or control configuration may count as play time if the game is recorded as running.