Gaming today is much more than just defeating opponents and boasting about it afterward. The hobby has evolved into a multifaceted experience with social, competitive, commercial, and recreational elements. To enhance this experience, a variety of apps have become indispensable for gamers. Here are some essential, completely free apps every PC gamer should consider.
1. Discord
Finding a reliable, user-friendly, and free voice chat program used to be a challenge. Discord changed the game by offering a platform that's not only easy to use but also accessible via browsers, desktop, and mobile apps. It allows users to create or join channels with just an invite link, making it the go-to choice for many gamers.
Discord continues to innovate, adding features that enhance the gaming experience. It has even launched an online game store to compete with Steam. Additionally, Discord hosts various servers for interests beyond gaming, such as music and movies.
Download: Discord (Free)
2. Steam
Steam is the most popular digital gaming platform, offering far more than just a vast game library. It serves as a social hub where you can connect with friends, share achievements, and play together.
Steam's in-home streaming feature allows you to stream games from your main PC to other devices on your home network. Over the years, Steam has introduced several features, including a recommendation queue, follow reviewers, and an improved chat system.
Download: Steam (Free)
3. Parsec
Parsec is a free game-streaming app that enables you to play local co-op games with friends online. It allows you to host games on your computer for in-home streaming or online multiplayer sessions.
Even better, not everyone in your party needs to own the game. Anyone using Parsec can join as long as the host has the game installed and it supports local multiplayer.
Download: Parsec (Free)
4. OBS Studio
OBS Studio is the go-to app for gamers who want to record or stream their gameplay. It's free, powerful, and relatively easy for beginners. OBS Studio allows you to record your screen, audio input, and output, making it easy to capture gameplay and add commentary.
Beyond gaming, OBS Studio can be used for other content, such as tutorials or live streaming. Its versatility makes it an essential tool for content creators.
Download: OBS Studio (Free)
5. Twitch Desktop App
Twitch is synonymous with live streaming, but its desktop app offers features valuable even to gamers who don’t watch streamers. Through integration with CurseForge, Twitch serves as a central hub for managing game add-ons and mods, particularly for games like Minecraft and World of Warcraft.
The app also includes social features such as community hosting, friends lists, and video chat, with continuous updates that enhance its functionality.
Download: Twitch Desktop App (Free)
6. Razer Cortex
Many gamers don’t always have the latest hardware, making game-boosting software like Razer Cortex incredibly useful. This app frees up system resources and RAM, ensuring that your games run more smoothly.
Razer Cortex's features, like game booster and system defragmentation, launch automatically when you start a game, making it convenient and user-friendly.
Download: Razer Cortex (Free)
7. MSI Afterburner
For those who want more control over their computer's performance, MSI Afterburner is a must-have tool. This free software allows you to overclock your graphics card and monitor hardware temperatures, offering a detailed overview of your system's performance.
While it’s primarily for overclocking, MSI Afterburner also provides custom fan settings and an overlay to track system stats during gameplay.
Download: MSI Afterburner (Free)
Why PC Gaming Still Rules
These apps are just a few reasons why many gamers prefer PC gaming over consoles. With better graphics, no worries about backward compatibility, and a vast selection of gaming accessories, PC gaming remains a top choice for many.
