I’ve mostly been buying games on Steam, but I noticed that some games are cheaper on the Xbox PC app. I could wait for Steam sales since those games will eventually go on sale, but I’m curious about any advantages or disadvantages in buying from the Xbox app compared to Steam. I have a PC and a ROG Ally X, and I’m thinking of getting an Xbox too. Should I start buying Play Anywhere games on the Xbox app for more flexibility? I mostly aim for single-player games, and while I play with Steam friends occasionally, that isn’t my main concern. What else should I consider when choosing a platform for my game purchases? Do you all have a preferred platform?
5 Answers
The Xbox app can be pretty glitchy; I had issues with recognizing games and slow downloads. Steam has way better features like cloud saves, and I needed that for my setup. Just be wary if you’re thinking about cross-saving between devices!
Totally agree! I really need cloud saves to switch between my PC and ROG Ally.
I use the Xbox app mainly because of Game Pass, but the overall experience is a bit rough compared to Steam. Games often lack features and mod support, so if the price isn’t a huge difference, I’d go for Steam every time. Just check how much cheaper it really is first!
If you want to mod your games, definitely avoid the Xbox app since it can be difficult to access the game files. Plus, the files are often encrypted, which makes backups tough. I’d just stick with Steam for games that you plan to mod or that have community content.
Good point! Steam definitely seems more mod-friendly.
Definitely go for Steam for modding, just easier overall.
The Xbox app isn’t as well-supported as Steam, so you might find it slower when it comes to updates and features. Plus, you miss out on Steam’s community features, like discussions and guides, which can be a big part of the gaming experience. Just something to think about before you decide!
How do I find guides on Steam?
This is something to think about especially if you’re looking at Play Anywhere titles.
Honestly, I’d only buy from the Xbox app if you’re in specific situations—like if you’ve played a game on Game Pass and want to keep your save file, or if you have an Xbox and want the Play Anywhere feature. Otherwise, it’s usually better to stick with Steam where possible.
Yeah, that’s exactly why I started looking into this, since I’m thinking of getting an Xbox too!
Hope you’re okay, man! Sounds rough!