Itch Desktop Client

The Itch Desktop Client is a downloadable app for Windows, macOS, and Linux that allows users to browse, download, and manage games from the itch.io platform. Itch.io is known for its wide array of indie games, often featuring experimental content that might not be found on mainstream platforms.



The desktop client makes it easier to access these games and apps, offering an integrated and streamlined experience. By utilizing the desktop client, users can keep track of their purchases, manage game installations, and even participate in the itch.io community by leaving reviews or interacting with game creators.

While the client isn’t mandatory for using itch.io, it greatly enhances the overall experience, offering offline play, automatic updates, and efficient library management.

Key Features

Game Library Management
The client allows you to keep all your games in one place. You can easily download, install, and update games directly from the app. It also organizes games by whether they are installed, purchased, or in your collection.

Offline Play
Once you’ve downloaded a game, you can play it offline, which is a convenient feature for those with limited or unreliable internet access.

Automatic Updates
The client automatically checks for and installs updates for any game you’ve installed from the platform. This ensures that users are always running the latest version without needing manual checks.

Developer and Creator Integration
Game developers can interact with players directly through the platform, making it an excellent tool for indie developers to build their communities and provide updates or support.

Multiple Installation Options
Itch Desktop allows for custom installations where users can choose where games are installed. This flexibility ensures that users can manage their storage efficiently.

Security and Sandboxing
The desktop client also emphasizes security by running games in a sandboxed environment, isolating them to avoid security risks.

User Interface

The interface of the program is minimalistic and straightforward. Upon launching, users are greeted with a clean dashboard that lists installed games, recently played titles, and updates.



The left-side navigation pane features quick links to your library, collections, and downloads, while the central section is dedicated to game browsing.

Dark Mode: The default dark-themed interface is gentle on the eyes, especially during late-night gaming sessions.

Search and Filters: The client provides efficient search and filtering options to help users navigate through their libraries or explore new games.

Game Pages: Each game has its own dedicated page, where users can find information like game descriptions, developer notes, ratings, reviews, and download options.

Installation and Setup

Download: Go to itch.io and download the desktop client installer for your platform (Windows, macOS, or Linux).

Install: Once downloaded, run the installer, and follow the on-screen instructions. The installation process is quick and does not require any additional software.

Log In: After installation, open the client and log in using your itch.io account. If you don’t have an account, you can create one during the setup.

Sync: Upon logging in, your library will sync automatically, displaying all your purchases and collections.

Custom Settings: You can configure where your games will be installed and set limits for bandwidth or storage space during the download process.

How to Use



Library: Navigate to the Library section to view your installed games, updates, and available downloads.

Store: Browse the itch.io marketplace for new titles directly within the client. You can search by genre, popularity, or pricing (including free and pay-what-you-want games).

Install and Play: Click on any game in your library to install or launch it. The app will automatically manage installation and ensure that your games are updated to the latest version.

Collections: Organize your favorite games into collections for easy access later. This is particularly useful for players who have many titles in their library.

About Creators

itch.io provides creators with powerful tools to make informed decisions about distributing their content. With detailed analytics, creators can track how people discover, download, and interact with their work. Its creator dashboard offers easy access to key insights, helping identify which uploads perform best and which links generate the most traffic.

Its focus on empowering creators is reflected in how itch.io is designed:

It believes in respecting creative content. Creators should take pride in their pages, which remain free from advertisements, distracting banners, or unwanted links. Only the content and links creators choose to include will appear.

It makes it simple for creators to earn from their work in a non-intrusive way. Whether a project is small or large, fans can easily donate or pay what they feel is fair.

Recognizing that every creator's journey is unique, itch.io offers flexible options for generating income. Purchases and donations are pay-what-you-want above a set minimum, which can be zero if the creator wishes to offer their work for free. Fans who appreciate the content can choose to support. itch.io also supports pre-orders, reward-based selling, early-access content, bundling, and even crowdfunding with project goals.

FAQ

Is the Itch Desktop free?
Yes, the Itch Desktop Client is free to download and use. However, some games on the platform are paid, and developers can set their own prices.

I'm using Windows XP / Windows Vista, & the app doesn’t work
The app requires Windows 7+.

Can I use the client to play games offline?
Yes, once a game is downloaded, you can play it offline without needing an internet connection.

Does the Itch Desktop Client support modding?
While the client itself doesn’t manage mods, some games on the itch.io platform support modding. Mods can often be installed manually, depending on the game.

Are automatic updates optional?
Yes, automatic updates can be disabled if you prefer to manage game versions manually.

Is the client safe to use?
Yes, the client uses sandboxing to ensure that games run in an isolated environment, providing additional security.

Alternatives

Steam: One of the most popular platforms for buying and playing games. It offers more AAA titles but lacks the same focus on indie developers as itch.io.

GOG Galaxy: Another digital storefront that, like Itch, provides DRM-free games. GOG is focused more on retro and classic titles, while itch.io is more experimental.

Epic Games Launcher: Offers a smaller selection of games compared to Steam but is growing rapidly. Its main draw is free games offered weekly.

EA App: EA’s gaming platform, primarily for EA titles but also hosts third-party games.

Pricing

The Itch Desktop Client itself is FREE, and the majority of the games on the platform operate on a "pay-what-you-want" pricing model.

This allows players to support indie developers while accessing free or affordable content. Developers set their own pricing, and users can choose to pay the minimum price or donate extra.

System Requirements

Windows: Windows 11, 10, 8 or 7

Minimum system requirements are modest, given that most itch.io games are lightweight and designed for a variety of hardware.

PROS

• Free to use and easy to install.
• Emphasis on indie and experimental games.
• Pay-what-you-want pricing for many games.
• Automatic updates and offline play.
• Customizable game installation and library management.

CONS

• Lacks the library depth of mainstream platforms like Steam.
• Fewer social and multiplayer features compared to competitors.
• Limited AAA game selection.

Conclusion

The Itch Desktop Client is an excellent tool for gamers who appreciate indie content and want a simple, lightweight client for managing and playing games. It caters to a niche audience but excels in providing an accessible platform for both developers and players.

While it may lack the features and game variety of larger platforms, its focus on experimental and indie titles makes it a must-have for fans of innovative gaming experiences.

Also Available: Download Itch Desktop Client for Mac