itch app
What it is
itch app is a desktop application for downloading and running games and software from itch.io. Its built-in browser lets users visit creator pages and install titles, while the library keeps downloads together and automatically updates installed games. The app also provides access to collections, bundles, purchases, and installed games. Browser-based games can be synced for offline play. Games that use itch.io command-line tools can receive delta patches, which transfer only changed data.
The app is available for Windows, macOS, and Linux, and supports more than 20 languages. Windows 7 or newer is required. The project is open source. Creators can supply an app manifest to define launch targets and connect with the app API. The client recognizes itch:// and itchio:// links and can create Steam library shortcuts for installed games. Its sandbox limits file access; Linux games get isolated home directories and Windows games run with fewer privileges. The app is free, listed as free.
For and against
For
- Free, listed as free.
- Available on Windows, macOS, and Linux.
- Installed games update automatically.
- Synced browser games can be played offline.
- Open-source project with more than 20 languages.
Against
- Windows requires Windows 7 or newer.
- Compatibility issues can still occur, especially on Linux.
- Linux updates require a package manager or a fresh download.
The verdict
itch app brings itch.io games and software, collections, and purchases into one desktop library. Its platform support and offline syncing are useful, though compatibility problems remain possible, particularly on Linux.
Who it suits
It suits players and software users who want to manage itch.io downloads in one desktop library, including offline play for synced browser games. Creators who want to specify launch targets or connect their games with the app API may also find its integration useful.
Plans and prices
itch app
Downloads and runs itch.io games and software · Windows, macOS, Linux
Read 2 Oct 2026 · itch.io
On the record
- Collections and bundles
- Users can browse their collections, bundles, owned games, and installed games in the app.itch.io · read 1 Oct 2026
- Collections and purchases
- The app provides access to users’ collections and purchases.itch.io · read 2 Oct 2026
- Compatibility limit
- The app requires Windows 7 or newer, and compatibility issues can still occur, especially on Linux.itch.io · read 1 Oct 2026
- Compatibility limitation
- The FAQ says compatibility issues still happen, especially on Linux when games do not follow best practices.itch.io · read 2 Oct 2026
- Delta updates
- Games using itch.io command-line tools can receive delta patches containing only changed data.itch.io · read 1 Oct 2026
- Developer integration
- Developers can include an app manifest to specify how the app should run a game, including when multiple launch targets or API integration are needed.itch.io · read 2 Oct 2026
- Game integration
- Creators can provide an app manifest to define launch targets and integrate with the app API.itch.io · read 1 Oct 2026
- In-app browsing
- Its built-in browser lets users browse creator pages and download and install games.itch.io · read 2 Oct 2026
- Installed game updates
- Installed games update automatically, and games using itch.io’s command-line tools can receive delta patches that download only changes.itch.io · read 2 Oct 2026
- Installer security
- Windows installers and the application are digitally signed with a certificate named itch corp.itch.io · read 1 Oct 2026
- Install platforms
- The app is available for Windows, Linux, and macOS; Windows requires Windows 7 or newer.itch.io · read 2 Oct 2026
- Languages
- The app is available in over 20 languages.itch.io · read 2 Oct 2026
- Library management
- Downloads are kept in one place and automatically updated.itch.io · read 1 Oct 2026
- Linux updates
- Linux users update through a package manager or by redownloading; listed options include Debian and RPM repositories, ArchLinux AUR, and a portable tar.xz archive.itch.io · read 2 Oct 2026
- Maker
- The app page footer identifies the copyright holder as itch corp.itch.io · read 2 Oct 2026
- Offline play
- Browser-based games can be synced into the app for offline play, with updates available after reconnecting.itch.io · read 2 Oct 2026
- Open source
- The app and its helper tools are open source, and the app page links to its GitHub project.itch.io · read 2 Oct 2026
- Protocol integration
- The app registers the itch:// and itchio:// URL schemes for opening pages and performing actions.itch.io · read 1 Oct 2026
