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SPECIFICTION
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itch app

itch.io

Free plan WindowsmacOSLinux
Visit itch.io
Spec score 8.3 #2 of 19 in App Store

What it is

The itch app is a desktop client for downloading and running games and software from itch.io. Its built-in browser lets users browse creator pages and install titles, while the library keeps downloads together and updates installed games automatically. Users can access collections, bundles, purchases and installed games in the app. Browser-based games can be synced for offline play, and games using itch.io command-line tools can receive delta patches that download only changed data. The client is available for Windows, macOS and Linux, with Windows 7 or newer required, and it is open source and offered in over 20 languages. Creators can provide an app manifest to define launch targets and integrate with the app API. The app registers itch:// and itchio:// links and can create Steam library shortcuts for installed games. Its sandbox limits file access, isolates home directories for Linux games and runs Windows games as less-privileged users. Compatibility problems can still occur, especially on Linux when games do not follow best practices. The listed plan is free.

Spec sheet

Purpose
The app downloads and runs games and software from itch.io, keeps downloads in one place, and automatically updates them.Read 2 Oct 2026 · itch.io
Security
The app FAQ identifies Windows tool elevate as powering the itch.io sandbox on Windows.Read 2 Oct 2026 · itch.io
Support
Users can report app bugs through the Send feedback menu item, which pre-fills an issue with their platform and app version on GitHub.Read 2 Oct 2026 · itch.io
Maker
The app page footer identifies the copyright holder as itch corp.Read 2 Oct 2026 · itch.io
Collections and bundles
Users can browse their collections, bundles, owned games, and installed games in the app.Read 1 Oct 2026 · itch.io
Collections and purchases
The app provides access to users’ collections and purchases.Read 2 Oct 2026 · itch.io
Compatibility limit
The app requires Windows 7 or newer, and compatibility issues can still occur, especially on Linux.Read 1 Oct 2026 · itch.io
Compatibility limitation
The FAQ says compatibility issues still happen, especially on Linux when games do not follow best practices.Read 2 Oct 2026 · itch.io
Delta updates
Games using itch.io command-line tools can receive delta patches containing only changed data.Read 1 Oct 2026 · itch.io
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.Read 2 Oct 2026 · itch.io
Game integration
Creators can provide an app manifest to define launch targets and integrate with the app API.Read 1 Oct 2026 · itch.io
In-app browsing
Its built-in browser lets users browse creator pages and download and install games.Read 2 Oct 2026 · itch.io
Install platforms
The app is available for Windows, Linux, and macOS; Windows requires Windows 7 or newer.Read 2 Oct 2026 · itch.io
Installed game updates
Installed games update automatically, and games using itch.io’s command-line tools can receive delta patches that download only changes.Read 2 Oct 2026 · itch.io
Installer security
Windows installers and the application are digitally signed with a certificate named itch corp.Read 1 Oct 2026 · itch.io
Languages
The app is available in over 20 languages.Read 2 Oct 2026 · itch.io
Library management
Downloads are kept in one place and automatically updated.Read 1 Oct 2026 · itch.io
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.Read 2 Oct 2026 · itch.io
Offline play
Browser-based games can be synced into the app for offline play, with updates available after reconnecting.Read 2 Oct 2026 · itch.io
Open source
The app and its helper tools are open source, and the app page links to its GitHub project.Read 2 Oct 2026 · itch.io
Protocol integration
The app registers the itch:// and itchio:// URL schemes for opening pages and performing actions.Read 1 Oct 2026 · itch.io
Security sandbox
The sandbox limits file reads and writes, gives Linux games isolated home directories, and runs Windows games as a less-privileged user.Read 1 Oct 2026 · itch.io
Steam integration
The app can create Steam library shortcuts for games installed through it.Read 1 Oct 2026 · itch.io

Plans and prices

itch app Free Downloads and runs itch.io games and software · Windows, macOS, Linux Read 2 Oct 2026 · itch.io

Every itch app plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Keeps downloads together and updates installed games automatically.
  • Can sync browser-based games for offline play.
  • Available for Windows, macOS and Linux.
  • Sandbox limits game file access.

Limits

  • Windows requires Windows 7 or newer.
  • Compatibility issues can still occur, especially on Linux.
  • Linux updates use package-manager or redownload options.

Who it suits

It suits itch.io users who want a desktop library for installing, organizing and updating games or software, including syncing browser-based games for offline play. Creators using app manifests may also find its launch and API integration relevant.

Verdict

The itch app brings itch.io browsing, downloads and library management into a free desktop client, with offline play and platform-specific safeguards. Linux users should be aware that compatibility issues remain possible.

Where Specifiction places it

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