Drop is an open-source launcher, but calling it just a launcher doesn’t really cover it. It is more like a shelf where you keep your DRM-free games, the ones you bought long ago or got from bundles, or the titles that don’t really fit inside Steam or Epic. Instead of being locked behind a store, Drop works as a home for what you already own. You open it, add a folder, and it brings them in.
There is no marketplace shouting about sales. There are no login walls before you even reach your library. It is small, but it does the part it sets out to do. The focus is simple: keep your games in one place, update them when needed, run them without fuss. That’s what makes it different from the big launchers.
The updates are worth pointing out. Instead of downloading the full game again whenever a patch comes out, Drop applies only the changed files. That means smaller downloads, less wasted space, and less time waiting. If a developer fixes one bug, you don’t end up pulling down 20 gigabytes for it.
And there’s Linux. Most launchers still treat Linux like an afterthought. Drop doesn’t. It works with UMU, so you can run Windows games under Linux without digging through long setup guides. For players outside of Windows, that part is huge.
Why Should I Download Drop?
Different players, different reasons. Some just want to stop losing shortcuts across folders. Drop pulls everything into one library, which feels cleaner than juggling loose files.
Others are tired of the way patches work elsewhere. On Steam or Epic, you sometimes see a “small update” that is anything but small. Drop does delta updates, so you only download what’s new. That saves bandwidth and storage, which matters if your connection is not fast or if you share it with others.
Linux users get the best deal out of it. They are used to launchers ignoring them. Drop goes the other way, and while it doesn’t promise miracles, it makes playing Windows games on Linux more straightforward. That alone wins trust.
There’s no store attached, so you’re not being pushed ads every time you open it. You just see your own library. That’s it. For people who are sick of being sold to every time they log in, this feels better.
And then there are the features still on the way. Social tools are being worked on. Networking for easier play is also coming. Because it’s open, progress is visible. People who like to watch a project grow find that side engaging too.
Is Drop Free?
Yes, it’s free. Not free with a twist, not free for a week, but properly free. You can grab it and use it without paying. It is open-source under AGPL, which means the code is out there and anyone can check it.
There’s no store, so there’s no hidden cut being taken from what you buy. There’s no premium tier blocking off updates. The whole thing is free. People who like it sometimes donate or help with code, but it isn’t forced.
That’s different from launchers that live on sales or subscriptions. Drop lives on community. You keep it as long as you want, without worrying about sudden fees showing up.
What Operating Systems are Compatible with Drop?
Drop works on Windows and Linux. Those are the two main. Linux is where it shines, because it actually respects it as a platform. With UMU support, you can launch Windows games without too much trouble. That matters to the part of gaming that always gets ignored elsewhere.
On Windows, it’s straightforward. You point it to your games, it sets them up, and you run them. No fluff. Mac isn’t really in the picture, not in any big way. People may work out methods, but that’s not where Drop focuses.
Because it’s self-hosted, some set it up on a server at home. That way, every computer in the house can reach the same library. Others just keep it on one PC. It doesn’t ask much space or a strong system.
What are the Alternatives to Drop?
Steam has been around for a long time, and most people know it already. You open it, and you’re in, no waiting around, just open and play. It runs okay on most computers and doesn’t really get in the way. The way it shows your games is pretty much like a shelf of titles you own. People use it because the store is huge, the sales often happen, and the extras like chat and reviews are all packed in. For some, it’s just the usual spot to keep games because it’s been there forever.
GOG Galaxy is built for DRM-free games. Nothing fancy is going on with the look; it’s simple and easy enough to figure out. You can plug in other launchers, too, so your list of games comes together in one spot. A lot of people like that, it feels more like a list you’d make yourself rather than a storefront packed with banners. What people like most is the idea of owning the game files outright, not just renting access, and Galaxy makes that simple to handle.
Epic Games Store Launcher is newer compared to Steam, but it gets noticed for the free games they hand out every week, and the fact that it is also compatible with mobile devices. People run it as another place for their games, not always as the only spot. It runs like you’d think on a desktop and doesn’t need much setting up. It looks simple, and it gets you straight where you want, whether that’s your library or the freebie of the week. For many, what gets most people in is simply those free games, but once inside, they may also use it to keep some exclusives.
