Software Required to Run a PC Game: The Essential Stack

Essential Stack

1. Operating System — Windows 10/11 (most games), macOS, Linux (Steam Deck/Proton).
2. Game Client / Launcher — Steam, Epic, GOG Galaxy, EA App, Battle.net, Ubisoft Connect, Xbox App.
3. Graphics Driver — NVIDIA GeForce Experience / AMD Adrenalin / Intel Arc Control (always update).
4. DirectX 12 / Vulkan / OpenGL — Included in OS/driver; games bundle required runtimes.
5. Visual C++ Redistributables — 2015–2022 (x64/x86) — auto-installed by most launchers.

Common Extras

• Anti-cheat: Easy Anti-Cheat, BattlEye, Vanguard (kernel), Ricochet.
• Overlay/Recording: Discord, GeForce Experience, Xbox Game Bar, OBS.
• VR Runtime: SteamVR, Oculus, OpenXR.
• Proton / Wine / DXVK — For non-native Linux games.

Before Buying

Check Steam store page → System Requirements (Minimum / Recommended). Compare to your specs (CPU, GPU, RAM, VRAM, storage type).

Keep OS, drivers, and launcher updated for best compatibility.