Worried about downloading games from Itch.io? You’re not alone! Many gamers wonder, “Is Itch.io safe to use?” especially compared to huge stores like Steam. Good news: Yes, Itch.io is generally safe in 2025, but you need to follow a few simple steps to protect yourself. Think of it like a bustling indie market – full of unique treasures, but you still need to be a smart shopper.
This guide cuts straight to the chase, telling you what Itch.io is, why people love it, and exactly how safe it is to download games from Itch.io. We’ll show you easy ways to avoid malware, boost your security, and enjoy all the amazing indie games Itch.
What is Itch.io?
Itch.io is an open indie game marketplace where anyone can upload, download, and purchase digital games. Launched in 2013, it has grown into a hub for experimental projects, game jams, visual novels, and passion-driven titles that often don’t appear on mainstream platforms.
Unlike Steam, Itch.io gives developers full control over pricing, page design, and file uploads, making it a favorite among indie creators.
Who Uses It and Why?
- Gamers: Looking for unique, experimental, or free games not found elsewhere.
- Indie Developers: Seeking a low-barrier platform to share or monetize projects.
- Game Jam Participants: Upload short-term, creative games built within time limits.
- Educators and Students: Distribute prototypes or showcase coursework.
Itch.io’s flexibility and community-driven model make it a valuable platform for creative freedom—but that freedom also comes with responsibility.
Is It Safe to Download Games From Itch.io?
Yes, Itch.io is generally safe to download from in 2025, but you must always take sensible precautions. The platform itself is legitimate and hosts countless secure games. The key is understanding how it works and being a smart user.
Why You Need to Be Smart: User-Generated Content
Unlike big game stores that manually check every single app, Itch.io operates on a “user-generated content” (UGC) model. This means anyone can upload games and files directly—including common game files like .exe, .zip, and .rar. This freedom is great for indie developers, but it also means the responsibility for what you download largely falls on you.
The Real Risk of Malware on Itch.io
While Itch.io automatically scans uploads for malware, no security system is foolproof. This means there’s always a theoretical, though very rare, risk of encountering malicious software (like viruses or ransomware) in game downloads.
However, based on overall industry trends and user reports, actual confirmed cases of malware on Itch.io are extremely uncommon. Most developers are legitimate creators sharing their passion. The biggest risks usually come from games with very few downloads, no reviews, or from developers you know nothing about. Cybersecurity reports for mid-2025 show an increase in general cyber threats like AI-powered phishing and more sophisticated ransomware, so staying vigilant across all your online activity is always smart.
How Itch.io Helps Keep You Safe
Even though it’s an open platform, Itch.io has important security measures to protect you:
- Automatic Scans: When a developer uploads a game, Itch.io automatically scans the files for known malware and suspicious activity. This helps catch obvious threats early, before they reach many users.
- Reporting Bad Content: Itch.io’s active community is a huge asset. If a game is flagged as malicious or inappropriate, any user can report it. The Itch.io team investigates these reports quickly and takes swift action, often removing the content and suspending the creator’s account. This system helps address problematic content fast.
- The Itch.io Desktop App: For extra peace of mind, use the official Itch.io desktop application. When you install and run games through this app, it often uses a sandboxed environment. Think of this like a secure, isolated “playpen” for the game. It limits what the game can access or change on your computer. For example, on Windows, games might run under a restricted itch-player user account, preventing them from touching your personal files or system settings. This adds a powerful layer of safety when exploring experimental indie games.
- AI Content Disclosure: A notable update from late 2024 is Itch.io’s requirement for creators to disclose if their content (especially assets) uses generative AI. While currently focused on assets, this policy promotes transparency, allowing you to make informed decisions about the origins of the content you download.
How to Stay Safe on Itch.io
Use the Itch.io desktop app and turn on sandbox mode for extra protection.
- Download games only from trusted developers who have clear descriptions and active comments.
- Look for recent updates—games that are regularly maintained are usually safer.
- Always scan downloaded files with antivirus software before opening them.
- Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) on your account to keep it secure.
- Don’t download anything your browser or antivirus flags as suspicious.
- Avoid downloading from untrusted sources, like off-site links or fake accounts.
Bonus Tip: Boost Your Safety with a VPN
While Itch.io is generally safe, using a VPN adds extra protection and can improve your gaming experience.
Why use a VPN for gaming?
- Encrypts your connection, keeping downloads and gameplay secure—especially on public Wi-Fi.
- Hides your IP address to prevent DDoS attacks.
- Helps avoid ISP throttling for smoother downloads and gameplay.
- Lets you access region-locked games or better deals by changing your virtual location.
- Enhances overall online privacy beyond gaming.
For gamers in 2025, a free and reliable VPN like BearVPN is a solid choice due to its focus on speed, strong encryption, and features that benefit online activities. Using a VPN is a practical option for any gamer looking to enhance their digital safety and optimize their online gaming experience.
Final Verdict: Should You Trust Itch.io?
Yes—but with caution.
Itch.io is a legitimate platform with thousands of safe, creative indie games. It empowers developers and offers a rich library of content you won’t find elsewhere. However, its open model means there’s less curation and oversight than platforms like Steam.
If you follow basic safety precautions—use antivirus software, vet developers, and avoid suspicious files—Itch.io is safe for most users.
FAQ
1. Is Itch.io Safe for Developers?
Yes. Itch.io is known for its developer-first approach. Here’s why it’s safe and appealing for creators:
- Platform Control: You control pricing, uploads, and your game’s page.
- Visibility: Games can go viral through community-driven discovery.
- Monetization: Keep 90–100% of your revenue (you set the cut!).
- IP Protection: Uploading your game doesn’t give up any rights—you retain ownership.
However, always keep backups and watch out for piracy. Itch.io responds quickly to DMCA requests if your work is stolen or misused.
2. Can I Get a Virus from Itch.io?
Technically, yes—but it’s unlikely. Since anyone can upload files, malicious software could appear. But:
- Itch.io scans uploads automatically.
- Community reporting helps remove bad actors.
- Most games are safe—especially from known developers.
- Still, scan all downloads, especially unfamiliar ones.
3. Are NSFW Games Moderated?
Yes. Itch.io allows NSFW content but requires creators to mark it properly using content warnings. Games with adult content are hidden by default unless users enable the setting in their preferences.
If a game violates the platform’s policies or fails to mark NSFW content accurately, it can be reported and removed.
4. What If a Game Breaks My Computer?
This is extremely rare, but if a game crashes your system or behaves suspiciously:
- Stop running it immediately.
- Delete the file and run a full antivirus scan.
- Contact Itch.io support and report the game.
- Request a refund if applicable.
If you’re using the Itch.io desktop app, the sandbox helps reduce potential harm.
