Our verdict: Overwolf is the platform behind many popular in-game helpers for games such as League of Legends and Valorant. The apps are free, but most of them pay for themselves with ads, and the client runs in the background. Install it only for a specific app you want.
About Overwolf
Overwolf is a Windows platform for apps that run on top of PC games. Its Appstore lists apps made by independent creators, sorted by category and supported game: match and stats trackers, build guides, gameplay recorders, overlays for chat and music, and mod managers. Apps show their windows as an overlay while you play or as desktop windows between matches.
The client and its apps are free to install. Many apps show ads, which is how their creators earn money, and some offer a paid subscription that removes ads or adds features. An Overwolf account is optional but needed to rate apps and subscribe. Overwolf only works with games running locally, not with cloud streaming services such as GeForce NOW.
What it does well
- Appstore. Browse and install apps by category or by the game they support.
- In-game overlay. Shows app windows over the game, toggled with hotkeys.
- Game events for apps. Apps receive match data from supported games to show stats and tips.
- Gameplay capture. Recording apps use Overwolf's capture settings to save clips and highlights.
- Automatic updates. The client and installed apps update themselves in the background.
Who it is for
Good fit
Players who want a specific Overwolf app, such as a stats tracker or build guide for League of Legends, Valorant or Fortnite.
Look elsewhere
People who dislike ads and background processes, or players on low-end PCs who need every frame.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Large catalog of in-game apps
- Free to use
- One client handles updates for all apps
Cons
- Most apps show ads
- Runs in the background and can cost some FPS
- App quality depends on third-party creators
How to install Overwolf
Overwolf's minimum requirements are Windows 10 or 11 64-bit, a quad-core CPU, 8 GB RAM (16 GB recommended), .NET Framework 4.8 and 350 MB of space. After setup, install only the apps you need from the Appstore, and in Settings turn off launching with Windows if you only use it occasionally. Recording apps use CPU and GPU, so check FPS after enabling capture.
Questions about Overwolf
Is Overwolf free?
Yes. Overwolf and its apps are free to install. Many apps show ads, and some offer an optional paid subscription for ad-free use or extra features.
Does Overwolf work with GeForce NOW?
No. Overwolf needs the game process to run on your own PC, so it cannot attach to cloud streaming services.
Does Overwolf work on Mac?
No. Overwolf supports only Windows 10 and 11 (64-bit).
