When comparing Desura vs Fanatical (formerly Bundle Stars), the Slant community recommends Fanatical (formerly Bundle Stars) for most people. In the question“What are the best online stores to purchase PC games cheaply?” Fanatical (formerly Bundle Stars) is ranked 5th while Desura is ranked 15th. The most important reason people chose Fanatical (formerly Bundle Stars) is:
Like other bundle sites, Fanatical often offers a large variety of bundles for not only games but also popular software and educational media at very low prices.
Ranked in these QuestionsQuestion Ranking
Pros
Pro Strong Linux presence
Linux support is a core feature of Desura. All games in the storefront are tagged as to whether or not they will run on Linux.
Pro Alphafunding permits sale of works in progress
Desura calls their early access program "Alphafunding." Games must show a minimum level of development, and must show active development or risk being removed.
Pro Indie Royale bundles can boost sales
Indie Royale is a joint venture of Desura and IndieGames.com which sells bundles of games on a pay-what-you-want basis (but with a minimum price). Most games sold via Indie Royale bundle are Desura titles.
Pro A large variety of bundles
Like other bundle sites, Fanatical often offers a large variety of bundles for not only games but also popular software and educational media at very low prices.
Pro Numerous bundles available at one time
The is a wide selection of bundles available at once, making for a good selection of genres or themes for each bundle. This way you are not limited to one selection of games that might not appeal.
Pro The Store has actual discounts
Unlike a lot of other similar sites, Fanaticals store lists games with quite good discounts. Meanwhile some other bundle sites commonly don't discount more than 5% below Steam prices.
Cons
Con Desura's Parent company filed for bankruptcy
Con No 1$ tier
Bundles are generally 6 or more bundled games with a total % discount.