Lancache is a free, open-source LAN caching server for Steam, Epic, and other game downloads. See how it works, setup basics, pros and cons, and alternatives.
Category
Gaming & Game Servers
Pricing
Open Source, from Free
Verified
Not yet
Last updated
July 18, 2026
Free PlanOpen SourceSelf-Hosted
Overview
Lancache (LanCache.NET) is a free, open-source caching proxy that speeds up game downloads and updates for multiple users sharing the same local network, commonly used at LAN parties, gaming events, and other multi-device environments.
Descended from earlier caching work by UK esports infrastructure company Multiplay, the project is now maintained as a community-driven open-source effort under the MIT License, with no company, funding, or commercial edition behind it.
Key Features
Lancache uses DNS-based traffic interception to transparently redirect game download requests from supported platforms toward a local caching proxy, typically deployed as Docker containers, without requiring per-device configuration.
The project maintains cache rules for major distributors including Steam, Epic Games/Fortnite, Battle.net, Origin, Windows Update, Riot Games, and more, though it can only cache unencrypted HTTP traffic due to how HTTPS encryption works.
Pricing
Lancache is entirely free and open source under the MIT License, with no paid tiers, subscriptions, or commercial version of any kind.
The only cost to operators is the server hardware, storage, and network infrastructure needed to run the caching proxy and DNS server themselves.
Key Features
Local game download caching — Caches game installs and updates locally so multiple users on the same network do not re-download identical files.
DNS-based traffic redirection — Transparently redirects supported gaming platform traffic to the local cache without per-device configuration.
Broad platform support — Includes cache rules for Steam, Epic Games/Fortnite, Battle.net, Origin, Windows Update, Riot Games, GOG, and more.
Docker-based deployment — Distributed as Docker containers for straightforward setup on a local server or virtual machine.
SNI proxy support — Routes HTTPS traffic to the correct backend service even though encrypted content itself cannot be cached.
Bandwidth reduction — Significantly cuts internet bandwidth usage at LAN parties and events by serving repeated downloads locally.
Community-maintained cache rules — Cache configuration rules are updated by the open-source community as distributors change their CDN infrastructure.
Fully open-source and free — Released under the MIT License with no licensing fee, subscription, or paid tier of any kind.
Pros & Cons
Pros
Completely free and open source with no licensing cost whatsoever
Dramatically reduces bandwidth usage and speeds up downloads for shared networks
Supports a wide range of major game distribution platforms out of the box
Simple, transparent setup using DNS redirection with no per-device configuration
Actively maintained by a community that updates cache rules as platforms change
Cons
Cannot cache HTTPS-encrypted traffic, limiting effectiveness as more distributors move to full encryption
Requires self-hosted server hardware, storage, and basic networking or Docker knowledge to deploy
No official commercial support, since it relies entirely on community maintenance
Cache rules can break when a distributor changes its CDN or download infrastructure until the community updates them
Narrow use case limited specifically to game download caching rather than general-purpose content caching
Pricing
Open Source Free Free (self-hosted)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Lancache used for?
Lancache is used to cache game downloads and updates locally on a network, so multiple users do not each re-download the same large files from the internet, commonly used at LAN parties and gaming events.
Is Lancache free?
Yes, Lancache is entirely free and open source under the MIT License, with no paid tiers or subscriptions.
Which game platforms does Lancache support?
Lancache includes cache rules for Steam, Epic Games/Fortnite, Battle.net, Origin, Windows Update, Riot Games, GOG, Wargaming, Uplay, and several other distributors.
How does Lancache work?
Lancache uses DNS redirection to intercept game download traffic and route it to a local caching proxy, which stores files the first time they are downloaded and serves them locally on subsequent requests.
Can Lancache cache HTTPS traffic?
No, Lancache can only cache unencrypted HTTP traffic; it includes an SNI proxy to route HTTPS connections correctly, but cannot store or reuse encrypted content.
Who maintains Lancache?
Lancache is maintained by the open-source LanCache.NET community, building on earlier caching work originally done by UK esports company Multiplay.