What Is a Game Overlay and How Do You Use One?

Updated

A game overlay is a layer of information drawn on top of a running game — a map, position marker, or resource list that stays visible while you play. You use one by installing a companion app that hooks into the game (or opening a browser map on a second screen), then toggling the overlay or map you need. TH.GL, for example, offers a standalone Windows companion app with in-game overlays and live position tracking for 37+ games, plus browser-based interactive maps covering 50+ titles. The main choice is between an in-game overlay (no alt-tabbing, single monitor) and a second-screen or browser map (no install, works on any device).

In-game overlay vs. second-screen vs. browser map

These three formats solve the same problem — keeping game data visible — but fit different setups.

Type How it works Best for Trade-offs
In-game overlay A companion app draws info over the game window Single-monitor players who don't want to alt-tab Requires a Windows app; overlay must be permitted by the game
Second screen The app or a phone/tablet shows a live minimap alongside the game Dual-monitor or phone-at-desk setups Needs a second device or display
Browser map An interactive map in a browser tab Quick lookups, planning routes before or between sessions Switching windows interrupts play

TH.GL's companion app covers both the overlay and second-screen cases: it supports in-game overlays and dual-monitor second-screen use, and its Peer Link feature syncs with a phone or tablet as a live minimap.

What overlays and maps actually show you

Most companion tools surface the same categories of information:

  • Live position tracking — your exact location and nearby actors in real time, so you can orient without opening the game map.
  • Interactive maps with filters — track nodes, collectibles, NPCs, and resources, and filter to just what you're hunting.
  • Custom markers and routes — mark locations and share routes with friends.
  • Discovery tracking — mark locations as discovered; TH.GL notes unlimited marking is free.

For a concrete case: in a survival game like Palworld, you'd filter the map to a resource type, mark the nodes you've found, and keep the overlay up while traveling so you don't re-check cleared areas.

Setting up: companion app vs. browser

Companion app (Windows):

  1. Confirm your game is supported — TH.GL lists 37+ games for the app, including Palworld, Dune, Once Human, and Wuthering Waves.
  2. Download the app (TH.GL lists it as a ~7MB Windows 10/11 download, no account required).
  3. Launch the game, then enable the overlay or second-screen view for that title.
  4. Verify it works: your position should update as you move, and nearby actors should appear. If nothing tracks, check that the game is on the supported list and that the overlay is enabled for it.

Browser map:

  1. Open the game's interactive map page.
  2. Apply filters for the collectible or resource type you need.
  3. Add custom markers for your route.
  4. Expected result: a filtered map you can plan from — but no live position, since browser tools don't hook into the game.

Practical considerations before you install

  • Performance — a lightweight overlay (TH.GL cites ~7MB) is less likely to cost frames than a heavy one; test in a low-stakes session first.
  • Alt-tabbing — the core benefit of an in-game overlay is avoiding window switches; if you already run dual monitors, a second-screen map may be enough.
  • Game approval — overlays aren't universally allowed. TH.GL describes its app as "safe & approved" and "officially permitted," but approval is per-game and per-publisher, so check your specific title's rules rather than assuming.
  • Privacy — TH.GL states no account is required, data is local-first, and analytics are anonymous. Treat claims like these as vendor statements and verify in the app's settings if it matters to you.

Choosing the right type for your setup

  • One monitor, want data during play → in-game overlay from a companion app.
  • Two monitors or a phone/tablet at your desk → second-screen live minimap.
  • Planning routes, casual lookups, or a console/mobile game → browser interactive map.
  • Competitive or strict-rule games → confirm overlay permission first; a browser map on a second screen is the safer default.

TH.GL's catalog spans 50+ games with new titles added regularly, so check the supported-games list for your title before committing to the app route.