Linux gaming often centers around Steam, SteamOS, and Steam Deck. However, games from GOG and Epic Games can also be played on Linux systems.
Neither GOG nor Epic Games provides native Linux launchers. Two primary methods exist for playing these games: installing GOG Galaxy and Epic Games directly within Steam for desktop and SteamOS users, or utilizing third-party clients such as Heroic Games Launcher or Lutris. The latter is generally considered the superior option.
Before proceeding, it is important to note that some Epic Games Store titles, such as Fortnite, may not function due to anti-cheat systems. Information on anti-cheat compatibility can be found on this compatibility page.
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Heroic Games Launcher
This is often considered the simplest option. It features a clean user interface and is straightforward to operate, supporting GOG, Epic Games, and Amazon Prime Games.
Installation
Flatpak
The simplest solution is via Flatpak, available through Flathub for nearly every Linux distribution. On SteamOS / KDE Plasma, it is accessible via the Discover software app (a guide on installing software on SteamOS / Steam Deck is available here).
Alternatively, use a terminal application like Konsole:
flatpak install flathub com.heroicgameslauncher.hgl
The application will then appear in the app menu.
AppImage
Another option is the AppImage, downloadable from the Heroic website. When using the AppImage, it must be set as executable. To do this, locate the AppImage in the Downloads folder, right-click, select Properties, then Permissions, and tick the executable box.
Note: If using Ubuntu / Kubuntu and the AppImage fails to launch, it may be due to a security feature. This often affects Electron-based AppImages. It can be run using the “–no-sandbox” flag. Example in Konsole terminal:
./Heroic-2.17.2-linux-x86_64.AppImage –no-sandbox
Using the Heroic Games Launcher
To begin, an account must be added, and the application will guide the user through the necessary steps.
Clicking “here” or selecting “Log in” from the left sidebar presents direct options for each store. The login process is integrated within the application. Afterward, games will begin to sync.
Once logged in, the setup is largely complete. Heroic simplifies the process significantly.
To add games individually to Steam (avoiding the need to launch Heroic Games Launcher each time), for example, on a SteamOS device, an option exists. Click on the game (do not launch it), and on the game page, a three-dot menu in the upper right corner will reveal a drop-down menu with “Add to Steam” as an option. Steam may require a restart for the game to appear.
Lutris
Lutris is another popular game manager. Compared to Heroic Games Launcher, Lutris offers more features, which can sometimes make it slightly more complex to use. Lutris supports a wider range of use-cases, including GOG, Epic Games, Steam, Humble Bundle, Ubisoft Connect, Wine, and various emulators.
Installation
Flatpak
The simplest solution is via Flatpak, available through Flathub for nearly every Linux distribution. On SteamOS / KDE Plasma, it is accessible via the Discover software app (a guide on installing software on SteamOS / Steam Deck is available here).
Alternatively, use a terminal application like Konsole:
flatpak install flathub net.lutris.Lutris
The application will then appear in the app menu.
Various distribution packages are also available on the Lutris website.
Using Lutris
Unlike Heroic, Lutris does not directly integrate the Epic Games Store. Instead, it facilitates the installation of the Windows version of the Epic Games Store launcher. GOG games, however, are integrated directly into the Lutris launcher. Lutris utilizes automated scripts to manage store setups, which can make the process appear more intricate than it is.
Users simply need to follow the on-screen instructions after selecting a store from the sidebar, then proceed with the download and login prompts for each store.
Lutris also includes a feature for adding game shortcuts to Steam. Once a game is installed, right-click it and select “Create steam shortcut.”
Steam may require a restart for the shortcut to appear.
Inside Steam
The official store applications can be installed within Steam using Valve’s Proton compatibility layer. Results may vary, as these applications can be temperamental within Proton and are prone to breaking with updates. This method is generally not recommended and should be considered a last resort, included for comprehensive coverage of available options.
The Epic Games Store will be used as an example, but the process applies similarly to GOG and other non-Steam applications. Currently, only Proton Experimental is known to work for the Epic Games Store. A guide explaining the different Proton versions is available for assistance here.
Epic Games typically hides the download link when accessed from a Linux system. Users can either employ a browser plugin like User Agent Switcher (Chrome / Firefox) to mimic a Windows browser, or alternatively, a direct download link, which is regularly updated, can be used here.
Once the installer is obtained, it can be added to Steam. Click “Add a game” in the bottom left corner, then “Add a Non-Steam Game.”
A dialog box will appear, prompting the user to select “Browse” to open the file manager.
When browsing, ensure “All files” is selected so the Windows installer is visible and can be chosen.
After selecting “Open,” the user will return to the previous screen. The installer should be selected in the list, and “Add Selected Programs” can then be clicked.
The EpicInstaller application will then appear in the Steam Library. To proceed, access the “Properties” menu (right-click), navigate to the “Compatibility” tab, and enable forced use of the latest Proton version.
This enables the installer to run, initiating the store setup. Follow the installer’s instructions. Upon completion, the installer will close, returning the user to the Steam Library.
In the background, a new Proton prefix folder containing the installed launcher will be created. This will be located in a path similar to (~ representing the home folder):
~/.steam/steam/steamapps/compatdata/
The ‘.steam’ folder is hidden; users may need to enable viewing hidden files in their file manager (e.g., CTRL+H on KDE Plasma).
Steam assigns a long, random number to non-Steam applications. To locate the correct folder, sort the file manager by creation date to find the most recently created directory. For instance, a folder number might be 2586663209.
Inside that folder, navigate to:
/pfx/drive_c/Program Files (x86)/Epic Games/Launcher/Portal/Binaries/Win32/
This directory contains the installed Epic Games Launcher executable. The next crucial step involves updating the Steam shortcut to point to this executable. It is important to update the existing installer shortcut in Steam, rather than deleting it, to avoid losing the setup. On KDE Plasma, the location of the ‘EpicGamesLauncher.exe’ file can be copied by right-clicking it.
In Steam, locate the EpicInstaller in the Steam Library. Right-click it, select ‘Properties’, and update the target path from the installer to the newly installed launcher’s location, as shown. Crucially, both paths must be enclosed in quotes due to spaces in the ‘Epic Games’ name to ensure functionality:
The shortcut can also be renamed, and a custom image can be added if desired.
Once configured, the launcher should function, provided it remains compatible with Proton. As noted, launcher updates may cause compatibility issues with Proton, requiring users to await fixes from Valve. Using third-party clients is generally a more reliable approach.
More Options
For users exclusively interested in GOG games and seeking a simple solution, the Minigalaxy application presents a viable option.
Another alternative is NonSteamLaunchers, which assists in setting up various stores. However, this tool places all launchers into a single Proton prefix, potentially leading to issues with launcher updates or when different Proton versions are required for individual launchers.
