This guide outlines methods for installing Battle.net on Linux systems, including SteamOS and Steam Deck, to access games like World of Warcraft and Starcraft. Blizzard does not offer a native Linux launcher, so the Windows version must be installed using compatibility layers such as Wine or Proton. While World of Warcraft and Starcraft have historically performed well on Linux with Wine, the Battle.net launcher itself can occasionally encounter compatibility issues. This guide aims to help with the installation process.
Option 1 – Lutris
Lutris often presents the most straightforward installation method due to its integrated install scripts that automate the setup process. This utility was previously detailed in a guide covering GOG and Epic Games on Linux systems.
Flatpak Installation
The Flatpak version is the simplest installation method, accessible through Flathub for most Linux distributions. On SteamOS or KDE Plasma, it can be found in the Discover software application. Alternatively, use the terminal command:
flatpak install flathub net.lutris.Lutris
After installation, Lutris will appear in the application menu. Other Linux distribution packages are also available on the Lutris website.
Installing Battle.net with Lutris
After opening Lutris, click the hamburger menu icon and choose “Add Games”.
Select the option to search through the Lutris website.
Enter “Battle.net” and press Enter. A list of available install scripts will appear; select the primary Battle.net option.
The next screen will present a single option: install with the Wine compatibility layer. Click the “Install” button on the right.
Specify the installation location and configure any necessary options.
A subsequent screen will allow automatic installer download or manual provision. Click “Install” in the top right corner.
During this process, the Battle.net installer will launch. Do not log in to Battle.net at this stage. Close the Battle.net application once it appears to allow Lutris to complete its background setup.
After closing Battle.net from the login screen, Lutris will display the completion message.
The Battle.net launcher can be launched from this screen. Subsequently, it will be accessible from the main Games menu and the Wine menu in the left panel of Lutris.
The Lutris installation process involves a few simple clicks. For troubleshooting Battle.net issues within Lutris, a dedicated GitHub page addresses common problems.
Option 2 – Directly in Steam
Installing Battle.net directly within Steam using Proton is another viable method. While it involves more manual steps and offers fewer configuration options, some users may prefer this approach.
Begin by downloading the Battle.net installer from the official Battle.net website. The file will be saved to your Downloads folder.
Open Steam, click “Add a game” in the bottom left corner, then select “Add a Non-Steam Game”.
On the subsequent screen, click “Browse” to open your file manager and select the Battle.net installer.
Return to the Steam UI, where the installer will be ticked in the list. Click “Add Selected Programs”.
The installer will now appear as “Battle.net-Setup.exe” in your Steam Library.
Important: A compatibility layer must be selected. Right-click on the entry, go to “Properties”, select the “Compatibility” menu on the left, and tick the box. Choose a Proton version, such as Proton 9.
The installer can now be run. However, an additional critical step is required after installation. The Steam shortcut will not automatically update to point to the installed Battle.net launcher. Therefore, after the installation is complete, quit Battle.net before proceeding.
During installation, a new Proton prefix folder is created, containing the installed launcher. This folder is typically located at:
~/.steam/steam/steamapps/compatdata/
Note: The .steam folder is hidden. You may need to enable viewing hidden files/folders in your file manager (e.g., CTRL+H on KDE Plasma).
Steam assigns a unique, random number to this folder since it’s not a native Steam game. Identify the most recently created folder by sorting your file manager by creation date. For example, a folder might be numbered 4241723544.
Navigate inside this folder to: /pfx/drive_c/Program Files (x86)/Battle.net/
Copy the full path to the “Battle.net Launcher.exe” file. On KDE Plasma or SteamOS, this can often be done by right-clicking and selecting “Copy location”.
Return to Steam, locate the Battle.net shortcut, and open its Properties. Update the shortcut to point to the installed launcher. It is crucial not to delete the existing shortcut and create a new one, as this would remove the installed files.
Initially, the target path will resemble this:
Modify the target and start in paths to match the copied location, ensuring paths with spaces are enclosed in quotes. The first text box should contain the full path to the .exe file, and the second should contain the path to its containing folder, as shown:
The setup is now complete.
These methods should facilitate playing World of Warcraft and Starcraft on Linux Desktop, SteamOS, and Steam Deck.
