How to Install and Play GOG Games on Linux

Linux gaming has come a long way in recent years. Gone are the days when playing Steam or GOG games on Linux was unthinkable. Playing GOG’s huge library of games on your Linux machine is not only possible, it’s also surprisingly easy.

With Linux apps like Lutris and Heroic Games Launcher, you can install and play GOG games in a snap.

Pour wine for your GOG games on Windows

Playing GOG games on Linux isn’t as easy as double-clicking your games’ EXE files on Windows. Although some GOG games have native Linux ports, most of its games are made for Windows. To play Windows-based PC games, Linux gamers use Wine, a compatibility layer that allows Linux users to run EXE files. They also use Valve’s Proton, which is designed to run Windows games.

Lutris and Heroic Games Launcher use Wine and Proton to run GOG Windows games on Linux. Both apps check for new versions of Wine, Proton, and other similar community builds. With these applications, you will be able to play your favorite Linux games without much trouble.

Of course, gamers also use ProtonDB to check if their games are running properly on Linux. This is a useful site for finding the version and configuration of Wine that works best for a particular game. Most, if not all, GOG games are in the ProtonDB database.

Installing GOG games via Lutris

Lutris is a game client that brings games designed for Windows to your Linux desktop. Lutris imports your games from sources like Origin, Steam, Ubisoft Connect and GOG. It’s handy for consolidating all your game library into one app.

Download : Lutris (Free)

Once you’ve installed Lutris, make sure you have up-to-date versions of Wine.

To do this, hover the mouse over the icon alcohol tab, listed below Runners in the sidebar. Click on the open box in the shape of Manage releases button that will appear. A window for managing Wine versions will appear.

Lutris will automatically detect and display the latest versions of Wine. It will also feature other compatibility layers developed by the community, such as Wine GE.

Install your desired compatibility layer and click All right to continue.

Then hover over the icon alcohol in the sidebar, then click the gear Configure which is displayed.

The Wine configuration window will open. Click the drop-down box next to Wine version, then select the compatibility layer you installed.

To connect the Lutris app to your GOG library, hover over the button GOG in the sidebar. Click the person icon Connect which is displayed.

By clicking “Connect”, you access a GOG connection window. Enter your login credentials and click Log in now.

Once you’ve connected your GOG account to Lutris, your GOG game library will appear in the app. Thanks to Wine, you have the possibility to install native Linux and Windows GOG games through Lutris.

From there, double-click the game of your choice to begin installing it.

This window shows the different ways to install PC games on Linux. Click on the button To install to continue.

Next, select the installation directory for your games. By default, the directory will be placed under a Games folder in your home directory. Click on To install to continue.

Your GOG game may have additional content, such as wallpapers and artwork. Lutris will detect any additional content and give you the option to download it. Click on Continue to continue.

Lutris will then show you the installation files you need to download. Click on Continue to start downloading the installation files.

If the game is not installed correctly at first, it will be useful to have a cache of installation files. Click on the button hidden to set a folder where downloaded installation files will reside. You can go back to the cache of installation files if you need to install the game again.

Once the installer files are downloaded, Lutris will open the GOG installer for your game. If you’re installing a game on Windows, Lutris can run the Wine for GOG installer. Like other GOG game installers, you can install your game from here.

Once you have installed the GOG game through the installer, Lutris may not detect the installed game. Don’t worry, because you can detect Lutris manually in the game.

To do this, click on the game you installed, then click on the drop-down arrow button next to the game icon. To install button. Finally, click on Find the installed game.

In Add a new game Click on the button runner drop-down menu to select alcohol where linuxdepends on the game.

Then click the button Game Options then click Browse in the Executable line to select the EXE file for your game. The EXE file is in the folder /dosdevices/c:/GOG Games/ directory.

You can also select the version of Wine you want to use for your game under the tab Executor options Tab.

Once your GOG game is installed on Lutris, all you have to do is click on the button in the main window. Player button to start playing!

Installing GOG Games via Hero Games Launcher

heroic game launcher is a cross-platform game launcher for Epic Games and GOG games. An open-source alternative for the Epic Games game launcher, Heroic allows users to easily install Epic Games and GOG games.

Unlike Lutris, Heroic goes through the game’s installation processes automatically. With this application you will only need to click two buttons to install your favorite GOG games.

Download : Heroic Games Launcher (Free)

Once the Heroic Games Launcher is installed, you’ll need to sign in to your GOG account to connect your GOG game library to the app. Click on To log in under the GOG logo to go through the login process.

Once you’ve connected your GOG account to Heroic, your GOG game library will be displayed in the Heroic Game Launcher window. Library in the sidebar.

Before installing your GOG games, click the button wine manager in the sidebar. Heroic automatically detects the latest version of Wine for Lutris, Proton GE, and Wine GE. Download the Wine version of your choice, return to the Library window, and click on the icon Download in the game you selected to start the installation.

If you’re installing a game on Windows, a pop-up will ask you to select an Installation Path, WinePrefix Path, and Wine Version for your game. The default paths found in the Games folder will work fine. Click on To install to continue.

From there, all you have to do is wait. Heroic may take a while to download and install your game, depending on its size.

Once Heroic has finished installing your GOG game, you may need to restart the app for the changes to take effect. Once done, your GOG game should be ready to play!

Which Linux application should I use to play GOG games?

Both Lutris and Heroic Games Launcher allow playing GOG games on Windows on Linux, but both have their pros and cons.

Lutris gives players a lot of control when it comes to installing and launching games. But it also adds a lot of complexity to the process. Meanwhile, you can get GOG games on Heroic by clicking two buttons.

If you just want to sit and play, you can go for Heroic. But if you want to fine-tune your system for the best gaming experience possible, then Lutris is best for you.

Either way, both apps provide users with amazing gaming experiences on Linux. GOG players can be happier on Linux with the right compatibility layer, like Proton GE.