#1 Key Similarities: Heroic Games Launcher vs Lutris
- Proton & Wine Support
Both support running Windows games on Linux using Wine or Proton, with per-game version selection.
- Game Launch Customization
Each allows setting launch parameters, environment variables, and runtime options per game.
- Linux Compatibility Focus
Both are tailored for Linux users (Heroic is cross-platform, but Linux-first in design).
- Controller Support
Provide native gamepad compatibility via SDL or system-level support—plug-and-play with Xbox, DualShock, etc.
- Flatpak Availability
Both are available as Flatpak packages, making them installable on Steam Deck and sandboxed Linux systems.
- No Built-in Storefront
Neither includes a store—Heroic connects to Epic/GOG, and Lutris uses external install sources or scripts.
- Open-Source Projects
Fully open-source, with active GitHub repositories and community contributions.
- Per-Game Configuration Profiles
Both allow custom settings per title, such as runners, launch args, and libraries.
- GUI Interfaces
Feature modern graphical interfaces, making them usable without command-line interaction.
#2 Key Differences - Heroic Games Launcher and Lutris
2.1 Primary Purpose
✔️ Lutris serves as a universal game manager for Linux, supporting a wide range of sources including native titles, Windows games via Wine/Proton, emulators, and custom scripts.
✔️ Heroic functions as a dedicated GUI launcher designed specifically for running and managing Epic Games and GOG libraries using Wine or Proton.
➤ Lutris is ideal for managing diverse game types across platforms, while Heroic is purpose-built for seamless Epic and GOG integration on Linux and beyond.
2.2 Game Installation
✔️ Lutris relies on community-created install scripts and manual configuration paths, offering full control over how games are set up and launched.
✔️ Heroic provides a streamlined, one-click installation process directly from your Epic or GOG account, requiring minimal user setup.
➤ Lutris excels in custom, script-based installations for complex setups, while Heroic prioritizes convenience with automated installs from linked game libraries.
2.3 Platform Support
✔️ Lutris is officially developed and maintained for Linux only, optimized for native and Wine/Proton-based gaming on Linux desktops.
✔️ Heroic is a cross-platform launcher with official support for Linux, Windows, macOS, and Steam Deck, available via Flatpak, AppImage, and native installers.
➤ Lutris is purpose-built for Linux power users, while Heroic offers broader accessibility across desktop platforms and Steam Deck environments.
2.4 User Interface
✔️ Lutris features a powerful interface designed for flexibility, with deep configuration options that may require a learning curve for new users.
✔️ Heroic delivers a clean, intuitive, and beginner-friendly UI focused on ease of use and quick access to game libraries.
➤ Lutris caters to advanced users seeking granular control, while Heroic provides a streamlined interface ideal for straightforward game management.
2.5 Security & Sandboxing
✔️ Lutris does not include built-in sandboxing and depends on the underlying Linux system and Wine for isolation and security controls.
✔️ Heroic—when installed as a Flatpak—runs within a sandboxed environment, offering an extra layer of containment and restricting access to system resources.
➤ Lutris relies on system-level security, while Heroic (Flatpak) enhances safety with application sandboxing suited for restrictive or shared environments.
2.6 Per-Game Configuration
✔️ Lutris provides full per-game customization—allowing you to set environment variables, modify Wine settings, apply launch scripts, toggle dependencies, and control runner behavior at a granular level.
✔️ Heroic offers essential per-game options like selecting the Proton/Wine version, adding launch arguments, enabling DXVK/VKD3D, and setting environment variables—though with fewer advanced runtime tweaks than Lutris.
➤ Lutris empowers advanced users with deep runtime control, while Heroic simplifies per-game config for common use cases with a clean, accessible interface.
#3 Advanced Differences – Lutris vs Heroic
3.1 Runner Flexibility
✔️ Lutris supports a wide range of runners including Wine, Proton-GE, DOSBox, RetroArch, MAME, ScummVM, FS-UAE, and more—making it highly versatile across native, Windows, and retro games.
✔️ Heroic is primarily focused on Proton and Wine runners, which are sufficient for Epic and GOG games but do not extend to emulators or non-PC platforms.
➤ Lutris provides unmatched runner flexibility across gaming generations, while Heroic focuses on streamlined compatibility for modern PC titles.
3.2 Cloud Save Sync
✔️ Lutris does not include native cloud save support—users must handle save file backups manually or use third-party sync solutions like Syncthing or Dropbox.
✔️ Heroic has built-in cloud sync support for both Epic Games and GOG, automatically downloading and uploading saves where supported by the platform.
➤ Heroic offers convenient native cloud syncing for Epic and GOG titles, whereas Lutris relies on manual methods or external tools for backup and restore.
3.3 Controller Support
✔️ Lutris offers advanced controller support that depends on the runner used—for example, RetroArch and emulators support custom mappings, while Wine-based games may use SDL, evdev, or Steam Input (if configured).
✔️ Heroic provides plug-and-play controller support via SDL2, offering out-of-the-box compatibility with Xbox, PlayStation, and generic gamepads on all supported platforms.
➤ Lutris enables deeper controller configuration via runner-level tweaks, while Heroic ensures effortless setup with mainstream controllers using SDL-based handling.
3.4 Modding & Advanced Customization
✔️ Lutris provides deep customization capabilities including pre-launch and post-launch scripting, runner-level tweaks like DLL overrides, Vulkan layer injection, and manual registry edits—enabling precise control over mod loaders, patches, and Wine behavior.
✔️ Heroic supports basic modding options via launch arguments and environment variables, but lacks scripting hooks or internal mechanisms for runner-layer modifications; complex setups often require manual intervention or external tools.
➤ Lutris is the preferred choice for users managing modded games or requiring advanced Wine customizations, while Heroic is best for default or lightly customized installations.
#3 Use Case
Lutris – Ideal For:
- Multi-platform gamers who play titles from Epic, GOG, Steam, Battle.net, Ubisoft, emulators, and DRM-free backups.
- Retro gaming enthusiasts who want integrated emulator support (e.g., RetroArch, Dolphin, DOSBox).
- Advanced users or modders who require deep Wine/Proton customization, DLL injection, or script hooks.
- Linux power users looking to centralize and manage a diverse gaming library from various sources.
- Gamers running older or unsupported games needing community-tuned configurations or compatibility patches.
Heroic Games Launcher – Ideal For:
- Users focused on Epic Games and GOG libraries who want a clean, cross-platform launcher.
- Steam Deck owners looking for a Flatpak-compatible launcher that runs out-of-the-box.
- Gamers seeking cloud sync, auto updates, and Proton/Wine management with minimal effort.
- Casual to intermediate Linux users who want hassle-free game launching without complex setup.
- Cross-platform users running the same Epic/GOG games on Linux, Windows, or macOS.
➤ Summary:
Choose Lutris if you want ultimate control across various platforms, runners, and emulators.
Choose Heroic if your focus is on modern Epic/GOG games and you prefer a polished, simplified launcher experience.
FAQ
1. What is the main difference between Heroic Games Launcher and Lutris?
Heroic Games Launcher is designed specifically for Epic Games Store and GOG, offering a simple, user-friendly experience. Lutris, on the other hand, is a universal game manager that supports Steam, Epic, Origin, Battle.net, emulators, and modding.
2. Which one is easier to use?
Heroic Games Launcher has a clean UI and requires minimal configuration, making it easier for beginners. Lutris is highly customizable but requires manual setup and tweaks for Wine/Proton settings.
3. Can I run Steam games with Heroic Games Launcher?
No, Heroic Games Launcher only supports Epic and GOG games. If you need Steam support, Lutris is the better option.
4. Does Lutris support Epic Games Store?
Yes, Lutris can run Epic Games Store games using Wine and Proton, but it requires manual setup. Heroic Games Launcher is a better choice for Epic Games users, as it provides native login and easy installation.
5. Which launcher has better performance?
- Heroic Games Launcher: Optimized for Epic and GOG games but lacks advanced Vulkan and DXVK configurations.
- Lutris: Allows deep performance tuning, including Proton-GE, DXVK tweaks, and Wine settings, making it better for advanced users.
6. Can I use mod managers like Vortex or Mod Organizer 2?
- Heroic Games Launcher: ❌ No native support for mod managers.
- Lutris: ✅ Fully supports Vortex, MO2, and custom modding scripts.
7. Which one is better for playing emulated games?
Lutris is the best choice for emulators since it natively supports RetroArch, Dolphin, PCSX2, RPCS3, and Yuzu. Heroic Games Launcher does not support emulators.
8. Do these launchers support Steam Deck?
Both Heroic Games Launcher and Lutris work on Steam Deck, but Lutris has better integration for Steam Input and controller mapping.
9. What about online multiplayer and anti-cheat?
- Heroic Games Launcher: Works for Epic and GOG multiplayer, but lacks network configuration options.
- Lutris: Supports custom Proton/Wine networking, but anti-cheat systems like EAC and BattlEye still block many online games.
10. Which one is better for a beginner?
If you want a simple and easy-to-use launcher, go with Heroic Games Launcher. If you need advanced customization, support for multiple platforms, and modding, Lutris is the better option.