Heroic Games Launcher is an open-source game launcher built primarily for Epic Games Store and GOG users. It’s designed to work seamlessly on Linux, macOS, and Windows, making it a great alternative for those who don’t want to rely on the official launchers. Heroic is powered by Lutris, Wine, and Proton, allowing Windows-exclusive games to run smoothly on non-Windows systems. It offers features like cloud saves, custom Wine/Proton settings, and offline mode, making it a top pick for Linux gamers looking to manage their Epic and GOG libraries without hassle.

Playnite is a highly customizable, universal game launcher that integrates multiple gaming platforms in one place. It supports Steam, Epic Games, GOG, Origin, Ubisoft Connect, Battle.net, Xbox Game Pass, and even emulators. Playnite focuses on providing a unified gaming library, pulling metadata, artwork, and game details automatically. It also includes deep customization options like themes, plugins, and scripts, allowing users to tailor their experience. Unlike Heroic, which focuses on Linux compatibility, Playnite is Windows-exclusive but offers unmatched integration across different game platforms.

Both launchers are open-source and privacy-focused, but their use cases are different—Heroic is perfect for Linux/macOS gamers who rely on Epic and GOG, while Playnite is best for Windows users looking to organize all their games, including emulated ones, in a single interface.

#1 Platform Support

Choosing the right game launcher depends on your operating system. Heroic Games Launcher is built with a strong focus on Linux compatibility, while Playnite is primarily designed for Windows users. However, both can be adapted for different systems with tweaks.

Heroic Games Launcher

✅ Linux-first approach – Fully native on Linux, supports AppImage, Flatpak, and native DEB/RPM packages.
✅ Windows & macOS – Works on these platforms, but its strength lies in Linux.
✅ Wine & Proton Integration – Runs Windows-exclusive games on Linux with ease.
✅ GOG & Epic support – Officially supports both stores without needing their native launchers.

Playnite

✅ Windows-native – Works flawlessly on Windows, offering direct integrations with Steam, GOG, Epic, Xbox, Ubisoft Connect, Origin, and Battle.net.
✅ Linux Compatibility – Not officially supported, but can be run using Wine or Proton with some limitations.
✅ No macOS support – Running Playnite on macOS requires virtualization or a Windows environment.

Comparison Analysis: Heroic vs Playnite on Different OS

The graph visually compares Heroic Games Launcher and Playnite in terms of compatibility across Linux, Windows, and macOS.

1. Heroic dominates on Linux with a high compatibility score due to its native integration and Proton/Wine support.
2. Playnite excels on Windows, offering the best experience with direct Steam, GOG, and Xbox integrations.
3. MacOS support is weak for both, though Heroic still functions better due to Wine compatibility.

If you're a Linux gamer, Heroic is the best choice. If you're on Windows, Playnite offers far superior integration across all platforms.

#2 Supported Game Stores & Integrations

One of the biggest differences between Heroic Games Launcher and Playnite is the number of game stores they support. Heroic is mainly built for Epic Games Store and GOG, while Playnite is a full-fledged universal launcher that integrates with multiple platforms, including Steam, Origin, Ubisoft Connect, Battle.net, and Xbox Game Pass.

Heroic Games Launcher - Official & Community Support

✅ Epic Games Store – Full integration, including game downloads, cloud saves, and Wine/Proton support for Linux.
✅ GOG – Native support with cross-platform compatibility.
✅ Steam (Community Workarounds) – Can launch Steam games manually but lacks deep integration.
✅ Amazon Games (Unofficial Workaround) – Requires manual configuration through scripts.
✅ Manual Game Import – Allows adding DRM-free games but lacks Playnite’s metadata fetching.

Playnite - Extensive Launcher Support

✅ Steam – Full integration with library sync, achievements, and automatic metadata fetching.
✅ Epic Games Store – Direct integration, works better than Heroic on Windows.
✅ GOG – Full sync with game updates, achievements, and cloud saves.
✅ Ubisoft Connect – Works natively, fetching game details and automatic updates.
✅ Origin & EA App – Seamless integration, supporting game time tracking.
✅ Battle.net – Syncs installed Blizzard games.
✅ Xbox Game Pass (PC) – Adds Game Pass titles, keeping them updated in the Playnite library.
✅ Emulator Support – Supports RetroArch, Dolphin, PCSX2, RPCS3, and others.

✅ Library Expansion Plugins – Adds support for additional platforms like Humble Bundle, Amazon Games, and itch.io.

Comparison Analysis: Game Store Support

1. Heroic Games Launcher is best suited for Epic and GOG users, particularly on Linux and macOS. However, it lacks native support for other game stores like Ubisoft Connect, EA, and Xbox Game Pass.
2. Playnite is the better choice for Windows users who want an all-in-one solution with Steam, Epic, GOG, Origin, Ubisoft, and even emulation support.
3. If you only use Epic and GOG and want a lightweight launcher, Heroic is a solid option. But if you want full flexibility with all major PC game stores, Playnite wins hands down.

#3 User Interface & Customization

The way a game launcher looks and how much you can tweak it makes a huge difference. Heroic Games Launcher keeps things simple and modern, while Playnite offers deep customization with themes, layouts, and metadata control.

Heroic Games Launcher - Simple & Functional

✅ Modern UI – Minimalistic and clean interface with an easy-to-navigate layout.
✅ Game Library View – Displays installed and available games with filters.
✅ Dark & Light Modes – Built-in support for switching between themes.
✅ Proton & Lutris Integration – Direct options for tweaking Proton, Wine, and Lutris settings.
✅ Basic Customization – Can adjust font sizes and layout slightly, but not theme-heavy.

Playnite - Deep Customization & Theming

✅ Fully Customizable Themes – Supports user-created themes that completely change the look.
✅ Library Views – Grid, list, or detailed views with custom sorting and filtering.
✅ Metadata Control – Fetches cover art, game descriptions, achievements, and playtime.
✅ Big Picture Mode – Customizable full-screen mode for controller navigation.
✅ Plugins & Extensions – Users can add community-created extensions to modify UI further.

Comparison Analysis: UI & Customization

1. Playnite dominates in UI customization, offering themes, advanced library views, metadata scraping, and a dedicated Big Picture Mode.
2. Heroic keeps it simple, focusing on a clean and functional layout with basic dark/light mode and limited layout tweaks.
3. If you love personalizing your game library, Playnite is the better choice. If you prefer a lightweight, straightforward interface, Heroic does the job.

#4 Installation & System requirement

Setting up a game launcher should be quick and hassle-free. Heroic Games Launcher is designed to be easy to install on Linux, while Playnite provides a simple installation process for Windows users with automatic game imports.

Heroic Games Launcher - Linux-Friendly & Cross-Platform

✅ Native Linux Installation – Available as AppImage, Flatpak, and DEB/RPM packages, making it easy to install on most Linux distributions.
✅ Windows & macOS Support – Comes with EXE and DMG installers, but works best on Linux.
✅ No Dependencies Needed – Runs as a standalone application, requiring no extra setup for Epic and GOG integration.
✅ Built-in Wine & Proton Configuration – Automatically configures Wine/Proton to launch Windows-based games.
✅ Flatpak Sandboxing – The Flatpak version runs in a sandbox, requiring extra permissions for external storage access.

Playnite - One-Click Windows Setup

✅ Simple EXE Installer – A straightforward installation process on Windows.
✅ Automatic Game Import – Scans and imports games from Steam, Epic, GOG, Ubisoft Connect, and Origin during setup.
✅ Portable Version Available – Playnite also offers a portable version, which can be run without installation.
✅ Minimal Setup Required – No manual configuration needed; works out of the box.
✅ Works on Linux via Wine – Can be installed using Wine/Proton, but with limited stability.

Comparison Analysis: Installation & Setup

System requirement

#5 Performance & Resource Usage

A game launcher should run smoothly without consuming unnecessary system resources. Heroic Games Launcher is built for efficiency, especially on Linux, while Playnite remains lightweight but consumes slightly more resources due to its extensive features and integrations.

Heroic Games Launcher - Optimized for Low Resource Usage

✅ Lightweight & Fast – Uses minimal system memory, optimized for Linux performance.
✅ Low CPU Usage – Designed with native Linux support, reducing CPU overhead.
✅ No Background Services – Doesn’t run extra services in the background, reducing resource drain.
✅ Efficient Wine & Proton Handling – Direct integration with Proton and Wine, optimizing resource allocation for Windows games.
✅ Best for Linux Users – Runs smoothly without affecting overall system performance.

Playnite - Feature-Rich but More Demanding

✅ Still Lightweight – Efficient but slightly heavier due to metadata scraping, game tracking, and UI customization.
✅ Background Services – Runs a small background process to update game metadata and sync accounts.
✅ Higher RAM Usage – Requires more memory when handling large game libraries.
✅ Library Sync Overhead – Syncing Steam, GOG, Epic, and other launchers consumes extra resources.
✅ Best for Windows Users – Performance is optimized for Windows gaming setups.

Comparison Analysis: Performance & Resource Usage

1. Heroic Games Launcher is extremely lightweight, making it ideal for Linux users who want minimal resource consumption.
2. Playnite, while still efficient, uses more RAM and CPU due to background game library syncing, metadata updates, and additional integrations.
3. If you need a low-impact, fast launcher, Heroic is the better option. If you want a feature-rich launcher with extensive integrations, Playnite is worth the extra resource usage.

#6 Community & Support

The strength of a game launcher depends on its community size, developer support, and update frequency. Heroic Games Launcher has a dedicated Linux-focused user base, while Playnite has a larger community with extensive plugin support, mostly catering to Windows users.

Heroic Games Launcher - Strong Linux Support

✅ Active Open-Source Development – Regular updates with contributions from Linux gaming enthusiasts.
✅ Growing Linux Community – Strong presence on GitHub, Discord, and Reddit, but smaller than Playnite’s.
✅ Fast Issue Resolution – Active developers who quickly fix Proton, Wine, and Lutris-related issues.
✅ Limited Plugin Support – Most features are built-in, few community-made extensions.

Playnite - Large Windows User Base

✅ Large & Established Community – A massive user base, with active forums, GitHub, and Discord support.
✅ Extensive Plugin Support – Many community-made plugins for custom themes, integrations, and automation.
✅ Frequent Updates – Regular improvements, with quick responses to bug reports and feature requests.
✅ Mostly Windows-Focused – Less community engagement for Linux and macOS users.

Comparison Analysis: Community & Support 

#7 Compatibility with Steam Deck & Handhelds

Gaming handhelds like the Steam Deck and other Linux-based gaming devices require efficient and optimized launchers. Heroic Games Launcher is built with Linux and Proton in mind, making it a great choice for Steam Deck users. Playnite, on the other hand, works on Steam Deck but requires Windows, limiting its native compatibility.

Heroic Games Launcher - Best for Steam Deck & Linux Handhelds

✅ Native Steam Deck Support – Available as a Flatpak, making installation simple on Steam Deck’s Linux-based SteamOS.
✅ Optimized for Proton & Wine – Works seamlessly with Windows games on Linux, making it a great launcher for non-Steam games on Steam Deck.
✅ Controller-Friendly UI – While not fully designed for Big Picture Mode, Heroic works well with Steam Deck’s touchscreen and controller input.
✅ Low Resource Usage – Runs efficiently on Steam Deck’s hardware without excessive CPU or RAM usage.
✅ Works on Other Linux-Based Handhelds – Compatible with AYANEO, GPD Win, and other Linux-based gaming handhelds.

Playnite - Works with Windows on Steam Deck

✅ Windows-Compatible – Works on Steam Deck only if Windows is installed, making it a less convenient option for SteamOS users.
✅ Big Picture Mode – Provides a controller-friendly fullscreen mode, making navigation easy for handheld users.
✅ Extensive Library Management – Great for users who dual-boot Windows on Steam Deck and want a unified launcher.
✅ High Customization – Allows users to tweak the interface to match the handheld gaming experience, but requires Windows.
✅ Not Optimized for Linux – While it can run via Wine or Proton, it lacks native Linux support and may require additional tweaks.

Comparison Analysis: Compatibility with Steam Deck & Handhelds

#8 Security & Privacy

When choosing a game launcher, privacy and security are key concerns. Heroic Games Launcher and Playnite both prioritize user privacy, with no telemetry or tracking, ensuring that your data stays under your control.

Heroic Games Launcher - Fully Open-Source & Private

✅ No Telemetry or Tracking – Heroic does not collect any user data, making it a fully private launcher.
✅ 100% Open-Source – The entire codebase is public on GitHub, meaning users can audit it for transparency.
✅ No Background Data Collection – Unlike proprietary launchers, Heroic does not send analytics or logs to external servers.
✅ Security Through Open Development – Bugs and vulnerabilities are fixed quickly by the open-source community.

Playnite - Customizable Privacy & No Data Collection

✅ No Built-in Telemetry – Playnite does not track user behavior, ensuring complete privacy.
✅ Customizable Privacy Settings – Users can disable online features, such as metadata scraping, to keep everything offline.
✅ No User Account Required – Unlike Steam or Epic, Playnite does not require an account to use the launcher.
✅ Open-Source with Plugin Control – Fully open-source, but some third-party plugins may send external requests (users can review and disable them).

Comparison Analysis: Security & Privacy

1. Both Heroic and Playnite are highly secure, with no telemetry, no tracking, and open-source transparency.
2. Heroic is fully private by default, while Playnite allows users to customize privacy settings for online features.
3. Playnite uses metadata scraping for game covers and descriptions, but users can disable these features.
4. Both launchers receive frequent security updates, ensuring user safety and data protection.

#9 Ease of Adding Custom Scripts & Mods

Game launchers with custom scripting support allow users to automate tasks, modify game settings, and enhance compatibility. Heroic Games Launcher provides basic Proton and Lutris configurations, while Playnite offers a full scripting API and automation system for deep customization.

Heroic Games Launcher - Limited Scripting, Focused on Compatibility

✅ Supports Proton & Lutris Tweaks – Users can apply custom Wine and Proton configurations for better game compatibility.
✅ Custom Game Launch Options – Allows adding launch arguments to tweak game performance manually.
✅ Basic Scripts via Terminal Commands – Some users set up manual scripts to adjust game behavior, but no official scripting system exists.
✅ No Full Scripting API – Unlike Playnite, Heroic lacks built-in automation or scripting capabilities for deeper modding.

Playnite - Advanced Scripting & Full Automation

✅ Playnite API for Custom Scripts – Developers can create custom scripts and plugins using the C#-based Playnite API.
✅ Event-Based Automation – Allows users to run scripts before or after launching games, enabling automated mod loading, file replacements, and performance tweaks.
✅ Batch Script Execution – Users can set up global scripts to run across multiple games, useful for modders and emulator users.
✅ Community Script Repository – Extensive third-party scripts are available for tasks like custom shader injection, controller remapping, and automatic game backups.
✅ Deep Integration with Mods & Emulators – Scripts can manage emulator settings, mod installations, and game file patches directly.

Comparison Analysis: Custom Scripts & Modding Support

1. Heroic is mainly focused on Proton & Lutris tweaks, with basic launch arguments but no scripting API.
2. Playnite is a scripting powerhouse, offering a full API, event-based automation, and deep integration with modding tools.
3. If you need extensive automation for emulators, mods, or game customization, Playnite is the clear winner. Heroic is best for simple Proton/Wine tweaks.

#10 Update Management for Games & Launcher

Keeping both the launcher and installed games up to date is crucial for a smooth gaming experience. Heroic Games Launcher provides automatic updates for itself and Epic/GOG games, while Playnite relies on integrations to track updates but does not manage game updates directly.

Heroic Games Launcher - Automatic Updates for Games & Launcher

✅ Launcher Auto-Updates – Heroic automatically updates itself when new versions are released.
✅ Game Update Management – Epic and GOG games update automatically when launched, similar to their official clients.
✅ Manual Update Control – Users can manually disable automatic updates for specific games if needed.
✅ Flatpak & Package Manager Support – If installed via Flatpak, AUR, or other Linux package managers, updates are handled automatically.

Playnite - No Native Game Update Management

✅ Launcher Auto-Updates – Playnite updates itself automatically, but updates must be triggered manually for some installations.
✅ Game Update Awareness via Integrations – Playnite detects when a game update is available but does not handle updating the game itself.
✅ Relies on External Clients for Updates – Steam, GOG, Epic, and other launchers must be used to update games manually.
✅ Emulator Games Remain Static – Emulated games are not updated automatically, requiring manual file management.

Comparison Analysis: Update Management for Games & Launcher

#11 Offline Mode Support

For gamers who play without a constant internet connection, offline mode is essential. Heroic Games Launcher allows full offline play for installed games, while Playnite also works offline but may require internet for metadata refresh and library syncing.

Heroic Games Launcher - True Offline Support

✅ Full Offline Play – Once a game is installed, it can be played without requiring an internet connection.
✅ No Background Sync Needed – The launcher does not rely on online services for game launching.
✅ Epic & GOG DRM-Free Support – Works well with GOG’s DRM-free games, allowing full offline functionality.
✅ Limited Cloud Features Offline – Cloud saves and game library sync require an internet connection.

Playnite - Works Offline but Needs Internet for Metadata

✅ Offline Game Launching – Games can still be launched without internet.
✅ Metadata & Library Sync Requires Internet – Some integrations, such as Steam, Epic, and GOG syncing, require an internet connection to refresh metadata.
✅ Manual Mode for Offline Play – Users can disable automatic syncing to ensure Playnite functions offline without issues.
✅ Emulated Games Work Fully Offline – Since Playnite supports emulators, those games remain fully accessible without the internet.

Comparison Analysis: Offline Mode Support

#12 Built-in Troubleshooting & Logs

When games fail to launch or run into compatibility issues, troubleshooting tools and logs are essential. Heroic Games Launcher provides built-in Wine/Proton logs and error reporting, helping users diagnose problems. Playnite lacks dedicated troubleshooting tools, but logs are available for debugging issues manually.

Heroic Games Launcher - Detailed Logs & Error Reporting

✅ Built-in Wine/Proton Logs – Automatically generates detailed logs for games running via Wine or Proton, helping users diagnose crashes and performance issues.
✅ Error Reporting System – Provides error messages and debugging options when a game fails to launch.
✅ Log Viewer – Users can access game logs directly from the UI to check compatibility issues.
✅ DXVK & VKD3D Logs – Displays logs for DirectX-to-Vulkan translation layers, useful for tweaking compatibility settings.
✅ Game Compatibility Settings – Allows modifying Proton versions, enabling/disabling DXVK, and setting environment variables for troubleshooting.

Playnite - Logs Available but No Built-in Troubleshooting

✅ Game Log Files – Playnite stores logs for game launches, but users must manually navigate to the logs folder to review issues.
✅ No Built-in Debugging Tools – Unlike Heroic, Playnite does not have an integrated troubleshooting panel.
✅ Community Support for Debugging – Users rely on forum discussions and GitHub issues to troubleshoot errors.
✅ Plugins for Logs & Debugging – Some community plugins allow basic diagnostic features, but this is not built-in.

Comparison Analysis: Built-in Troubleshooting & Logs

#13 Multi device Syncing

For users who play on multiple devices ((PCs, laptops, Steam Deck, or cloud gaming setups), cross-platform syncing ensures that game libraries, settings, and progress remain consistent. Heroic Games Launcher offers limited syncing for Epic and GOG, while Playnite does not have built-in sync but supports cloud syncing via plugins.

Heroic Games Launcher - Basic Sync for Epic & GOG

✅ Epic & GOG Library Sync – Automatically syncs installed games from Epic and GOG, but no multi-device library sync.
✅ No Built-in Cloud Sync for Settings – Does not offer cross-device syncing for game configurations or custom launch options.
✅ Relies on Epic & GOG Cloud Saves – Saves progress through Epic and GOG's cloud save systems, but only for supported games.
✅ No Multi-Device Game Library Sync – Games must be manually installed on each device.

Playnite - Cloud Sync via Plugins

✅ No Native Sync, But Plugins Enable It – Supports OneDrive, Dropbox, and Google Drive plugins to sync libraries and settings across devices.
✅ Manual Export & Import of Library Data – Users can export and restore Playnite libraries manually, making it possible to sync setups across devices.
✅ Cloud Save Support via External Launchers – Relies on Steam, GOG, and Xbox cloud saves for syncing progress between platforms.
✅ Third-Party Extensions for Full Cross-Device Syncing – Some community plugins allow automatic syncing of game metadata and settings.

Comparison Analysis: Cross-Platform Syncing

#14 Game Management & Sorting

A well-organized game library helps users quickly find and launch games. Heroic Games Launcher offers basic sorting, while Playnite provides extensive filtering, tagging, and grouping options for managing large libraries.

Heroic Games Launcher - Basic Sorting for Installed Games

✅ Simple Sorting Options – Can sort games by installed, available (owned but not installed), and favorites.
✅ Basic Grid/List View – Allows switching between grid and list layout, but limited customization.
✅ No Custom Tags or Filters – Users cannot create custom tags, categories, or advanced filters.
✅ Works Well for Smaller Libraries – Simple interface for users with only Epic & GOG games.

Playnite - Advanced Game Management & Sorting

✅ Custom Sorting & Filtering – Users can filter games by platform, playtime, genre, developer, completion status, and more.
✅ Tagging & Categories – Games can be tagged manually or assigned automatic categories based on metadata.
✅ Grouping & Smart Collections – Games can be grouped by genre, status, or even custom user-defined collections.
✅ Playtime & Completion Tracking – Allows users to sort games based on hours played or completion progress.
✅ Perfect for Large Game Libraries – Supports thousands of games across multiple platforms with powerful organization tools.

Final words: Which One to Choose?

Choosing between Heroic Games Launcher and Playnite depends on your platform, gaming needs, and customization preferences.

Choose Heroic Games Launcher If:

✅ You are a Linux or Steam Deck user – Heroic is optimized for Linux and works seamlessly with Proton, Wine, and Lutris.
✅ You primarily play Epic & GOG games – Heroic is built around these platforms, offering direct support and game syncing.
✅ You need a lightweight, simple game launcher – Heroic is minimalist and doesn’t require extensive configuration.
✅ You want built-in troubleshooting for Proton & Wine – Heroic provides log access, DXVK settings, and compatibility tweaks.
❌ Not ideal if you need Steam, Xbox, Ubisoft, or EA integration.

Choose Playnite If:

✅ You want a universal game launcher – Playnite supports Steam, Epic, GOG, Ubisoft, EA, Xbox, emulators, and more.
✅ You love customization & automation – With advanced sorting, tagging, scripting, and metadata management, Playnite gives full control over your library.
✅ You need built-in achievement tracking & social features – Playnite syncs Steam, Xbox, and GOG achievements and offers friend list integration.
✅ You play on multiple devices and want cloud syncing – Playnite supports third-party cloud storage plugins to sync settings and libraries.
❌ Not ideal if you need a native Linux launcher – Playnite runs best on Windows, though it can work via Wine on Linux.

So,

1. If you're a Linux/Steam Deck user focused on Epic & GOG → Go with Heroic.
2. If you want an all-in-one launcher with deep customization on Windows → Playnite is the better choice.

FAQ

General Questions

❓ What is Heroic Games Launcher?
Heroic Games Launcher is an open-source game launcher for Epic Games Store and GOG, mainly optimized for Linux, Steam Deck, and macOS, with Windows support.

❓ What is Playnite?
Playnite is a universal game launcher that supports Steam, Epic, GOG, Ubisoft, EA, Xbox, emulators, and more. It runs natively on Windows but can be used on Linux via Wine.

❓ Which one is better for Windows?
Playnite is the best choice for Windows users as it integrates with all major game launchers and emulators.

❓ Which one is better for Linux or Steam Deck?
Heroic Games Launcher is the best choice for Linux and Steam Deck users because it has built-in support for Wine, Proton, and Lutris.

Game Library & Management

❓ Can both launchers import games from different platforms?
Heroic: Only supports Epic Games Store and GOG.
Playnite: Supports Steam, Epic, GOG, Ubisoft, EA, Battle.net, Xbox, and emulators.

❓ Can I manually add non-launcher games?
Heroic: Yes, but with basic options.
Playnite: Yes, with full metadata, custom tags, and filters.

❓ Does either launcher support emulated games?
Heroic: ❌ No support for emulators.
Playnite: ✅ Yes, supports RetroArch, Dolphin, PCSX2, RPCS3, and more.

Customization & Features

❓ Can I customize the user interface?
Heroic: ❌ No advanced customization, only light/dark themes.
Playnite: ✅ Fully customizable UI, supports themes and UI mods.

❓ Can I track playtime and achievements?
Heroic: ❌ No built-in tracking.
Playnite: ✅ Yes, supports playtime tracking and achievements from Steam, GOG, and Xbox.

Performance & Resource Usage

❓ Which launcher is more lightweight?
Heroic: ✅ More lightweight, optimized for Linux gaming.
Playnite: ⚠️ Slightly more resource-intensive due to metadata syncing.

❓ Do these launchers run in the background?
Heroic: ❌ No background services.
Playnite: ⚠️ Runs a background service for syncing and metadata updates.

Online & Offline Features

❓ Can I play games offline?
Heroic: ✅ Yes, fully offline support for installed Epic & GOG games.
Playnite: ✅ Yes, but some metadata integrations require internet.

❓ Can I sync my game library across multiple devices?
Heroic: ❌ No multi-device sync, only syncs Epic & GOG libraries.
Playnite: ✅ No built-in sync, but cloud sync plugins (Google Drive, OneDrive, etc.) allow cross-device syncing.

Support & Community

❓ Which launcher has better community support?
Heroic: Active Linux and Steam Deck community but smaller user base.
Playnite: Larger Windows-focused community with extensive plugin and mod support.

❓ How frequently are they updated?
Heroic: ✅ Regular updates focused on Linux gaming improvements.
Playnite: ✅ Frequent updates, new features, and plugin improvements.