Table of content
- Steam
- Lutris
- Heroic Games Launcher
- Bottles
- GameHub
- Itch.io App
- RetroArch
- PlayOnLinux
- Minigalaxy
- PortProton
Steam

Steam on Linux: A Technical Overview
Steam is the official game client for Linux, developed by Valve, providing access to thousands of games, both native and Windows-exclusive. With Proton, a Wine-based compatibility layer, Steam allows users to run Windows games seamlessly on Linux without manual configuration. Proton uses DXVK to convert DirectX API calls to Vulkan, enabling high-performance rendering. Steam Play ensures automatic compatibility, while Steam Cloud syncs game progress across devices. Additionally, it provides extensive controller support, including Xbox, PlayStation, and Steam controllers, making Linux gaming more accessible.
Key Features of Steam on Linux
- Proton Compatibility Layer – Uses Wine, DXVK, and VKD3D to run Windows games on Linux with near-native performance.
- Steam Play Integration – Allows automatic selection of the best Proton version for Windows games.
- Cloud Saves – Enables game progress synchronization across multiple devices via Steam Cloud.
- Native Linux Game Support – Provides a vast library of Linux-compatible games without requiring Proton.
- Controller Support – Works out-of-the-box with Xbox, PlayStation, Steam Controller, and third-party gamepads.
- Big Picture Mode – Optimized interface for TV gaming with a controller-friendly UI.
- Remote Play & Streaming – Stream games from a high-performance PC to another Linux device or even a Steam Deck.
- Steam Workshop & Modding – Allows users to download and manage community-created modifications for supported games.
- Virtual Reality (VR) Support – Compatible with SteamVR for immersive gaming on Linux with VR headsets.
- Automatic Game & Client Updates – Ensures games, Proton versions, and the Steam client stay updated for stability and performance.
- In-Game Overlay & FPS Counter – Provides access to chat, friends list, and performance monitoring while playing.
- Multi-Monitor & High Refresh Rate Support – Works with 144Hz, 240Hz, and ultrawide monitors for an enhanced gaming experience.
- Game Launch Options & Custom Configurations – Supports launch parameters, environmental tweaks, and Vulkan API selection for better performance.
Lutris

Lutris on Linux: A Versatile Game Manager
Lutris is an open-source game launcher and management tool designed specifically for Linux users. It simplifies running Windows games, native Linux games, and emulated titles by providing a unified platform for multiple runtimes such as Wine, Proton, DOSBox, RetroArch, and ScummVM. Lutris automates game installations with pre-configured scripts, removing the need for manual setup. It supports DirectX to Vulkan translation via DXVK and VKD3D, ensuring high compatibility with modern and legacy games. Lutris also allows users to integrate their Steam, GOG, Epic Games Store, and Ubisoft Connect libraries into a single interface.
Key Features of Lutris on Linux
- Wine & Proton Integration – Runs Windows games on Linux with optimized Wine versions and Proton compatibility.
- Automated Installation Scripts – Uses community-driven install scripts to configure games with proper dependencies.
- Native Linux Game Support – Launches Linux-native titles alongside Windows and emulated games.
- Emulator Management – Supports RetroArch, DOSBox, ScummVM, Dolphin, PCSX2, and other emulators for classic games.
- DXVK & VKD3D Compatibility – Converts DirectX 9, 10, 11, and 12 calls into Vulkan for better performance.
- Steam & Third-Party Integration – Imports and manages games from Steam, GOG, Epic Games Store, Ubisoft Connect, and more.
- Custom Wine Runners – Allows users to select specific Wine versions per game for better compatibility.
- Game Optimization & Tweaks – Provides settings for FPS cap, resolution scaling, and Vulkan shader caching.
- Multi-Instance Support – Runs different Wine versions for separate games without interference.
- Cloud Save & Sync Support – Enables game saves to sync with Steam Cloud, GOG Galaxy, or local backups.
- Controller Support – Works seamlessly with Xbox, PlayStation, Steam Controller, and custom mappings.
- Built-in Vulkan Shader Pre-Caching – Reduces stutter and improves performance in DirectX games running via DXVK.
- Custom Environment Variables & Tweaks – Allows per-game launch options for improving performance and compatibility.
Heroic Games Launcher

Heroic Games Launcher: The Open-Source Epic Games Alternative on Linux
Heroic Games Launcher is a free and open-source alternative to the Epic Games Store client, designed specifically for Linux users. Since Epic Games does not provide an official Linux client, Heroic allows users to install, manage, and play Epic Games titles using Wine, Proton, and Legendary (CLI-based Epic Launcher). It also supports cloud sync, enabling progress backup for supported games. Heroic provides a clean, native Linux GUI, eliminating the need to manually configure Epic Games titles on Linux.
Key Features of Heroic Games Launcher
- Epic Games Store Integration – Allows Linux users to download and play Epic Games titles.
- Wine & Proton Compatibility – Runs Windows-based games using Wine and Proton, similar to Steam Play.
- GOG Support – Enables GOG Galaxy library integration for managing DRM-free games.
- Cloud Sync – Supports Epic Cloud Save, allowing game progress synchronization.
- Customizable Wine & Proton Runners – Lets users choose specific Wine versions per game for better stability.
- Game Installation Management – Offers flexible install paths and drive selection.
- Launch Options & Environment Variables – Allows users to tweak game launch parameters for better performance.
- Game Overlay Support – Provides FPS monitoring, shader cache optimizations, and controller configurations.
- Controller Support – Works with Xbox, PlayStation, Steam Controller, and custom mappings.
- Download Manager – Enables pausing and resuming game downloads.
- Auto Updates for Games & Proton/Wine – Keeps games and compatibility layers up to date.
- DRM-Free Support for GOG Games – Runs DRM-free titles with native compatibility.
- Minimal Resource Usage – Provides a lightweight alternative to Epic's Windows client.
Bottles

Bottles: Advanced Wine & Proton Manager for Linux Gaming
Bottles is an open-source application designed to manage Wine and Proton environments for running Windows games and applications on Linux. Unlike traditional Wine setups, Bottles organizes software into isolated environments, called bottles, allowing users to create dedicated game containers with pre-configured dependencies, DXVK/VKD3D, and system libraries. It supports automatic dependency installation, optimizing performance for DirectX-based games while reducing manual configuration. Bottles also provides runner management, letting users select different versions of Wine or Proton per game for better compatibility.
Key Features of Bottles on Linux
- Isolated Wine Environments – Organizes games and applications into separate “bottles” to prevent conflicts.
- Wine & Proton Compatibility – Allows users to choose between Wine, Proton-GE, and other custom runners for Windows game compatibility.
- DXVK & VKD3D Support – Translates DirectX 9, 10, 11, and 12 calls into Vulkan for improved performance.
- Dependency Management – Automatically installs required DLLs, Vulkan drivers, Visual C++ redistributables, and more.
- Pre-Configured Game Runners – Offers optimized presets for Steam, Epic Games Store, GOG, and standalone Windows games.
- Performance Tweaks – Allows users to enable FSR (FidelityFX Super Resolution), Esync, Fsync, and Vsync for smoother gameplay.
- Game Mode Integration – Supports Gamemode and MangoHud for better resource allocation and FPS monitoring.
- Environment Variables & Customization – Users can tweak game configurations with launch parameters and Vulkan optimizations.
- Multi-Version Support – Runs different Wine or Proton versions for individual games without affecting system-wide installations.
- Built-in Backup & Restore – Saves bottle configurations for easy migration or system reinstallation.
- User-Friendly GUI – Provides a modern, intuitive interface for managing Windows software on Linux.
GameHub

GameHub: A Unified Game Launcher for Linux
GameHub is an open-source, multi-platform game launcher designed for Linux users who want to manage and play games from different sources in one place. It supports Steam, GOG, Humble Bundle, Itch.io, and RetroArch, allowing users to access their libraries seamlessly. GameHub integrates Proton, Wine, and native Linux support, enabling users to run both native and Windows games. With built-in DXVK, VKD3D, and OpenGL support, it enhances performance for DirectX-based games. The application also provides game configuration options, allowing users to apply custom environment variables, tweak launch parameters, and optimize performance.
Key Features of GameHub on Linux
- Multi-Platform Game Library – Supports games from Steam, GOG, Humble Bundle, Itch.io, and RetroArch in a single interface.
- Native, Wine & Proton Support – Runs Linux-native games and Windows games using Wine, Proton, and custom Wine runners.
- DXVK & VKD3D Compatibility – Converts DirectX 9/10/11/12 calls into Vulkan for improved rendering performance.
- Game Download & Installation Management – Allows users to install, update, and manage games from different platforms.
- Offline Mode for DRM-Free Games – Enables users to play GOG and Humble Bundle titles without an internet connection.
- Custom Wine Runners – Supports different Wine versions per game for better compatibility.
- Controller Support – Works with Xbox, PlayStation, Steam Controller, and remappable inputs.
- Game Performance Tweaks – Allows FPS caps, resolution scaling, shader pre-caching, and Vulkan optimizations.
- Multi-Instance Support – Runs games in isolated environments with different configurations.
- Cloud Save Sync – Supports Steam Cloud, GOG Galaxy, and manual save backups.
- Open Source & Lightweight – Minimal resource usage, making it a great alternative to heavy game clients.
Itch.io App

Itch.io App: The Ultimate Indie Game Platform for Linux
The Itch.io App is the official client for accessing and managing Itch.io's massive library of indie games. Unlike traditional game stores, Itch.io focuses on DRM-free distribution, allowing users to download, install, and play games without restrictions. The app provides both native Linux support and a browser-based interface, making it versatile for different gaming experiences. It integrates with Wine and Proton, enabling Windows-only games to run on Linux. The Itch.io Butler service offers automatic updates, keeping installed games up to date.
Key Features of Itch.io App on Linux
- DRM-Free Game Library – Offers unrestricted access to thousands of indie games without requiring an internet connection after download.
- Native Linux Compatibility – Supports Linux-native games without the need for additional configuration.
- Wine & Proton Integration – Runs Windows-exclusive games using Wine, Proton, and DXVK for DirectX translation.
- Automatic Game Updates – Uses the Itch.io Butler service to patch and update games seamlessly.
- Offline Mode – Enables playing downloaded games without an active internet connection.
- Easy Game Installation – One-click installs and direct game launch without additional setup.
- Custom Game Management – Allows users to manage install locations and delete games efficiently.
- Developer-Friendly Platform – Supports early access, crowdfunding, and community-driven game development.
- Modding & Open Development – Many Itch.io games allow modifications and direct interaction with developers.
- Cloud Saves & Syncing – Provides optional cloud syncing for game saves and progress tracking.
- Minimal System Requirements – Runs on lightweight systems with minimal RAM and CPU usage.
RetroArch

RetroArch: The Ultimate Emulator for Linux Gaming
RetroArch is a powerful, open-source frontend for emulation, bringing together multiple emulators, known as cores, into a single interface. Unlike traditional emulators that require separate setups, RetroArch provides a unified platform to run classic games from consoles like PlayStation, SNES, NES, Sega Genesis, N64, PSP, and more. It supports advanced features such as real-time rewinding, netplay for multiplayer gaming, RetroAchievements integration, and shader-based graphics enhancements. RetroArch uses Libretro API, allowing modular emulator support with minimal configuration.
Key Features of RetroArch on Linux
- Multi-Core Emulation – Supports multiple emulator cores, including Beetle PSX, Snes9x, Mupen64Plus, PPSSPP, Dolphin, and more.
- Advanced Shaders & Filters – Enhances retro graphics with CRT, scanline, HQx, and bilinear filtering shaders.
- Netplay for Multiplayer – Enables online and local multiplayer for retro games, with matchmaking support.
- Real-Time Rewinding – Allows players to rewind gameplay instantly to correct mistakes.
- Save States & Fast-Forwarding – Save progress anytime and speed up slow gameplay sections.
- Input Lag Reduction – Optimized for low-latency input with Run-Ahead Mode for near-instant responsiveness.
- BIOS & ROM Management – Supports custom BIOS files for enhanced compatibility with classic consoles.
- RetroAchievements Integration – Unlock achievements in classic games using an online achievement tracking system.
- Custom Keybindings & Controller Support – Works with Xbox, PlayStation, and USB arcade controllers.
- Gamepad & Hotkey Mapping – Assign macros and hotkeys for quick actions like save states, rewind, and shaders.
- Run Ahead Mode – Reduces input delay for retro games, making them feel as responsive as modern titles.
- Multi-Platform Support – Runs on Linux, Steam Deck, Raspberry Pi, and Android, making it highly portable.
PlayOnLinux

PlayOnLinux: Simplifying Windows Gaming on Linux
PlayOnLinux is a graphical frontend for Wine, designed to make installing and running Windows games and applications on Linux effortless. Instead of manually configuring Wine for each game, PlayOnLinux automates the setup process by creating isolated Wine environments (prefixes) for different applications. This approach prevents software conflicts and allows users to run DirectX-based games, productivity software, and utilities with minimal effort. It also provides pre-configured installation scripts, ensuring that games are set up with the correct Wine version, DXVK, libraries, and dependencies.
Key Features of PlayOnLinux on Linux
- Graphical Interface for Wine – Provides an intuitive GUI to install and manage Windows applications without terminal commands.
- Isolated Wine Prefixes – Creates separate Wine environments for different games and applications, preventing compatibility issues.
- Automated Install Scripts – Uses community-driven scripts to configure Wine, DXVK, dependencies, and registry settings automatically.
- Wine Version Management – Allows users to select specific Wine versions per application for better compatibility.
- DirectX & Vulkan Compatibility – Supports DXVK and VKD3D to run DirectX-based games on Vulkan for better performance.
- Custom Environment Variables & Tweaks – Enables launch options, resolution scaling, FPS capping, and shader optimizations.
- Gamepad & Input Support – Works with Xbox, PlayStation, and Steam controllers, allowing seamless gameplay.
- Windows Application Support – Runs not just games, but also Windows software like Microsoft Office, Photoshop, and utilities.
- Backup & Restore Functionality – Saves Wine prefixes for easy reinstallation and migration.
- Multi-Instance Capability – Runs multiple Wine applications simultaneously without system-wide interference.
- Native Linux Integration – Works alongside Proton, Steam, and Lutris, enhancing Linux gaming support.
Minigalaxy

Minigalaxy: The Lightweight GOG Client for Linux
Minigalaxy is a minimalist, open-source game launcher designed for GOG (Good Old Games) users on Linux. Unlike the official GOG Galaxy client, which lacks native Linux support, Minigalaxy provides a streamlined interface for downloading, installing, and updating DRM-free GOG games. It is optimized for performance, avoiding unnecessary background processes, and ensuring a resource-efficient gaming experience. Minigalaxy also allows users to manage game libraries, apply Wine compatibility for Windows-based titles, and update games seamlessly without bloatware or cloud dependencies.
Key Features of Minigalaxy on Linux
- Native GOG Support – Directly downloads and installs GOG DRM-free games on Linux.
- Minimal Resource Usage – A lightweight alternative to GOG Galaxy, consuming minimal CPU and RAM.
- Automatic Game Updates – Keeps installed games updated with a simple one-click update system.
- Offline Mode – Enables users to play downloaded games without an internet connection.
- Wine Integration – Allows running Windows-only GOG games using Wine and Proton.
- Custom Install Locations – Lets users store games on external drives or custom directories.
- Multi-Language Support – Provides game downloads in multiple languages where available.
- DLC & Extra Content Management – Downloads and installs bonus content, including artbooks, soundtracks, and expansions.
- Cloud Save Compatibility – Supports GOG's manual cloud save syncing for game progress backup.
- Dark Mode & UI Customization – Offers a sleek, dark theme with simple and intuitive navigation.
- No Background Services – Runs without telemetry, tracking, or always-on background processes.
PortProton

PortProton: A Powerful Alternative to Lutris for Wine & Proton Gaming
PortProton is a specialized game manager for Linux users looking for an alternative to Lutris, focusing on Wine and Proton compatibility. It simplifies running Windows games by providing pre-configured Proton versions, performance tweaks, and system optimizations without requiring extensive manual setup. Unlike generic Wine installations, PortProton comes with built-in DXVK, VKD3D, and FSR (FidelityFX Super Resolution) support, ensuring smoother gameplay and better frame rates for DirectX-based games. It also allows per-game configuration, offering precise control over compatibility layers, shaders, and graphics settings.
Key Features of PortProton on Linux
- Pre-Configured Proton & Wine Support – Automatically sets up games with the optimal Proton-GE or Wine version.
- DXVK & VKD3D Integration – Enhances DirectX 9, 10, 11, and 12 game performance by translating calls to Vulkan API.
- FSR (FidelityFX Super Resolution) – Enables AMD’s upscaling technology for better frame rates and image quality.
- Performance Tweaks & Custom Launch Options – Allows FPS cap, Vulkan shader caching, and esync/fsync optimizations.
- Multi-Instance Wine Environments – Runs different Wine versions per game without conflicts.
- Gamepad & Controller Support – Native compatibility with Xbox, PlayStation, and Steam Controllers.
- Steam & Epic Games Compatibility – Runs Windows-based launchers inside a Proton container.
- Custom Script & Patch Support – Enables the use of community patches, mods, and custom launch scripts for advanced configuration.
- Minimal System Overhead – Lightweight and less resource-intensive compared to some other Wine-based gaming solutions.
FAQ
1. What are the best game launchers for Linux?
The best game launchers for Linux include:
- Steam – Largest gaming platform, supports Proton for Windows games
- Lutris – Open-source, manages multiple game sources
- Heroic Games Launcher – Epic Games Store & GOG support
- GameHub – Aggregates games from multiple stores
- Bottles – Advanced Wine manager for gaming
- Minigalaxy – Lightweight GOG launcher
- Itch.io App – Indie game launcher
- RetroArch – Best for emulation and classic games
- PlayOnLinux – Simplifies Wine-based gaming
- Prism Launcher – Minecraft-focused
2. Which is the best game launcher for Windows games on Linux?
Steam with Proton is the best choice, as it allows you to run many Windows games seamlessly. Lutris and Heroic Games Launcher also offer excellent compatibility through Wine and Proton layers.
3. Can I play Epic Games Store games on Linux?
Yes! You can use Heroic Games Launcher, which offers direct integration with the Epic Games Store. Lutris also supports Epic Games but requires additional setup.
4. What is the best Linux launcher for retro gaming?
RetroArch is the best choice for emulation, supporting PlayStation, NES, SNES, and more. It offers a single interface for all retro gaming needs.
5. Can I play GOG (Good Old Games) titles on Linux?
Yes! You can use Heroic Games Launcher, GameHub, or Minigalaxy to install and manage your GOG library on Linux.
6. What is the best open-source game launcher for Linux?
Lutris is the most popular open-source launcher, supporting multiple platforms, including Steam, GOG, and Wine-based games. GameHub is another great open-source alternative.
7. Can I run multiple launchers on Linux?
Yes! Many Linux gamers use a combination of Steam, Lutris, Heroic Games Launcher, and RetroArch to cover different gaming needs.
8. Which game launcher is best for indie games?
Itch.io App is perfect for indie games, offering thousands of independent titles. GameHub is also great for managing indie games across multiple platforms.
9. How do I play Minecraft on Linux?
Use Prism Launcher, an open-source Minecraft launcher that supports modding and multiple game versions.
10. What is the easiest game launcher for beginners?
Steam is the easiest and most user-friendly game launcher on Linux. It provides an extensive library, automatic updates, and Proton support for Windows games.