Gaming on Linux has become much more practical, with support for both native Linux games and a growing range of Windows games. However, choosing a game launcher can be confusing because each launcher is designed for a different purpose.

Steam is widely used for buying, installing, and managing games, while Lutris can bring games from different sources into one place. Heroic Games Launcher focuses on libraries such as Epic Games, GOG, and Amazon Games, while Bottles helps manage Windows games in separate environments. Other launchers are designed for indie games, retro gaming, or Minecraft.

In this guide, we compare the best game launchers for Linux based on game and library support, Windows-game compatibility, ease of use, configuration options, and their best use cases.

Quick Answer: Which Linux Game Launcher Should You Choose?

The right Linux game launcher mainly depends on where your games come from and how you want to play them. Steam is the best starting point if most of your games are in your Steam library. Lutris is better when you have games from different sources and want more control over their setup, while Heroic Games Launcher is a strong choice for Epic Games, GOG, and Amazon Games.

For standalone Windows games, Bottles gives you more control over separate game environments, while Faugus Launcher provides a simpler approach. Cartridges is useful for bringing installed game libraries into one interface. Choose itch.io App for indie games, RetroArch for retro gaming and emulation, and Prism Launcher for Minecraft and modpacks. PortProton is another option for users who want configurable Windows-game compatibility.

Best Linux Game Launchers at a Glance

What Type of Linux Game Launcher Do You Need?

Linux game launchers are not all designed for the same purpose. Some connect to game stores, some help run Windows games, and others are built for emulation, Minecraft, or bringing different libraries together. Knowing these differences makes it easier to understand which tools are actually relevant to your gaming setup.

✓ Game store/platform – Steam: For a Steam-based game library.

✓ Multi-source game manager – Lutris: For games coming from different sources.

✓ Alternative store client – Heroic Games Launcher: For Epic Games, GOG, and Amazon Games libraries.

✓ Windows compatibility manager – Bottles: For separate Windows game environments.

✓ Windows game launchers – Faugus Launcher and PortProton: For running Windows games on Linux.

✓ Unified library frontend – Cartridges: For bringing supported game libraries into one view.

✓ Indie game platform – itch.io App: For games from itch.io.

✓ Emulation frontend – RetroArch: For retro gaming and emulation.

✓ Minecraft launcher – Prism Launcher: For Minecraft and modded Minecraft setups.

The first question to ask is simple: “Where are my games, and what kind of games do I want to launch?” Once you know that, you can narrow down the type of launcher that fits your setup.

Steam — Best Overall for Steam Games

Steam is a straightforward choice for Linux gamers who already have most of their games in a Steam library. Valve provides an official Linux client, so native Linux games can be installed and launched directly. Steam can also run compatible Windows games through Steam Play and Proton.

✓ Linux and Windows games: Play native Linux titles and compatible Windows games from the same Steam library.

✓ Easy game management: Install, update, uninstall, and organize games directly from the Steam client.

✓ Controller support: Steam Input supports a wide range of controllers and provides game-specific controller settings.

✓ Cloud saves: Games with Steam Cloud support can synchronize save data between supported devices.

✓ Big Picture Mode: Provides a controller-friendly interface for TV, couch, and gamepad-based gaming.

✓ Steam Deck ecosystem: Steam Deck uses the Linux-based SteamOS, and Valve's work on Proton also benefits gaming on desktop Linux.

Best for: Users who mainly own games on Steam and want a simple way to manage native Linux and compatible Windows games.

Main limitation: Games from other stores may require another launcher or additional setup.

Lutris — Best for Mixed Game Libraries

Lutris is an open-source game manager for Linux that is useful when your games come from different places rather than a single store. It can manage native Linux games, Windows games, emulators, and games connected to supported services, giving you one place to organize a mixed gaming setup.

✓ Multiple game sources: Manage games from different stores, services, standalone installations, and other supported sources.

✓ Linux and Windows games: Use Lutris for native Linux titles as well as Windows games that run through compatibility tools such as Wine.

✓ Installation scripts: Community-maintained installers can help automate the setup required for supported games and applications.

✓ Emulator support: Lutris can manage games that use supported emulators alongside PC games.

✓ Per-game settings: Individual games can have their own runner, compatibility, system, and launch settings when additional configuration is needed.

Best for: Users with games from several sources who want one flexible manager and more control over how individual games are configured.

Main limitation: The additional configuration options can make Lutris less straightforward to set up than a simpler store-focused launcher.

Heroic Games Launcher — Best for Epic, GOG and Amazon Games

Heroic Games Launcher is an open-source launcher designed for users who have games outside Steam, particularly from the Epic Games Store, GOG, and Amazon Games. It provides a Linux-friendly way to access these libraries, install games, and manage them from one application.

✓ Multiple store libraries: Connect and manage supported games from Epic Games, GOG, and Amazon Games.

✓ Linux and Windows games: Install native Linux versions where available and run compatible Windows titles using supported compatibility tools.

✓ Game installation and updates: Download, install, update, and uninstall supported games directly through Heroic.

✓ Per-game settings: Adjust compatibility and launch settings separately for individual games when required.

✓ Compatibility options: Select Wine or Proton-based compatibility versions for Windows games without configuring every game manually outside the launcher.

Best for: Linux gamers who own games on Epic Games, GOG, or Amazon Games and want to manage those libraries without relying on their Windows store clients.

Main limitation: Heroic supports specific stores, so games from unsupported platforms may require another launcher.

Bottles — Best for Managing Windows Game Environments

Bottles is designed for running Windows software on Linux in separate Wine-based environments called “bottles.” For gaming, this means you can give different Windows games their own setup instead of forcing them to share the same compatibility settings. This can be useful for standalone games and installers that are not tied to a Linux-supported store launcher.

✓ Separate game environments: Keep individual Windows games isolated so changes made for one game do not have to affect another.

✓ Runner selection: Choose the compatibility runner used by a bottle when a game requires a different setup.

✓ Dependency management: Install Windows components and dependencies that a particular game or application may require.

✓ Individual configuration: Adjust settings for each bottle according to the requirements of the game inside it.

✓ Standalone Windows games: Useful for installing games from Windows installers or executable files outside the usual Linux game stores.

✓ More compatibility control: Provides additional control for games that need specific Wine-related settings.

Best for: Users who want separate, configurable environments for individual Windows games.

Main limitation: Bottles is a Windows compatibility and environment manager rather than a conventional game store, so it does not replace Steam, Heroic, or similar store-focused launchers.

Faugus Launcher — Best for Simple Windows Game Launching

Faugus Launcher is a lightweight game launcher built around running Windows games on Linux. Instead of trying to manage several game stores and services, it provides a more focused way to add, configure, and launch Windows games, making it useful for standalone titles that need a compatibility layer.

✓ Windows game focus: Designed specifically around running Windows games and executables on Linux.

✓ Simple game setup: Add standalone games to the launcher and manage them without building a larger multi-store gaming library.

✓ Proton-based compatibility: Uses UMU-Launcher to run games with Proton outside the standard Steam environment.

✓ Per-game settings: Configure individual games separately when they need different compatibility or launch options.

✓ Focused interface: Keeps game launching and configuration at the center rather than adding extensive store and library-management features.

Best for: Users who want a straightforward way to add, configure, and launch standalone Windows games on Linux.

Main limitation: Faugus Launcher is not designed to replace a full multi-store library manager such as Lutris.

Cartridges — Best for a Unified Game Library

Cartridges is useful when you already have games spread across several launchers and want a simpler way to see them in one place. Rather than replacing Steam, Lutris, Heroic, or other gaming tools, it acts as a unified frontend that brings supported installed game libraries together.

✓ Combined game library: Import games from supported launchers so you can browse them through one interface.

✓ Launcher integration: Works with supported sources such as Steam, Lutris, Heroic, Bottles, itch.io, and other compatible launchers.

✓ Simple organization: Provides a clean, library-focused interface for finding and organizing installed games.

✓ Quick game launching: Start imported games from Cartridges instead of opening each launcher manually to find them.

✓ Works with existing launchers: Games continue to rely on their original launcher or compatibility tool when required, so you do not have to rebuild your existing gaming setup.

Best for: Users who already use several game launchers and want one convenient place to view and start their games.

Main limitation: Cartridges does not replace the underlying game stores, launchers, or compatibility tools required to install and run those games.

itch.io App — Best for Indie Games

The itch.io App is a desktop client for accessing and managing games from itch.io, a platform known for indie, experimental, and smaller games. On Linux, it gives players a convenient way to browse their itch.io collection and install supported games without managing every download manually.

✓ itch.io library access: Sign in and access games connected to your itch.io account from the desktop app.

✓ Indie game focus: Explore and manage independent, experimental, and smaller games available through itch.io.

✓ Game installation: Download and install supported games directly through the app.

✓ Game updates: The app can manage updates for supported installed games, reducing the need to download new versions manually.

✓ Linux games: Install native Linux versions when developers provide them for their games.

Best for: Players who already have an itch.io library or want easy access to indie and experimental games on Linux.

Main limitation: The app is centered on the itch.io ecosystem, so games from Steam, Epic, GOG, and other stores need their own launcher or management tool.

RetroArch — Best for Retro Gaming and Emulation

RetroArch is different from launchers such as Steam or Heroic because it is built around emulation rather than PC game stores. It provides one interface for running games from a wide range of supported retro systems, making it useful for users who want to organize their emulation setup instead of managing separate emulator interfaces.

✓ Core-based emulation: RetroArch uses downloadable “cores” that provide emulation support for different systems.

✓ Multiple retro systems: Use one frontend for games from a wide range of supported classic consoles, handhelds, arcade systems, and other platforms.

✓ Controller configuration: Configure supported controllers centrally and adjust controls when needed for individual systems or games.

✓ Save states: Save your progress at a specific point and return to it later when supported by the selected core.

✓ Shader support: Apply shaders to change how retro games are displayed, including effects that can recreate the appearance of older displays.

✓ Centralized interface: Manage different emulation cores, games, and settings without using a completely separate interface for every supported system.

Best for: Users who want to play and organize retro-console, handheld, or arcade games through a single emulation frontend.

Main limitation: RetroArch does not provide commercial game libraries like Steam or Heroic; users need to supply game content legally for the systems they emulate.

Prism Launcher — Best for Minecraft

Prism Launcher is an open-source Minecraft launcher designed for players who want more control over their Minecraft installations. Instead of keeping everything in a single setup, it lets you create separate instances for different Minecraft versions, mods, and modpacks. This is especially useful if you switch between vanilla Minecraft and several modded setups.

✓ Multiple instances: Create separate Minecraft installations with their own versions, settings, mods, and other configuration.

✓ Different Minecraft versions: Keep older and newer Minecraft versions installed at the same time without mixing their files.

✓ Mod loader support: Manage instances using popular mod loaders such as Fabric, Forge, NeoForge, and Quilt.

✓ Mod and modpack management: Install and manage supported mods and modpacks without manually organizing every file.

✓ Vanilla and modded gaming: Keep a clean vanilla installation alongside different modded or customized instances.

Best for: Minecraft players who use mods or modpacks, switch between game versions, or want to keep multiple Minecraft setups separate.

Main limitation: Prism Launcher is specifically designed for Minecraft, so it does not manage a general PC game library like Steam or Lutris.

PortProton — Best for Configurable Windows Game Compatibility

PortProton is designed to help Linux users run Windows games and applications without relying entirely on Steam. It combines Wine- and Proton-based compatibility tools with gaming-focused settings, making it useful for standalone Windows games and other titles that need their own compatibility setup.

✓ Windows game support: Run compatible Windows games and executable files directly on Linux.

✓ Wine and Proton options: Provides access to compatibility technologies used to run Windows software without installing Windows itself.

✓ Standalone games: Useful for games installed from Windows executables or sources outside the standard Steam workflow.

✓ Per-game configuration: Adjust compatibility settings for individual games when they need a different setup.

✓ Gaming-focused setup: Brings commonly needed compatibility options together so users can manage Windows games without configuring everything manually.

Best for: Users who want more control over running and configuring Windows games outside the standard Steam environment.

Main limitation: If your games are already on Steam and work well through Steam Play and Proton, adding PortProton may provide little practical benefit.

How Windows Games Work on Linux: Wine, Proton and Compatibility

A native Linux game is built to run directly on Linux, while a Windows game is designed for Windows and may need a compatibility layer to work on Linux. Two important technologies used for this are Wine and Proton.

Wine translates Windows system calls into instructions that Linux can understand, allowing compatible Windows applications and games to run without installing Windows. Proton, developed by Valve and based on Wine along with other components, is specifically designed to improve Windows game compatibility on Linux.

✓ Proton GE: Community-maintained builds such as Proton GE include additional fixes and components that can help with certain games or media playback when the standard Proton versions have problems.

✓ Compatibility varies by game: One Windows game may run without extra configuration, while another may have graphical issues, launcher problems, missing features, or may not run at all.

✓ Anti-cheat can affect support: Games using anti-cheat systems may require Linux/Proton support from the game developer, so compatibility varies between titles.

✓ DRM and third-party launchers matter: A game's DRM or requirement for another launcher can introduce additional compatibility issues.

✓ Changing versions can help: Trying a different Proton, Wine, or compatible community build can sometimes resolve problems introduced by a particular configuration or game update.

Before installing a Windows game on Linux, check compatibility for that specific title rather than assuming that every Windows game will work.

Which Linux Game Launcher Should You Choose?

The best choice depends mainly on where your games come from and how much control you want over their setup. Use the table below to quickly match your gaming requirement with the launcher that fits it best.

Key takeaway: You do not have to use only one launcher. A practical Linux gaming setup might use Steam for a Steam library, Heroic Games Launcher for Epic or GOG games, RetroArch for emulation, and Cartridges to bring supported libraries into a more centralized view.

Honorable Mentions

A few other Linux gaming tools are worth knowing about, even though they are not included in the main Top 10. They can still make sense for users with specific libraries or existing setups.

GameHub

GameHub is a library manager designed to bring games from sources such as Steam, GOG, Humble Bundle, and itch.io into one interface. It can also work with compatibility layers and emulators. However, its public release activity has been limited compared with the actively developed choices in the main list, so it is better treated as an alternative for users who already use or prefer its interface.

Minigalaxy

Minigalaxy is a lightweight, open-source GOG client for Linux. It is useful for users who mainly want access to their GOG library without a broader multi-store launcher. Recent GOG API changes have required updates to Minigalaxy for correct library and installation handling, so users should make sure they are running a current version.

PlayOnLinux

PlayOnLinux is a longstanding graphical frontend for Wine that helps users install and manage Windows applications and games in separate configurations. It played an important role in making Wine easier to use, but its official site still lists version 4.3.4 as the current 4.x release. For a current Linux gaming setup, newer gaming-focused tools in the main list generally provide a more modern workflow.