BottlesLinux
vs
SteamWindows
Bottles as a Linux alternative to Steam
Updated
Our verdict
Bottles is not a direct replacement for Steam, but it can help run Windows-only games that aren't available on Linux. If you already own games on Steam and want to play them on Linux, Proton in Steam itself handles that better. However, Bottles is useful for running non-Steam Windows games or software that don't work natively. It’s a solid tool for advanced users who need to manage multiple Wine environments, but it doesn’t offer Steam’s store, social features, or cloud saves. Use Bottles when you need to run Windows executables outside Steam’s ecosystem.
- License
- GPL-3.0-only
- Price
- Free
- Latest version
- 67.4 (September 7, 2026)
- Rating
- —
What works the same
- Can run Windows games on Linux using Wine or Proton runners
- Supports installing dependencies needed by games
- Offers performance optimizations specific to gaming workloads
- Allows management of multiple isolated game environments
- Provides tools to monitor and troubleshoot running processes
What is different
- No built-in game store or access to Steam’s library
- Does not support Steam social features like friends or chat
- Lacks automatic cloud save sync across devices
- No native integration with Steam accounts or DRM
- Primarily designed for manual game setup, not large libraries
Opening your Steam files
Bottles does not directly open or import Steam game files or libraries. You cannot migrate installed Steam games into Bottles automatically. Each game must be installed separately as a Windows executable (.exe) within a bottle. While Bottles can run some games distributed by Steam if you have the installer, it doesn’t interact with Steam’s .vpk or .gcf files, nor does it support Steam’s proprietary formats. Support for such files is unknown and unlikely.
Switching from Steam to Bottles, step by step
- Install Bottles from Flathub or your distribution’s repository
- Create a new bottle using a gaming-optimized environment
- Download the Windows installer for the game you want to run
- Use Bottles to run the installer inside the bottle
- Install required dependencies using the integrated manager
- Launch and manage the game through Bottles
Key features of Bottles
- Pre‑configured environments for quick setup
- Switchable runners (Wine, Proton, etc.)
- Integrated dependency installer
- Task manager to monitor processes
- Backup and restore of bottles
- Optimizations for gaming
- Repair tool for broken bottles
How to install Bottles on Linux
flatpak install flathub com.usebottles.bottlessudo dnf install bottlesFrequently asked questions
Can Bottles run Steam itself?
Yes, you can run the Steam Windows client in Bottles, but performance and stability vary. It’s usually better to use the native Linux Steam client instead.
Does Bottles support Proton?
Yes, Bottles allows you to use Proton as a runner, letting you leverage Valve’s compatibility improvements for running Windows games.
Is cloud saving supported in games run through Bottles?
Only if the game itself supports cloud saves outside Steam. Bottles does not provide cloud sync and won’t replicate Steam’s save system.
2 other alternatives to Steam
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