Heroic Games Launcher

What is Heroic Games Launcher?

Heroic was created in 2019 by a community of Linux gamers who wanted a native way to access Epic Games and GOG titles without using Wine or Proton. The project has grown steadily, with regular releases that add new features, bug fixes, and support for more game stores. It is now considered mature enough for everyday use.

The launcher targets Linux gamers who already use Epic or GOG on Windows but want a single interface on Linux. It mirrors the layout of the Windows launchers, with a library view, store front, and download manager.

Compared to the official Windows launchers, Heroic feels lightweight and integrates well with native desktop environments. It lacks some polish and the deep DRM‑integration of the Windows versions, but it offers a straightforward, no‑friction experience for most users.

Best for: Linux gamers who want a single launcher for Epic and GOG without using Wine or Proton.

Key features of Heroic Games Launcher

• Install Epic, GOG, and Steam games natively
• Automatic Proton/Steam compatibility layer selection
• Built‑in game store browsing
• Batch download and update management
• Custom launch options and command line overrides
• Supports multiple user profiles
• Dark mode and theme support

Tips for Windows users

When moving from the Windows Epic or GOG launchers, keep your existing game libraries; Heroic will detect installed games by scanning the default directories (e.g., ~/Games/). For shortcuts, simply drag the game icon from Heroic to your desktop or menu. The workflow is similar: browse, install, launch. However, Heroic uses its own download manager, so you will see separate progress bars and may need to adjust download directories in settings. DRM‑protected games will still require the official Epic or GOG client to run, but Heroic handles the installation and launch.