LutrisLinux
vs
Epic Games LauncherWindows
Lutris as a Linux alternative to Epic Games Launcher
Updated
Our verdict
Lutris can serve as a practical replacement for the Epic Games Launcher for most Linux gamers who are comfortable with a community‑driven tool. It lets you log into your Epic account, download and install titles, and keep them updated, all from a single library that also aggregates Steam, GOG and emulators. The experience isn’t as polished as the official client—there’s no built‑in store UI or automatic cloud‑save sync—but for users who already use Lutris or prefer a unified launcher, it covers the essential workflow.
- License
- GPL-3.0-or-later
- Price
- Free
- Latest version
- 0.5.22 (February 24, 2026)
- Rating
- —
What works the same
- Both provide access to the Epic Games Store library
- Download, install and update games
- Support for free game claims
- Account login integration
What is different
- Lutris lacks a native Epic store storefront UI
- No built‑in cloud‑save synchronization; relies on the game’s own sync or manual backup
- Epic-specific social features (friends, chat) are missing
- Automatic background updates are less seamless than the official client
Opening your Epic Games Launcher files
Lutris does not use the same configuration files as the Epic Games Launcher. It stores its own installer scripts and launch metadata in ~/.config/lutris and ~/.local/share/lutris. Epic’s manifest files (e.g., .manifest, .egstore) remain on the system if you install via Lutris, but there is no direct import/export feature; you can point Lutris to an existing Epic installation and it will generate a launcher entry.
Switching from Epic Games Launcher to Lutris, step by step
- Install Lutris from your distribution’s repository or Flathub.
- Log into your Epic account through the Lutris Epic runner.
- Run the “Epic Games Store” installer script to download the client’s data.
- Add each installed Epic title to your Lutris library (auto‑detected or manual).
- Configure cloud‑save sync manually if needed (e.g., enable Epic’s in‑game sync).
- Remove the Windows Epic Games Launcher once you confirm all games launch correctly.
Key features of Lutris
- Centralised library for Steam, GOG, Epic, and legacy games
- Supports multiple runners (Wine, Proton, native, emulators)
- Automatic installer scripts for thousands of titles
- Customisable launch options and environment variables
- Cross‑distribution package availability
- Built‑in game metadata and screenshots
How to install Lutris on Linux
flatpak install flathub net.lutris.Lutrissudo apt install lutrissudo apt install lutrissudo dnf install lutrissudo pacman -S lutrissudo zypper install lutrisFrequently asked questions
Do I need to keep the Windows Epic Games Launcher installed?
No. After Lutris has created entries for your games, the Windows client can be removed; Lutris will launch the games directly via Wine or Proton.
Will my purchased games work the same way?
Yes, as long as the game runs under Wine/Proton. DRM that ties to the Epic client is handled by the runner, so the same licenses apply.
Can I still claim free weekly games?
Free titles can be claimed through the Epic runner’s login page; once claimed they appear in your library and can be installed via Lutris.
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