LutrisLinux
vs
GOG GalaxyWindows
Lutris as a Linux alternative to GOG Galaxy
Updated
Our verdict
Lutris is a strong replacement for the library management and launch aspects of GOG Galaxy, especially for users who want to run Windows games on Linux via Wine or Proton. It excels at centralizing titles from GOG, Steam, and Epic into one interface with automated installation scripts. However, it is not a drop-in swap if you rely heavily on GOG Galaxy’s social features, such as real-time chat, friend lists, or the in-game overlay. Lutris focuses on game preservation and execution rather than social networking, making it ideal for gamers prioritizing compatibility and library organization over community interaction.
- License
- GPL-3.0-or-later
- Price
- Free
- Latest version
- 0.5.22 (February 24, 2026)
- Rating
- —
What works the same
- Aggregates games from multiple stores like GOG, Steam, and Epic into a single library
- Provides a unified interface for launching and managing game installations
- Tracks playtime and stores metadata such as screenshots and descriptions
- Allows for easy import of existing game collections from various sources
What is different
- Lutris lacks built-in social features like friend lists, chat, and social feeds
- No native in-game overlay for social or system notifications
- Cloud save synchronization is not natively handled; it relies on the underlying runner or manual management
- Focuses on compatibility layers like Wine and Proton for Windows games, whereas GOG Galaxy is primarily a Windows client
Opening your GOG Galaxy files
Lutris does not directly import GOG Galaxy’s proprietary library database files. Instead, it detects installed games by scanning directories or using specific importer scripts for GOG. You will not open a GOG Galaxy save file in Lutris; rather, you re-import the game entries into Lutris’s own JSON-based configuration system. If you have custom metadata or screenshots in GOG Galaxy, these may need to be manually re-added or imported via Lutris’s metadata features if compatible formats are used.
Switching from GOG Galaxy to Lutris, step by step
- Install Lutris via your distribution’s package manager or Flathub
- Run Lutris and allow it to scan for existing Steam and GOG installations
- Use the built-in GOG importer to add your GOG library to Lutris
- Install necessary runners like Wine or Proton for Windows games
- Configure launch options for any games that do not work out of the box
- Manually add any legacy or non-store games using custom scripts or manual installation
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
Can Lutris replace GOG Galaxy’s social features?
No, Lutris does not have built-in social features like chat or friend lists. For social interaction, you would need to use Discord, Steam, or other third-party platforms.
Does Lutris handle cloud saves automatically?
Lutris does not have a native cloud save system. If you use Steam, Steam Cloud may work. For GOG games, you must rely on GOG Galaxy’s cloud save feature if you keep it installed, or manually backup saves.
Will all my GOG games work in Lutris?
Most Windows games will work if you use Wine or Proton, but compatibility varies. Lutris provides scripts for many titles to improve setup, but some games may require manual tweaking or may not run at all.
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