SteamLinux
vs
LutrisWindows
Steam as a Linux alternative to Lutris
Updated
Our verdict
Steam is not a direct replacement for Lutris if you need to run non-Steam Windows games or manage complex Wine prefixes manually. However, for users whose library consists primarily of Steam titles, Steam with Proton is superior. It handles Proton versions, dependencies, and updates automatically without the overhead of a third-party manager. If you play games from GOG, Humble Bundle, or independent developers, you still need Lutris or Bottles. Steam is the best choice for pure Steam gamers who want a streamlined, integrated experience without extra configuration layers.
- License
- LicenseRef-proprietary
- Price
- Free
- Latest version
- 1.0.0.87 (June 26, 2026)
- Rating
- —
What works the same
- Both support running Windows games on Linux via Proton
- Both manage game installations and updates automatically
- Both allow users to select specific compatibility layer versions
- Both integrate with system libraries and drivers for optimal performance
What is different
- Steam only manages games purchased through its store, while Lutris supports multiple platforms
- Lutris offers extensive scripting capabilities for custom game setups, which Steam lacks
- Steam is a proprietary service with a built-in store, whereas Lutris is an open-source manager
- Lutris can manage multiple distinct Wine/Proton environments more granularly for non-Steam games
- Steam includes social features like chat and community groups that Lutris does not have
Opening your Lutris files
Steam does not read or export Lutris configuration files. Your game installations managed by Lutris will remain on your disk, but Steam will not recognize them as part of its library. You will need to reinstall Steam games through the Steam client to have them managed, updated, and synced with SteamCloud. Existing save files from Lutris-managed games may need to be manually copied to the appropriate Steam save locations if you switch to Steam for those titles.
Switching from Lutris to Steam, step by step
- Identify which games in your Lutris library are available on Steam
- Uninstall non-Steam games from Lutris if you no longer need them
- Install the Steam client on your Linux system
- Log in to your Steam account and let it scan for existing installations
- Reinstall any Steam games that were previously managed by Lutris through the Steam interface
- Configure Proton settings within Steam for any titles that require specific compatibility layers
Key features of Steam
- Integrated game store with sales and wishlists
- Automatic downloads and updates
- SteamCloud for syncing saves and screenshots
- Support for native Linux games and Windows games via Proton
- Friends list, chat, and community groups
- Workshop support for mods
- Steam Input for controller configuration
- Remote Play for streaming to other devices
How to install Steam on Linux
flatpak install flathub com.valvesoftware.Steamsudo pacman -S steamsudo zypper install steamFrequently asked questions
Can I use Steam to run GOG games?
No, Steam only manages games from its own store. You must use Lutris, Bottles, or PlayOnLinux to run GOG titles on Linux.
Does Steam replace the need for Wine entirely?
For Steam games, yes, because Proton is built-in and managed automatically. For non-Steam Windows games, you still need Wine or a manager like Lutris to handle the installation and configuration.
Will my Steam saves transfer if I move from Lutris to Steam?
SteamCloud will sync saves for games installed via Steam. If you played a Steam game through Lutris, you may need to manually copy save files to the Steam directory, as Lutris does not integrate with SteamCloud.
3 other alternatives to Lutris
BottlesBottles runs Windows applications on Linux, managing them in isolated environments.Open sourceFreeFlatpakBottles vs Lutris
PlayOnLinux 4PlayOnLinux is a graphical front‑end for Wine that lets you install and run Windows games and applications on…Open sourceFreeFlatpakPlayOnLinux 4 vs Lutris