Gaming on Linux has made great strides in the last few years.
Gone are the days when playing Steam or GOG games on Linux was unimaginable.
Playing GOG’s huge library of games on your Linux machine is not only possibleit’s also surprisingly easy.
They also use Valve’sProton, which is built to run Windows games.
Both Lutris and Heroic Games Launcher use Wine and Proton to run GOG Windows games on Linux.
Both apps scan for new versions of Wine, Proton, and other similar community builds.
With these apps, you’ll be playing your favorite games on Linux without much trouble.
To be sure, gamers also useProtonDBto check how well their games run on Linux.
It’s a useful site for finding what Wine version and configuration works best for a particular game.
Most if not all GOG games are on ProtonDB’s database.
Lutris imports your games from sources like Origin, Steam, Ubisoft Connect, and GOG.
It’s convenient for putting all your game libraries together in one app.
To do this, hover over theWinetab, listed underRunnersin the sidebar.
pick the open box-shapedManage Versionsbutton that shows up.
A window for managing Wine versions will pop up.
Lutris will automatically detect and show the latest versions of Wine.
It will also show other community-built compatibility layers like Wine GE.
Install your preferred compatibility layer and clickOkto proceed.
Next, hover over theWinetab in the sidebar, then grab the gear-shapedConfigurebutton that shows up.
A Wine configuration window will pop up.
tap the dropdown box next to the Wine version, then choose the compatibility layer that you installed.
To connect the Lutris app to your GOG library, hover over theGOGtab in the sidebar.
poke the person-shapedConnectbutton that shows up.
Clicking connect will bring you to a GOG login window.
put in your login credentials and clickLog In Now.
Because of Wine, you have the option of installing both Linux-native and Windows GOG games through Lutris.
From here, double-click your game of choice to begin installing it.
This window will show different methods of installing PC games on Linux.
Click theInstallbutton to proceed.
Next, pick the folder directory for installing your games.
By default, the directory will be set under a Games folder in your Home directory.
Your GOG game may come with extra content, such as wallpapers and game art.
Lutris will detect any extra content and give you the option to download them.
Next, Lutris will show you the installation files that you better download.
ClickContinueto begin downloading the installation files.
Click theCachebutton to set a folder for keeping the downloaded installation files.
you could come back to the cache of installation files if you better load the game again.
Once the installation files are downloaded, Lutris will initiate the GOG installer for your game.
If you’re installing a Windows-based game, Lutris may run Wine for the GOG installer.
Once you’re done installing the GOG game through the installer, Lutris may not detect the installed game.
Don’t fret, because you’re free to get Lutris to manually detect the game.
To do this, snag the game you installed, then snag the dropdown arrow button next to theInstallbutton.
Finally, clickLocate installed game.
On theAdd a new gamewindow, click theRunnerdropdown to selectWineorLinux, depending on the game.
Next, click theGame optionstab, then clickBrowseon the Executable row to select your game’s EXE file.
The EXE file will be in the/dosdevices/c:/GOG Games/directory.
Unlike Lutris, Heroic automatically goes through game installation processes.
With this app, you’ll only need to click two buttons to install your favorite GOG games.
ClickLog inunder the GOG logo to go through the login process.
Before installing your GOG games, click theWine Manageroption on the sidebar.
Heroic automatically detects the latest versions of Wine for Lutris, Proton GE, and Wine GE.
The default paths under the Games folder will work just fine.
From here, all you gotta do is wait.
Heroic may take some time to download and install your game, depending on its size.
Once that’s all done, your GOG game should be ready to play!
Which Linux App Should You Use for Playing GOG Games?
Lutris offers gamers a lot of control when it comes to installing and running games.
But it also adds a lot of complexity to the process.
Meanwhile, you could get GOG games on Heroic with the click of two buttons.
Either way, both apps give users amazing experiences with gaming on Linux.
GOG gamers can have an even better time on Linux with the right compatibility layer, like Proton GE.
