Gaming on Linux has evolved remarkably, with the Steam Deck and advancements in Proton making it a viable platform for thousands of titles. However, many gamers have game libraries spread across different storefronts, such as the Microsoft Store and Epic Games Store, which are not natively supported on Linux. The good news is that with the right tools and a bit of tweaking, you can enjoy many of these games on your Linux PC or Steam Deck. This guide will walk you through the most reliable methods to play Epic and Microsoft Store games, from using third-party launchers to cloud streaming, so you can unify your gaming experience without leaving Linux behind.
Before diving into specifics, it is important to understand the underlying technology that makes Windows games run on Linux. Most modern solutions rely on compatibility layers like Proton, WINE, and DXVK to translate Windows system calls and graphics APIs into Linux equivalents. While games purchased through Steam are often playable out of the box thanks to Valve’s integration, games from other stores typically require a bit more manual configuration. Below, we will cover everything step by step, ensuring you have the knowledge to get your games up and running smoothly.
Understanding Linux Gaming and Compatibility Layers
At the heart of Linux gaming is Proton, a modified version of WINE developed by Valve and included with Steam for Linux. Proton combines technologies like DXVK (for DirectX 9/10/11 to Vulkan) and VKD3D (for DirectX 12 to Vulkan) to deliver impressive performance and compatibility. When you run a Windows game through Steam, Proton automatically creates a virtual Windows environment (a “prefix”) where the game can install and run as if it were on Windows. For games outside of Steam, you can still use the same Proton technology by employing tools like Lutris or by manually configuring WINE.
On the Steam Deck, which runs SteamOS 3 (a Linux distribution), the system is fully optimized for Proton. The handheld’s gaming mode seamlessly runs Steam games with Proton, but for third-party store games, you will need to switch to Desktop Mode to install launchers and configure them. Once set up, you can add these games back to Steam to launch them from gaming mode, giving you a console-like experience.
Playing Epic Games Store Games on Linux
The Epic Games Store has no official Linux client, but the open-source community has created excellent alternatives that make installing and running Epic games straightforward. The most popular and user-friendly option is the Heroic Games Launcher, which supports both Epic and GOG accounts. Heroic handles game installation, updates, and cloud saves, and it integrates with Proton/WINE to launch Windows games on Linux.
Installing Heroic on a Desktop Linux System
On most Linux distributions, you can install Heroic from the software center (like Discover on KDE, GNOME Software) or via Flathub using Flatpak. Alternatively, you can download the AppImage or .deb/.rpm packages from the official website. Once installed, launch Heroic, sign in to your Epic Games account, and your library will appear. Select a game, click install, and Heroic will automatically set up a WINE prefix and install the game. Before launching, you can adjust the WINE version under the game’s settings, where using Proton-GE (a community-maintained Proton build) often yields better compatibility.
Running Epic Games on the Steam Deck
The Steam Deck runs SteamOS, which is based on Arch Linux, so the process is very similar. To begin, switch to Desktop Mode by holding the power button and selecting “Switch to Desktop.” Open the Discover app, search for “Heroic Games Launcher,” and install it. After launching Heroic, log in to your Epic account and download your desired games. To launch them from Gaming Mode, right-click on the game in Heroic and choose “Add to Steam.” This will create a shortcut in Steam. You may need to set a compatibility tool: go to the game’s properties in Steam, force the use of a specific Proton version, and ensure it points to the correct executable. After that, the game should appear in your library and can be launched directly from Gaming Mode with full controller support.
For games that require additional tweaks, Heroic allows you to specify launch arguments and environment variables, similar to Steam’s launch options. You can also manage multiple WINE prefixes and easily switch between Proton versions. This flexibility makes Heroic the go-to solution for Epic Games on Linux and Steam Deck.
Playing Microsoft Store Games on Linux
Microsoft Store games, particularly those tied to Xbox Game Pass and using the Universal Windows Platform (UWP), present a much greater challenge on Linux. Unlike traditional Win32 applications, UWP games are packaged in a format that does not easily run under WINE or Proton. Moreover, the Microsoft Store relies on heavy DRM and Xbox Live integration, which is not supported in Linux. However, there are still ways to access these games, depending on the title and your needs.
Forza Horizon 5 and Other Steam-Versions
Many high-profile Microsoft games, including Forza Horizon 5, are also available on Steam. If you already own the game on the Microsoft Store, you would need to repurchase it on Steam, but once you do, it works with Proton on Linux just like any other Steam game. This is the most straightforward and reliable method to play these titles on Linux or Steam Deck. If you have an Xbox Game Pass subscription, though, you cannot access the Steam version unless you buy the game separately.
Cloud Gaming with Xbox Cloud Gaming (xCloud)
Xbox Cloud Gaming is an excellent alternative for playing Microsoft Store and Game Pass games on Linux. It streams games from Microsoft’s servers to a web browser, so there is no need for local compatibility layers. On Linux, you can use Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge (which is available for Linux), or any Chromium-based browser to visit xbox.com/play, sign in with your Microsoft account, and start streaming. Performance depends on your internet connection, but for many, it is a smooth experience. On the Steam Deck, you can add the browser as a non-Steam game and set it to open directly to the Xbox Cloud Gaming site in fullscreen. This method provides access to the entire Game Pass library without any complicated setup.
Installing Windows (Dual-Boot or External Drive)
If cloud streaming is not suitable and you must run games locally, the most drastic but effective approach is to install Windows. On a desktop PC, you can set up a dual-boot configuration, installing Windows on a separate partition and selecting it at boot. On the Steam Deck, you can install Windows on an SD card or an external SSD and boot from it. Valve provides Windows drivers for the Steam Deck, but the experience is not as polished as SteamOS, and you lose features like suspend/resume. Still, it guarantees full compatibility with Microsoft Store games and any Windows title. This is often the only way to play UWP-only games locally on the hardware.
WINE and Proton for Non-UWP Microsoft Store Games
Some games on the Microsoft Store are traditional Win32 titles delivered via the rudimentary “App Installer” or as downloadable executables. In rare cases, you might be able to extract the game files and run them through WINE or Proton, but this is hit-or-miss and often breaks DRM. For example, older Microsoft Store games that came as standalone installers might work, but contemporary games like those from Game Pass rely heavily on Microsoft’s platform and are not designed to be extracted. This method is not recommended for the average user, as it can be complex and may violate terms of service.
Using Virtual Machines with GPU Passthrough
A more advanced option for desktop Linux users is to run Windows in a virtual machine with GPU passthrough (VFIO). This essentially gives a Windows guest direct access to a physical GPU, allowing near-native gaming performance. While this can enable Microsoft Store games to run without dual-booting, it requires specific hardware and a considerable amount of setup, including two graphics cards (or an integrated GPU for the Linux host). This is not feasible on the Steam Deck due to its hardware limitations, and it is generally overkill for most gamers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I play Forza Horizon 5 from the Microsoft Store on Linux?
Directly, no. Forza Horizon 5 purchased from the Microsoft Store is a UWP application that does not run under Proton or WINE. The best way to play it on Linux is to buy the Steam version, which works natively with Proton. Alternatively, you can stream it via Xbox Cloud Gaming if you have Game Pass Ultimate.
What is the easiest way to play Epic Games on the Steam Deck?
The easiest way is to install the Heroic Games Launcher from the Discover app in Desktop Mode, sign in to your Epic account, install your games, and then add them to Steam. This method requires minimal configuration and works for most titles.
Do I need to install Windows to play Microsoft Store games?
If you want to run them locally and they are UWP or Game Pass titles, installing Windows either via dual-boot or on an external drive is the only surefire method. Cloud streaming is a viable alternative that keeps your Linux installation intact.
Can I use Xbox Game Pass on Linux?
Yes, through Xbox Cloud Gaming (xCloud). By accessing the service through a web browser, you can play most Game Pass titles on Linux and Steam Deck without any local installation.
Is Heroic Games Launcher safe and reliable?
Yes, Heroic is an open-source project widely used in the Linux gaming community. It respects your privacy by not tracking your data, and it is actively maintained. It provides a smooth experience for managing Epic and GOG libraries.
Are there any other tools for running non-Steam games on Linux?
Lutris is another popular option that can manage game installations from various sources, including standalone installers and older game clients. It integrates well with Proton and WINE. For GOG games, you can also use the official GOG Galaxy client via WINE, though Heroic is simpler.
Will my game saves sync across platforms if I use these methods?
Cloud save syncing depends on the game and the launcher. Heroic supports cloud saves for most Epic and GOG games. For Microsoft Store games, cloud saves are tied to Xbox Live and will sync when you sign in, whether on Windows or via cloud streaming.
Can I play multiplayer games from the Microsoft Store on Linux?
Multiplayer functionality is limited on Linux for Microsoft Store games due to anti-cheat software and Xbox network dependencies. Some games might work through cloud streaming, but local installations rarely support multiplayer. Always check ProtonDB or community forums for specific game compatibility.
As Linux gaming continues to mature, the barriers to playing games from other stores are gradually lowering. Tools like Heroic Games Launcher make Epic titles a breeze, while cloud gaming bridges the gap for Microsoft’s library. While some compromises may be necessary for the most stubborn titles, the freedom and performance of Linux gaming are more accessible than ever.
