If you game on Linux or a Steam Deck, you have probably heard of Lutris and Heroic Games Launcher. Both promise to simplify running non-Steam games, but they take different approaches. Choosing one can feel like a fork in the road. This guide breaks down everything you need to know to pick the right launcher for your needs.
We will compare features, interface, game compatibility, and Steam Deck integration. By the end, you will know exactly which tool fits your play style.
What Are Lutris and Heroic Games Launcher?
Lutris is an open-source game manager originally designed for Linux. It handles installation, configuration, and launching of games from multiple sources: native Linux titles, Windows games via Wine, and even emulated console games. Think of it as a universal gaming hub that scripts complex setups for you.
Heroic Games Launcher is a sleek, modern interface for playing Epic Games and GOG titles on Linux. It started as a native alternative to the Epic Games Store client but has grown to include GOG Galaxy support. It focuses heavily on simplicity and a console-friendly experience, especially on the Steam Deck.
Supported Game Stores and Libraries
The biggest difference is where your games come from. Lutris supports nearly every source: GOG, Epic, Humble Bundle, itch.io, Battle.net, Amazon Prime Gaming, and even loose installers. It can also import your existing Steam library and manage ROMs for emulators. If you want a single pane of glass for everything, Lutris delivers.
Heroic, by contrast, zeroes in on Epic and GOG. It logs you into those accounts, syncs your library, and handles cloud saves. Amazon games are also supported through a recent integration. This narrower focus means Heroic does a few things exceptionally well, without the clutter of a thousand scripts and runners.
Installation and Setup on Steam Deck
Both launchers are trivial to install on the Steam Deck. Lutris is available in the Discover store as a flatpak. After launching, you can run community installer scripts with one click. These scripts handle Wine prefixes, dependencies, and controller mappings automatically. However, the sheer number of options can be intimidating for beginners.
Heroic is also in Discover. Its setup wizard walks you through logging into Epic and GOG. It integrates with Proton and Wine-GE directly, offering a simple dropdown to pick your runner. The interface is clean, and the whole process feels more intentional for a handheld device.
User Experience and Interface
Lutris offers a dense, list-driven interface. It is highly functional but looks more like a development tool than a consumer app. You can view games in a grid or list, but the emphasis is on data: runner, platform, year, and custom tags. It works, but it is not always pretty.
Heroic puts aesthetics front and center with a polished, console-like dashboard. Big box art, bright colors, and smooth navigation make it feel at home on a TV screen. In Desktop mode, it resembles a native app you would find on Windows. On the Steam Deck, you can easily add Heroic games to Steam using the built-in shortcut creator, and they launch directly from Game Mode with full controller support.
Performance and Compatibility
Both launchers rely on Wine or Proton to run Windows games. Lutris gives you granular control over Wine versions, DXVK, VKD3D, and environment variables. It is a power user’s dream, but a small misconfiguration can break a game. The community install scripts mitigate this, but not every game has a script.
Heroic abstracts most of these details. It picks sensible defaults and lets you change the compatibility layer with a dropdown. For 95% of games, this is perfect. Advanced users can still tweak environment variables, but the options are less exposed. Performance between the two is comparable when using the same Proton build, but Heroic’s auto-detection can save time.
Community, Updates, and Future Proofing
Lutris has been around for years and has a massive library of installer scripts maintained by volunteers. This means obscure games often work with minimal effort. The project is actively developed, though updates can be sporadic. Its broad scope sometimes leads to slower fixes for store-specific issues.
Heroic is newer, but its development is rapid and focused. The team quickly adds new features like cloud save management, offline mode, and sideloaded game support. Because it concentrates on Epic and GOG, store API changes are addressed fast. The community is smaller but rapidly growing, especially among Steam Deck owners.
Which Launcher Should You Choose?
Your choice depends on what you play and how you play. Use Lutris if you need a Swiss Army knife for gaming: emulators, multiple stores, rare Windows titles, and total control over every setting. It is ideal for desktop Linux users who are comfortable tinkering.
Pick Heroic if you primarily use Epic Games and GOG, value a beautiful interface, and want a near-console experience on the Steam Deck. It is also the better option if you dislike manual configuration and just want games to work with a few clicks. In reality, many users run both side by side, choosing the best tool for each game.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Lutris and Heroic together?
Absolutely. They do not conflict. You might launch GOG games through Heroic for its cloud save support and use Lutris for everything else. There is no lock-in.
Does Heroic support achievements?
Yes. Heroic supports Epic and GOG achievements natively. They appear in the overlay just like on the official clients.
Which launcher is easier for Steam Deck?
Most users find Heroic easier. Its interface was designed with handhelds in mind, and adding games to Steam is streamlined. Lutris can be configured to work just as well but requires more initial effort.
Do I need Wine if I use these launchers?
Both include tools to download and manage Wine/Proton versions. You do not need to install Wine separately. Heroic even bundles recommended Proton builds.
Where do I get Lutris and Heroic?
Both are available as flatpaks from the Discover store on Steam Deck and most Linux distributions. You can also install them through your distribution’s package manager or directly from their official websites.
Both Lutris and Heroic have carved out essential roles in the Linux gaming ecosystem. They are not really competitors but complementary tools. Your ideal setup might include both, but if you must pick one, let your game library and patience for tinkering guide you.
