Step‑by‑Step Guide to Play GOG Games on Linux with Lutris and Heroic

Why Play GOG Games on Linux?

Linux gaming has matured dramatically; the vast GOG library is now accessible on Linux thanks to compatibility tools such as Lutris and Heroic Games Launcher, which wrap Windows executables with Wine or Proton.

Choosing the Right Compatibility Layer

Most GOG titles are Windows‑only, so Linux users rely on Wine (a Windows compatibility layer) or Proton (Valve’s fork of Wine). ProtonDB is a useful site for checking which Wine/Proton version works best with a specific game.

Installing GOG Games with Lutris

Download and install Lutris (free).

Open Lutris and ensure the latest Wine builds are available via the Runners → Wine → Manage Versions button.

Select a preferred Wine build (e.g., Wine GE) and click OK .

Configure the selected Wine version by clicking the gear icon under the Wine runner and choosing the installed version.

Connect your GOG account: click the GOG tab in the sidebar, then the Connect button, log in, and authorize.

After the library appears, double‑click a game to start the installation wizard.

In the installer window, click Install , choose a destination folder (default is ~/Games), and confirm.

If additional content (wallpapers, art) is offered, choose whether to download it.

When the installer finishes, Lutris may need to locate the installed game manually: click the game’s dropdown arrow, select Locate installed game , and point to the /dosdevices/c:/GOG Games/ directory.

In the Game options tab, set the executable path, select the appropriate runner (Wine or Linux), and optionally choose a specific Wine version under Runner options .

Press the Play button to launch the game.

Installing GOG Games with Heroic Games Launcher

Download and install Heroic Games Launcher (free).

Open Heroic, click the GOG logo, and log in with your GOG credentials.

After the library loads, select a game and click the Download button.

Heroic will prompt you to choose an installation path, a Wine prefix, and a Wine version (it can auto‑detect the latest Wine, Proton GE, or Wine GE builds).

Confirm the settings and let Heroic download and install the game; this may take time depending on size.

When installation completes, you may need to restart Heroic for the changes to take effect, then click Play to start the game.

Which Linux Application Should You Use?

Both Lutris and Heroic can run Windows‑based GOG games, but they differ in workflow. Lutris offers granular control over Wine versions, runner options, and manual configuration, which is ideal for users who want to fine‑tune performance. Heroic provides a more streamlined, button‑click installation experience, making it a better choice for users who prefer simplicity.

Regardless of the tool you choose, having the correct compatibility layer (e.g., Proton GE) installed will give you the best gaming experience on Linux.