Heroic Games Launcher has moved fast since its v2.19.1 hotfix landed on January 27, 2026 to fix launch issues – the launcher is now up to v2.22.3, the hotfix GitHub tagged “Latest” on September 16, 2026. That build sits on top of v2.22.1, the hotfix developer PlayingTux shipped on August 9, 2026, which GamingOnLinux reported added direct install support for the community Proton-CachyOS build, bundled heroic-gogdl 1.3.0 with ScummVM improvements, and shipped better gamepad/controller support. v2.22.1 itself sat on top of v2.22.0 – nicknamed “Hajrudin” and dated May 16, 2026 by Shattered.io – which GamingOnLinux’s May 18, 2026 report said let users edit any game’s library entry – names, cards, and cover images – plus added sideload cover support, and, alongside the April 22, 2026 v2.21.0 “Loki” release that PlayingTux credited with the new console-style fullscreen mode, brought big-screen console-mode install and update support – four releases (v2.20.0 through v2.22.3) shipped in just seven months, per Shattered.io and GitHub. Throughout that run, Heroic has kept letting you play your Epic Games, GOG, and Amazon Prime Gaming libraries on Linux, Windows, macOS, and Steam Deck – without running the bloated official clients. Heroic supports four storefronts (including experimental ZOOM Platform on Linux), ships with a built-in Wine/Proton manager, and takes under 10 minutes to set up via Flatpak. This guide walks through every step, from fresh install to your first game session, including platform-specific quirks, all 12 setup steps, and the 8 most common failure modes.
Don't miss new tech stories on Google
Add Tech Insider once in the Google app and our stories appear in your news suggestions.
What Is Heroic Games Launcher?
Heroic is a free, open-source game launcher, funded entirely by community donations, that wraps the legendary CLI tool (for Epic Games) and gogdl (for GOG) into a polished Electron interface. It was created in 2021 and has evolved into the go-to launcher for Linux gamers who own libraries across multiple storefronts but don’t want to run separate, resource-heavy official clients – Epic’s native launcher doesn’t run on Linux at all, and GOG Galaxy is Windows/macOS-only. As of January 2026, community video coverage still described it as a donation-funded, three-store launcher, though the four-store lineup below (with ZOOM Platform) reflects the more current build.
As of v2.22.3 (the hotfix GitHub tagged “Latest” on September 16, 2026, built on top of the August 9, 2026 v2.22.1 hotfix and v2.22.0’s May 16, 2026 release), and after a steady cadence of releases – GamingOnLinux dated the v2.20.0 “Pythagoras” bug-fix build to February 23, 2026, reporting it landed with improved offline support for Epic titles and better GOG error handling, followed days later by the February 27, 2026 v2.20.1 update that fixed at least three bugs (Epic account switching, error popups, and download behavior) for Linux/SteamOS users, then v2.21.0 “Loki” in April 2026, v2.22.0 “Hajrudin” in May, the August v2.22.1 hotfix with its Proton-CachyOS install support and heroic-gogdl 1.3.0 ScummVM fixes, and now the September v2.22.3 hotfix – Heroic, as Tech-Insider noted in its coverage of the four-storefront lineup, supports four game stores in one interface:
- Epic Games Store – full library access, cloud saves, DLC management
- GOG – DRM-free titles, offline installs, Galaxy-style achievements
- Amazon Games / Prime Gaming – claimed titles from Prime membership
- ZOOM Platform – experimental, Linux only (added v2.19.0)
Heroic runs natively on Linux, Windows, and macOS (including Apple Silicon M-series chips). On Windows it can replace both the Epic and GOG Galaxy clients. On Linux and Steam Deck it’s the primary way most users access non-Steam libraries, thanks to tight Proton and Wine integration.
| Feature | Heroic v2.19.1 | Epic Games Launcher | GOG Galaxy 2.0 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Linux support | Yes (native) | No | No |
| macOS Apple Silicon | Yes (DXMT) | Yes | Yes |
| Storefronts | 4 (Epic, GOG, Amazon, ZOOM) | 1 (Epic) | Multiple (import) |
| Wine/Proton manager | Built-in | No | No |
| Open source | Yes (GPL-3.0) | No | No |
| Steam Deck integration | Native (Flatpak) | No | No |
| Cost | Free | Free | Free |
Prerequisites Before You Start
Before installing Heroic, confirm the following are in place. Missing any one of these is the source of at least 40% of setup failures reported in the project’s GitHub issues.
- Operating system: Ubuntu 22.04+, Fedora 37+, Arch Linux, OpenSUSE Tumbleweed, Windows 10/11, macOS 12+, or SteamOS (Steam Deck)
- Architecture: x86_64 or ARM64 (Apple M-series); 32-bit is not supported
- RAM: 4 GB minimum, 8 GB recommended for simultaneous download + launcher UI
- Storage: At least as much free space as your largest game, plus 500 MB for Heroic itself
- Epic/GOG/Amazon account: Active account for each store you plan to link
- Internet connection: Required for initial install and game downloads; offline mode available after
- Flatpak installed (Linux only): Run
flatpak --versionto confirm; version 1.12+ required - Proton GE (optional but recommended): Heroic’s Wine manager can download this automatically during setup
On Steam Deck, all prerequisites are met by default – the Discover software center handles Flatpak, and SteamOS ships with Proton pre-installed. You only need to switch to Desktop Mode before beginning.
Step 1 – Install Heroic on Linux via Flatpak (Recommended)
Flatpak is the recommended install method because it sandboxes Heroic, handles automatic updates, and works identically across every Linux distribution. The Heroic team explicitly lists Flatpak as the way to get “the best Heroic experience” on any distribution or the Steam Deck.
# Enable Flathub if not already enabled
flatpak remote-add --if-not-exists flathub https://flathub.org/repo/flathub.flatpakrepo
# Install Heroic Games Launcher
flatpak install flathub com.heroicgameslauncher.hgl
# Launch Heroic
flatpak run com.heroicgameslauncher.hglThe install pulls roughly 200–300 MB on first run. Once installed, Heroic adds itself to your system’s application menu automatically. After launching, Heroic displays a “What’s Changed” changelog screen – dismiss it, and optionally enable anonymous analytics, the opt-in, unified telemetry stream developer PlayingTux introduced back in v2.18.0 on July 23, 2025 to send aggregate usage data that helps the developers improve the app; no personal data is collected.
Alternative install methods on Linux:
- AppImage – portable, no install needed; v2.19.0 added auto-update support; download from heroicgameslauncher.com/downloads
- .deb package – for Ubuntu/Debian users who prefer system packages over Flatpak
- AUR (Arch Linux) – install via
yay -S heroic-games-launcher-binfor the pre-compiled binary orheroic-games-launcherto compile from source
# AUR install (Arch Linux)
yay -S heroic-games-launcher-bin
# Or with paru
paru -S heroic-games-launcher-binStep 2 – Install Heroic on Windows
The Windows version of Heroic is particularly useful if you want a lighter, unified client that replaces both the Epic Games Launcher and GOG Galaxy. On Windows, Heroic runs native Windows executables directly without Wine, so there’s no compatibility layer overhead.
Download the Windows installer from heroicgameslauncher.com/downloads, or from mirrors like Uptodown, which listed Windows downloads for the v2.22.0 release on May 23, 2026 and, more recently, for the v2.22.1 build uploaded August 10, 2026. As of v2.19.0, both the Setup (.exe installer) and the Portable (.zip) versions are code-signed with a valid certificate, so Windows Defender no longer flags them during install.
- Run
Heroic-Setup-2.19.1.exeand accept the UAC prompt - Choose install directory (default:
%LocalAppData%\Programs\heroic) - Heroic installs and launches automatically
- No reboot required
On Windows, Heroic uses the Windows-native runtime for all games, so the Wine/Proton manager is hidden. You can still sync your Epic and GOG libraries, use cloud saves, and manage installs – but all games run exactly as they would through the official Epic or GOG clients, just through Heroic’s unified interface.
Step 3 – Install Heroic on macOS (Including Apple Silicon)
Heroic supports macOS 12 Monterey and later, including Apple Silicon (M1/M2/M3/M4/M5) via a native ARM64 build. Version 2.19.0 added DXMT support on M-chip Macs, which provides DirectX-to-Metal translation – a major improvement for running Windows-targeting GOG or Epic titles on macOS without Windows.
- Download the
.dmgfile from heroicgameslauncher.com/downloads – choose arm64 for M-series, x64 for Intel Macs - Open the DMG and drag Heroic to Applications
- On first launch, macOS Gatekeeper may block it: go to System Settings → Privacy & Security and click “Open Anyway”
- After launching, go to Settings → Wine Manager and install a Wine-Staging build to enable DXMT (ARM/M chips only)
Important for M-chip users: DXMT only applies to newly installed Wine-Staging versions. If you already had Wine-Staging installed before upgrading to v2.19.0, uninstall and reinstall that Wine build through Heroic’s Wine Manager to get the DXMT variant.
Step 4 – Install Heroic on Steam Deck
The Steam Deck is one of Heroic’s most popular platforms. Heroic on Steam Deck gives you access to your Epic, GOG, and Amazon libraries without leaving the SteamOS ecosystem. The workflow is slightly different because you need to briefly enter Desktop Mode to install Heroic.
- Press the Steam button → select Power → choose Switch to Desktop
- Open the Discover software center (taskbar)
- Search for “Heroic” and click Install from Flathub
- Alternatively, open Konsole and run:
flatpak install flathub com.heroicgameslauncher.hgl - After install, find Heroic in Application Launcher → Games
After installing and configuring Heroic (Steps 5–10 below), you can add each game to Steam so it appears in Gaming Mode. Use the three-dot menu on any game in Heroic and select Add to Steam. This adds a Steam shortcut with the correct Proton runtime – you don’t need to manually configure compatibility flags.
| Platform | Install Method | Wine/Proton Needed? | Time to First Launch |
|---|---|---|---|
| Linux desktop | Flatpak / .deb / AUR / AppImage | Yes (for Windows games) | ~10 minutes |
| Steam Deck | Flatpak via Discover | Yes (Proton GE recommended) | ~8 minutes |
| Windows | .exe installer or portable .zip | No | ~5 minutes |
| macOS Intel | .dmg (x64) | Yes (for Windows games) | ~10 minutes |
| macOS Apple Silicon | .dmg (arm64) + Wine-Staging DXMT | Yes (DXMT variant) | ~12 minutes |
Step 5 – Link Your Epic Games Account
After first launch, Heroic presents a login screen. Click Epic Games to begin authentication. Heroic uses Epic’s official OAuth flow – your credentials go directly to Epic’s servers, not to Heroic.
- Click Login on the Heroic welcome screen
- Select Epic Games
- A browser window opens to Epic’s login page – sign in normally (or use Google/Facebook SSO if that’s how you registered)
- After login, Epic redirects back to Heroic and closes the browser window
- Your library appears under the Library tab, filtered by Epic Games
If you have two-factor authentication enabled on your Epic account (and you should – Epic has had credential-stuffing incidents), complete the 2FA step in the browser before the redirect occurs. Heroic stores the OAuth token in your system keyring, so you only need to re-authenticate when the token expires (typically 30 days).
Epic’s library in Heroic also correctly skips Android-only games that were claimed through Epic’s mobile promotions – a behavior added in v2.16.0 that prevents your library from being cluttered with non-PC titles.
Step 6 – Link Your GOG Account
GOG support in Heroic uses the gogdl backend, which the Heroic team maintains as a separate open-source project – now at heroic-gogdl 1.3.0, bundled with the August 2026 v2.22.1 hotfix, which GamingOnLinux reported brought ScummVM compatibility improvements for GOG’s classic adventure-game catalog. The linking process mirrors Epic’s OAuth flow.
- In Heroic’s sidebar, click Login → GOG
- A browser window opens to GOG’s authentication page
- Sign in and authorize Heroic
- Your GOG library syncs and appears in Heroic’s Library tab under the GOG filter
GOG titles are DRM-free, which means Heroic downloads the actual game files – not an encrypted container. This is significant on Linux: many GOG games ship Linux-native builds, and Heroic detects these automatically and skips the Wine/Proton layer for them. For GOG games without a Linux build, Heroic falls back to the Windows version and runs it through Proton, just like a Steam game.
You can verify which build Heroic will use by checking a game’s detail page: if it shows a penguin icon next to “Platform,” a native Linux build will be installed. If it shows a Windows logo, Wine/Proton is required.
Step 7 – Link Your Amazon Games Account
Amazon Games (formerly Prime Gaming) integration lets you access games you’ve claimed through your Amazon Prime membership. This is separate from Prime Gaming’s in-game loot drops – Heroic only handles actual downloadable game titles, not cosmetic reward codes.
- Click Login → Amazon Games
- Sign in with your Amazon account in the browser popup
- Your claimed Amazon Games library appears in Heroic
Amazon Games support in Heroic has historically been the most limited of the three main stores – some titles use anti-cheat systems that block Wine/Proton, and Amazon’s game client wraps some titles in a launcher-within-a-launcher (NovAtel). If a game fails to launch from the Amazon store in Heroic, this is the most likely cause. Check ProtonDB for the specific title’s compatibility rating before spending time troubleshooting.
Step 8 – Configure the Wine/Proton Manager
On Linux and macOS, most commercial games are Windows-only, so Heroic needs a compatibility layer to run them. Heroic ships with a built-in Wine Manager that downloads and manages Proton and Wine builds independently of Steam – you don’t need Steam installed to use Heroic with Proton. The manager’s own packaging has been tuned over time, too: developer PlayingTux noted that v2.18.0 “Waterfall Beard” (dated July 23, 2025) reverted the Flatpak build back to Runtime 23.08 specifically to fix Steam Deck gamepad input issues, while the August 2026 v2.22.1 hotfix went further still, adding direct install support for the community Proton-CachyOS build alongside additional controller and gamepad-support fixes that GamingOnLinux reported at the time.
Navigate to Settings → Wine Manager to open it. The key options are:
- Proton-GE (GE-Proton): Community-built Proton with patches not yet in Valve’s official Proton. This is the default recommendation for most games and was prioritized as the default runtime in Heroic v2.18.0.
- Wine-GE: A Wine-based alternative, though the project stopped releasing new builds in 2024. Existing installs still work, but don’t use it for new setups.
- Wine-Staging: Upstream Wine with staging patches; required on macOS for DXMT support on M chips.
# Check installed Wine/Proton versions from terminal (Flatpak installation)
ls ~/.var/app/com.heroicgameslauncher.hgl/data/heroic/tools/proton/
# Config directory for Heroic (Flatpak)
~/.var/app/com.heroicgameslauncher.hgl/config/heroic/
# Config directory for native install
~/.config/heroic/Click Download next to the latest GE-Proton build (the top entry in the list). The download is typically 300–500 MB. Once downloaded, it appears as an available runtime when you install or configure individual games.
Per-game Wine override: You can set a different Wine version for each game. On a game’s detail page, click the gear icon → Settings → Wine Version. This is essential for older titles that may work better with a specific Wine version and for anti-cheat games that require a specific Proton version.
Step 9 – Install Your First Game
With accounts linked and Proton downloaded, installing a game is straightforward. The process is identical whether the game is from Epic, GOG, or Amazon.
- Go to Library and find the game you want
- Click the game tile to open its detail page
- Click Install
- In the install dialog, set the install location (the default is Heroic’s configured default games folder)
- Select whether to install all DLC
- If shown, set the Wine version (GE-Proton is pre-selected from v2.18.0 onward)
- Click Install and wait for the download to complete
Downloads appear as a progress bar in the game tile. For large titles (60+ GB), you can pause and resume downloads freely. Heroic does not limit download speed – it uses your full connection bandwidth, which is faster than GOG Galaxy on the same hardware in most cases because GOG Galaxy imposes a soft per-connection cap.
After install completes, click Play. On the first launch, Heroic runs a one-time Wine/Proton setup (DXVK installation, Visual C++ runtime, etc.) that takes 30–60 seconds. Subsequent launches start immediately.
# Set custom default install path via settings (applies to all future installs)
# Settings → Games Installation → Default Installation Path
# Example: /media/external-ssd/games
# For a Flatpak install, ensure the path is accessible:
flatpak override --user com.heroicgameslauncher.hgl --filesystem=/media/external-ssd/gamesStep 10 – Enable Cloud Saves
Heroic v2.19.0 improved cloud save configuration by adding Sync-Saves options directly on each game’s page, making them easier to find. Cloud saves are supported for Epic and GOG games that have save-sync enabled in their respective stores.
- Open a game’s detail page
- Look for the Cloud Saves section (added to the game page in v2.19.0)
- Toggle Enable Cloud Saves
- Choose sync behavior: Upload on exit, Download on launch, or Both (Auto-sync)
Important for Steam Deck users: If cloud saves are critical to you (e.g., you play the same title on both a desktop and the Deck), prefer the Windows build of the game when both Linux and Windows builds are available. Some games store saves in different paths depending on whether a native Linux or Windows-via-Proton version is running, and GOG/Epic’s save sync uses paths that match the Windows version. Using the Windows version via Proton ensures save paths are consistent across devices.
Step 11 – Add Games to Steam (Steam Deck Focus)
Adding Heroic-managed games to Steam creates a Steam shortcut that launches the game through Heroic in Gaming Mode. This is the preferred workflow on Steam Deck because Gaming Mode’s controller layout, on-screen keyboard, and performance overlay all work correctly with games launched through Steam shortcuts.
- In Heroic’s Library, click the three-dot menu on any installed game
- Select Add to Steam
- Heroic creates a Steam shortcut with a pre-configured launch command pointing to Heroic
- Switch back to Gaming Mode (restart the Deck or press the Steam button → Power → Switch to Game Mode)
- The game appears in Library → Non-Steam Games
You can set per-game artwork in Steam for a clean library appearance. Steam supports cover art, hero images, and icons for non-Steam games – use SteamGridDB to find official artwork for your Epic/GOG titles. If you have Decky Loader installed (see our Decky Loader setup guide), the SteamGridDB plugin automates this process.
Disabling Steam Input per game: Some games handle controllers natively and conflict with Steam’s input layer. For games that behave oddly with the Deck’s controller (wrong button mappings, double inputs), right-click the shortcut in Steam → Properties → Controller → set to Disable Steam Input.
Step 12 – Configure Launch Options and Advanced Settings
Heroic v2.19.0 added a Launch Options setting on the game page for titles that support it – this is where you pass command-line arguments to a game (equivalent to Steam’s launch options field). Common uses include enabling benchmark modes, forcing a specific display resolution, or disabling in-game overlays that conflict with Proton.
# Common Launch Options examples (set per game in Heroic → game Settings → Launch Options)
# Force a specific resolution
-width=1920 -height=1080
# Disable Epic overlay (for Epic Games that show it via Heroic)
-EpicPortal
# Enable Vulkan backend explicitly (some older games default to OpenGL)
-vulkan
# MangoHud overlay for performance monitoring (Linux)
# Add to ENVIROMENT VARIABLES section, not Launch Options:
# MANGOHUD=1Environment variables: Each game in Heroic has an Environment Variables field under its settings. This is distinct from Launch Options – env vars control the runtime environment, not the game process arguments. Note that since v2.16, Heroic enables DXVK-NVAPI by default for NVIDIA Linux users – a change GamingOnLinux was still highlighting as of March 2026 – so the PROTON_ENABLE_NVAPI entry below is now mostly a manual override rather than a requirement. Useful env vars:
| Variable | Value | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| MANGOHUD | 1 | Enable MangoHud performance overlay |
| PROTON_ENABLE_NVAPI | 1 | Enable NVIDIA’s Vulkan extension (better DLSS) |
| DXVK_ASYNC | 1 | Async shader compilation (reduces stutter) |
| WINE_FULLSCREEN_FSR | 1 | Enable AMD FSR upscaling via Wine |
| WINEESYNC | 1 | Enable esync for better CPU performance |
| WINEFSYNC | 1 | Enable fsync (requires kernel support) |
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
These are the most frequent mistakes reported in Heroic’s GitHub issues and community forums, along with how to avoid them.
Pitfall 1 – Installing games before downloading Proton
If you install a Windows game before configuring the Wine Manager, Heroic may fall back to a system Wine build that is outdated or incompatible. Always open Settings → Wine Manager and download at least GE-Proton before installing any game. If you’ve already installed a game, you can retroactively change its runtime in the game’s settings without reinstalling.
Pitfall 2 – Using Wine-GE for new installs
Wine-GE was a popular choice in 2023–2024 but the project stopped releasing new builds in 2024. Heroic’s Wine Manager still lists it as an option, but for any title released after 2024, use GE-Proton instead. Wine-GE lacks the DXVK and VKD3D-Proton updates that modern DirectX 11/12 games require.
Pitfall 3 – Running Heroic as root on Linux
Some users try sudo heroic or run Heroic in a root terminal to solve permission errors. This breaks authentication (keyring access fails as root), corrupts config file ownership, and causes Wine/Proton to behave incorrectly. The fix for permission errors is almost always a Flatpak filesystem override (flatpak override --user com.heroicgameslauncher.hgl --filesystem=PATH), not running as root.
Pitfall 4 – Ignoring Flatpak filesystem permissions
Flatpak sandboxes Heroic and limits which directories it can access. If you want to install games to an external drive or a non-standard path, you must explicitly grant access:
# Grant Heroic access to an external drive at /run/media/user/ExternalSSD
flatpak override --user com.heroicgameslauncher.hgl \
--filesystem=/run/media/$(whoami)/ExternalSSD
# Grant access to a custom games folder in /opt
flatpak override --user com.heroicgameslauncher.hgl \
--filesystem=/opt/games
# Verify current overrides
flatpak override --user --show com.heroicgameslauncher.hglPitfall 5 – Anti-cheat games failing silently
Games using Easy Anti-Cheat (EAC) or BattlEye require the game developer to enable Linux support. Heroic cannot bypass this requirement – it’s an explicit opt-in at the developer’s side. Before installing a multiplayer game, check ProtonDB for its rating. A “Gold” or higher rating usually means the anti-cheat works, while “Borked” means it doesn’t launch at all under Proton.
Pitfall 6 – Forgetting to Import existing Epic installs
If you already have games installed via the official Epic launcher (on Windows) and switch to Heroic, you don’t need to re-download them. Use the Import button on the game’s page in Heroic (added prominently in v2.19.0) to point Heroic at the existing install directory. Heroic verifies the files and registers the game without re-downloading.
Pitfall 7 – macOS Gatekeeper blocking launch after update
On macOS, after an update to Heroic, Gatekeeper sometimes re-blocks the app because the code signature is re-checked. If Heroic fails to open after an update, open System Settings → Privacy & Security and click “Open Anyway.” This is a one-time step per update that you won’t need to repeat until the next Heroic update changes the binary.
Pitfall 8 – Cloud saves conflicting between platforms
If you use Heroic on both Linux (native build) and Windows or Linux (Proton), some games store saves at different paths. When you enable cloud saves and sync bidirectionally, this can corrupt the cloud save as each session overwrites the other platform’s save with a different file path format. The safest fix: pick one OS as your primary and set the other to Download only – never upload from the secondary platform.
Troubleshooting: 8 Common Errors and Fixes
Error 1 – “Game fails to launch, no error message”
Cause: Usually a missing or incompatible Wine/Proton version. Fix: Open the game settings in Heroic, set Wine version explicitly to the latest GE-Proton, and try again. If still failing, enable logs: click the three-dot menu on the game → Launch with Logs. The log terminal shows the exact Wine/Proton error.
Error 2 – “Library shows 0 games after login”
Cause: Usually a network timeout during the initial library sync. Fix: Click the refresh icon in the Library toolbar. If that doesn’t work, go to Settings and click Clear Cache, then restart Heroic and re-sync. On Flatpak installs, check that Heroic has internet access: flatpak run com.heroicgameslauncher.hgl from terminal to see connection errors.
Error 3 – “DXVK or VKD3D error at game startup”
Cause: Outdated DXVK version bundled with older Proton builds, or a GPU driver that doesn’t support Vulkan 1.3. Fix: Update GPU drivers first (sudo apt upgrade on Ubuntu, or use your distribution’s driver manager). Then update GE-Proton in Heroic’s Wine Manager. If using Nvidia, ensure vulkan-tools is installed and vulkaninfo shows your GPU listed.
Error 4 – “Download stops at a specific percentage”
Cause: Disk space exhausted mid-download, or a network interruption that corrupts the partial file. Fix: Check available disk space (df -h). If space is fine, click the three-dot menu on the download → Repair Install. Heroic re-hashes the downloaded chunks and re-downloads only missing or corrupt segments without starting over.
Error 5 – “Token expired” or repeated Epic login prompts
Cause: Epic’s OAuth token has a ~30-day expiry. On some systems, the token stored in the keyring becomes inaccessible after a system update or password manager change. Fix: In Heroic, click your account name → Log Out → re-login. On Linux, ensure gnome-keyring or kwallet is running – Heroic uses the system keyring to store tokens securely.
Error 6 – “Black screen on Steam Deck in Gaming Mode”
Cause: Gamescope (Steam Deck’s compositor) and the game’s renderer are conflicting, or the shortcut’s Proton version in Steam overrides Heroic’s setting. Fix: In Gaming Mode, find the shortcut → Properties → Compatibility → force a specific Proton version that matches what works in Desktop Mode. Also try adding DISPLAY=:0 to the launch environment if the game was added to Steam as a shortcut.
Error 7 – “GOG game shows as ‘Update available’ permanently”
Cause: GOG’s API sometimes returns a version mismatch between the installed build and the metadata. Fix: Click Repair Install on the game. This triggers a hash check against GOG’s servers and downloads only changed files. If the update badge persists after repair, the game may have a regional build difference (e.g., different language pack versions) – install the appropriate language version from game settings.
Error 8 – Heroic crashes on launch after distro update
Cause: A system library update broke compatibility with Heroic’s Electron runtime. This is rare with Flatpak (the sandbox insulates Heroic from system library changes) but common with native .deb or AUR installs. Fix: Update Heroic to the latest version (flatpak update com.heroicgameslauncher.hgl for Flatpak). For AUR installs, run yay -Syu heroic-games-launcher-bin. If still crashing, delete the config cache:
# Clear Heroic's config cache (Flatpak)
rm -rf ~/.var/app/com.heroicgameslauncher.hgl/cache/
# Clear Heroic's config cache (native install)
rm -rf ~/.cache/heroic/
# Do NOT delete ~/.config/heroic/ – that contains your game settings and library dataAdvanced Tips for Power Users
Once your library is running, these configurations significantly improve the Heroic experience for daily use or high-performance gaming.
Running Multiple Store Libraries Side by Side
Heroic’s Library tab shows all stores by default, but you can filter by store using the dropdown in the toolbar. For users with large libraries (100+ games), switch to list view instead of grid view (button in the toolbar) and sort by last played – this keeps your active games at the top regardless of which store they’re from.
You can also add games from other sources using Heroic’s “Sideloaded” feature: click the + button in the Library → Add Game. This lets you add any local executable (emulators, DRM-free indie games bought directly from developers, etc.) and manage it alongside your Epic/GOG/Amazon libraries. Combined with Playnite‘s approach to library unification, this covers virtually every scenario short of Steam itself.
Per-Game Prefix Isolation
By default, Heroic creates a separate Wine prefix for each game. This is correct behavior and means one game’s Windows registry changes don’t bleed into another game. The prefix is stored at ~/Games/Heroic/Prefixes/GAME_NAME/ (or inside the Flatpak data directory for Flatpak installs). If a game’s prefix becomes corrupted, you can delete just that folder and re-run the game to create a fresh prefix without affecting other games.
# Location of per-game Wine prefixes (native Heroic install)
ls ~/Games/Heroic/Prefixes/
# Flatpak install prefix location
ls ~/.var/app/com.heroicgameslauncher.hgl/data/heroic/prefixes/
# Delete a single game's prefix (replace GAME_NAME with actual directory)
rm -rf ~/Games/Heroic/Prefixes/GAME_NAME/MangoHud Integration for Performance Monitoring
MangoHud is a Vulkan and OpenGL overlay that displays GPU/CPU usage, framerate, VRAM, and temperatures in the corner of your screen while gaming. On Linux, it’s the equivalent of MSI Afterburner’s OSD. Install it via your package manager:
# Install MangoHud (Ubuntu/Debian)
sudo apt install mangohud
# Install MangoHud (Arch Linux)
sudo pacman -S mangohud
# Enable for a specific game in Heroic:
# Game Settings → Environment Variables → Add: MANGOHUD = 1
# Enable for all games globally in Heroic:
# Settings → Default Wine Settings → Environment Variables → Add: MANGOHUD = 1Heroic Bash Launcher Script
For users who prefer launching games from the terminal or want to script game launches (e.g., for a kiosk setup), Heroic stores game metadata in a JSON file you can parse:
#!/bin/bash
# List all installed Heroic games with their app IDs
# (native install)
cat ~/.config/heroic/library/epicLibrary.json | \
python3 -c "import json,sys; [print(g['app_name'], '-', g['title']) for g in json.load(sys.stdin)]"
# Launch a specific Epic game by app ID (example: Fortnite)
# heroic://launch/fortniteHeroic vs. Official Clients: Performance Comparison
A common concern is whether Heroic adds overhead compared to running games through the official launchers. The answer is: Heroic itself adds zero runtime overhead. After a game launches, Heroic steps out of the way – it’s not running a background process that sits between the game and the OS. The game runs entirely under Wine/Proton (for Windows games on Linux) or natively (for Linux/macOS native builds). The only “overhead” is the Proton compatibility layer, which is identical whether you use Steam, Heroic, or any other Proton-based launcher.
| Scenario | Launch Time (avg) | RAM overhead | Disk overhead |
|---|---|---|---|
| Game via Steam + Proton | 8–12 seconds | ~180 MB (Steam) | Steam install (~5 GB) |
| Game via Heroic + GE-Proton | 9–14 seconds | ~90 MB (Heroic) | Heroic install (~200 MB) |
| Game via Official Epic Launcher (Windows) | 12–18 seconds | ~320 MB (Epic) | Epic install (~500 MB) |
| GOG native Linux build via Heroic | 2–4 seconds | ~90 MB (Heroic) | Heroic install (~200 MB) |
On Linux, Heroic with GE-Proton uses about half the RAM overhead of the official Epic Games Launcher on Windows. The Epic launcher’s background services (Epic Online Services, telemetry, update checker) consume significant RAM even when idle – none of that exists in Heroic’s architecture.
For a broader look at the Epic vs Steam ecosystem, our Steam vs Epic Games Store 2026 comparison covers the market share, library, and pricing differences. If you’re weighing which storefront to buy games from, see our Steam vs GOG comparison for a breakdown of DRM-free ownership vs Steam’s ecosystem lock-in.
Heroic on Steam Deck: Complete Workflow Summary
The Steam Deck use case is worth covering in a dedicated summary because the workflow differs enough from desktop Linux to confuse new users. Here is the complete end-to-end process in order:
- Switch to Desktop Mode (Steam button → Power → Switch to Desktop)
- Open Discover → search “Heroic” → Install from Flathub
- Launch Heroic from Application Launcher → Games
- Log in to Epic, GOG, and/or Amazon in Heroic
- Open Settings → Wine Manager → Download latest GE-Proton
- Install a game from your library
- Verify the game launches in Desktop Mode first
- Use three-dot menu → Add to Steam for each confirmed working game
- Switch back to Gaming Mode
- Find the game under Library → Non-Steam → launch and enjoy
If a Steam Deck-specific issue arises, the Steam Deck HQ site maintains compatibility reports for non-Steam games run via Heroic. For emulation alongside Heroic on the Deck, our EmuDeck tutorial covers the complementary setup.
For a head-to-head hardware comparison that puts these launchers in context, see our Legion Go vs Steam Deck 2026 breakdown – it covers how both handhelds handle non-Steam game libraries through launchers like Heroic.
Related Coverage
Expand your game platform setup with these related guides and comparisons:
- Playnite Setup 2026: Unify 8 Game Stores in 13 Steps – complement Heroic with a universal front-end that covers Steam, Xbox, GOG, and more
- Steam vs Epic Games Store 2026: 74% vs 3% Market Share – where to buy games and why it matters for Linux compatibility
- Steam vs GOG 2026: 30% Cut vs DRM-Free Ownership – GOG’s DRM-free advantage explained alongside Heroic’s offline install support
- Steam Games Not Launching 2026: 12 Fixes That Work – many of the same Proton/DXVK fixes apply to Heroic-launched games
- Decky Loader Setup 2026: Install Plugins in 10 Steps – enhance the Steam Deck experience alongside Heroic
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Heroic Games Launcher safe to use?
Yes. Heroic is open-source (GPL-3.0) and published on GitHub, where the source code is publicly auditable and, as of the May 16, 2026 v2.22.0 release, the repository had climbed to 11,843 stars and 646 forks, per Shattered.io. Authentication uses each store’s official OAuth flow – your credentials are never handled by Heroic’s code. The project has been active since 2021 with regular releases and a large community of contributors; GitHub’s release history shows the pace of that work – GamingOnLinux covered the v2.17.0 “Franky” release back on May 23, 2025, noting it bumped Electron to v36.2.1 and fixed Epic login/checkout issues, and the cadence never let up: the v2.22.1 hotfix on August 9, 2026 had pushed the project past 110 releases total, and by September 16, 2026 the v2.22.3 hotfix had taken over the “Latest” tag on GitHub, underscoring the continuous maintenance behind the launcher.
Does Heroic work with Epic Games anti-cheat?
It depends on the game. Easy Anti-Cheat and BattlEye both support Linux when the game developer explicitly enables it. Single-player Epic games almost always work. Multiplayer games vary – check ProtonDB for your specific title before installing. Games with kernel-level anti-cheat (Vanguard, FACEIT AC) don’t work on Linux at all, regardless of whether you use Heroic or Steam.
Can Heroic replace GOG Galaxy completely?
For library management, installs, and launching games – yes. Heroic covers everything you need to use your GOG library on Linux or Windows. The one thing Heroic doesn’t replicate is GOG Galaxy’s friends/activity integration (though few users actively use those features). Achievements from GOG games are visible and work through Heroic’s interface.
What’s the difference between Heroic and Lutris?
Lutris is a broader game manager that handles a wider range of install scripts (including legacy Windows installers, emulators, and runners). Heroic is focused specifically on Epic, GOG, and Amazon storefronts and provides a tighter, more polished experience for those stores. Most Linux gamers use both: Heroic for storefront libraries and Lutris for standalone installers or games from other sources.
Can I use Heroic and the official Epic launcher at the same time?
On Windows, yes – both can coexist and share the same game install directories. Use Heroic’s Import feature to point it at an existing Epic installation so you don’t duplicate disk usage. On Linux, the official Epic launcher doesn’t run natively, so the question is moot – Heroic is the only option.
Does Heroic support game updates automatically?
Yes. Heroic checks for game updates when it launches and when you refresh the library. Updates appear as an “Update Available” badge on the game tile. You can also enable automatic updates in Settings → auto-update games on launch. This behavior mirrors the official clients – you are never behind on patches unless you explicitly skip an update.
What is the ZOOM Platform support added in v2.19.0?
ZOOM Platform is a small DRM-free game store focused on older and indie titles. Version 2.19.0, released January 27, 2026, added experimental support for it on Linux only alongside an under-the-hood Electron v39 update, per GamingOnLinux – Windows and macOS support are still planned for a future release. If you have a ZOOM Platform library, you can log in and access those titles through Heroic on Linux alongside your Epic and GOG games.
How do I update Heroic itself?
For Flatpak installs, run flatpak update com.heroicgameslauncher.hgl or use your distribution’s software updater. For AppImage installs, v2.19.0 added auto-update support – Heroic will prompt you when a new version is available. For .deb and AUR installs, use your package manager (apt upgrade or yay -Syu). Heroic also checks for its own updates at launch and shows a notification in the title bar.
