How to Install Heroic Games Launcher on Linux (Epic & GOG)

Your Linux game library doesn’t have to stop at Steam. Heroic Games Launcher is a free, open-source launcher for games from Epic Games, GOG, and Amazon. Here’s how to install it and get your first game running.

Choose Flatpak for software-manager updates, or AppImage to run a downloaded file. Follow one installation path, then continue with step 3. You’ll need an internet connection, space for your games, and an account with the store that owns them.

1. Get Flatpak ready

Already have Flatpak and Flathub? Skip to step 2. On Steam Deck, switch to Desktop Mode first; SteamOS already includes Flatpak. Other distributions can follow the official Flathub setup instructions.

To check whether Flatpak is installed, open a terminal and run:

flatpak --version

If the command is missing, install Flatpak using the command for your distribution. Debian, Ubuntu, and Kubuntu:

sudo apt update
sudo apt install flatpak

Fedora desktop:

sudo dnf install flatpak

Arch Linux:

sudo pacman -S flatpak

Then add the Flathub repository if it isn’t already configured:

flatpak remote-add --if-not-exists flathub https://dl.flathub.org/repo/flathub.flatpakrepo

After first setting up Flatpak, log out and back in if new applications don’t appear in your desktop menu. Follow your distribution’s setup page if it calls for a restart.

2. Install Heroic Games Launcher

For a graphical install, open Discover or another software manager with Flathub support, search for Heroic Games Launcher, and select the Flathub version. Ubuntu’s default App Center does not manage Flatpaks; use the terminal method below instead.

The terminal method is:

flatpak install flathub com.heroicgameslauncher.hgl

Review the installation prompt and confirm. Then open Heroic from your application menu, or run:

flatpak run com.heroicgameslauncher.hgl

Alternative: run Heroic as an AppImage

Prefer a downloaded file instead of Flatpak? Get the Linux AppImage for your computer’s architecture from Heroic’s official downloads page. On a typical Intel or AMD desktop, choose x86_64. The AppImage runs directly; it is not installed through apt, dnf, or Flatpak.

Create an Applications folder in your home folder and move the downloaded file there. Right-click the file, open Properties → Permissions, and enable the option to run it as a program. The label varies by desktop. Double-click the file to open Heroic, then continue with step 3 below.

For an optional terminal method, rename the file to Heroic.AppImage inside that Applications folder, then run:

chmod +x ~/Applications/Heroic.AppImage
~/Applications/Heroic.AppImage

For the full graphical walkthrough and menu integration, follow our Gear Lever and AppImage beginner’s guide. If you prefer making your own shortcut, see Add an AppImage to the Linux Start Menu. Keep the file in its chosen location so your shortcut keeps working.

Heroic’s AppImage installation notes require curl; install it through your distribution’s package manager if it is missing. If the file will not open, run it from the terminal to read the error. For a message mentioning FUSE or libfuse.so.2, follow the official AppImage FUSE instructions for your distribution. Flatpak’s folder-permission instructions do not apply to the AppImage edition.

3. Connect your store accounts

Choose Log in in Heroic and connect Epic, GOG, or Amazon. You can connect more than one. Complete the store’s sign-in process, including two-factor authentication if requested, then return to your library.

If a game is missing, check that you used the account that owns it and refresh the library. An Amazon offer redeemed as a GOG or Epic code belongs to that store’s account, rather than automatically appearing as an Amazon library game.

4. Install and launch a game

Open Library, choose a game, and click Install. Check the destination folder, available space, and any platform or language choices before confirming. Start with your internal drive to keep the first setup simple.

When installation finishes, select Play. For a Windows game, allow any first-run compatibility setup to finish.

Heroic manages compatibility tools for Windows games. Keep the suggested runner initially. If a runner is missing or a game needs another version, open Wine Manager, download a current GE-Proton build, and select it in that game’s Wine/Proton settings. Native Linux builds don’t need a Windows compatibility runner. See the project’s installation notes for the current runner recommendations.

5. Keep it updated

Flatpak edition: use your software manager’s updates screen, or update Heroic from the terminal:

flatpak update com.heroicgameslauncher.hgl

AppImage edition: use the updater if your build provides one, or download the current official AppImage and replace the older file. Keep the same filename and location if your menu shortcut uses them. The Flatpak update command above does not update an AppImage.

If something doesn’t work

Flatpak won’t install: confirm Flatpak works and Flathub is configured. Read the error before changing repositories or reinstalling anything.

A game won’t start: update Heroic and your graphics drivers, then inspect the game’s launch log. Try one runner change at a time. Some multiplayer games use anti-cheat systems that don’t support Linux; installing a different launcher won’t remove that restriction.

An external drive is missing: first open it in your file manager so it is mounted and confirm you can create a folder there. In Heroic’s Flatpak edition, also follow the folder permissions instructions, granting access to the game folder you need, then restart Heroic. Keep the drive connected while installing or playing games stored on it.

For other installation formats, including .deb and .rpm, use the official downloads page. You only need one installation method.

Once your first game works, add the rest of your library at your own pace. For Steam itself, see our Steam installation guide.

Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you. Commissions do not influence our recommendations.

Need more storage? The Seagate Portable 2TB external hard drive on Amazon (paid link) is a straightforward USB 3.0 option for extra files, backups, and older games. Check the current price before buying. It’s a mechanical hard drive, so expect slower loading than an SSD; choose an SSD for games that require one. For Heroic’s Flatpak edition, see the external-drive permissions advice above.

AI-generated category illustration; not a product photo.