Every article tag can be clicked to get a list of all articles in that category. Every article tag also has an RSS feed! You can customize an RSS feed too!
We do often include affiliate links to earn us some pennies. See more here.

Heroic Games Launcher, my favourite way to get Epic Games and GOG on Steam Deck and desktop Linux released v2.8.0 with some great new features - here's a run over what's new and improved.

There's three headline features for this release: the first being a DLC Manager for Epic Games. Giving you more control over what you're installing, letting you pick from various DLC at install time to make it really easy.

Also added in is support for side-loading browser apps and games, although DRM'd content like Netflix won't work for now. Testing it with Xbox Cloud gaming, the new side-loading feature there worked fine, so it could be useful for lots of different things. The app will also auto download Wine if it didn't find any on the system, which should smooth-over some rough edges for beginners.

Other changes:

  • Fixed installation/update progress reports to the frontend.
  • Numerous UI fixes in the Nord Light theme.
  • Added missing Sideload game cover when no URL provided.
  • Fixed Linux native games failing to add to the launcher.
  • Missing GOG download size in the download manager.
  • Fixed installation of games that have Selective downloads (Fortnite, Fallout NV, and others).
  • Made login screen more responsive.
  • Improved sidebar link effect.
  • Improved handling of shortcuts from the frontend without depending on the menu.
  • Updated translations.
  • Several other fixes and improvements.

See more on GitHub and the official site.

The new browser side-loading is quite useful, here's a demo on Steam Deck but also tested on desktop:

YouTube Thumbnail
YouTube videos require cookies, you must accept their cookies to view. View cookie preferences.
Accept Cookies & Show   Direct Link
Article taken from GamingOnLinux.com.
10 Likes
About the author -
author picture
I am the owner of GamingOnLinux. After discovering Linux back in the days of Mandrake in 2003, I constantly came back to check on the progress of Linux until Ubuntu appeared on the scene and it helped me to really love it. You can reach me easily by emailing GamingOnLinux directly. Find me on Mastodon.
See more from me
15 comments
Page: «2/2
  Go to:

slaapliedje Jun 2, 2023
What would be awesome is to have Heroic Game Launcher somehow integrate fully with SteamUI. Like, insert new tabs for the other game stores, then have all the games you can install through that store.
RevenantDak Jun 2, 2023
Quoting: slaapliedjeThey both eventually launch games though, right? I actually prefer the Lutris method as launchers are crap. :)

Eventually? I guess. With Lutris, you still have to install Epic Game Store (and all other Launchers) separately, and installing GOG games really doesn't need either, Heroic just makes it easier. With Heroic, you skip having to install EGS or GOG Galaxy. There is nothing that Lutris does that I can't do either with Steam or Heroic. I don't see the purpose of Lutris, at all.
slaapliedje Jun 2, 2023
Quoting: RevenantDak
Quoting: slaapliedjeThey both eventually launch games though, right? I actually prefer the Lutris method as launchers are crap. :)

Eventually? I guess. With Lutris, you still have to install Epic Game Store (and all other Launchers) separately, and installing GOG games really doesn't need either, Heroic just makes it easier. With Heroic, you skip having to install EGS or GOG Galaxy. There is nothing that Lutris does that I can't do either with Steam or Heroic. I don't see the purpose of Lutris, at all.
Right, everyone is 100% missing my point. Notice how many updates have been coming out for Lutris since Heroic Games Launcher was released? They are, for lack of a better way to put it, in direct competition for making it easier for people to play non-Linux games under Linux.

Their root purpose is the same. Their methodologies are just slightly different. And the sole purpose is to have better software instead of monetary gains, which is why I said it is interesting in that regard. Usually the competition to a better product is based on money instead of thank yous (though I am certain both will be happy to take donations of cash / code).
tpau Jun 3, 2023
I am sure code would be the better donation as you see a lot of requests from people for new platforms and features.
Also i am sure that the project could need a hand with issue handling. People have problems but might not be good at describing the issue or looking for duplicates. Issue trackers tend to overflow with requests rather fast and i am sure bringing down the noise there would be great.
emphy Jun 11, 2023
Quoting: RevenantDak
Quoting: slaapliedjeThey both eventually launch games though, right? I actually prefer the Lutris method as launchers are crap. :)

Eventually? I guess. With Lutris, you still have to install Epic Game Store (and all other Launchers) separately, and installing GOG games really doesn't need either, Heroic just makes it easier. With Heroic, you skip having to install EGS or GOG Galaxy. There is nothing that Lutris does that I can't do either with Steam or Heroic. I don't see the purpose of Lutris, at all.

Lutris also has scripts for automated installing of mods/fan patches/open source interpreters for your gog purchases.
While you're here, please consider supporting GamingOnLinux on:

Reward Tiers: Patreon. Plain Donations: PayPal.

This ensures all of our main content remains totally free for everyone! Patreon supporters can also remove all adverts and sponsors! Supporting us helps bring good, fresh content. Without your continued support, we simply could not continue!

You can find even more ways to support us on this dedicated page any time. If you already are, thank you!
Login / Register


Or login with...
Sign in with Steam Sign in with Google
Social logins require cookies to stay logged in.