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Lutris
What it is
Lutris is a free, open-source gaming platform for Linux that helps you install and play games from different eras and systems. It brings libraries from Steam, Epic Games Store, GOG, and Humble Bundle into one client, and also integrates with launchers such as Battle.net, EA App, and Ubisoft Connect. Lutris uses runners—including compatibility layers, emulators, and game-engine re-implementations—to handle games from different platforms. Downloads and installations can be automated, then adjusted with user-made scripts. The project presents itself as a video game preservation platform for keeping collections running over time, rather than as a store; commercial games must be purchased elsewhere. It supports current Linux distributions and can warn when graphics drivers, Vulkan, or 32-bit OpenGL and Vulkan libraries are missing. Windows games use Wine installed through the system package manager. Steam Deck users install it from Discover in Desktop Mode.
For and against
For
- Free plan with open-source technology
- Connects multiple game stores in one client
- Includes emulators and compatibility layers
- Automates downloads and installations
- Supports controllers and cloud sync
Against
- Linux platform only
- Does not sell commercial games
- Distribution compatibility can cause issues
- Windows games require Wine setup
The verdict
Lutris combines multi-store library management with runners for games from different systems. Its Linux focus, setup requirements, and distribution-related compatibility issues are important considerations.
Who it suits
Lutris suits Linux players who want one library for games bought from multiple stores, along with emulator and compatibility-layer support. It also fits users interested in preserving older game collections.
Plans and prices
Lutris
Open source gaming platform · community donations accepted
Read 3 Oct 2026 · lutris.net
On the record
- Automated installs
- Game downloads and installations are automated and can be modified through user-made scripts.lutris.net · read 3 Oct 2026
- Central game library
- The client connects to game services including Steam, Epic Games Store, GOG, and Humble Bundle so users can launch games from one place.lutris.net · read 3 Oct 2026
- Game preservation
- Lutris describes itself as a video game preservation platform intended to keep game collections running over time.lutris.net · read 3 Oct 2026
- Known limitation
- Lutris says compatibility across Linux distributions can produce issues and suggests disabling its runtime as a troubleshooting step.lutris.net · read 3 Oct 2026
- Launcher integrations
- Lutris says it integrates with launchers including Battle.net, Epic Games Store, EA App, and Ubisoft Connect.lutris.net · read 3 Oct 2026
- Linux distribution support
- Lutris says it is compatible with any up-to-date Linux system and provides packages for current distributions.lutris.net · read 3 Oct 2026
- Linux requirements
- The project recommends up-to-date graphics drivers, Vulkan, and 32-bit OpenGL and Vulkan libraries; it warns users if components are missing.lutris.net · read 3 Oct 2026
- Not a game store
- Lutris does not sell commercial games; it lets users install and play games purchased from other stores.lutris.net · read 3 Oct 2026
- Open source
- The project says Lutris is built only using open source technology.lutris.net · read 3 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- Lutris is an open gaming platform for Linux that helps users install and play games from different eras and gaming systems.lutris.net · read 3 Oct 2026
- Runners
- Lutris provides runners such as compatibility layers, emulators, and game engine re-implementations to run games from different platforms.lutris.net · read 3 Oct 2026
- Steam Deck
- The download page instructs Steam Deck users to install Lutris from Discover in Desktop Mode and describes creating Steam shortcuts for games.lutris.net · read 3 Oct 2026
- Support
- Users can ask questions in the Lutris forums or Discord, and the FAQ asks that bug reports stay publicly visible rather than being sent privately.lutris.net · read 3 Oct 2026
- Wine dependency
- For Windows games, Lutris recommends installing Wine through the system package manager so required dependencies are present.lutris.net · read 3 Oct 2026
