How to Install Linux Games

Guide for running native Linux builds, scene releases, and Windows titles using Wine, Proton, and Lutris.

August 9, 2026 ~3 min read by Reze

Contents (14)

How to Install Linux Games

Linux gaming has evolved significantly. Whether you're running native Linux binaries, scene releases, or Windows games via Wine / Proton, this guide walks you through setup.

1. Native Linux Releases (.sh, Tarballs, Binaries)

Native Linux games are distributed as compressed archives (.tar.xz, .7z) or .sh installer scripts.

Step 1: Extract the Game

Extract the downloaded archive into your desired gaming directory, such as ~/Games/:

tar -xf GameName.tar.xz -C ~/Games/

Step 2: Make the Executable Runnable

Linux files need execution permissions before they can run:

chmod +x ~/Games/GameName/start.sh
# Or for a direct binary:
chmod +x ~/Games/GameName/GameBinary

Step 3: Run the Game

Launch the executable from your terminal or file manager:

cd ~/Games/GameName/
./start.sh

2. Running Windows Repacks and Releases on Linux

If the game is a Windows release or repack, you can run it on Linux using compatibility layers such as Wine, Proton, Heroic Games Launcher, or Lutris.

Method A: Heroic Games Launcher or Lutris

Install Heroic Games Launcher or Lutris via Flatpak.

flatpak install flathub com.heroicgameslauncher.hgl

Open Heroic Games Launcher or Lutris.
Add the game manually.
Select the game executable, usually an .exe file.
Choose your Wine or Proton version, such as GE-Proton.
Configure the game prefix if necessary.
Launch the game.

Method B: Steam Non-Steam Game with Proton

Open Steam on Linux.
Select Games → Add a Non-Steam Game to My Library.
Browse to and add the game's .exe file.
Right-click the added game in Steam and select Properties.
Open the Compatibility tab.
Enable Force the use of a specific Steam Play compatibility tool.
Select Proton Experimental, Proton GE, or another compatible Proton version.
Launch the game from your Steam library.

3. Installing Wine Directly

For users who prefer using Wine from the terminal, install it through your distribution's package manager.

Ubuntu and Debian

sudo dpkg --add-architecture i386
sudo apt update
sudo apt install wine64 wine32 winetricks

Fedora

sudo dnf install wine winetricks

Arch Linux

sudo pacman -S wine winetricks

Run a Windows installer with Wine using:

wine setup.exe

To launch an installed game, use:

wine Game.exe

4. Common Dependencies and Fixes

Vulkan drivers: Ensure that the correct 32-bit and 64-bit Vulkan drivers are installed for your graphics card.
Missing 32-bit libraries: On Ubuntu or Debian, enable 32-bit architecture with the following commands:
```
sudo dpkg --add-architecture i386
sudo apt update
```
Missing Windows components: Use Winetricks to install common components such as DirectX, Visual C++ runtimes, or .NET:
```
winetricks vcrun2022
```
Black screen or rendering issues: Try changing the Wine or Proton version and verify that Vulkan is working correctly.
Game does not launch: Run the game from a terminal to view error messages:
```
wine Game.exe
```
Permission errors: Make sure the game directory and executable have the appropriate permissions:
```
chmod -R u+rwX ~/Games/GameName
```
External drives: If the game is stored on an NTFS drive, ensure that the drive is mounted with suitable read and write permissions.

5. Useful Launch Options

Some games require additional launch options or environment variables. For example, to force Wine to use a specific Windows version:

WINEPREFIX=~/Games/GameName/prefix winecfg

To launch a game with a custom prefix:

WINEPREFIX=~/Games/GameName/prefix wine Game.exe

Using separate prefixes helps prevent one game's configuration or dependencies from affecting another game.

Final Notes

For the best experience, keep your graphics drivers, Wine or Proton versions, and game launchers updated. If a game does not work immediately, try another Proton or Wine version, install the required dependencies, and check the game's terminal output for useful error messages.