Download and Install Lutris on Linux (original) (raw)

Last Updated : 6 May, 2026

Lutris is an open-source game management platform that helps you download, configure, and run games from multiple sources on Linux. It serves as a unified interface where you can launch:

• Native Linux games
• Windows games through Wine / Proton
• Retro console games through emulators
• Games from Steam, GOG, Epic Games Store, Humble, etc.

Lutris doesn’t replace Steam - it enhances it, making non-native game installations smoother.

Key Features of Lutris

Given below there are some key features of Lutris

Wine Integration

• Allows Windows-only games to run on Linux
• Uses custom Wine builds for game compatibility

Central Game Library

• All games (Steam, GOG, Epic, Retro, etc.) managed in a single location
• Metadata and launcher integration for easy access

Emulator Support

• Supports classic consoles like PlayStation, Nintendo, Sega, Atari
• Retro titles run seamlessly through auto-configured emulators
• One-click install scripts maintained by the gaming community
• No manual patching or dependency hunting

Store Integrations

• Links with Steam, GOG, Epic, and more
• Import, install, and launch games from one dashboard

Why Lutris Requires Wine

Windows remains the primary platform for most AAA titles. Wine acts as a compatibility bridge so Lutris can run Windows games without requiring Windows installed.

Why Wine Is Necessary

• Enables Windows game runtime on Linux
• Lets Lutris auto-apply compatibility tweaks
• Optimizes FPS, Vulkan, DXVK, and shader translation

For Wine installation details, refer to: "How to Use Wine on Linux"

Install Lutris via Flatpak

Flatpak is the current official and stable method to install Lutris on Ubuntu, Linux Mint, and other supported Linux distributions.

[Step 1]: Install Flatpak

sudo apt install flatpak

Installs Flatpak support so your system can run Flatpak-based applications.

[Step 2]: Add Flathub Repository (Required)

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

Adds the Flathub source, which is required to download Lutris and other Flatpak apps.

[Step 3]: Update Flatpak Sources

flatpak update

Refreshes Flatpak metadata and ensures the latest repository information is loaded.

[Step 4]: Install Lutris

flatpak install flathub net.lutris.Lutris

Downloads and installs Lutris from the official Flathub repository.

[Step 5]: Launch Lutris

flatpak run net.lutris.Lutris

Starts the Lutris application via Flatpak to verify a successful installation.

[Step 6]: (Optional but Recommended) Reboot

reboot

Reloads the desktop environment so Lutris appears correctly in the app launcher.

What You Can Do with Lutris

• Play Windows games without dual-booting
• Access Steam / Epic / GOG libraries together
• Run retro emulated games instantly
• Use Proton, Wine, DXVK, and Vulkan optimizations
• Auto-install game configs with one click