How to Install Epic and GOG Games on Steam Deck (and Steam Machine)

If you shelled out the dough to get a Steam Machine or a Steam Deck, you most likely want to get every dollar’s worth of value out of your device. A great way to do that is by installing games you’ve acquired outside of the Steam ecosystem. Whether you want to take advantage of the plethora of free games given away on the Epic Game Store, play storefront exclusives like Alan Wake II, or start a DRM-free digital game collection with GOG, we have you covered. In this video, we’ll give you a detailed guide on how to install Epic and GOG games onto your Steam Machine or Steam Deck.

To get started with this process, you will need to enter the desktop environment of SteamOS and download the Heroic Game Launcher from the Discover store. From there, we will walk you through how to safely log into your Epic Game Store and GOG accounts, navigate the Wine Manager, and download the latest GE-Proton compatibility layer so your Windows games can run smoothly on your Linux-based handheld. We’ll also show you how to automatically add your newly installed games to Steam so they are ready to launch as soon as you return to gaming mode.

00:00 Install Epic & GOG Games on Steam Deck 00:43 Things to Know Before You Start 01:27 Enter Desktop Mode 01:54 Download Heroic Game Launcher 02:22 Install Heroic Launcher 02:48 Sign Into Epic Games Store or GOG 03:26 Install GE-Proton 03:57 Configure Heroic Launcher 04:17 Automatically Add Games to Steam 04:31 Play Epic & GOG Games in Gaming Mode 04:34 Outro

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How to Install Epic and GOG Games on Steam Deck (and Steam Machine)

As PC gamers steadily expand their library across multiple storefronts, the Steam Deck and Steam Machines offer compelling hardware to enjoy your favorite titles beyond desktop PCs. This guide walks you through installing Epic Games and GOG titles on Steam Deck and Steam Machine, ensuring you can access a broader catalog with a smooth, streamlined setup.

Before You Start: Check Compatibility and Accounts – Ensure your Steam Deck or Steam Machine is updated to the latest firmware and Steam Client. – Have active accounts for Epic Games and GOG, and make sure you’ve downloaded and installed their launchers or can access their games via compatible installers. – Verify storage space: Epic and GOG titles can be sizeable, so allocate ample SD card space for Deck users or internal storage for Steam Machines. – Confirm controller and input profiles: For Deck, ensure gamepad mappings feel natural; for Steam Machines, confirm the Steam Deck-like configurations aren’t required and adjust as needed.
Accessing Epic Games on Steam Deck and Steam Machine Option A: Epic Games Launcher (via Desktop Mode on Steam Deck or Linux-compatible Desktop on Steam Machine) – Switch to Desktop Mode on Steam Deck or boot into your preferred Linux desktop on Steam Machine. – Install the Epic Games Launcher from the official Epic Games site. Run the installer and sign in. – In the Epic Launcher, navigate to Library, select a game, and install. Ensure you choose a compatible install path (preferably a fast SSD or NVMe if available). – Launch the game from the Epic Launcher or, if Steam integration is preferred, add the Epic game as a non-Steam shortcut for easier access.

Option B: Steam integration through Steam’s Add a Non-Steam Game – Open Steam in Desktop Mode and select Add a Non-Steam Game from the Games menu. – Browse for the Epic Games Launcher executable and add it to your library. – You can launch Epic games directly from Steam by launching the launcher and then a title, or pin Epic Launcher for quick access. – Note: Some titles may run more smoothly when launched directly via Epic; testing both methods is recommended.

Accessing GOG Games on Steam Deck and Steam Machine Option A: GOG Galaxy (Desktop Mode on Steam Deck or Linux Desktop on Steam Machine) – Install GOG Galaxy from the official GOG website. – Sign in and install your games through GOG Galaxy. – For convenience, you can add GOG Galaxy as a non-Steam shortcut in Steam, allowing you to launch it from your Steam library. – Launch titles from GOG Galaxy as you would on a standard PC.

Option B: Direct Game Files (for DRM-free titles) – If you own DRM-free games from GOG, you can download the installer from GOG and install on your Deck or Steam Machine. – Add the executable as a non-Steam shortcut if you want Steam’s overlay and features while playing.

Optimizing Performance and Controls – Graphics Settings: Start with a balanced profile (e.g., 30–40 FPS target on Deck) and adjust resolution and frame rate caps to preserve battery life or performance. – Power Management: Use a balanced or power saver plan when on battery. For Steam Deck, consider enabling FSR or similar upscaling options if available in the game settings. – Controller Mappings: Customize with Steam Input to map keys, shoulder buttons, and touchpads for games launched from Epic or GOG. Create per-game profiles for consistent controls. – Database and Updates: Maintain separate libraries for Epic and GOG on the Deck to monitor updates efficiently; Steam can automate some updates through non-Steam shortcuts when desired.
Troubleshooting Common Issues – Issue: Game not launching from Epic or GOG on Steam Deck. – Solution: Ensure the launcher is up to date, verify game files, and confirm compatibility with Linux if using Steam Deck Desktop Mode. Try running the launcher as administrator or with compatible compatibility layers if needed. – Issue: Frame drops or stuttering. – Solution: Lower resolution, cap the frame rate, and adjust shader cache or driver settings. Ensure the GPU drivers and Steam Deck firmware are current. – Issue: Non-Steam shortcut not launching or missing input support. – Solution: Re-add the launcher via Steam, or launch directly from the launcher and keep it in a minimized position for quick access.
Best Practices for a Seamless Experience – Keep a clean library: Regularly categorize games by storefront and use Steam’s filtering to manage non-Steam launches efficiently. – Backups: Maintain backups of critical game files and save data, especially for long-running titles. – Updates: Periodically check for launcher and driver updates to preserve compatibility with new games and features. – Community and Support: Engage with community forums for Deck or Steam Machine for the latest tips on specific titles and performance tweaks.

Conclusion With a thoughtful setup, Epic Games and GOG titles can sit comfortably alongside Steam titles on your Steam Deck or Steam Machine. By using desktop mode for launcher installation, integrating non-Steam shortcuts, and fine-tuning performance and controls, you’ll enjoy a broad and flexible library across your preferred hardware. Whether you’re at home or on the go, the combination of Steam’s platform versatility and the catalogs from Epic and GOG opens up expansive gaming possibilities.