Steam Machine: How to Install Heroic Games Launcher and Play Non-Steam Games

Unlock Your Steam Machine’s Full Potential

The Steam Machine is an impressive piece of hardware—a dedicated gaming console that brings your Steam library to the big screen without the need for a high-end gaming PC. While it’s more affordable than building a comparable gaming rig, it comes with a significant limitation: you’re restricted to Steam’s library by default.

But what if you want to play “Alan Wake 2” or “Genshin Impact”? What about your Epic Games or GOG libraries? Fortunately, there’s a solution—and it’s completely free. By installing the Heroic Games Launcher, you can play non-Steam games on your Steam Machine, opening up a world of gaming possibilities.

This guide walks you through everything you need to know: what the Heroic Games Launcher is, how to install it on your Steam Machine, and how to ensure your games run smoothly using Proton compatibility layers.

Understanding the Steam Machine: More Than Just a Console

At its core, the Steam Machine is essentially a computer running SteamOS—a custom Linux-based operating system. While it looks like a cross between an Xbox Series X and a Nintendo GameCube, underneath the hood, it’s a fully functional Linux machine.

Because it runs on Linux, you can install applications that let you sideload programs—installing them from outside the official app store. This is exactly how you can access your Epic Games and GOG libraries.

What Is the Heroic Games Launcher?

The Heroic Games Launcher is an open-source, free-to-use launcher designed to consolidate your game libraries under one digital roof. Originally created for Linux, Windows, and macOS, it works seamlessly on the Steam Machine because the platform is essentially a Linux machine.

Supported Platforms

Key Features

How to Install Heroic Games Launcher on Your Steam Machine

While the Heroic Games Launcher works on the Steam Machine, you can’t install it directly from the main menu. You’ll need to access Desktop Mode first—similar to the process on a Steam Deck.

Step 1: Switch to Desktop Mode

1. Press the Steam menu button in the bottom-left corner.

2. Select Power.

3. Choose Switch to Desktop.

Your Steam Machine will now display the desktop interface, where you can install third-party applications.

Step 2: Install Heroic Games Launcher

1. Open the Discover Store:

   • Look for the blue shopping bag icon in the taskbar.

   • If it doesn’t open automatically, click it to launch the store.

2. In the Discover Store, search for “Heroic Games Launcher”.

3. Click the Install button on the right side of the search result.

4. Wait for the installation to complete.

Step 3: Launch Heroic Games Launcher

1. Open the Heroic Games Launcher from your applications menu.

2. If this is your first time opening the program:

   • Close the patch notes window.

   • Decide whether to send anonymous analytics (optional).

Step 4: Link Your Accounts

1. Select “Log In”.

2. Pick the account you want to link:

   • Epic Games

   • GOG

3. Follow the on-screen instructions to log in.

4. Repeat for all the accounts you want to use.

Result: The app will populate your library with games from your linked accounts.

Step 5: Install Proton (Compatibility Layer)

Proton is a compatibility layer that allows Windows games to run on Linux systems. Without it, many non-Steam games won’t work.

1. In Heroic Games Launcher, click Wine Manager.

2. Click the Install button next to the latest version of Proton.

3. Wait for the installation to complete.

Step 6: Set Proton as Default

1. Go to the Settings menu.

2. Click Game Defaults.

3. In the Wine Version dropdown menu, select the Proton version you just installed.

Step 7: Enable Automatic Steam Integration

1. Go to Settings > General.

2. Toggle on Add games to Steam automatically.

Result: Any game you install through Heroic Games Launcher will automatically appear in your Steam library under the Non-Steam section.

Installing and Launching Games

Step-by-Step Installation

1. In Heroic Games Launcher, find a game you want to install.

2. Press the Install button under the game’s thumbnail.

3. In the pop-up window, click Install.

4. Wait for the download and installation to complete.

5. Click Return to Gaming Mode.

Your game will now appear in the Non-Steam section of your Steam library. You can launch it directly from there.

Compatibility: Not All Games Work Out of the Gate

While the Heroic Games Launcher opens up a vast library of games, not every title runs flawlessly on the Steam Machine. Proton compatibility is the key factor.

How to Check Game Compatibility

Steps to Ensure Compatibility

1. Visit ProtonDB and search for your game.

2. Check which Proton version is recommended.

3. In Heroic Games Launcher:

   • When installing a game, click Show Wine settings.

   • Select the compatible Proton version from the Wine version dropdown.

Pro Tip: Avoid relying solely on Valve’s rating system. ProtonDB provides more detailed, community-verified compatibility information.

Games That Won’t Work: The Anti-Cheat Problem

Some multiplayer games use kernel-level anti-cheat software that doesn’t work on Linux devices. A notable example is “Fortnite” from the Epic Games Store.

Recommendation: Before installing any multiplayer game, research its anti-cheat requirements and whether they are compatible with Linux.

Comparison Table: Steam Machine vs. Heroic Games Launcher

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I install the Heroic Games Launcher on a Steam Machine?
Yes. The Steam Machine runs on SteamOS (Linux-based), and the Heroic Games Launcher is fully compatible.

Do I need to access Desktop Mode?
Yes. You must switch to Desktop Mode to install the launcher, as it’s not available in the main Steam interface.

What is Proton, and why do I need it?
Proton is a compatibility layer that allows Windows games to run on Linux systems. It’s essential for playing non-Steam games on the Steam Machine.

Will all non-Steam games work on my Steam Machine?
No. Some games, especially those with kernel-level anti-cheat (like Fortnite), are incompatible with Linux and won’t run.

How do I check if a game is compatible?
Visit ProtonDB to see community-reported compatibility and recommended Proton versions for your game.

Quick Reference Summary

Final Thoughts: Expand Your Gaming Library

The Steam Machine is a powerful gaming platform, but its default library is limited to Steam titles. By installing the Heroic Games Launcher, you can unlock access to your Epic Games Store and GOG libraries, significantly expanding your gaming options.

While compatibility can be tricky—especially with anti-cheat-dependent multiplayer games—the community-driven ProtonDB is your best resource for ensuring games run smoothly. With a bit of time and effort, you can transform your Steam Machine into a versatile gaming console that plays a much wider range of titles.

Ready to get started? Follow the steps above, and soon you’ll be playing non-Steam games on your Steam Machine!