How to Install Minigalaxy on Linux

GOG Galaxy, the popular digital distribution platform known for DRM-free games, has long been considered a Windows-exclusive domain. But fear not, Linux users! While a native GOG Galaxy client remains elusive, two reliable methods exist for enjoying your GOG library on the penguin-powered platform.

Minigalaxy: A Simple Solution for Linux Games

For those primarily interested in playing Linux-compatible games, Minigalaxy offers a straightforward and hassle-free experience. This third-party GOG client seamlessly integrates with your GOG account, allowing you to download and play your purchased games directly on Linux.

Minigalaxy is remarkably user-friendly. Simply install it, log in using your GOG credentials, and browse your library. The client will automatically display all your Linux-compatible games, which are ready for download.

Key Features of Minigalaxy:

• Effortless Installation: Minigalaxy is compatible with major Linux distributions, including Ubuntu, Debian, Fedora, and Arch. Installation is as simple as running a single command in your terminal.

• Direct Downloads: Access your GOG library directly and download games for a streamlined gaming experience.

• Seamless Play: Minigalaxy launches your games with minimal fuss, offering a smooth gameplay experience.

• Wine Compatibility: While Minigalaxy primarily focuses on Linux games, it also supports running Windows games using the robust Wine compatibility layer.

Bottles: Unleashing the Power of Windows Games

For those who crave the whole GOG Galaxy experience, including the ability to play Windows-only games and manage their entire library, Bottles is the ultimate solution. Bottles is a sophisticated wrapper for Windows applications, effectively bridging the gap between Linux and the Windows ecosystem.

Bottles Enables You To:

• Install and Run GOG Galaxy: Bottles creates a virtualized environment, allowing you to install the GOG Galaxy client on Linux like a Windows machine.

• Play Windows-only Games: Enjoy your entire GOG library with seamless integration, including those titles exclusively available on Windows.

• Manage Your Library: Utilize all the features of the GOG Galaxy client, such as purchasing new games, managing your account, and even requesting refunds.

Installing Minigalaxy on Linux:

Minigalaxy's installation is a breeze. On Ubuntu and Debian-based systems, the process involves a single command:

      Sudo apt install mini galaxy
    

Use code with caution.

This command will download and install Minigalaxy directly onto your system. Once installed, launch the application from your app drawer, log in, and begin exploring your game library.

Installing and Playing Games with Minigalaxy:

Once logged into Minigalaxy, you'll have a list of all your Linux-compatible games. To install a game, click the "Download" button beneath its entry. The download process will start automatically, and a progress bar will indicate its progress. Once the installation is complete, a "Play" button will appear. Click it to launch the game and enjoy your gaming session.

Utilizing Bottles for the Full GOG Galaxy Experience:

Bottles leverage the power of Flatpak, a versatile application packaging system, to enable a smooth and efficient installation across various Linux distributions. To install Bottles, follow these steps:

1. Install Flatpak: If you haven't already, install Flatpak on your system. For Ubuntu and Debian systems, use the following command:

         sudo apt install flatpack
       

   After installation, restart your PC.

2. Add the Flathub Repository: The Flathub repository contains many Flatpak packages, including Bottles. Add it to your Flatpak system using the following command:

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

   
   

3. Install Bottles: With the Flathub repository added, you can now install Bottles using the following command:

         flatpak install flathub com.usebottles.bottle
       

   
   

   Follow the on-screen instructions, agreeing to the various prompts by pressing 'y' and Enter.

4. Create a New Bottle: Launch Bottles from your app launcher and click the "Add" button in the top-left corner. Name the new bottle (e.g., GOG Galaxy) and select "Gaming" from the options. Click "Create."

5. Install GOG Galaxy: Once the bottle is created, click on it within the Bottles menu. Navigate to "Install Programs" and select "GOG Galaxy." Follow the on-screen instructions to install the GOG Galaxy client.

6. Launch GOG Galaxy: After the installation, click the "Launch" button for GOG Galaxy within the "Programs" section of the bottle you created. The GOG Galaxy client will start, allowing you to log in and access your entire library of games.

Important Considerations:

While both Minigalaxy and Bottles provide excellent solutions for enjoying GOG games on Linux, it's important to note that the Windows-only games running through Bottles might experience occasional performance issues. This is due to the inherent limitations of running Windows applications in a virtualized environment.

Additionally, encountering bugs or crashes is possible, especially when running demanding games. If you experience problems, simply exit GOG Galaxy, restart it through the Bottles app, and try again.

The Future of GOG Galaxy on Linux:

While there's no official word on a native GOG Galaxy client for Linux, the growing popularity of Linux gaming suggests that the platform might explore options to expand its reach. For now, Minigalaxy and Bottles provide excellent alternatives for enjoying your GOG games on Linux, ensuring you can enjoy your favorite titles regardless of your operating system.