Epic Games Launcher vs Heroic Games Launcher
Epic Games Launcher
store.epicgames.comHeroic Games Launcher
heroicgameslauncher.comSide by side
| Figure | Epic Games Launcher | Heroic Games Launcher |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | — | Yes |
| iOS | Yes | — |
| Android | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 1 | 1 |
| Spec score · Game Launcher Software | 8.4 (#6) | 7.8 (#13) |
| Spec score · Game launchers | 8.2 (#19) | 7.9 (#25) |
| Cloud saves | Many Epic Games Store games support Cloud Saves, which automatically store save files online for use across devices. | Heroic supports syncing game saves with the cloud. |
| Purpose | The Epic Games Launcher provides access to install and launch games from the Epic Games Store Library. | Heroic is an open-source launcher for installing and playing games from Epic Games Store, GOG, and Amazon Prime Gaming. |
| Support | Epic provides a Player Support portal with self-service account recovery, password help, and two-factor-authentication tools. | The FAQ directs users to the project documentation and Discord for help, and says persistent issues can be reported on GitHub. |
Plans
In their own words
Epic Games Launcher
Epic Games Launcher gives users access to install and launch games in an Epic Games Store library. The launcher is free to install, and Epic offers a new free game every Thursday on mobile and PC. The store is available globally on PC and Mac and worldwide on Android; iPhone and iPad access is limited to specified supported regions. Desktop requirements include Windows 10 64-bit or Windows 11, macOS 13.5 or later, an Intel Core i3 or AMD FX processor, 4GB memory, compatible DirectX 9 graphics and 3GB storage. Many games support cloud saves, and signed-in players can continue progress across devices in supported games. Offline Mode works for eligible installed single-player games, though multiplayer, cloud saves, achievements and other online services may not be available. The launcher supports controllers and automatic updates. Epic accounts support authenticator-app, SMS or email two-factor authentication, parental controls and up to 1,000 friends. Mod support is listed as none. Optional in-app purchases are available.
Heroic Games Launcher
Heroic Games Launcher is a free, open-source desktop launcher for installing and playing games from Epic Games Store, GOG and Amazon Prime Gaming. It supports Linux, Windows 10 and 11, and macOS 14 or newer; SteamOS is supported with downloads available through Discover. Users can install, uninstall, update, repair, move and import games, and access the Epic and GOG stores from within the interface. Heroic supports Wine and Proton on Linux and CrossOver on macOS, with custom Wine and Proton versions available for Linux. It can sync game saves with the cloud and accepts games and applications outside Epic and GOG, though automatic updates or save syncing may not be available for those additions. The project says it does not collect personal data, usernames or passwords; optional anonymous analytics are off by default. Linux downloads include Flatpak, AppImage, RPM, DEB and TAR.XZ packages. Heroic is released under the GNU General Public License version 3.0. Its FAQ warns that using Wine or Proton on an unsupported operating system may result in bans, depending on the game.