Rare Launcher gives you a graphical way to sign in to the Epic Games Store, install games, and set launch options on Linux. The project remains active, and its current Flathub package is the cleanest place to start when you want an Epic-focused launcher rather than the official client.
What Rare Launcher does
Rare is a graphical frontend for Legendary, the command-line client it uses for Epic Games Store access. You get a library view, downloads, per-game settings, and compatibility-tool controls without having to type each Legendary command.
I checked the project repository and its current release record while updating this page. Rare still ships through Flathub, so the earlier distribution path remains useful.
Install Rare from Flathub
Install the Flathub package if Flatpak is available on your distribution. The command adds Rare and the runtimes it needs, then Flatpak shows the permissions and download changes before it continues.
flatpak install flathub io.github.dummerle.rare
The confirmation screen identifies the Rare application ID and the runtimes Flatpak plans to add. Review that list, enter Y to continue, and wait for Flatpak to finish before opening Rare from your application menu.
If your distribution does not have Flatpak yet, install Flatpak through its supported package source first and add the Flathub remote. The Rare Flathub page keeps the package identifier and current installation options together.
Sign in to your Epic Games account
Rare presents Browser for a fresh Epic Games sign-in and Import only when it can read a session from an existing Epic Games Launcher installation.
Complete the Epic authorization request in your browser before you return to Rare.
Paste the browser authorization code into Rare and continue after the app enables Next.
Find, install, and launch a game
After authentication, use search to find a game, choose its installation location, and set its launch options from the game entry.
The library view separates your games, downloads, and store browsing. Install one title first, launch it, and adjust its compatibility tool only when that game needs a different Wine or Proton configuration.
Choose Rare or Heroic
Rare suits an Epic-focused library. Heroic Games Launcher is the stronger fit when you want Epic, GOG, and Amazon Games in one application.
| Choice | Use it when |
|---|---|
| Rare | You want an Epic Games Store launcher built around Legendary and its own library workflow. |
| Heroic | You want one launcher for Epic, GOG, and Amazon Games, with its broader store support. |
Both launchers need a compatible graphics stack and a game that works through its selected compatibility layer. For controller setup after installation, use Xbox controller setup with Steam on Linux. If you play on a handheld, watching YouTube in Steam Deck Gaming Mode helps you prepare the wider Linux gaming environment.
For compatibility tooling, compare the ProtonPlus manager with enabling Proton in Steam. If a game opens at the wrong size on a Wayland desktop, follow the Wayland game-scaling fix instead of changing launch settings at random.
Fix common launch problems
When a title installs but does not start, check its game settings before reinstalling it. Confirm the selected Wine or Proton option, review the game log, and test a different supported compatibility tool when the title requires one.
- Confirm that the game finishes downloading in the Downloads tab.
- Open the game settings and check the Wine or Proton selection.
- Launch once with the default settings, then change one compatibility option at a time.
- Use the game log to identify the next setting to test.
A launcher can manage the library while a particular game still depends on its own compatibility requirements. Keep the launcher update path simple, then investigate title-specific behavior separately.
Frequently asked questions
These answers cover the installation choice and the boundary between an Epic-only launcher and a multi-store launcher.
Does Rare work with the Epic Games Store on Linux?
Rare is a graphical frontend that uses Legendary to work with an Epic Games Store library. Sign in through the app, then install and launch supported games from your library.
How do I install Rare on Linux?
Install the Flathub build with the Flatpak command in this guide. The Flathub listing is the current distribution reference for the application.
When should I use Heroic instead of Rare?
Use Heroic when you also want GOG or Amazon Games support in the same launcher. Keep Rare when its Epic-focused workflow fits your library and you prefer its interface.
Why does a game fail after it installs?
A game can need a compatibility tool or a change to its Wine settings. Start with the game-specific settings, then verify that your graphics stack and chosen compatibility tool support that title.
Start by installing Rare from Flathub, signing in through the browser flow, and testing one game from your Epic library. That gives you a known working baseline before you tune game-specific options.