GOG Galaxy is coming to Linux in 2027, with a faster Windows and Mac rework
GOG confirmed a native Linux Galaxy client at its first Showcase, plus a rebuilt Windows and Mac app. Beta sign-ups are open and offline installers stay.
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GOG Galaxy is finally coming to Linux. At its first GOG Showcase on November 5, 2026, which also marked the store's 18th birthday, GOG confirmed a native Linux version of its Galaxy launcher. It also announced a reworked client for Windows and Mac. GamingOnLinux and Steam Deck HQ report that the new Galaxy is due in 2027, and players can sign up for a closed beta now.
GOG also repeated its core promise: Galaxy stays optional, and offline installers are not going away.
What's confirmed
Galaxy on Linux. In its Showcase post, GOG says "GOG GALAXY is officially heading to Linux" and admits it has "been a long time coming". GamingOnLinux reports that this will be a new release of Galaxy for every platform, and that GOG had already told the site in July that it was working on Linux support.
A rework for Windows and Mac. GOG says the client has been rebuilt to be simpler and faster, with cleaner ways to view your library.
Still optional. GOG says Galaxy remains "entirely optional", and that players can still download DRM-free offline installers and keep their games as before.
Timing and beta. Steam Deck HQ reports that GOG confirmed on X that the new client launches next year, in 2027. A closed beta waitlist is on GOG's anniversary page and only asks for an email address.
Also announced:
- GOG Social, a closed beta community space with threaded discussions, screenshot galleries, polls, spoiler tags and posts linked to store pages. Sign-ups are open.
- Retrovibe by GOG, GOG's first step into publishing, led by Project Warlock: Lost Chapters.
- Preservation Program: GOG says it has made more than 1,700 fixes to more than 300 classic games, and that Nox is the latest game to join.
- Wing Commander: Prophecy, whose restoration GOG led for EA's new Anniversary Editions.
Background
GOG launched in 2008 and built its name on DRM-free classic games, but Galaxy, its optional launcher, has only ever been on Windows and Mac. Linux players have relied on offline installers or third-party launchers such as Heroic to manage GOG libraries, sync saves and run Windows games through Proton or Wine.
That gap has become more obvious since Valve's Steam Deck launched in 2022 running Linux-based SteamOS. GamingOnLinux notes that when the new Galaxy arrives, Steam, Epic's launcher and GOG Galaxy will all be supported on Linux.
My take: late, but it counts
For anyone who buys old PC games on GOG, Linux support for Galaxy has been the most obvious missing piece. A native client could make cloud saves and library management on a Steam Deck feel like a proper feature instead of a workaround. GOG also deserves credit for keeping Galaxy optional. Offline installers are the reason many of us shop there.
The open question is whether Linux Galaxy will help run Windows-only games. Most of GOG's catalogue is Windows-only, so a Linux client that only handles native Linux games would be much less useful. And 2027 is still a while away. For Steam Deck owners, that is the detail to watch.
What we don't know yet
- Release date. GOG has given 2027 but no month.
- Distributions. No supported Linux distributions or package formats are listed.
- Proton or Wine. It is not clear whether the client will run Windows games through a compatibility layer, or how it handles cloud saves on Linux.
- Beta start. GOG has not said when closed beta invites go out.
Quick facts
| Key | Value |
|---|---|
| Announced | GOG Showcase, November 5, 2026 |
| Platforms | Linux (new), plus reworked Windows and Mac clients |
| Release window | 2027 |
| Beta | Closed beta waitlist on GOG's anniversary page |
| Is Galaxy required? | No, offline installers remain |
| Also announced | GOG Social beta, Retrovibe publishing, Preservation Program update |
FAQ
Is GOG Galaxy coming to Linux?
Yes. GOG confirmed a native Linux version of Galaxy at its Showcase on November 5, 2026, as part of a new client for all platforms.
When will GOG Galaxy for Linux be released?
In 2027, according to GOG's posts on X as reported by Steam Deck HQ. There is no exact date yet.
Will GOG Galaxy work on the Steam Deck?
GOG hasn't said anything specific about the Steam Deck. A native Linux client should run on SteamOS desktop mode, but we have not seen confirmation.
Do I need Galaxy to play my GOG games?
No. GOG says Galaxy stays optional and offline installers will remain available.
More from the Showcase: EA puts 25 classic PC games on Steam and GOG.
Sources: GOG; GamingOnLinux; Steam Deck HQ.
