Heroic Games Launcher vs Riot Client
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.
Heroic Games Launcher is a free, open-source desktop app that lets PC and Steam Deck players manage and launch their Epic Games Store, GOG, and Amazon Prime Gaming libraries from a single interface, without needing the official Epic or Amazon clients running in the background. Built by a community of volunteer developers under a GPLv3 license, it bundles Wine and Proton compatibility layers so Linux and Steam Deck users can run Windows-only games, adds a download queue with live speed stats, custom artwork, and a console-style mode for TV setups, and ships with no ads, telemetry opt-outs, and no data resale.
The Riot Client is a single desktop application that lets players download, update, and launch Riot Games' portfolio, including League of Legends, VALORANT, Teamfight Tactics, Legends of Runeterra, and Wild Rift. It also provides integrated social features, friend lists, and in‑client news and events. Beyond game launch, the client offers account management, cross‑game progression tracking, and quick access to Riot's esports news, store, and community hubs, making it the central hub for Riot's ecosystem.
- Combines multiple game stores in one client
- Fully free and open source with active development
- Strong Linux and Steam Deck support via Proton
- No forced telemetry or ads
- Single hub for all Riot titles
- Automatic updates eliminate manual patching
- Cross‑game friend and chat system
- Built‑in news and esports feed
- Requires official Epic/GOG/Amazon accounts to sign in, so it does not remove DRM
- Occasional compatibility hiccups with newer anti-cheat protected games on Linux
- Less visually polished than official first-party launchers
- Limited to Riot Games ecosystem
- Occasional client crashes on older hardware
- No native macOS client (requires Windows via compatibility layer)
More alternatives & similar tools
Alternatives to Heroic Games Launcher
View all →
Open-source game launcher with a built-in downloader, library manager, and cloud saves
Alternatives to Riot Client
View all →
The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataRiot Client is the safe default for players who only need Riot games, offering seamless updates and cross‑game social features; Heroic Games Launcher is better for gamers who want a single free, open‑source client to manage Epic, GOG, and Amazon libraries, especially on Linux/Steam Deck.
Key differences
- •Ecosystem scope: Riot Client works only with Riot titles, while Heroic aggregates Epic, GOG, and Amazon libraries.
- •Platform support: Riot Client lacks a native macOS client; Heroic runs on Linux and Steam Deck via Proton/Wine.
- •Open‑source vs closed: Heroic is GPLv3 open source, Riot Client is proprietary and not open source.
- •Integration depth: Riot offers built‑in news, esports feed, and performance optimizer; Heroic focuses on launch management and customizable UI.
- •Support model: Riot provides email, knowledge base, and forums; Heroic relies on community support typical of open‑source projects.
Pricing & value
Both are free to use; value depends on whether you need only Riot games or multiple stores.
Ease of use / learning curve
Riot Client offers a polished, single‑purpose UI; Heroic requires configuring Wine/Proton for some games.
Features & depth
Riot includes automatic patching, performance optimizer, news, and esports feed; Heroic focuses on launch and library management.
Integrations & ecosystem
Heroic integrates three major stores plus Wine/Proton; Riot only integrates Riot titles and limited third‑party links.
Support
Riot offers official email, knowledge base, and community forums; Heroic relies on community contributions.
Security & privacy
Heroic runs anonymous opt‑in analytics and never sells data; Riot’s privacy details not specified.
Migration / lock‑in
Heroic lets you keep existing Epic/GOG/Amazon accounts; Riot locks you into the Riot ecosystem.
Choose Heroic Games Launcher if…
Multi‑store gamers, especially Linux/Steam Deck users, who value open source and store aggregation.
Choose Riot Client if…
Riot‑only gamers who want a hassle‑free, officially supported launcher on Windows.
Common questions
Can I play non‑Riot games with the Riot Client?
No, the client is limited to Riot Games titles.
Does Heroic Games Launcher work on macOS?
Not specified; it runs on Linux and Windows, with strong Steam Deck support.
Is there any cost to use either launcher?
Both are free to download and use.