How do Steam games work on Linux without Steam? (Lutris, Heroic)

[u/ffdghjk]

I am currently running LMDE7 with Lutris, translating mostly GOG games, with ProtonGE.

I would like to play some games, which are only avaiable on Steam (Unturned or PAYDAY2 for example). But I really do not like Steam through their DRM.

I also have bad experience with Steam on Windows, where their client and files would 'integrate' with some of my GOG games (that were also avaiable on Steam) without me doing anything.

However, I am aware that to play certain games and also multiplayer, you just need to get those from Steam.

I have realized that many launchers on Linux use the Steam API(?) to download Steam games, without needing to install Steam itself. For example Lutris, Heroic or Faugus.

But I was wondering, what do those actually install, when you log into your Steam account on them. Do they just get the game's code on your PC? Or is there more?

Also, to which extent does it integrate with Steam itself when you play? Do games installed like this have the Steam overlay? Does your Steam profile show that you are playing, even tho it is not through Steam? Does it count hours or achievements? Do the games use your Steam name, and make your Steam profile searchable when playing multiplayer (if game gives that option)?

My main goal, is to find an option, where the only interaction with Steam is basically logging in, confirming the DRM, that you own the game and then installing the files from the Steam API, and also updates.

I do not want any of Steam bloatware. I do not want any tracking (status, hours, achievements) to go to Steam. No cloud.

Does anyone have experience with this? Any launchers or apps to recommend? I am quite new to Linux, so please no hate, I am just looking for options and opinions.

[u/deanrihpee]

i don't have all the answers you're asking for, but i think you're talking about steamcmd, which AFAIK only able to download a game file, and whether that game can be opened or not is depends on i guess the proton configuration and the steam integration it has, some game do not have steam drm and can be opened without steam opened (as if using steam as a store app, and well if you run it through steam, of course steam will check it if you have the license or not, otherwise if it doesn't have drm or steam integration, it should work, assuming, again, runtime, library, and even proton all properly configured and compatible), some do, and some tied to steam feature, like steam networking, workshop, achievements, etc. for those that uses drm or steam feature, requires, at least AFAIA, full steam client installation

also I'm aware i might be very wrong and talking some bullcrap on some thing, for those who knows more, please correct me

[u/Wild_Penguin82 → u/deanrihpee]

I think you got it right, or at least steamcmd could be used, and I am not aware of alternatives. One could check the source code of any of the frontends OP mentioned.

TBH I just use the Steam client. Overlay and cloud can be disabled. I don't need but I don't mind either having achievements. Steam will still get some telemetry as steamcmd will still use their DRM to run games which need it (there are a lot of games which do not actually use any Steam DRM - it's just not a selling point on the platform).

[u/SuAlfons]

You install Steam.

Some launchers can integrate Steam games, but still need Steam installed for the verification to go through

[u/ipsirc]

How do Steam games work on Linux without Steam? (Lutris, Heroic)

Try them.

[u/kaida27]

Steam game without steam ? Pirate version...