GOG Galaxy manages GOG games and combines supported libraries from other platforms.
Everyday use
GOG Galaxy provides one place to install and update games purchased on GOG, keep supported saves synchronized between PCs, and view achievements and play time. Its integrations can also bring games from other platforms into the same library, so you can browse a wider collection without switching between launchers for every task. GOG Galaxy is available for Windows 10, Windows 11, and macOS.
For people who want these features, GOG Galaxy connects a GOG account with the client and can be extended by linking other platforms through integrations. Those connections rely on plugins, rather than making every external service a guaranteed part of the client.
Limits and optional use
GOG Galaxy is most useful to people who buy games on GOG or want a combined library. The client itself is freeware, while games are sold separately, and using it requires a GOG account. Players without GOG games who do not need a unified library may have little reason to use it. There is no Linux client.
The launcher is optional for GOG games. You can download standalone offline installers from your GOG account and play without Galaxy, so the client is not required for installation or ongoing access. GOG games also do not require a mandatory online check, which makes the offline installer route practical when you prefer not to manage a game through a launcher.
Updates, saves, and version control
Automatic updates help keep installed games current, while cloud saves synchronize progress between PCs for games that support the feature. If an update causes a problem, Galaxy offers an option to return a game to an earlier version. This can help preserve a working setup or restore compatibility after a patch.
Automatic updating is not always desirable when you need to keep a game in a particular state. In that case, turn off automatic updates for that game in its settings. This gives you control over whether Galaxy applies newer releases while leaving the other library features available.
Setting up the client
Installation starts by running the small online installer, which downloads the rest of Galaxy. After installation, sign in with your GOG account to access your purchased games and client features. To combine libraries, open Settings → Integrations and connect the other platforms you want represented in Galaxy.
External integrations can be convenient for viewing games, play time, and achievements together, but they may stop working when the connected services change. Their availability depends on plugins, so a combined library should be treated as an added convenience rather than a permanent guarantee. GOG Galaxy’s core role remains managing GOG purchases, with offline installers available when you want to use those games without the client.