Xodus Nexus launcher lets Linux and Steam Deck users play PC Game Pass locally

An open-source launcher called Xodus Nexus lets users download and play Microsoft Store and PC Game Pass titles locally on Linux and SteamOS. Developed by GitHub user domsvoboda, the project is independent and not affiliated with Microsoft or Valve. Previously, Linux and Steam Deck users had to rely on Xbox Cloud Gaming to access these titles.

The utility incorporates a visual interface, an altered backend, and a specialized execution environment created from adjusted program components including Wine, Xodus Proton, and Xodus XGameRuntime. According to the developer, at least 42 games are fully playable. Reported playable titles include Forza Horizon 6, Gears of War: E-Day, Sea of Thieves, No Man’s Sky, DOOM Eternal, and Hollow Knight: Silksong. Other reported playable titles include Deep Rock Galactic, Minecraft Dungeons II, Palworld, Avowed, and The Outer Worlds 2.

SteamOS support is considered experimental. Users may need to use a mouse, keyboard, or touchscreen to navigate certain sign-in windows and system file pickers. For browser fallbacks during sign-in, Google Chrome is required. The launcher can add shortcuts to Steam to support Steam's Gaming Mode, but this requires a native Linux installation of Steam because the Flatpak version is not supported.

Compatibility is limited by certain technical requirements. Older Universal Windows Platform (UWP) games are not supported, and software utilizing rigorous security systems against cheating cannot start at this time. Individuals must still possess an authenticated Microsoft profile and a current membership or purchased copy to reach authorized material. The launcher is available as an x86_64 Linux AppImage on GitHub.