How to Install GOG Games: A Beginner's Guide

Table of Contents

If you’re a PC gamer, you’ve likely heard of GOG games. GOG, which stands for “Good Old Games,” is a digital distribution platform that specializes in providing DRM-free games. Unlike other digital distribution platforms like Steam, GOG games can be downloaded and played without requiring an internet connection or any additional software. However, if you’re new to GOG games, you may be wondering how to install them. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of installing GOG games step by step.

System Requirements

Following the prompts during installation is crucial for a successful GOG game installation

Before you start downloading GOG games, it’s essential to ensure your computer meets the minimum system requirements. Failing to meet the requirements can cause the game to run poorly or not at all. To check the system requirements for a specific game, visit the game’s page on the GOG website. The system requirements are listed under the “Details” section.

Most GOG games require a relatively low-powered computer to run smoothly. However, newer games may require more powerful hardware. For example, the game “Cyberpunk 2077” requires a minimum of an Intel Core i5-3570K or AMD FX-8310 processor, 8 GB of RAM, and a NVIDIA GeForce GTX 780 or AMD Radeon RX 470 graphics card.

If you’re unsure if your computer meets the minimum requirements, you can check your computer’s specifications by right-clicking on the “This PC” icon in Windows, selecting “Properties,” and viewing the “System” section.

Downloading GOG Games

To download GOG games, you’ll first need to create an account on the GOG website. Creating an account is free and straightforward. Visit the GOG website, click on the “Join GOG” button on the top right corner of the page, and follow the prompts to create your account.

Once you’ve created an account, you can browse the GOG library and purchase the games you want to play. Purchasing a game on GOG is easy. Simply navigate to the game’s page, click the “Add to Cart” button, and follow the prompts to complete your purchase. Once your purchase is complete, you can download the game files to your computer.

To download the game files, navigate to the “My Account” section of the GOG website and select “Games.” Find the game you want to download and click the “Download” button. GOG will prompt you to save the game files to your computer. Choose a location to save the files, and the download will begin.

Installing GOG Games

Once you’ve downloaded the game files, it’s time to install the game. Installing GOG games is a simple process that can be completed in just a few steps.

First, locate the game installer file that you downloaded. The installer file will have a “.exe” extension. Double-click on the installer file to start the installation process. Follow the prompts to complete the installation.

During the installation process, you’ll be prompted to choose the installation location and language. Choose a location on your computer that has enough space to install the game. You can also choose the language of the game during the installation process.

After the installation is complete, the game will be ready to play. You can find the game in your computer’s file explorer or by searching for it in the start menu. Double-click on the game icon to launch the game, and you’re ready to play!

Launching and Playing GOG Games

Once you’ve installed the GOG game on your computer, it’s time to launch and play it.

Finding the Game on Your Computer

To find the game, navigate to the directory where you installed it. By default, GOG games are installed in the “C:Program Files (x86)GOG GalaxyGames” folder. If you changed the installation location during the installation process, the game may be located in a different folder.

Running the Game

To run the game, double-click the game’s executable file. The executable file is typically named after the game and has a “.exe” extension. Once you’ve launched the game, it should start running in full screen mode.

Adjusting Game Settings and Controls

Before starting the game, you may want to adjust the game’s settings and controls. To do this, look for the “Options” or “Settings” menu within the game. From there, you can adjust graphics settings, sound options, and other game settings. You can also customize the game’s controls to suit your preferences.

Troubleshooting Common Installation Issues

Despite following the installation process, you may encounter some common installation issues. Here are some of the most common installation issues and how to solve them:

Issues with File Extraction

Sometimes, the game’s files may not extract properly during the installation process, leading to an error. To solve this issue, try re-installing the game, making sure to follow the installation prompts carefully. If the issue persists, try downloading the game again and installing it from scratch.

Installation Errors

Installation errors can occur for various reasons, including corrupted game files or conflicts with other software on your computer. To solve this issue, try running the game installer as an administrator, disabling any antivirus software temporarily, or updating your computer’s drivers.

Solving Compatibility Issues

Compatibility issues can occur if the game is not compatible with your computer’s operating system or hardware. To solve this issue, try running the game in compatibility mode or updating your computer’s drivers. You can also try contacting the game’s support team for further assistance.