Hydra Launcher
Hydra is a game launcher with an embedded BitTorrent client. It’s designed to help you streamline the process of downloading and managing game repacks from various sources. Hydra Launcher is written in TypeScript (Electron) and Python. It manages torrenting systems with the help of libtorrent library.
Hydra Launcher offers a wide range of features to enhance your gaming experience. Download now and dive into the ultimate experience!
What is Hydra Launcher?
Hydra Launcher is an open source game launcher with its own BitTorrent client and a self managed repack scraper. It helps you to download the latest and premium games for free. Hydra is specifically designed to simplify the management and sharing of your favorite games. It is built using TypeScript (Electron) and Python. The torrent system is managed with the help of the libtorrent library.
Hydra is available on various platforms such as Windows, Linux, and Steam Deck. Using Hydra you can easily collect and organize your games in a single platform. It is integrated with various sources of game information, and it provides detailed information about average completion time, images, video previews, descriptions, etc. This helps you to make informed decisions about your gaming adventures.
If you have the DRM-Free copies of your favorite games, you can include them in your library and you can access them directly through the Hydra Launcher.
How Does the Hydra Launcher Work?
Hydra Launcher enables users to find the free games, so we must know how the it works. Hydra is a link indexer which is incorporated into an interface that allows you to manage libraries. Here users can search from a wide range of games and get access to numerous download sources with just a few clicks. It also allows users to add local titles to the system.
Hydra Launcher is an open source application and it’s completely free. Once you open the application, you will get access to all the features. You don’t need to create an account, enter any personal details, or purchase any premium subscription. Hydra thrives to protect user privacy and to provide seamless experience to everyone.
Hydra has created the entire local database with the help of renowned sources in the gaming community and it allows users to browse any game without any active internet connection. You will need an internet connection only when you will download the game.
Key Features
Download Hydra Launcher [Latest Version]
Hydra Launcher || v3.1.5 “Spectre” || 134 MB
What’s New
In the latest version of Hydra Launcher, previous bugs have been fixed and new updates are rolled out. New updates includes –
- Fixed a bug where Hydra would turn into a blank screen in some specific scenarios
- RPC feature optimization
- Updated Spanish and Bulgarian translation
- Experimental feature: launch options for games (Windows only for now)
- Embedded support chat
- Addition of “Launch Hydra minimized” option
Pros and Cons
Pros
Cons
How to Download and Install the Hydra Launcher on Windows or Linux?
You can download the latest version of Hydra gaming launcher on your Windows and Linux. It can also be installed on your Steam Deck. The installation process for Windows and Linux is almost the same, only the minimum system requirements differ.
- To download the latest Windows and Linux version, visit the official website. Click on the “Download” Button.
- Select the respective download button as per your operating system
- Download .exe file to install Hydra on the windows and .deb or .rpm or .zip file to install it on Linux.
- Now select the downloaded file and right click on it. Click on “Run as administrator”.
- Select the path where you want to install and click on install button. Wait for a few minutes to complete the installation.
- Once the installation is completed, you are ready to use the Hydra Launcher.
How to Download and Install the Hydra Launcher on Steam Deck?
You can install Hydra on Steam Deck using two methods i.e. Easy mode and Hardcore mode. Installation steps are as follows.
Easy Mode
- Download the Hydra (.Appimage) from https://hydra-launcher.org/ or visit the official Github page.
- Select the folder where you want to download and wait for the download to complete.
- Now run the downloaded file. It’s done!
HardCore Mode
- Download the .zip file of Hydra Launcher’s latest version.
- Next, extract the zip file to a folder of your choice.
- You will need to unlock the read-only mode to install programs, if you haven’t done it already. You will receive errors with the phrase.
sudo steamos-readonly disable
sudo sh -c ‘echo “keyserver hkps://keyserver.ubuntu.com” >> /etc/pacman.d/gnupg/gpg.conf’
sudo pacman-key –init
sudo pacman-key –populate archlinux
sudo pacman-key –populate holo
- Save the text file given below into a file named setup.sh in the same folder where you extracted the program.
#!/bin/bash
# Install Node.js, Yarn, Python 3.9, and project dependencies
sudo pacman -S –needed nodejs npm yarn python
# Install Node dependencies
yarn install
# Install Python dependencies
pip install -r requirements.txt
# Configure environment variables
cp .env.example .env
# Add instructions here to insert any necessary credentials into the .env file
# STEAMGRIDDB_API_KEY=
# ONLINEFIX_USERNAME=
# ONLINEFIX_PASSWORD=
# Build Electron
yarn build:electron
# Run Hydra Launcher
yarn dev
- Next you need to grant execution permissions. For that use the following command
chmod +x setup.sh
- To execute the script use the following command
./setup.sh
- This will run the setup script and install the necessary dependencies for Hydra Launcher.
- Use the following command to restore the read-only mode
sudo steamos-readonly enable
- This enables read only mode on your system.
How to Start the Hydra Launcher?
To start the launcher, navigate to the folder where Hydra is installed. Run the following command:
yarn dev
- Now this will launch the Hydra launcher and you can start using it on your system.
- You can create a file with the name: Hydra launcher.sh” and add it to Steam to run it directly from there.
- Ex.
#!/bin/bash
# Navigate to the directory where Hydra Launcher is installed
cd /path/to/hydra_launcher_directory
# Run the launcher
yarn dev
- In the above script, replace “/path/to/hydra_launcher_directory” with the actual path to the directory where Hydra Launcher is installed.
- After creating the script, use the following command to grant execution permissions.
chmod +x Hydra\ Launcher.sh
- Add this script to Steam as a non-steam game. It will allow you to launch Hydra Launcher directly from your steam library.
Features in Detail
Integrated BitTorrent Client
Hydra launcher has a built-in BitTorrent client. It allows you to download the game repacks directly without the need of external torrent software. The BitTorrent client automatically connects to torrent trackers listed for a game, showing download speeds, seeders/peers, and progress within the launcher interface. Beginners can download the file with ease.
How Long To Beat (HLTB) Integration on Game Page
Hydra launcher integrates with the How Long To Beat (HLTB) database, which is a popular platform where gamers share the average time required to complete the particular game. This helps you to decide if the game that you are downloading is worth your time. You will get all this information on the game page itself. Example – Main Story: 10 hours
Windows and Linux Support
Hydra launcher offers cross platform support. It is compatible with both Windows and Linux, which makes it accessible to a wider audience. Hydra works seamlessly with both operating systems. As Linux gaming is growing, Hydra’s support for Linux makes it a good choice for tools like Proton and Steam Deck.
Downloads Path Customization
Hydra offers download path customization, which allows users to customize where their game files and downloads are stored on their system. It’s very helpful for gamers to manage multiple drives. You can keep your primary drives free from large game files by directing downloads to secondary drives.
Regular Updates
Hydra launcher is an open source application. It is constantly updated to improve its performance, add new features, and address user feedback. Regular updates ensure bugs are fixed so that you get a smoother and reliable experience with fewer crashes. Addition of new integrations and tools keeps the launcher industry relevant. New updates are automatically prompted upon launch.
Ad Free
One of the best features of Hydra launcher is its ad-free environment. It provides users with a smooth and distraction free experience. While other launchers focus on generating revenue through intrusive ads, Hydra aims to provide a seamless and user-friendly interface. This clean and uncluttered design enhances usability and makes the launcher more visually appealing.
User Reviews
FAQs
Conclusion
Hydra launcher is a powerful and user-friendly tool that makes game management simplified with features like built-in torrent client, HLTB integration, and ad-free navigation. If you are a gamer who seeks convenience and control then hydra is the best choice. It’s cross platform support and customization options makes it the best option. You can get repacks and mods for a seamless experience with Hydra launcher.