Brotato Gets DRM-Free GOG Release: Evil Empire Details 2026

By Larson Bin Joy • Senior Writer, In Game News

Release Date (GOG)	February 25, 2026
Platforms	Linux (Native), PC
Developer	Evil Empire (Current Development)
Price	20% off until March 4, 2026

The Spud Strikes GOG: A DRM-Free Milestone

After a long wait, one of the most addictive roguelikes in the business has finally planted its roots on GOG. Brotato is officially live on the platform, bringing its signature brand of chaotic, arena-shooter action to the DRM-free crowd. For those of us who have spent hundreds of hours dodging aliens on other storefronts, this move is a welcome expansion. It’s not just the base game making the jump, either; the GOG release arrives fully loaded with the Abyssal Terrors DLC and the official soundtrack. We’ve seen GOG be a bit slow on the uptake with certain indie hits lately, so seeing a heavy hitter like Brotato arrive is a major win for the storefront. For the uninitiated, this isn't just another bullet heaven clone. It’s a finely tuned machine of build-crafting and survival that rewards players for finding the most broken, over-the-top weapon combinations imaginable.

GOG fans can finally get in on the Brotato action, just keep in mind - it might suck away endless hours of your time if you're not careful.

Evil Empire Steers the Ship

Perhaps the most interesting context behind this release is who is behind the curtain. While Brotato started its life under a different creator, the development reins were handed over to Evil Empire in late 2025. For those who aren't familiar with the name, Evil Empire is the studio that handled the post-launch life of Dead Cells and the development of The Rogue Prince of Persia. This change in leadership is a big deal for the game’s longevity. Since taking over, the studio has been pushing regular free content updates, ensuring that the "meta" stays fresh for veteran players. The GOG release benefits from this ongoing support, launching in a state that feels polished and content-rich. Having a studio of this caliber managing future updates means Brotato isn't just a "finished" game—it’s a living project that continues to grow.

Native Linux Support Done Right

For our readers on the Linux side of things, the news is even better. This is a Native Linux release. While many games rely on translation layers to function, Brotato’s native build ensures that performance remains rock-solid, even when the screen is literally filled with hundreds of enemies and thousands of projectiles. In a game where a single frame drop can end a 25-minute run, that native optimization is a game-changer.

The Mechanics of a Perfect Run

Brotato’s core loop is deceptively simple but incredibly deep. You play as a potato—customizable with dozens of different starting classes like the "Crazy," "Lucky," or "Mage"—and must survive 20 waves of alien onslaught.

Weaponry and Customization

The variety here is staggering. You aren't just picking between a sword or a gun; you’re managing up to six weapon slots. You can go for a high-risk, one-handed build or load up on flamethrowers, SMGs, and rocket launchers. If you’re feeling more primitive, you can even try to survive with nothing but sticks and stones.

Wave-Based Survival

Each wave lasts between 20 and 90 seconds. It sounds short, but as the clock ticks down and the screen fills with enemies, every second feels like a fight for your life. Between waves, you visit the shop to spend the materials you’ve gathered. This is where the real strategy happens. You have to balance buying new gear with gaining experience and choosing the right stat upgrades to survive the next escalation in difficulty.

Accessibility and Co-op Gameplay

One of the standout features that we have always appreciated in Brotato is its approach to accessibility. The developer understands that not everyone wants a soul-crushing grind. The game includes robust options to tweak enemy health, damage, and speed. This allows you to find the exact "sweet spot" of difficulty that works for you, whether you want a chill session or a brutal test of reflexes. Furthermore, the GOG release includes local co-op support for up to four players. Bringing friends into the mix completely changes the math of a run. Coordinating builds—where one player focuses on tanking while another focuses on high-DPS area-of-effect damage—adds a layer of tactical depth that single-player runs lack.

Our Take: Is It Worth the Pickup?

If you haven’t played Brotato yet, there is no better time than now. The 20% launch discount on GOG (running until March 4th) makes it an absolute steal. It’s the perfect "coffee break" game, with runs lasting under 30 minutes, but it has enough depth to keep you coming back for "one more try" until the sun comes up. The inclusion of the Abyssal Terrors DLC right out of the gate on GOG shows that the developers aren't just dumping an old build onto the platform; they are providing the full, modern experience. With Evil Empire at the helm and a native Linux build that runs like a dream, this is a high-authority recommendation for anyone who enjoys roguelikes, bullet heavens, or just making potatoes look incredibly cool while holding six rocket launchers.