You can use Heroic Games Launcher to play EGS games without installing their app. It can even be used to play them on Steam Deck.

ah fuck alright im getting it

my main recommendation for this and sunless seas is don't play on permadeath

i found their attempt at rogue-lite mechanics added nothing to the game, and i got exponentially less enjoyment out of the story segments with each repeat playthrough

Is playing Sunless Seas before this necessary?

I tried it for a while, and felt like I was always lost, running out of supplies, and barely breaking even so I could never afford to buy upgrades.