Best and Free Linux Games – When you’re looking for PC games, Linux isn’t well-known and for good reason. Since the Windows operating system is much more popular it gets more official support for GPU drivers as well as other hardware components. That’s what makes Windows the best place to play games and its popularity makes it ideal as a gaming platform. But for you Linux lovers, you don’t need to worry because even that doesn’t mean you can’t play games on Linux.
There are still many games you can play on linux and it’s free for you. And here are the best Linux games that you can play for free.
1. Hedgewars
First Linux Games we recommended for you is Hedgewars. Hedgewars was originally released back in 2006! But it’s a trend you’ve probably noticed in all the free Linux games available. All of them are not very GPU intensive or old. Not that they are not worth playing. Hedgewars is a turn-based side-scrolling strategy game. This game is very similar to Worms, but certainly not as good as Worms. Actually, it’s a clone but it’s entertaining.
The game supports up to eight players simultaneously and you can play solo, or with friends on a local network or the internet. There is an unlimited number of maps to burn based on 31 different environments. At least you’ll never get bored of the lack of variety. You can even create maps, mods and even download mods from other players. If you like some free multiplayer strategy games, this Linux game is definitely what you want.
2. OpenRA
Second Linux Games we recommended for you is OpenRA. OpenRA is open source for the Command & Conquer: Red Alert RTS series. Throughout the game, you’ll find elements taken straight from Command & Conquer games like Tiberian Dawn and Dune 2000. But it’s not just a beat as it enhances the original game in a number of ways.
First, OpenRA supports replay, capture of civilian structures, fog of war, and lets you stream your game online. Although EA, the game company that holds the copyright to the Command & Conquer title, has announced the revival of the next series, it hasn’t affected OpenRA and isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.
3. SuperTuxKart – Best Linux Game in Arcade Racer Category
If you’ve been following the theme, it’s not hard to guess that this is also a game inspired by another original title. Some of you probably already know which one. For those of you who haven’t, SuperTuxKart is made as a Linux-only game. Its goal is to be an open source alternative to Super Mario Kart.
It is actually based on another game called TuxKart released in 2000. SuperTuxKart was later released in 2007, featuring characters from many open source game projects very much like the racers in Mario Kart. We wouldn’t call it a clone because the game is enough to set itself apart.
It offers many game modes from standard race to time trial, Easter egg hunt and soccer mode. There is also a story mode where you can unlock tracks and characters by continuing the story. Games today are available not only for Linux but also for Windows, Android, and MacOS.
4. Robocraft
If you don’t like “kids” games and prefer more action packed games, you can try one of these best Linux games Robocraft. You build your own customizable robot and engage in battle with other players online in multiplayer battles.
The build mechanism is block based and easy and doesn’t pose much of a learning curve for anyone. This allows you to add from dozens of different weapon options. This gives you the option to test your created robot against the AI before going into battle against real players.
If you’re only playing using a single robot, things might repeat themselves, so make sure you make lots of them.
5. Team Fortress 2 – Best Linux Game in Multiplayer Shooter Category
When you’re looking at the best Linux games or just Linux games in general, Team Fortress 2 is one of the oldest multiplayer shooter games. It comes straight from Valve, the creators of Steam. This multiplayer FPS has a visible amount of gore in the game so it is only suitable for people aged 16+.
The game was originally released in 2007 but still has a decent player base. It actually comes in the top 10 Steam games that are played almost daily. Naturally, the game still receives regular content updates. There are many game modes available and you can also customize and create your own character. There are hundreds of weapons to choose from. With free-to-play online multiplayer games, there is always the concern that it might be pay-to-win.
But not this one. Like PUBG, Fortnite, etc. You only pay to unlock cosmetic items which just add a bit of personalization to your character. Pay-to-win probably won’t stand the test of time this long.
6. Dota 2 – Best Linux Game in MOBA Category
Dota 2 is probably the most popular multiplayer online battle arena game you will find on Linux. That means it will also be one of the most interesting because you need other players in the multiplayer so popularity helps. It’s also a game by Valve and isn’t just popular on Linux. Reportedly, it is the “most played game” on Steam as well which includes users from both Windows and macOS platforms.
Dota 2 has a wide selection of heroes, abilities, and weapons to choose from. Joining as a new player may seem daunting in a game that others have played perhaps for the better part of their lives. But you can find comfort in that no one gives anyone an unfair advantage in Dota 2. You win or lose based entirely on your skills.
7. Wakfu
Wakfu is a grid-based MMORPG (massively multiplayer online role-playing game). The visual style of the game is quite anime-like so anime fans might like it just for that. This game is also interesting because it is on this list.
Like most of the other games on this list, Wakfu is a free-to-play online game. This game is under the strategy RPG genre but also has a bit of humor put into it. There are 18 different classes to choose from for your character and the role you choose will determine almost everything about the game you will play.
8. Star Conflict – Best Linux Game in Space Simulation Category
Star Conflict is an action-driven space simulation game. If that’s something you find interesting, this is the best game of its kind you’ll find on Linux. This is an MMO with Player vs Player (PvP) and Player vs Enemy battles.
You are an elite space pilot. Your goal is to survive in outer space and find a way to make your enemies ‘unsafe’. Basically, it’s a shooter where you are inside a spaceship.
It offers some cheap downloadable content which can save you a lot of time developing your own skills. Something you have to pay to win, but you don’t have to. So basically it’s a free Linux game as long as you can choose not to pay.
9. BRAIN OUT
It is a 2D multiplayer shooter based in a post-Soviet setting. You can customize your loadout and as you progress through the game you unlock new things. For one, there are new powerful weapons of all kinds that you can use to defeat your foes. Even if you don’t like 2D games it’s definitely worth a try. BRAIN OUT is one of the best free Linux games that is easy to play.
10. No More Room in Hell – Best Linux Game in Zombie Shooter Category
Zombie games! They are everywhere and to the point where many people will only complain at the mention of one. However, Linux doesn’t have much and that’s nice.
Yes, it is an action packed Zombie shooter. No More Room in Hell is a first-person co-op zombie shooter, to be precise. Co-op is always fun. Add to that the fact that it is a free Linux game and you have a very interesting game.
This game also adds a touch of horror like the game OG Zombie Left 4 Dead. But it’s not available on Linux so this is the best Linux game if you want to shoot Zombies with a friend.
Best Free Linux Games
As you can see from the list above, just like Linux OS is free, most of the best Linux games are also free to play. It’s a fact that many of these games are quite old and if you are a Windows user or own a game console, you may not want to play one of these titles right now. But Linux is not a popular gaming platform.
But you should know that Valve, with Steam, is constantly trying to port new titles and make more and more Windows games work with Linux. Google’s new Stadia project is built on Linux so maybe some of that game development will flow to Linux desktops as well. The future seems hopeful for Linux gaming.