16 Excellent Free Games That Run Well on Linux

It’s still a bit harder to get games running on Linux, but the gaming landscape has significantly improved over the years. Thanks to Proton/Wine and not least a growing number of developers recognizing the platform’s potential, there’s been an influx of high-quality games that run smoothly on Linux.

With this list, I will touch on several different genres, focusing on free-to-play titles that will let you play and experiment at no cost. Let’s go:

1. Dota 2

One of the best free games overall, which has stood the test of time and also works well on Linux would be Dota 2. This title is the pinnacle of the MOBA (multiplayer online battle arena) genre. It comes in a native Linux flavor and is accessible via Steam on a variety of distros.

Launched in July 2013, Dota 2 has fostered a robust community of players as well as an eSports scene. The game offers a pool of hundreds of heroes with distinct capabilities that players can use to devise team strategies and combos.

For casual gaming without the pressures of live competition, the game also includes a cooperative PvE mode where players can battle alongside friends and teammates.

System requirements and installation: Officially, Ubuntu 12.04 or later, a minimum of 4GB system memory, a dual CPU running at 2.8GHz or better, an Nvidia 8600/9600GT or an AMD HD2000 or better are required. Installation is a breeze via the Steam client, available in the Ubuntu software center or via terminal. Once Steam is up and running, Dota 2 can be found in the Steam library, ready to be installed with just a few clicks.

Known issues: Despite the game’s popularity and rather seamless integration with Linux, there have been instances of random crashes post-patch updates, which have been a cause for concern within the Linux gaming community. Thanks to the game’s huge following, fixes usually appear quickly.

2. Team Fortress 2

Team Fortress 2 (TF2) is another massively popular team-based multiplayer game but in this case a fast-paced FPS. It comes in a Linux-native version and installs through Steam as easily as Dota 2.

System requirements: TF2 runs on just about anything, with the minimum requirement being Ubuntu 12.04 and dual-core CPU and a GeForce 8600/9600GT or AMD Radeon HD2600/3600 GPU. Performance and gameplay quality for Team Fortress 2 on Linux does vary depending on the distribution, kernel version, and hardware configuration. Some players report a seamless experience, while others report problems.

Known issues: Some TF2 players on Linux have reported issues like low resolution, blurry graphics, and high CPU usage. These problems may stem from missing 32-bit userspace libraries, particularly for NVIDIA graphics drivers. Installing the appropriate system package often remedies these issues. For a deeper understanding of these problems and their solutions, the discussion on Valve’s GitHub repository should be informative. Also, check ProtonDB for current fixes.

3. War Thunder

One of my favorites among the best free games on Linux is War Thunder, a free-to-play MMO combat game that masterfully brings together players across various platforms, including Linux..

With over 2,500 meticulously crafted aircraft, helicopters, tanks, warships, and other combat vehicles, the game offers an extensive range of warfare equipment for an immersive strategic experience.

System requirements and installation: Recommended specs includ an Intel Core i7, 16 GB RAM, an Nvidia 1060 or similar AMD GPU with the latest proprietary drivers, along with a generous 95 GB of available space. Installation is easy via the game’s Steam page.

Known issues: The Linux version may have minor issues depending on your environment, but works well for most users.

4. WAKFU

WAKFU is another game that doesn’t need Proton to run on Linux. It’s a Linux-native, free-to-play RPG offering a blend of narrative depth and tactical gameplay. The game features turn-based combat, a political system, ecological influences, and a variety of character classes with unique abilities, enriching the roleplaying experience. Players can also engage in resource gathering and crafting.

System requirements and installation: Linux gamers can download WAKFU via Steam but also from the Ubuntu Software Center, where Ankama encourages the community to create and maintain native packages. You don’d need a high-end PC to run it, as the recommended specs include a Core i3 or higher, 4 GB RAM and a GeForce 6 series GPU.

Known issues: A recurring error message, “cannot launch the game (invalid app config),” has been a hurdle for some users on specific Linux distributions. Workarounds have included downloading the non-Steam version and adding it to the Steam library manually.

5. Fishing Planet

Now for something totally different in the form of Fishing Planet. This game offers a first-person fishing simulation experience that’s both engaging and authentic. It’s a title that resonates with anglers of all levels, from the casual hobbyist to the dedicated sport fisher, and it’s notable for its multiplayer capabilities.

The base game is free-to-play, but as is often the case, there is a plethora of DLC available. Some of these items carry a hefty price tag, but the game is still enjoyable in its free version.

System requirements and installation: Gamers can access Fishing Planet on Linux via Steam but many prefer the Proton version to the native one. Versions 8.0-2, 7.0-6, and 7.0-3, reportedly work well.

6. Star Conflict

If you enjoy the occasional interstellar conflict, Star Conflict might be up your alley. This online free-to-play game offers a rich tapestry of space warfare and strategy, set in a universe that’s also home to its mobile spin-off, Star Conflict Heroes. It has some similarities with games like Elite: Dangerous.

You get to command an array of spacecraft ranging from agile fighters and sturdy frigates to swift interceptors and formidable long-range ships. Paid options include premium ships.

System requirements and installation: Despite the game’s impressive visuals, Star Conflict is relatively welcoming to those with modest hardware. It runs even on systems equipped with Intel HD 4000 integrated graphics but is best enjoyed with any entry-level dedicated GPU.

7. AdVenture Capitalist

Moving on through some of the best free games on Linux, I’ve enjoyed AdVenture Capitalist, a casual free-to-play game that offers a unique entrepreneurial experience. Developed by Hyper Hippo Games, it’s a game that cleverly simulates the journey of a capitalist, starting with a humble lemonade stand and expanding to a vast business empire. A fun aspect is the ability to continue earning revenue even when offline.

AdVenture Capitalist clearly falls into the casual category, offering a relaxed yet enjoyable experience that is free to play.

System requirements and installation: Officially, the game requires Ubuntu 10.10+ or Mint 17.1+, 512 MB RAM, and 80 MB of available space. However, the Linux-native version appears broken for the time being, and running it via Proton is easy. As of writing this, AdVenture Capitalist has been added to the libraries of 4672 Lutris users, indicating that it’s both popular and runs well on Linux systems.

8. BRAIN / OUT

The gritty and atmospheric multiplayer shooter game BRAIN / OUT  comes with retro graphics and a distinctive post-Soviet ambiance. It offers dynamic battles and an impressive arsenal of modern weaponry.

System requirements and installation:  Available on Steam, BRAIN / OUT can also be found and installed through the Lutris. As it’s a 2D platformer, you should be able to get it running even on very old hardware.

Known issues: Some Linux users have stumbled upon an “Invalid app configuration” error when launching the game. This issue has been a point of discussion and the proposed fix is ensuring that you have the proper Java version (Java version 8 is compatible with the game). This can be done with sudo update-alternatives –config java.

9. Wild West Saga

This free-to-play title merges a Wild West setting with the addictive nature of idle games. Wild West Saga: Idle Tycoon is a casual simulation game that immerses players in the role of an aspiring tycoon aiming to build a business empire in the rugged frontier.

The core gameplay revolves around establishing and upgrading a variety of businesses, recruiting outlaws, and collecting patent cards to enhance productivity. You can explore over 100 towns, each offering unique business objectives to complete, adding a sense of progression. Additionally, the game encourages players to form families, climb leaderboards, complete Steam achievements, and win trophies, with over 70 available to collect.

System Requirements: For those Linux, the game’s modest system requirements include Ubuntu 10.10+, Mint 17.1+, 1 GB RAM, and 300 MB of available space, meaning that even users with older or less powerful machines can join the fun.

10. No More Room in Hell

If you are into the survival horror genre, this is among the best free games on Linux. No More Room in Hell (NMRiH) offers a scary cooperative experience in a zombie apocalypse setting. It has been tested to run on many popular Linux distributions, including Nobara Linux 38, Linux Mint 21.2, Artix Linux, and Arch.

System requirements:  NMRiH is not very demanding for a 3D game.  Ubuntu 14.04 LTS or later is recommended, along with a dual-core CPU, 2 GB of RAM and a Radeon HD 5000 Series or Nvidia GeForce 200 series GPU

Known issues: NMRiH requires GLIBC_2.15 or higher to run on Linux. If your distribution doesn’t meet this requirement, downloading the provided libm.so.6 file can resolve any related errors.

11. Hedgewars

Venturing into the whimsical world of strategy games, Hedgewars, is a game that infuses the turn-based strategy genre with a blend of artillery action and comedy. The game stars pink hedgehogs and a cache of 57 weapons and utilities to outwit your opponents across more than 25 single missions.

With randomly generated maps set across 37 diverse environments, no two games are ever the same, allowing for lots of replayability. You can also personalize your squad of hedgehogs with over hats/costumes, select from 32 grave markers, 13 forts, and hundreds of flags, and even pick from 13 unique voice packs to give your team a personality.

System requirements and installation: Linux users can install Hedgewars through various channels, including the Snapcraft store, Flathub, or directly from package managers tailored to distributions like Arch Linux, Debian, Fedora, etc.

If you want to contribute to the game’s development, the source code is readily accessible in the official Mercurial code repository and the GitHub mirror.

12. The Battle for Wesnoth

The high fantasy world of The Battle for Wesnoth has been visited by countless Linux gamers through the years. This game is a testament to open-source creativity and a fun entry into the strategy genre. It is an ongoing collaborative effort, led by The Battle for Wesnoth Project and published by Wesnoth Inc. The game is available through most if not all software hubs across popular distributions.

Players can choose between the Stable branch or a well-tested gaming experience, with the latest stable version being 1.16.11, or the Development branch, which offers new features but may include bugs or performance issues.

Another highlight is the modding experience. Combining WML (Wesnoth Markup Language) and Lua scripting, the game’s engine allows for extensive modding, and encourages players to create and share custom scenarios, units, and campaigns.

13. 0 A.D.

Striking some of the same notes as Battle for Wesnoth, 0 A.D. is another open-source strategy game that offers a rich tapestry of ancient civilizations and real-time strategy gameplay. It features a selection of 13 unique civilizations from antiquity, each with its distinct attributes and units. Players can command the armies of Athens, lead the disciplined Spartans, or explore the vast empire of the Persians, among others.

0 A.D. prides itself on balancing historical accuracy with engaging gameplay. Units, buildings, and even naming conventions are meticulously crafted to reflect their real-world counterparts from the period between 500 B.C. and 500 A.D. This attention to detail enhances the immersive experience without compromising the fun and strategic depth.

Installation and System Requirements: Installing 0 A.D. on Ubuntu is straightforward. You can use Snapcraft with the simple command sudo snap install 0ad, which provides the added benefits of automatic updates and graceful rollbacks.  It supports both x86_64 and aarch64 architectures.

14. FlightGear

Take to the skies with FlightGear, an open-source flight simulator that boasts a vast array of aircraft types with realistic 3D models and landscapes that mirror the Earth’s surface. These elements contribute to the immersive experience, making FlightGear a standout in the realm of open-world games and strategy games on Linux.

System requirements: Although FlightGear isn’t overly demanding, it is best enjoyed on a reasonably modern gaming system. An entry-level or better dedicated GPU is recommended for achieving 60 FPS at full HD resolution. You also need a minimum of 4 GB free RAM and a quad-core processor

15. Super Tux Kart

If you like games like Mario Kart, Super Tux Kart should be on your short list of free Linux games to try. As the name suggests, the game is Linux-centric but can be played on other platforms as well.

Super Tux Cart has all the gameplay variety of classic kart racing titles, including:

• Story Mode: Embark on a campaign with challenges that unlock new tracks and characters.
• Single-Player: Race against AI for practice or leisure.
• Multiplayer: Compete locally or online, with options for both casual and competitive play.
• Time Trials: Test your speed and skill by setting the fastest lap times.
• Soccer Mode: Engage in an unconventional game of soccer using karts.
• Easter Egg Hunt: A unique mode where players search for hidden items.

The game is open-source, with its code licensed under GPLv3 and assets under GPL, CC BY-SA, and public domain It’s optimized to run well on systems with low resources, making it a great free game for players with older hardware.

16. Robocraft

Last but not least, Robocraft blends creativity with combat in a multiplayer environment.  The core objective in Robocraft is twofold: eliminate the opposing team or capture their point while defending your own. Success hinges on strategic teamwork, so sticking with your allies and making use of tools like radar is advised.

One of the game’s highlights is the ability to build and customize your robot vehicles. Equipped with an array of weapons and components, you can create multiple designs, each housed in your garage. As you progress through battles, you’ll earn tech points to unlock further advancements in the tech tree.

Known issues: While Robocraft can run flawlessly on Linux systems, some users have experienced problems with the BattlEye anti-cheat system. If you encounter such issues, the ProtonDB community offers workarounds and solutions.