Top 20 Best Linux Games You Can Play for FREE

Linux is not generally the first operating system that comes to mind when you think about gaming. But in recent years, Linux has gained a lot of really good and free games thanks to continuous efforts by the open-source community and Valve’s Proton compatibility layer. So let’s dive deep into the Top 20 best games available on Linux for FREE.

Top 20 Best Linux Games You Can Play for FREE

1. Dota 2

There is no doubt that Dota 2 tops the list as it is one of the most famous games worldwide. Dota 2 is a multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) game, serving as a sequel to the popular “Defense of the Ancients.” This Real-Time Strategy game has a massive presence in the esports arena.

In Dota 2, two teams of five players battle to destroy the “Ancient” in the opponent’s base. Ancient is a large structure, that each team needs to protect. Players have to cooperate with their teams and use their combined skills and tactics to overcome the opponent. This makes for a great team sport. Not to mention, Dota 2 also has over 120+ heroes, each with a different set of abilities. This means each Dota 2 game is different and extremely engaging.

It is free to play on Linux via Steam.

Dota 2

2. Counter-Strike: Global Offensive

Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, commonly known as CS: GO, is one of the most popular multiplayer tactical first-person shooter games. It is widely popular in esports tournaments to this date and is still fun to play to this day.

In CS: GO two teams compete with one another in different game modes, to complete their objectives. Each game consists of multiple rounds and at the end of each round players are rewarded with an in-gram currency that can be used to upgrade their weapons or purchase new ones. Being a team sport similar to Dota, communication is the key to the game. The game is difficult to master as one always needs to be vigilant about the enemy forces. Nonetheless CS: GO is a great play for those looking for a popular multiperson FPS on Linux.

Similar to Dota 2, CS: GO is also free to play on Linux via Steam.

CS: GO

3. Team Fortress 2

Another FPS in the list is Team Fortress 2, developed by Valve Corporation. Team Fortress 2 is a multiplayer first-person shooter. The game features several game modes, including Capture the Flag, Control Points, King of the Hill, and many more.

Team Fortress 2 is a different kind of FPS, in this game, there are two teams namely RED and BLUE. Players of each team can choose from one of nine classes of characters each with a different set of strengths and weapons. Since it is a team sport, the team should work together to meet their objectives and win the match. This requires a great level of coordination. Team Fortress is also a very fast-paced game making it even more fun and competitive.

It is available on Linux via the Steam Store.

Team Fortress 2

4. Xonotic

Xonotic is a fast-paced first-person shooter game. Xonotic is also the first entry in the list to be free and open source. It features several game modes like deathmatch, capture the flag, etc. For those who loved Quake II back in the day, Xonotic will seem a refreshingly similar experience.

Xonotic is a really fun game to play. It has over 16 different game modes, each of which unlocks after completing various levels of the game. To unlock new levels a player must defeat the enemies with their weapons and complete the mission objective. The game heavily emphasizes movement and game physics, players have to be quick in their movements to avoid getting shot in the game. Being a fast-paced shooter, speed with accuracy is the key to victory Xonotic.

It can be downloaded from directly their website.

Xonotic

5. War Thunder

War Thunder is a massively multiplayer online game (MMO). It includes battles in the air, in water, and also on land, making it a vastly different experience from first-person shooters like CS: GO and Xonotic. War Thunder is a must-play game for those who like MMOs.

Unlike most war games that only allow for battles of one format, War Thunder boasts an arsenal of weapons, formats, and countries to choose from. From weapons used in world wars to the latest cutting-edge aircraft; there is nothing that War Thunder doesn’t offer. In War Thunder players have to win battles using their weapons and unlock new weapons and camouflage to get an edge over others. For those looking for a historic battle simulation or for those looking for a combined arms battle experience, War Thunder is a great choice.

War Thunder is available on Steam.

War Thuder

6. Super Tux

Another free and open-source game on the list is Super Tux. It is a 2D platformer game with gameplay similar to Nintendo’s Mario, with a Penguin (Linux Mascot) as its main playable character. For those looking for a trip down memory lane, Super Tux is a must-play.

Super Tux consists of a side-scrolling gameplay where each level has its own set of difficulties to overcome. In the game Tux, the penguin needs to get past enemies like snowmen, fishes, and crabs, to reach the end of the level while collecting coins. Similar to Mario, you can jump over the enemies to avoid them, or you can stomp on them to finish them. This makes for a nice retro game with a familiar gaming experience.

It is available to download from your respective Linux repositories or their website.

Super Tux

7. Fishing Planet

Fishing Planet is an online multiplayer fishing simulator. For those looking for a game where they can step back and relax while looking at the breathtaking visuals, the game is a perfect choice. Unlike most games on this list, this game is quite different and yet fun to play.

In Fishing Planet players play as anglers trying to catch fishes in a hyper-realistic world, with over 170+ species of fish. The game uses unique behaviors using AI to make the experience as lifelike as possible. Unlike fishing games where the entire game is based on combat or competition, Fishing Planet is comparatively more laid back and relaxing, it has great graphics and makes for a good game for angling enthusiasts.

Fishing Planet is available on Steam.

Fishing Planet

8. WAKFU

WAKFU is a popular Massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG). It is a tactical turn-based game, with interesting game mechanics and an interesting storyline to it. WAKFU also boasts a remarkable art style.

In WAKFU players can engage with their environment and players can choose from multiple adventurer classes. Being a turn-based strategic game, users can also engage in battles and use various classes and their abilities to engage in an engaging turn-based fighting experience. Apart from this, there is also a huge world to explore and cherish.

WAKFU is available to play via Steam.

WAKFU

9. Super Tux Kart

Super Tux Kart is a Free and Open Source 3D racing game. It is an arcade-style racing game that features the mascots of various open-source projects as playable characters. Super Tux Kart is a really simple game but is still a delightful game to play.

Super Tux Kart has a gameplay similar to Mario Kart. In the game, one can choose from various players, which are mascots of various projects. Players can collect nitro cans to boost speeds while avoiding traps such as bubblegum and banana peels on the road. The game takes place at a variety of locations and game modes. This makes the game a favorite for lovers of arcade-style racing games

Super Tux Kart is available via your Linux distro’s official repositories or its website.

Super Tux Kart

10. Awesomenauts

Another MOBA (Multiplayer Online Battle Arena) game on the list is Awesomenauts. With its wholesome art style and a combination of 2D platformer and fighting games, it offers a uniquely unparalleled experience of gaming in modern times.

This game by Ronimo Games, is a 2D sidescroller game, with multiple characters to choose from. Each character in the game has its own set of abilities and playstyle. In a match, two teams of three players each compete with each other. The game requires teamwork and smart upgrade decisions to win. This makes for a great play for those looking for a team game.

Awesomenauts is available on Steam.

Awesomenauts

11. Dead Maze

Dead Maze is a 2D MMO Zombie survival game. The game’s objective is simple: survive and gather resources in a hostile world full of zombies. For those looking for a survival game on Linux, Dead Maze is a must-try.

Dead Maze is set in a devastated western United States, which is in a really bad situation following a zombie apocalypse. Players in the game have to survive the apocalypse by building shelters, scavenging food, and fighting the zombies. The game requires a continuous state of attention and cooperation, to avoid hunger, thirst, and infection by zombies. All this makes Dead Maze a prime choice for survival game lovers.

Dead Maze is available on Steam.

Dead Maze

12. The Battle for Wesnoth

Battle for Wesnoth is a turn-based strategy game that is also free and open source. Wesnoth offers both single and multiplayer modes and is suitable for those in historic battles between kingdoms.

The game has a variety of terrains on which players can battle, in the game players have to strategically attack their enemies while defending their territories. for lovers of strategic and historic games, Battle for Wesnoth is a great choice.

It can be downloaded from their website or also from Steam.

The Battle for Wesnoth

13. 0 A.D

0 A.D is another open-source game based on the historic battles and economies. It is a Real-Time Strategy game that requires users to build their civilizations and fight wars against different kingdoms.

0 A.D The game is also designed to be highly accurate. In this game, players engage in ancient combat in the year 0AD and build their civilizations. The game provides for a lifelike battle experience, where users can trade technologies, fight battles, and raise an army.

0 A.D. is available to download from its website or snap store.

0 A.D.

14. Urban Terror

Urban Terror is a multiplayer FPS (First Person Shooter) game by FrozenSand. It is based on Quake-III and features an enjoyable gaming experience.

The game is a Hollywood tactical shooter and is also quite Fast-paced and fun to play. It combines aspects of Counter-Strike, Unreal Tournament, and Quake III. Also, the damage in the game is more realistic. The game also features a ton of FPS modes like death match, capture the flag, last man standing, and so on.

It is available to download on its website.

Urban Terror

15. AssaultCube

Assault Cube is another open-source multiplayer first-person shooter that’s free to play. Assault Cube is based on the Cube engine and has a fast arcade-like environment. With support for both single-player and multiplayer modes, Assault Cube is a nice game to have in one’s collection.

The game focuses on fast-paced and tactical gameplay. The game also allows the use of recoils to perform unique and innovative moves. With its unique weapons, it is fun to play. Despite simplistic graphics and gameplay, it still has a large player base.

Assault Cube is available to download from the website.

Assault Cube

16. No More Room in Hell

No More Room in Hell is another zombie survival game on the list, but it’s not an ordinary survival game. It includes components of horror and first-person shooter, making it a must-play for fans looking for a true action-packed zombie survival game.

The game aims at surviving and completing tasks in a fear-inducing zombie-occupied world. It mainly has two modes, namely Objective mode and Survival mode. In Objective mode, players follow a set of rules complete various sets of goals, and try to escape the map without dying in the process. Survival mode on the other hand focuses on players protecting various sectors and trying to survive an incoming wave of zombies while fighting them. All this allows for an interesting game of survival while being hunted by Zombies.

No More Room in Hell is free to play on Steam.

No More Room in Hell

17. Albion Online

Albion Online is an MMORPG with intense combats and epic battles. Here players fight battles, form alliances, and explore a massive world enjoying the thrills of battles and resource gathering.

With a classless system where the equipment decides the ability of the player, and not vice versa. It features open-world PvP battles, crafting, and open-world experiences. The game also has various types of Zones based on risk and reward, these zones include blue, yellow, red, and black. Albion Online’s open world attracts a lot of players to it.

Albion Online is free to play on Steam.

Albion Online

18. HedgeWars

Hedge Wars is a strategy game featuring cute pink hedgehog-like characters. It’s a really fun game with artillery, strategy, comedy, and lots of fun. HedgeWars is a must-play for the lovers of strategy games.

In the game, each player controls a team of pink hedgehogs that battle each other to try to eliminate opposite team characters. With a variety of weapon choices like grenades, and rocket launchers HedgeWars has a good collection of artillery. These battles generally take place on a destructible 2D map, with a turn-based attacking system. All this makes HedgeWars an amazing game to play.

It can be downloaded from Steam.

HedgeWars

19. Mr. Rescue

Mr. Rescue is another unique game on the list. In this, we play as a firefighter in a 2D world where we have to extinguish fires and save people before the fire ends us.

The game features an arcade-style 2D platformer, where the game is fast-paced and the soundtrack is amazing. In the game, there are also boss fights, but the main objective is to save civilians by picking them up and throwing them out of the windows to safety. Not only the concept is unique even the game mechanics are brilliantly designed, leaving a great impression on the minds of those who try the game.

It is available as a snap pack on the Snap store.

Mr. Rescue

20. Adventure Capitalist

Adventure Capitalist is a free capitalist simulator. Here players have to invest assets, build their businesses, and attract investors. In this game, you build your way from a humble beginning to a grand financial success.

In the game Adventure Capitalists, we play as brave young investors who attract angel investors to boost our businesses and hire managers to manage the ventures. In the game, the ultimate aim is to make as much money as possible. The game starts with owning a lemonade stall. All these make for a good play for those interested in a game related to finance and money making.

It’s available to play via Steam.

Adventure Capitalist

Honorable Mentions

Linux has many more great games, and we can’t possibly cover them all. So here are some honorable mentions of the games that didn’t make it to the top 20 but are still worth trying at least once.

Gnome Chess

Games can come and go, but the craze of classical games like Sudoku and chess can never end. There are lots of chess games on Linux but the one with the best integration with the gnome desktop is Gnome Chess, which can be downloaded directly from the Linux repositories.

Gnome Chess

The King’s Request: Physiology and Anatomy Revision Game

This is a really interesting learning-based game involving the use of biological and anatomical knowledge to pass various stages of the game. For those looking for a fun learning game, King’s Request is a great recommendation. It’s available to play on Steam.

The King’s Request: Physiology and Anatomy Revision Game