As a long-time Linux user and gaming enthusiast, I‘ve seen firsthand the impressive growth in high-quality, completely free games available on Linux over the years. Thanks to digital distribution platforms like Steam and Itch.io, developers can easily publish Linux versions of their games, allowing penguin gamers access to thousands of new titles.
In this post, I‘ll highlight 10 of the very best free Linux games across a variety of genres that are certainly worth adding to your library if you haven‘t already. For each game on the list, I‘ve summarized the background, gameplay style, key features, and have included screenshots and links to download and begin playing quickly. Let‘s dive in!
Dwarf Fortress
Dwarf Fortress is considered the most advanced, complex and feature-rich city builder/strategy game available. Originally released in 2006, this completely free open-source game allows you to construct elaborate underground dwarf settlements while facing challenges like attacks, insane dwarves, and terrifying megabeasts. Key features include:
- Incredibly detailed world generation with advanced physics and simulated histories
- Complex management of resources, industries, military, and healthcare
- Top-down 2D graphics with ASCII-style symbols and tilesets
- Large modding community with custom graphics, sounds and tools
Prepare yourself for a steep learning curve, but one that‘s extremely rewarding. Download Dwarf Fortress for Linux here.
Team Fortress 2
Chances are you‘ve already heard of Team Fortress 2. This insanely popular class-based FPS multiplayer game has a cartoonish art style and outrageous gameplay scenarios across a variety of well-designed maps. Key features include:
- 9 playable character classes like Scout, Soldier, Pyro, each with unique weapons and abilities
- Numerous game modes like Capture the Flag, King of the Hill, Payload and more
- Hundreds of unlockable weapons and cosmetic items
- Runs flawlessly on Linux utilizing the Steam platform and proton compatibility tool
TF2 is often considered one of the best Linux games for good reason. It will run smoothly even on low-powered hardware. Download and play for free on Steam.
SuperTuxKart
In the mood for a fun, accessible kart racing game like Mario Kart? SuperTuxKart is an excellent open-source option with enjoyable racing action even for gaming newbies. Key aspects include:
- Silly animal characters like Tux the penguin, Gnu and Wilber the pig
- Smooth 3D graphics and responsive controls
- Single & multiplayer (splitscreen) racing across over 30 cartoony tracks
- Challenging Grand Prix, Time Trial and Capture the Flag modes
- Powerups and weapons to boost speed or impede opponents
Overall, SuperTuxKart delivers a polished kart racing experience with plenty of charm that runs great on Linux. Download it here.
Warzone 2100
In the mood for real-time strategy? Warzone 2100 offers in-depth, complex, and completely free RTS thrills across engaging single player and multiplayer modes. Core aspects include:
- Build infrastructure and develop hi-tech weaponry
- Control infantry, vehicles and aircraft across large 3D maps
- Challenging campaign sees you rebuild and defend against enemies after nuclear war
- Multiplayer skirmishes with up to 8 players
- Customize units with colored tints and logo emblems
From initial base construction to large scale battles, Warzone 2100 is hugely rewarding for RTS devotees. Get it 100% free on Linux here.
0 A.D.
History buffs will appreciate 0 A.D., an open-source ancient warfare RTS offering both epic single player and multiplayer battles. Core features:
- Realistic historical civilizations like the Persians, Romans and Egyptians
- Build an economy by gathering resources and establishing city infrastructure
- Advanced diplomacy system and diverse military formations
- Single player campaigns focused on famous leaders like Hannibal
- Supports online multiplayer matches as well as LAN play
0 A.D. has very active development, high polish and matches up well against paid ancient RTS games. Download this one for free on Linux via Play0ad.com.
Battle for Wesnoth
For turn-based tactical combat in an elaborately detailed fantasy setting, Battle for Wesnoth deserves your attention. Gameplay centers around:
- An extensive single player campaign crossing 16 story-driven scenarios
- Multiplayer matches online and local hotseat play
- 16 factions like Knights, Elves and Undead each with distinctive abilities and traits
- Day/night cycle impacting combat
- Cross platform multiplayer across Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS and Android
With its artistic visual style and exceptional amount of polished content out of the box, Battle for Wesnoth is a true Linux gaming gem. Get it 100% free here.
Hedgewars
In the mood for turn-based artillery combat featuring explosive cartoon hedgehogs? Allow me to suggest Hedgewars! Core aspects:
- Take turns firing an arsenal of weapons like bazookas and grenades
- Hilarious ragdoll physics when hedgehogs are sent flying
- Support for up to 8 players with hotseat or network play
- Offers 47 maps with varied terrain types like snow, desert and moon
- Campaign mode has you climb the ranks of the Hedgewars clan
Simple to learn but offering deep strategy with its physics calculator and weapon options, Hedgewars is sure to deliver over-the-top fun either solo or with friends. Download on Linux here: Hedgewars.org.
Warzone 2100
In the mood for real-time strategy? Warzone 2100 offers in-depth, complex, and completely free RTS thrills across engaging single player and multiplayer modes. Core aspects include:
- Build infrastructure and develop hi-tech weaponry
- Control infantry, vehicles and aircraft across large 3D maps
- Challenging campaign sees you rebuild and defend against enemies after nuclear war
- Multiplayer skirmishes with up to 8 players
- Customize units with colored tints and logo emblems
From initial base construction to large scale battles, Warzone 2100 is hugely rewarding for RTS devotees. Get it 100% free on Linux here.
Blobby Volley 2
Looking for a casual, zany local multiplayer experience? Say hello to Blobby Volley 2. Core features:
- 2 player volleyball match with blobby characters and playful sounds
- Adaptive difficulty keeps things competitive
- Support for gamepads in addition to keyboard
- Online community contributes tons of new soundpacks
- Easy to pickup gameplay for short bursts of fun
It‘s simple on the surface, but the back and forth gameplay creates exciting extended volleys. The Linux version works flawlessly. Bring a friend and start smacking the blob! Download here.
Conclusion
The Linux games featured above are just a taste of the thousands of free, open-source games available across Steam, Itch.io and other distribution platforms compatible with Linux operating systems. I hope introducing this selection of titles helps compel Linux users to give gaming a try. The performance improvements delivered by Steam‘s Proton compatibility tool also means that all sorts of Windows games can now be played flawlessly as well. What game will you try first? Let me know in the comments!
