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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.