Top 20 Best Free Linux Games

Gaming on Linux has come a long way ahead of its time.

From being an operating system dedicated to developers and programmers, many Linux distros now offer more comfortable UIs and application support that many gamers have switched to Linux from Windows (no one should game on Mac). 

At present, the best Linux distros not only provide their users with better overall performance, fewer storage needs, and more control over their PC but also better FPS and network connection strength in games.

If you’re on Linux and want to try gaming out on this OS, here is a list of the best games available!

Top 20 Best Games on Linux in 2022

I filtered out the top 20 best games on Linux that are relevant and fun to play in 2022. These include games from different genres, with an average of positive reviews that you’re guaranteed to have fun with them!

1. Valheim

Vilhelm, the combat simulator game with a Viking theme that dominated 2021, is still very much in early access, but it has already been a resounding success.

 Vilhelm performs many of the same actions as other survival games, but its emphasis on a co-op (which allows for a maximum of ten players to play simultaneously) and its attractive PS2-style aesthetics make its arbitrarily generated areas truly enjoyable to traverse. 

The game is undergoing regular upgrades as it gradually approaches a complete release and operates flawlessly on Linux.

Although I must admit, the game’s adventure and story elements haven’t been fully developed, you can complete its primary goal, which involves tracking down a number of fabled monsters while attempting to preserve balance in the monster-infested afterlife of Valheim.

Pros:

• While it shares certain characteristics with multiplayer games that enable us to stay in touch with friends and loved ones who are far away, it also gives a path into the virtual outside world, allowing us to go for walks in the woods with individuals we like or to build a customized communal experience.

Cons:

• Inventory space is inconvenient because you’re bound by what you start with and there’s no way to expand it except with a cart/ship, which requires a TON of materials.
  
• Certain materials cannot pass via portals, which is especially unpleasant because portals are a quick travel mechanism.

2. SuperTuxCart

Super Tux Kart is a free and open-source arcade-style game with several gaming modes, characters and their vehicles, and circuits. The gameplay is fairly realistic and enjoyable to play, especially the walkthroughs being so exciting when you watch while having lunch.

 The game also contains the main story in which you have to battle the Nolok and vanquish him in order to preserve the kingdom. The game also offers a time trial option where you can try to beat your previous best time for a particular track or just practice and get better at your overall performance. 

Pros:

• It renders using the OpenGL API.
• The higher graphics settings definitely need a strong current graphics card, however the lesser settings can be played on outdated laptops (such as a 2007 laptop) with an integrated graphics card.

Cons: 

• There are a lot of servers but not enough players.

3. Team Fortress 2

 Team Fortress 2 is one of the most well-known online shooting games on Linux. Despite the fact that the gaming program was released in 2007, it still has a huge player population, making it one of the top 20 most popular steam games.

The program is still getting frequent updates, so you won’t grow bored with it. It comes with a slew of game tweaks, as well as the option to customise and design your own avatar with a variety of artillery to choose from. 

However, this is not a pay-to-win method; instead, it’s just standard aesthetic goods that give your avatar a unique vibe.

Pros:

• Team dynamics can yield immensely satisfying moments
•   Appealing visual aesthetic

Cons:

• Too few maps
• Heavy reliance on other players can make or break the experience

4. Total War: Warhammer 2

When people think about whether video-game franchises would go well with films, the combination of Total War and Warhammer is bound to be at the top of several lists. This desire was accomplished just a few years ago, and so as a result, the Total War: Warhammer bandwagon has surged on unabated since.

Total War: Warhammer 2 runs on top of the first version of the game, allowing you to merge all of the tribes from both sagas into a single mega-campaign. 

Each group feels utterly distinct to play, and it’s amazing to see chiliadal legions of Skaven, Undead, Chaos, Lizardmen, as well as other dark and gritty factions, go at it.

Pros:

• The campaign moves quickly and encourages players to make unique, exciting decisions.
• Every faction feels unique (if not quite as unique as the last game’s)

Cons:

• Owners of the original game may find the engine and gameplay systems too familiar.
• Painfully long load times.

5. Dota 2

So, what does Dota 2 have that is so unique and makes people fall in love with it? In certain respects, it’s richer and broader than League of Legends (but I’m betting LoL aficionados will have a dispute with me). And is the best capture-the-flag game there is or ever was.

You choose from more than 100 warriors to fight with your squad and your horde of minions to assault and advance those areas and annihilate the opposing team’s stronghold using a 5v5 approach, distributed on a battlefield that follows 3 lanes to intercept your opponent.

Regardless of your playing approach, there will always be something there that will complement you. 

Dota 2 also includes several fascinating elements, among them the ability to devour minions for money and multiple methods to equip and upgrade your hero. 

Dota 2 is arguably the most addictive game there is with one of the biggest fanbases in the world.

Pros:

• A deep and complicated game.
• Matches are exhilarating and unpredictable.
• The intricate map provides plenty of strategic options.

Cons:

• Will take over your life, extremely addictive.
•   Tough to learn. 

6. Alien Arena: Warriors of Mars

Do you have an affinity for an old-school battle royale with new features but without the trappings that have spoiled the genre’s fundamental purity? What about lush, vivid, arcade-like settings? If you like all that you read above, then you’ll surely enjoy what Alien Arena has in store for you! 

This videogame blends some of the greatest parts of conventional deathmatch duels drapes them in a classic alien design and adds plenty of fresh concepts that make the action really special. Alien Arena is a frantic frag fest with venues varying in size from modest to colossal.

There are fantastic collaborative interactions to be experienced with multiplayer games like Capture The Flag and Tactical, 1v1 showdowns, and hundreds of mutators to change the gameplay to your preference.

 The community is both welcoming and productive. Community users have produced a number of maps and numerous extras to enhance the playing experience.

Pros: 

• The gameplay is smooth and well-executed.
• The very fluid movement and aiming for a first-person shooter.
• Quite a variety of weapons, which even have an alternative fire.

Cons: 

• Too few players at the moment.
• Maps are incredibly small and need a better design.

7. Counter-Strike: Global Offensive

Arguably one of the most played online multiplayer shooting games, it surfaced after and succeeded Counter Strike 1.6. In comparison to certain other games, CSGO has not yet misplaced its shine. Is it due to the size of its fandom and gaming community? Or is it the million-dollar events or the simplicity with which it may be played? To put more insight into the subject, these are the top factors why it remains beloved and so successful in 2022. 

Counter-Strike: Global Offensive had surpassed 24 million daily active players by early 2020. 

The whole experience is based on the idea of “slaughter or be slaughtered.” And though the “good guys vs. evil guys” concept surround most gaming genres, CSGO employs it rather directly.

Players employ firearms as well as other weaponry that we’ve all encountered in the media or on television.

Pros:

• Major visual upgrade.
• Maintains the basic CS focus on skill.

Cons:

• Not much has changed since CS 1.6 

8. World Of Warships: Transformers

World of Warships is a game in which participants govern a range of naval vessels spanning the Pacific and Atlantic theatres of the Second World War, in addition to battleships that were initially conceived but never put down or finished, and vessels that Wargaming invented or altered from biblical designs.

For a short period beginning September 18, 2020, customized skins inspired by Optimus Prime, Megatron, Bumblebee, and Rumble were made accessible. 

The collaborative skins reappeared for a limited time on August 30, 2021, accompanied by a fresh collection of skins themed on Grimlock, Hotrod, Soundwave, and Starscream.

Pros: 

• Naval combat is complex and sophisticated.
• Great team game.

Cons:

• Progression is slow.
• There aren’t enough non-premium ship slots.

9. War Thunder

War Thunder is another spectacular simulation game, incorporating the World war II theme. It is a cross-platform MMO game that deals with aviation, armoured vehicles, and naval craft from World War II and the Cold War.

Essentially, it’s a very unique view of WWII and the Cold War, with an emphasis on the various military vehicles deployed.

Yes, it’s basically a simple combat simulator with immersive multiplayer gameplay, but it still has outstanding graphical details.

Pros:

• Realistic tank models for several countries
• Unique game mechanics and damage systems where there are more critical parts than others (like if you shoot the engine it cannot move, etc.)

Cons:

• This game only exists to suck money out of your wallet. It tries to get you addicted to the game in low-tier matches where it puts you against amateur players and easy-to-achieve tanks that only take 1-2 battles to get. Once you get to a higher level, research and repair costs increase exponentially. 

10. Star Conflict

If being obsessed about space is your thing then Star Conflict surely will intrigue your mind as you roam throughout the galaxy while discovering and fighting enemies. 

Star Conflict is a dynamic MMO adventure game that throws you in command of a spaceship to engage in the epic conflicts of the star fleet!

With an army at your fingertips, assume control of a variety of warships, ranging from agile reconnaissance ships to hefty frigates armed with cannons and missiles. You will eventually be able to lead your own fleet.

Decide your fate. Each ship may be utilized for strategic goals such as investigating the region, hunting opponents in the shadows, or gaining partners’ assistance. Your accomplishment will be aided by the incredible armory of weapons and devices accessible.

Pros:

• A large variety of ships
• Ships can be customised

Cons:

• Pay-to-win aspect is frustrating
• Costly upgrades and takes too long to acquire the best ships

11. Unturned

Voxel-based games aren’t ideal for every gamer, but if you’re willing to get past the Lego-like theme, you’ll find a very captivating type of survival gameplay here. In Unturned, you (and possibly a group of companions) are striving to survive in the post-apocalyptic world.

 You search the ruins for weaponry, acquire resources, and keep tabs on dwindling bars such as food, radiological changes, and water levels. The layout allows for virtually limitless level diversity as well as additional game modes such as paintball and, obviously, battle royale.

Pros:

• Tough gameplay.
• How the firearms feel.
• Realistic sprint. Gradually recovers swiftly drains ( Maybe too quickly ).

Cons:

• No optimization
• You cannot rise up from a prone or crouched position by pressing space.

12. No more room in hell

Zombie shooting games are ideal for true gamers that like an action-packed experience. One such is the undead shooter available on Steam that is called No More Room in Hell.

It is not your typical first-person shooter; it also contains a hint of dread (much comparable to the iconic Left 4 Dead, which is not compatible with Linux).

Pros:

• The fact that the game is somewhat difficult improves the game and makes it something that you and your buddies can truly put effort into.

Cons:

• There isn’t enough treasure to go around; 90% of the time, you can’t spot any medkits or bandages.
• Guns are terrible since they deal minimal damage (it can take three headshots to eliminate a zombie) and you have to be fortunate to locate bullets (which you won’t)

13. Factorio

Okay, let’s replace individuals in RimWorld with industrial chains, production plants, and industrial equipment. 

Factorio is all about intricately creating elaborate industrial chains and then witnessing it all become automated as a consequence of your efforts, much as RimWorld lets you admire the tiny developing human stories while administering the bigger picture.

The game is vast, complex, and comprehensive; it is all about gathering resources and utilising them in the most coherent and well-planned way so that your empire thrives.

Pros:

• Perfecting your builds and making a better factory infrastructure than your previous one. 
•   It is an all-consuming game, you will be hooked on it for hours.

Cons:

• A better training tutorial is needed; as a new player, it is difficult to know which action to take and how to perform it.
• The end game is too easy. 

14. Desperados III

Desperados III is a fiercely OG real-time strategy game in the mould of Commandos (or the older Desperados games). 

It’s challenging, analytical, and strategic, and you’ll find your mouse continually lurking over the quick-save button, your eyes fixed on the screen, as you try to accomplish your schemes to completion.

However, Desperados 3 (created by the same team that created the superb Shadow Tactics) revolutionizes the premise as well. 

Showdown mode allows you to freeze and slow down the action to set up movements by your motley gang of vagabonds. 

You can also enjoy the game with a controller if you want to relax on your sofa. It’s still a challenging old game at the core, but it’s been rendered more appealing to current gamers.

Pros:

• A variety of missions.
• An intriguing vengeance narrative
• Likable Characters

Cons:

• Levels can take a long time to finish
• Sometimes there are simply too many foes, necessitating a brute force approach.

15. Dying Light: Enhanced Edition

Dying Light, the best horror shooter which no one is talking about (but many are enjoying), has been in the market for quite a few years but is still at the top of the heap because of its frenetic undead zombies and outstanding parkour, and movement actions and features.

The Enhanced Edition includes several years of DLC, such as the tremendous expansion.

Dying Light inserts and immerses you through an open-world metropolis devastated by a zombie apocalypse, where you must aid the last human settlements.

You level up your profile, jump between buildings, and slice up undead zombies with manufactured weapons.

Pros:

• Excellent gameplay and parkour mechanics.
• Brilliant Graphics.

Cons:

• Not enough weapons and they are relatively hard to find.

16. Toribash

Toribash is a one-of-a-kind turn-based internet combat game. You may create your personal and unique skill moves in this game. Featuring a  variety of various game modifications possible, you have total control over your avatar’s anatomy.

Toribash is a game to play and enjoy if you want something unusual and one-of-a-kind.

Pros:

• Characters may be customized in a variety of ways, including body colors, textures, flames, and hairstyles.
• The Event Squad hosts daily knockout contests.

Cons:

• Servers often get empty, and less tolerant gamers go on to something more engaging.

17. Robocraft

Are you looking for a completely customized combat robot like the Transformers? Robocraft is a game that gives new life to your desire. It allows you to create your unique and customized robot war vehicles that can drive, glide, march, or soar in the sky depending on your choices.

 A multitude of advanced weaponry to pick from will make the combat all the more exciting. It is among the most recent free Linux games that you should really try.

Pros:

• The current matching system is appropriate. It allows players to test their builds against various sorts of builds.
• The loot system is an excellent technique to motivate gamers to improve their game.

Cons:

• Some matching modes take far too much time.
• A more varied weapon arsenal is required.

18. RimWorld

Don’t be fooled by the simplistic looks; RimWorld is a very complex game that spent years in Beta Testing prior to actually reaching the final release. It follows you as you govern a colony of humans attempting to live on an Earth-like world inhabited by various tribes.

Not only can you learn the fundamentals of agriculture, expansion of settlements, and plundering and pillaging of others; also each in-game character has a distinct and complex persona, associations, and needs, and it’s captivating to watch your own civilization of people communicate, and even find love while you engage with assigning responsibilities all over your empire.

Pros:

• Amazing replayability
• Simple but effective design.
• Excellent ambiance

Cons:

• Unusual design/sound
• The learning curve is steep.
• Little direction

19. Wakfu

WAKFU is a grid-based online roleplaying multiplayer game that every manga lover should have on their computer. It’s a highly engaging free-to-play online strategic MMORPG game with a sense of comedy. I would strongly advise you to experience it; personally, I thoroughly enjoyed it.

 There are 18 distinct classes to go for in the videogame, and whichever path you take, all hinges on it. 

Pros:

• The playing style is distinct and enjoyable.
• A fantastic gaming concept.
• Based on strategy (lots of skill involved in the endgame)

Cons:

• The game has been taking a turn that many players are unhappy with.
• Limited player base.

20. AdVenture Capitalist

Have you ever considered being a business owner and building a colossal empire? Then there is no finer capitalistic simulator videogame for your Linux PC than this. Invest, flourish, and captivate Angel investors to help your company grow.

 Hire a supervisor to maintain your company’s operations when you’re away! And for Breaking Bad or Better Call Saul fans, it is even more fun as you can hire Gus or even Heisenbird (not Heisenberg) to manage your company.

Pros:

• It doesn’t take long to recover from claiming your Angel Investors.
• Overall, it is simple to grasp and keep track of.

Cons:

• The player’s input is minimal. Some people may find it unpleasant.
• Progress is very streamlined and clearly sluggish.

Conclusion

I am convinced that the majority of people who wish to enter the freeware world have one specific concern in mind: ‘will I be capable of playing any video games or ‘does this offer any decent games? 

Let me assure you that Linux-compatible games have come a long way during the last decade.

In contrast to private operating systems, Linux has the most open-source game repositories, and with the arrival of Steam, Linux consumers do indeed have accessibility to huge AAA games.