50 Best Games for Linux

As a hard core gamer, I had some reservations for installing and using Linux when I was first introduced to it way back in 2010. The only reason I was reluctant to install Linux was lack of support from game developers for Linux platform. But so much has changed in last few years, major game developers are extending their support for Linux platform and Valve also launched Steam for Linux distros. Earlier Linux users have to rely on likes on Wine and Arcane which used to required lot of workaround to play games on Linux. But 2017 was the breakthrough year for gaming on Linux when thousands of games were made available for Linux.

Recently we have done the Best 10 Games for Ubuntu in 2018, you can check that list too. As we are already in second half of 2018 and some popular games release around the corner, I am going to share list of Top 50 games for Linux in 2018. This article contains list of both released and unreleased games in various categories.

1. Counter-Strike: Global Offensive

Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS GO), I know this game doesn’t need any introduction as it is one of the most played video games on planet. CS GO is a global best seller first person shooter video game. It is high-end graphics game and requires powerful hardware for smooth running but by tweaking some settings in Steam and Linux you can play it on minimal hardware too.

You can choose on which side you want to play whether as the Terrorists or the Counter Terrorists to achieve respective objectives. Being an upgrade to very popular Counter Strike, Global Offensive comes with new range of guns which includes shotguns, sub-machine guns, and new pistols. It features Arms Race game mode which is also known as Demolition.

2. Dota 2

Dota 2 is another popular video game among eSports and online gamers. It is an online multiplayer video game which is a sequel to Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos. Having developed and published by Valve, Dota 2 is available on Steam and Linux.

Dota 2 is online game which features support for Virtual Reality (VR), eats your own minions for the sake of some gold, and paid subscriptions based on player’s achievements. Gameplay features two teams of 5 players each battling against each other to defend their base.

3. Football Manager 2018

Football Manager 2018 is very popular football manager simulation video game among football fans around the world. This game gives real experience of football management where player takes the role as a Manager of particular football club.

Player is given full control of football club where he can draw tactics for next match, manage squad, handle transfer activities and manage player contracts with clubs. With the combination of Steam and Linux, FM 2018 works flawlessly even on low-end systems

4. Limbo

Developed and Published by Playdead, Limbo is black and white puzzle video game where a boy wakes up in middle of a forest which looks like a quiet place which soon turns into dangerous adventure. As a player you need to search for lost sister of a boy.

The game is full of surprises and won’t fail to amaze you from start to an end. Limbo is a simple 2D puzzle platformer video game which you will find addictive and full of traps every now and then. It is one of the most highly rated games Steam, GameSpot and IGN.

5. SuperTuxKart

SuperTuxKart (STK) is a free cross-platform and open-source kart racing game released under GNU General Public License. Its gameplay is somewhat similar to Mario Kart but it has some unique feature like collecting and using Nitro cans during race.

STK has game modes such as Single player and Multiplayer mode, and Story mode. It is simple racing game which doesn’t require you to have high-end system. You can download and install it from Software Centre on various Linux distros.

6. Hitman: Game of the Year Edition

Again there is no introduction required for popular Hitman series. Last year, Hitman series developers IO Interactive announced the release of Game of the Year Edition for popular Hitman series with 4 new campaigns and other bonuses.

Game of the Year Edition includes all the locations from the previous seasons of Hitman such as Bangkok, Hokkaido, Colorado, and Marrakesh etc. It also features three new weapons and outfits, and bonus campaigns named “Patient Zero”.

7. Everspace

Everspace is single player 3D space combat video game developed and published by Rockfish games in May 2017 for various platforms including Linux and Steam. It is one of the modern games with great visuals and engaging storyline.

Gameplay starts with spacecraft shooting into beautiful universe full of surprises every now and then during the journey. Player needs to find his way to victory fighting against the odds stacked at particular locations in space. It is one of the most popular combat games on Steam thanks to its beautiful graphics and unique gameplay.

8. Rocket League

Developed and published by Psyonix, Rocket League is video game where you can play football while driving car. It is one of the most popular video games on Linux and Steam platform thanks to its unique gameplay features.

Rocket gameplay involves two teams of one to four players each driving rocket-powered vehicles to hit the ball into opponents net. The game comes with both single and multiplayer mode with both offline and online support. It also offers add-ons such as low gravity mode, a cubed ball and the ability to “Mutate” a match during the gameplay

9. Alien Arena: Warriors of Mars

Alien Arena: Warriors of Mars is a cross-platform first person shooter video game developed and published by COR Entertainment. The game gives you feel of old school death combat with modern features and weapons. The game features 23 levels, 10 weapons, 10 player characters and much more.

Game can be played both in online as well as offline modes with game modes such as Capture the Flag, Tactical and some amazing team-based modes. The game is available for several Linux distros such as Ubuntu, Fedora, etc.

10. Darkwood

Darkwood is a cross-platform horror survival video game released in August 2017. It is developed and published by Acid Wizard Studio on Unity game engine. The gameplay takes place in a semi-open world with day and night cycle where player’s objective is to unlock new areas on map as the game progresses.

The gameplay also features a skill system, trading, crafting during daytime, stealth and combat. The game runs on high-end graphics which creates great visuals during the game. Game might lag on some Linux system so please ensure you have enough hardware required for the game to run smoothly.

11. Deus Ex: Mankind Divided

Developed by Eidos Montreal and published by Feral Interactive for Linux, Deus Ex: Mankind Divided is a first person action role playing video game focused on dystopian world of 2029. It is sequel to Dues Ex: Human Revolution which was released in August 2011.

The gameplay revolves around the player character Adam Jensen who is equipped with state-of-the-art weapons and augmentations to face various challenging combats in world two years after the events of Human Revolution.

12. ARK: Survival Evolved

First action adventure video game on our list is ARK: Survival Evolved which is developed and published by Studio Wildcard in August 2017. The gameplay features some prehistoric animals like dinosaurs and natural calamities, player must overcome these in order to survive on an island.

The game comes with options to play in both single as well as multiplayer modes. During the gameplay player can use animals to ride and roam around island to build defence bases. Player is equipped with weapons and firearms to fight against prehistoric creatures and hostiles.

13. F1 2017

F1 2017 is very popular Formula One racing video game developed and published by Codemasters. It is 9^th edition of popular racing video game series. The Linux edition was developed by Feral Interactive and it features all the twenty drivers, twenty circuits and all the ten competing in 2017 Formula One Season.

F1 2017 comes with features such as team management mode, players having say on research and development of car parts which gives you real world feel of managing Formula One team. The game also features some historic Formula One cars and authentic commentary from official Formula One commentators.

14. The Pirate: Plague of the Dead

The Pirate: Plague of the Dead is free-to-play Caribbean adventure game developed and published by Home Net Games. It is the sequel to The Pirate: Caribbean Hunt which became very popular among gamers in short time. It gives player the feel of being a pirate captain by taking control of legendary pirate Jack Rackham.

Gameplay involves exploring the Caribbean Sea while conquering cities, trading and seeking treasure from hidden and remote locations. It features dynamic day and night cycle with real weather conditions you would expect in real world.

15. Total War: WARHAMMER II

Total War: WARHAMMER II is a sequel to Total War: WARHAMMER strategy based which was published by Sega in 2016. The gameplay involves exploring and expanding fantasy universe of WARHAMMER while fighting enemies.

The game can be played in two modes, one in turn-based i.e. open-world campaign and other is real-time tactical battle. Overall game play is engaging and competitive with difficult challenges at every part of the entire gameplay.

16. Team Fortress 2

Team Fortress 2 (TF2) is a free-to-play cross-platform team based first person shooter video game. It is developed and published by Valve Corporation and it is sequel to Team Fortress which was released back in 1996. Team Fortress 2 features various game modes such as Capture the Flag, Control Point, Payload and King of the Hill.

The game can be played in both single player and co-operative (multiplayer) game modes. Gameplay includes 9 different classes which include Scout, Spy, Medic, Sniper, Demoman, Engineer, Heavy, Pyro and Soldier.

17. Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire

Developed by Obsidian Entertainment and published by Versus Evil, Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire is a role playing game (RPG) which was released for Linux and other platforms in May 2018. Player takes the role of “Watcher” who has the ability to read people’s memories and look into their soul.

The gameplay takes place in beautiful environment of Eora and you will find this game a tactical and engaging combat. Its predecessor Pillars of Eternity released in 2015 was one of the highest rated games in PC gaming history.

18. Cities: Skylines

Cities: Skylines is a simulation video game which is released in March 2015 by Paradox Interactive. It gives you a real world feel of hardship involved in building and maintaining modern cities. It is a cross-platform game which is a sequel to Cities in Motion published by Paradox Interactive in 2011.

While its predecessor was focused on developing effective transportation system for the city, Cities: Skylines focuses on developing and maintaining public services, taxation, health, pollution, budget, employment and urban planning. You will find this game very interesting as it involves the task of managing whole city.

19. American Truck Simulator

American Truck Simulator is a vehicle simulation video game which is a sequel to Euro Truck Simulator 2. It is a cross-platform simulation game which developed and published by SCS Software in February 2016. It features truck models licensed from popular truck manufacturers in America.

In gameplay, player (Truck Driver) needs to deliver goods within specified time on various locations across California, Nevada, and Arizona. This game gives you amazing experience of driving truck through various landscapes and landmarks around the United States.

20. Factorio

Factorio is one of the most top rated real-time strategy based games on Steam. It is a cross-platform video game developed and published by Wube Software. The game can be played in both single as well as multiplayer modes.

Gameplay involves man crash lands on an unknown planet and in order to build a rocket to get back home, man harvests all the available resources on an unknown planet to set up an industry. If you ever played Minecraft then you will find somewhat similar gameplay in Factorio.

21. FTL: Faster Than Light

FTL: Faster Than Light is another strategy based video game on our list. The game gives you real feel of being a spaceship pilot, so that you could get experience of how it is to be in space trying to save the galaxy. Gameplay begins with player choosing a spacecraft and a crew to start the mission. The mission is to deliver critical information to an allied fleet.

During the mission spacecraft face various challenges including encounter with rebel spacecraft. The game is divided into eight sectors having twenty waypoints in each sector. The player needs to visit each way point to past through each sector while collecting currency, equipment, etc.

22. Starbound

Starbound is a cross-platform 2D adventure video game released for Linux and other platforms in July 2016. Having developed and published by Chucklefish, Starbound gamplay involves player exploring 2D universe while collecting new armours, weapons and other items.

Story begins at the destruction of Earth; Spacecrafts takes flight into the space without knowing its destination. Later it finds a habitable planet and orbits around it to obtain various items. Player gets real world of being a spaceship pilot with spaceship featuring cockpit, fuel panel and fully customizable ship interior.

23. Prison Architect

Prison Architect is a prison construction simulation video game released in 2015 by Introversion. At the start of the gameplay, player needs to construct highly secure prison. As the number of prisoner increases, player needs to construct more blocks with same security measures.

Player also needs to construct other facilities like canteen, guard room, toilet, infirmary, etc. without compromising overall security of prison. As the game progresses player will find need for additional infrastructure such as workout areas and solitary confinement cells. The game is not only limited to construction but also you need to carry out prison management tasks such as hiring wardens, guards, workers for the prison.

24. Crusader Kings II

Crusader Kings II is a sequel to Crusader Kings which is a strategy based video game that takes place in most defining periods in world history. It is a cross-platform game and it was separately released for Linux in January 2013. It is another best seller and popular release from Paradox Interactive after Cities: Skylines.

The gameplay takes place in a Middle Ages between 1066 to 1453. Game also features various historical personalities from Middle Ages. The player’s objective is to obtain prestige and points to surpass rivals from other dynasties.

25. The Battle for Wesnoth

The Battle for Wesnoth is an open-source strategy video game with high fantasy theme and it features both single player and online multiplayer game modes. Primary objective of the player is to reclaim the throne of Wesnoth by battling it out against enemies.

It has simple graphics and works on minimal hardware requirements. Some of the features in this game include 17 single player campaigns and 55 multiplayer maps, support for add-ons like new campaigns, factions and multiplayer maps.

26. Borderlands 2

Borderlands 2 is a shoot and loot action RPG video game which is a second release in popular Borderlands series. Released in 2015, gameplay involves completing missions and collecting weapons, shields, and other items side-by-side. The game can be played in both single as well as multiplayer modes with both having some unique features.

In multiplayer mode you get features like trading, slag, currency, E-Tech weaponry and many other additions (downloadable contents). The game became very popular in very short time and later developers also released additional downloadable content which included new storyline and characters.

27. 0 A.D.

0 A.D. is a free cross-platform and open-source historical war game developed and published by Wildfire Games. Gameplay focuses on the tribes and the civilizations between 500 B.C. to A.D. 500. It is simple graphical video game which doesn’t require you to have high-end computer system.

The gameplay comes with both single player and multiplayer mode where player needs to choose computer generated maps. It also features activities like army training, combat and technology research. The game can be downloaded and installed directly from Ubuntu Software Centre.

 28. Portal 2

Another masterpiece from Valve Corporation on our list is Portal 2 which is a first person puzzle video game. The game was released in April 2011 and it can be played in single player and co-operative mode. In single player mode player takes control of “Chell” while in co-operative mode you can play as either Atlas or P-Body.

It is a great sequel to Portal which was Game of the Year in 2007. Game comes with excellent graphics and other features such as editing tool, advance physics and many more.

29. Middle-Earth: Shadow of Mordor

Middle-Earth: Shadow of Mordor is cross-platform adventure video game released in 2014. Basically game is based on some of the events in popular The Lords of the Rings and The Hobbit games which are also set on Middle-Earth.

The game was released in 2014, Player takes control of Talion which is ranger who fights enemies and uncovers the truths of Mordor. The game requires you to have Ubuntu 14.04 of higher and atleast 4GB of ram with 1GB graphics in order to run it smoothly on you system.

30. DiRT Rally

DiRT Rally is an off-road racing video game developed by Feral Interactive especially for Linux and macOS. It was originally developed and published by Codemasters for Windows in December 2015. It is one of the most highly rated games on Steam with over 80 million miles of roads tested by the DiRT gamers.

DiRT rally gameplay mostly focused on rallying in challenging weather conditions in 3 locations: Monte Carlo, Powys and Argolis. Game features cars from 16 different manufacturers including vintage as well as modern cars. Game comes with excellent graphics which ensures excellent gaming experience.

31. Metro: Last Light Redux

Metro: Last Light Redux is another first person shooter video game on our list. It is developed by Ukraine based 4A Games and published by Deep Silver. Gameplay takes you to post-apocalyptic Moscow of 2034 and it is sequel to Metro 2033.

The player character Artyom gets wide collection of real weapons to choose from. Most of the gameplay takes place in the tunnels of Metro but on rare occasions it takes player to ground as well. Overall gameplay is intense which will take your gaming experience to next level.

32. Terraria

If you love playing sandbox video games then you’re going to love next game on our list which is Terraria. Developed by Re-Logic and published by 505 Games, Terraria is a cross-platform 2d action adventure game. The gameplay involves fighting for survival, fortune and glory while exploring, fighting and building in 2D world.

At the start of the gameplay, player is given three tools which include a shortsword for fight, an axe for woodcutting and a pickaxe for digging. As the gameplay progresses player meets new challenges like encounter with zombies and boss monsters at different stages of the game.

33. Left 4 Dead 2

Left 4 Dead 2 is another masterpiece developed and published by Valve Corporation. It is a first person shooter video game which is a sequel to Left 4 Dead by Rock Studios. Left 4 Dead 2 also focuses on cooperative gameplay in which survivor fights against zombies.

Gameplay includes five campaigns which survivor needs to complete one-by-one by fighting against Infected, hordes of zombies. In terms of graphics it is not a high-end game and works smoothly on low-end systems too.

 34. Age of Wonders III

Age of Wonders III is another turn-based strategy video game on our list. It is developed and published by Triumph Studios in 2015 for Linux. It is sequel to award winning series of Age of Wonders which includes Age of Wonders: Shadow Magic and Age of Wonders II: The Wizard’s Throne.

The role playing feature in this edition of Age of Wonders is so good that, player takes control of a world leader. Player needs to explore the world while interacting with different kingdoms and races from all various parts of the world. Ultimate objective of the player is to expand and manage the empire either diplomatic talks or warfare.

35. Insurgency

Insurgency published and developed by New World Interactive is a first person shooter video game which is sequel to Insurgency: Modern Infantry Combat. Game modes include 9 online game modes and 5 co-op game modes. Online game modes include Push, Firefight, Skirmish, Occupy, Ambush, Strike, Infiltrate, Flashpoint and Elimination game modes.

While co-op game modes feature Checkpoint, Hunt, Survival, Outpost and Conquer game modes. At the start of the game play you as a player get the ability to choose from variety of weapons and class. It also features 16 multiplayer and cooperative maps from 8 different environments.

36. Amnesia: The Dark Descent

Amnesia: The Dark Descent is a cross-platform survival horror game released for Linux in September 2010. The gameplay, quality graphics and background sound will give you unforgettable survival experience in one of the most horrific gaming environments.

The character name is “Daniel” whose sanity you need to maintain in order to complete the game. Staying in darkness for too long, staring at monsters or witnessing unsettling events could hamper Daniel’s sanity. As a player you don’t get access to weapons so you need to find hiding places to get out of the sight of monster.

37. Sid Meier’s Civilization VI

Sid Meier’s Civilization VI is a turn based strategy video game which was released for Linux in February 2017. The gameplay involves expanding empire across the map and advance the culture while competing against history’s greatest leaders.

Civilization VI is basically based on its predecessor Civilization V gameplay. Player’s responsibilities include expanding cities, build military units to keep an eye on opponents, technological and cultural developments.

38. Road Redemption

Road Redemption is a successor to the popular vehicular combat racing video game Road Rash. It is a cross-platform racing game developed and published by Pixel Dash Studios and EQ Games in October 2017. Road Redemption comes with slightly superior graphics to Road Rash but madness is on similar level in both games.

The game can be played in 4 player co-operative split-screen mode and online multiplayer mode. The gameplay features number of campaigns, dozens of weapons and many other features which are not present in Road Rash. Player’s character, bike and weapons can be upgraded by completing challenges like robberies, assassinations and racings.

39.  This War of Mine

Developed and published by 11 Bit Studios, This War of Min is another survival video game on our list. The gameplay is based on the Bosnian War between 1992 and 1996. Don’t go with the name as gameplay is not about frontline combat but its effect on civilians. Player has to make some strong decisions in order to survive the on-going war.

Player needs to gather material to craft the tools to protect survivors, cook the food for them, and also heal those who injured during the war. Survivor’s life depends on the decision player makes during the gameplay. Valuable resources can be gathered during night time as hostile snipers prevent anyone from going out during daytime.

40. Mad Max

Mad Max is a cross-platform action adventure video game which was released for Linux and other platforms in September 2015. Mad Max is one of the most popular games from developers Avalanche Studios. The game starts in post war environment where player character Mad Max survives the war.

In search of a solace Mad Max faces various challenges like vehicular combats where cars are the key to survival. Game comes with some decent graphics and works smoothly on Ubuntu 16.04 or higher with combination of Steam.

41. Kingdom and Castles

Kingdom and Castles is a medieval city building game video game released for Steam and Linux in 2017. The gameplay involves building city to attract new residents, also shield the city from invaders trying to rob residents, etc. During the gameplay player faces many challenges but his primary objective is to keep residents happy and safe.

Gameplay visuals are joy to watch as there is procedural cloud system, realistic tree growth and summer to winter season cycle. Player’s job is to transform a tiny hamlet into a sprawling city.

42. Monaco: What’s Yours is Mine

Monaco: What’s Yours is Mine is a cross-platform action stealth video game developed and published by Pocketwatch Games. The game can be played in single player as well as co-operative (Multiplayer) mode. The gameplay features eight different characters out of which four are available from the start while other four can be unlocked by completing challenges during different stages of gameplay.

Game features weapons such as firearms, smoke bombs, shot gun, machine gun and C4 explosives. The eight characters in game are The Locksmith, The Lookout, The Pickpocket, The Cleaner, The Mole, The Gentleman, The Hacker and The Redhead.

43. Braid

Braid is a cross-platform puzzle video game developed and published by Number None in December 2010. The gameplay revolves around character Tim whose goal is to rescue a princess from monster.

Braid comes with features like Steam cloud support, challenging gameplay, nonlinear story and aesthetic design. The game doesn’t require you to have high-end hardware system as it works smoothly on minimal hardware too.

44. Tropico 5

Tropico 5 is another construction simulation and management game on our list. Developed by Haemimont Games and published by Kalypso Media, the game was released for Linux and other platforms in 2014. All the predecessors of Tropico 5 were only came with single player mode but Tropico 5 is the first game in Tropico franchise to come with cooperative and multiplayer mode with option to play with up to four players.

Tropico 5 gameplay features four different eras from 19^th to 21^st century and some basic features like renovation, research, trading and exploration received major upgrade as compared to previous iterations of the Tropico series.

45. Europa Universalis IV

Europa Universalis IV is the 4^th edition of popular strategy video game series Europa Universalis. It is one of the most highly rated games on Steam platform. The gameplay starts with player taking over control of country from late middle ages to early modern period.

Basic objective of the player is to lead the nation to development by managing three important pillars of nation which are economy, military and diplomacy. Player can also conquer the world and lead the nation a superpower in all three fronts.

46. Serious Sam 3: BFE

Serious Sam 3: BFE is the part of popular first person shooter (FPS) video game series Serious Sam developed by Croteam and published by Devolver Digital. The game can be played in single player, online and co-operative (multiplayer) campaign mode.

The gameplay takes place in Egypt of 22^nd century when Mental’s invade Earth. Player is equipped with unlimited amount of weaponry which includes rocket launcher, assault rifle, minigun, sledgehammer and cannon.

47. Natural Selection 2

Natural Selection 2 is a combination of first person shooter and real-time strategy based multiplayer video game. Gameplay features two teams fighting against each other for the control of resources and territory.

The two teams are Frontiersmen which is human team and Kharaa which is team of Aliens. Even though objectives of both the teams are more or less same there is notable difference in gameplay of both the teams.

48. Euro Truck Emulator 2

Euro Truck Emulator 2 is a cross-platform vehicle simulation video game developed and published by SCS Software. It is one of the highly rated games on Steam and has excellent graphical user interface which gives you feel of real truck driver from your home.

It is a feature-rich simulation video game which features licensed trucks with full customization support, option to buy more vehicles, accessories and hire truck drivers. At the start of the gameplay player needs to select the Headquarters location from the map from where he can start his journey.

49. Rust

Rust, developed and published by Facepunch Studios is a survival video game in which your only aim is to survive. Player needs to overcome different struggles such as hunger, thirst and cold in order to survive. Since the game is multiplayer only, other players are major threats hence either you need to kill or form alliance with them.

At the start of gameplay player is only equipped with a rock and a torch, you need to either stole or gather weapons such as firearms and bows in order to survive. Player also faces challenges from animals such as wolves and bears and also from attacking helicopters.

50. Verdun

Verdun is a first person shooter video game inspired by Battle of Verdun in France during World War I. It is a cross-platform video game developed and published by M2H Blackmail Games. The gameplay features four game modes which include Frontlines, Attrition Warfare, Squad Defence and Rifle Deathmatch.

As it is squad based FPS game, all the game modes can be played with up to 32 players. The game features all the historic weapons used during World War I, authentic uniforms, maps and equipment used during the period.

So these are the best 50 games you can play on Linux in 2018. All the games listed above are tested on Ubuntu 18.04 but they will work effortlessly on Ubuntu 16.04 or higher. Hope you guys enjoyed this dedicated article for our fellow Linux gaming community. Feel free to share your views and suggestions at @LinuxHint.