Best Free Linux Games for Desktop Gamers
Gaming on Linux used to be a niche experience, but not anymore. Thanks to modern distributions, powerful hardware support, and tools like Proton and Wine, playing free games on Linux has never been easier. Whether you're into real-time strategy, indie adventures, or multiplayer mayhem, there's a growing library of Linux-compatible games waiting for you to explore.
Raid: Shadow Legends
3.9
1697 votesThis game is a slick, squad-based RPG where you collect champions like Pokémon, gear them up, and send them into battle across dungeons, arenas, and an oddly addictive campaign. It’s like fantasy chess, if the pieces wore epic armor and occasionally shot fireballs.
Forge of Empires
4.96
1878 votesForge of Empires is what happens when a city builder hooks up with a time machine. You start in the Stone Age, stacking huts and training spearmen, and before long, you're paving roads in the Modern Era. It's a free-to-play strategy MMO where your job is to grow a city through the ages by constructing buildings, unlocking tech, and battling on a hex grid. The core loop is simple: build stuff, collect stuff, conquer stuff, then do it all over again, just with fancier hats.
Sunrise Village
3.85
897 votesSunrise Village is a tranquil farming and exploration simulator by InnoGames, where players restore their grandfather’s fog-covered village. Blending resource gathering, crafting, and story-driven quests, it offers a cozy, tap-to-play loop with no combat. Just crops, crystals, and casual vibes.
Hero Wars
4.14
361 votesA bright, bite-sized RPG where you collect quirky heroes, tap your way through battles, and build a squad that can auto-farm while you nap. Hero Wars keeps it casual with cartoon chaos and just enough strategy to feel like you’re doing something heroic.
Elvenar
4.91
1405 votesEver wanted to run a magical kingdom where elves invent plumbing and humans research fairy dust? Elvenar hands you the keys. Choose your race, build a gorgeous city, manage resources, and explore ancient provinces. It's part strategy, part fantasy world-builder, and all about playing smart over time.
Game of Thrones: Winter is Coming
4.85
493 votesStep into the boots of a Westerosi lord where every decision could earn you gold or get you gutted. Build your castle, hatch dragons, and scheme your way through alliances in a strategy game that feels like playing chess with wildfire and crossbows.
Taonga Island
3.75
448 votesTaonga: The Island Farm drops you on a sun-soaked island where coconuts, quests, and crop cycles collide. You’ll rebuild a paradise one pineapple at a time, explore neighboring isles, and make friends while feeding your alpacas. It’s a tropical mix of farming, adventuring, and feel-good fun.
Fragpunk
3.59
1752 votesFragpunk throws you into 5v5 matches where bullets fly, heroes shine, and reality twists every round. Use Shard Cards to bend the rules with powers like bouncing bullets, time bombs, and zero gravity. With crisp gunplay, bold style, and wild round modifiers, it's part shooter, part controlled chaos.
Merge Gardens
4.01
1656 votesMerge Gardens mixes cozy mystery with garden chaos in a mashup of merging and match-3 puzzles. You play as Daisy, reviving your uncle's crumbling estate one birdhouse, bush, and berry at a time. The loop bounces between merging three-of-a-kind items in your garden and clearing match-3 boards for loot. Add in magical topiaries, quirky events, and secrets hidden under mossy fountains, and you've got a chill but addictive mobile grind. It's part puzzle, part garden sim, all slow-burn obsession.
Why Play Games on Linux?
Freedom and Flexibility
Linux gives you control over your system. Tweak performance, customize your setup, and game your way.Proton and Steam Play Support
Many Windows-only games now run on Linux thanks to Proton. Steam makes it nearly seamless.Lightweight Operating Systems
Linux distros often use fewer system resources, leaving more room for your games to shine.Open Source Gaming Scene
From fan-made classics to full-featured strategy games, Linux has a strong open source game culture.Fewer Background Processes
With less bloat running in the background, you can squeeze out better performance on the same hardware.
Tips for Getting Started with Linux Games
1. Use a Gaming-Friendly Distro
Ubuntu, Pop!_OS, and SteamOS are among the most popular Linux options for gamers.
2. Install Steam First
Steam has the best Linux game library and supports Proton for running Windows games.
3. Enable Proton in Steam Settings
This unlocks access to a huge number of games that were never natively built for Linux.
4. Check Game Compatibility
Before downloading, use sites like ProtonDB or community forums to check how well a game runs on your system.
5. Use a Game Controller
Many Linux games support controllers out of the box, including PlayStation and Xbox pads.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you really game on Linux?
Absolutely. With the right setup and tools, Linux supports thousands of games, both native and through compatibility layers.
Is Linux good for older PCs?
Yes. Many Linux distributions are lightweight and breathe new life into older hardware.
Are all Linux games free?
Not all, but many are. Open source projects and indie developers offer a wide range of free titles worth exploring.
Do I need to use the terminal?
Sometimes. While most things are GUI-friendly these days, knowing a few terminal commands can help with troubleshooting.
Is Linux safe for gaming?
Very. Linux is known for strong security and system stability. Just stick with reputable sources for your downloads.
Ready to Play?
Linux isn't just for coders and servers anymore. It's a capable gaming platform with a lot to offer, especially for players who like to take control of their setup and play without limits.