Linux-based operating systems have the capability of playing video games. However, due to the lack of native support for many games within the Linux kernel, several software solutions have been developed to facilitate the running of Windows games. These include applications like Wine, Cedega, and Proton, as well as management tools such as Lutris and PlayOnLinux.

Related

Best Laptops for Linux in 2024

Explore the best Linux laptops in our latest guide, ensuring seamless performance and compatibility.

The Linux gaming community is very active online, endeavoring to find ways to play games that are not officially endorsed for the Linux platform. The popular game sales platform, Steam, has done quite a bit to help Linux gamers gain access to games that do not have a native Linux client, primarily through the integrated Steam Play Proton framework. However, some games do need a little bit of effort to get running, despite this.

1 Dying Light 2

Metascore: 76

• Linux compatibility: Works straight from Steam using the Steam Play Proton framework.

Published in 2022 as a sequel to the original Dying Light game, Dying Light 2 is part zombie survival, part open-world exploration, and part 3D platformer, combining into a single whole that is greater than the sum of its parts. Few games have managed to integrate parkour into game maps as well as Dying Light 2 does.

Linux users can install Dying Light 2 through Steam, and the Steam client will take care of setting it up using Play Proton, and no manual configuration is required. However, Linux players have noted that frame rates seem to be lower than when playing on Windows.

2 Elden Ring

Metascore: 96

• Linux compatibility: Works straight from Steam using the Steam Play Proton framework.

Elden Ring is an action roleplaying game released in 2022. Popular fantasy author George R. R. Martin was even brought on board to help out with the world-building. Elden Ring combines open-world style maps, with massive dungeons hidden away. Players can progress their character however they wish, mixing equipment and skills to create something unique.

Related

Elden Ring: 15 Hidden Locations Only Experts Found

The expansive world of Elden Ring holds many secrets for players to uncover, and these are just a few locations that have been found by fans.

For Linux users, installing Elden Ring is simple as long as they purchase the game through Steam. The Steam client will install and configure the game using Play Proton. Some players have complained of poor performance when running the game on Linux, but this is presumed to be a problem with graphics drivers rather than the game itself.

3 The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

Metascore: 92

• Linux compatibility: Can be installed using Proton. However, ray tracing may not work, depending on which Linux GPU driver is being used.

This third installment of the Witcher saga is a sprawling open world that is incredibly rewarding to explore. However, this can’t be considered a full sandbox game, as the player is locked into a story arc. The combat in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is very well implemented, although it can be quite hard to master.

Players who want to run the game on Linux face a couple of challenges, but the game does work on this platform. The installation will need to be done manually using Proton though, so a little technical knowledge or a good guide to follow is a must. Some players have reported problems getting ray tracing working in the game. To fix this, a compatible set of graphics drivers will need to be installed.

4 Valheim

Steam User Rating: 94%

• Linux compatibility: Native Linux client.

Released in 2021, Valheim became an overnight success, with overwhelmingly positive reviews. This is a survival and exploration game, with a loose player progression. Base building forms a large part of Valheim's gameplay as well. Combat is quite basic but still fun. Based on Norse mythology, the game world is immersive and the procedurally generated world maps are stunning.

Related

Valheim: Best Locations For A Base & Why To Build There

Building a base in the right spot is crucial for survival in Valheim. These tips will help Vikings do just that.

Valheim was developed using the Unity game engine, which has cross-platform capability. This is good news for Linux gamers, as it means that there is a native Linux version of Valheim available that runs perfectly.

5 Grand Theft Auto 5

Metascore: 97

• Linux compatibility: Can be installed using Proton.

Few games have had such an impact on gamers as Grand Theft Auto 5 since its initial release in 2013. Over a decade later the game is still going strong. The player is free to follow the main story or do their own thing. The online play is wildly popular as well.

Not wanting to be left out, Linux gamers cracked the problem of getting Grand Theft Auto 5 running on Linux shortly after launch and there are many online guides explaining how to get it working. The basic process uses Proton, and some manual steps need to be followed.

6 Cyberpunk 2077

Metascore: 86

• Linux compatibility: Can be installed using Proton.

Released to poor reviews in December 2020, Cyberpunk 2077 has now matured into a stable, relatively bug-free product, with most of the issues present at launch having been fixed. The first DLC for this game, Phantom Liberty, was released in 2023. With its deep plot, and some excellent voice acting, Cyberpunk seamlessly integrates player progression into an open world.

Related

War Thunder: 10 Best Skins, Ranked

While War Thunder's commitment to realism means that most planes in the MMO lack color, the mod community has added plenty of vibrant skins.

Getting Cyberpunk 2077 running on Linux is a little challenging. The base game can be installed using Proton by following one of the many online guides, but there are some issues. Depending on the GPU and driver combination installed, switching ray tracing on may crash the game. Furthermore, although many of the great mods for Cyberpunk 2077 do work on Linux, some don’t.

7 War Thunder

Metascore: 76

• Linux compatibility: Native Linux client.

Released back in 2012, War Thunder can be summed up as being a battle royale-style game, but for vehicles and aircraft. The maps are quite large, and the game is praised for its accurate representation of vehicle handling and physics.

War Thunder uses the open-source Dagor Engine, which has baked-in cross-platform capability. For Linux gamers, this means that there is a native War Thunder client that just needs to be installed. The game runs smoothly on Linux with no problems.

8 Sid Meier’s Civilization 6

Metascore: 88

• Linux compatibility: Native Linux client.

The sixth iteration of the popular Civilization series of strategy games adds new features, refines others, and updates the graphics to a more modern look and feel.

Previous Civilization games had used the LORE engine. However, Civilization 6 was developed using a new proprietary engine that enabled Firaxis Games to upgrade the graphics, as well as make it more mod-friendly. This new engine is completely cross-platform, and there is a native Linux version of Civilization 6 available for installation.

More

Games With Cross Platform Saves

Games with cross-platform saves are becoming the norm, thanks to cloud storage and multiplatform gamers.