Learning

Linux for Starters: Your Guide to Linux – Gaming – Part 17

Last Updated on May 22, 2022

This series offers a gentle introduction to Linux for newcomers.

“Can I game on it” is a frequently asked question we hear from Windows users toying with the idea of trying Linux for the first time. Well, the simple answer is yes!

In the eyes of many computer users, Linux is perceived as largely functional, mostly restricted to running servers, office tasks and web browsing. However, a wide and ever growing range of native Linux games are available, but given the range, there are a number of locations where you pick them up. Whatever type of game you like, there’s lots to choose from including the latest games as well as classics and remastered titles.


Ubuntu Software App

The obvious first port of call is the Ubuntu Software app. There’s a specific Gaming category where you’ll find lots of free and open source games.

Ubuntu Software - Games Category

The main virtue is that all the games are easy to install and there’s a good selection.

There’s way too many recommendations to list here. But here’s a few to get you started: 0ad (historical real time strategy), Xonotic (arena-style first person shooter), and Hedgewars (amusing turn-based artillery with fighting hedgehogs).

Page 2 – Steam Store


Pages in this article:
Page 1 – Ubuntu Software App
Page 2 – Steam Store
Page 3 – Emulators and more


All articles in this series:

Linux For Starters: Your Guide to Linux
1What is Linux? Why use Linux? What do I need?
2Choose a Linux distribution meeting your specific needs and requirements.
3Make a bootable Ubuntu USB stick in Windows.
4We show you how to install Ubuntu 21.04 on your hard disk.
5Things to do after installing Ubuntu.
6Navigating your way around the Desktop.
7Updating the system, install new software.
8Open source replacements for proprietary Windows desktop software.
9Get started with the power and flexibility of the terminal.
10We cover the basics of files and permissions.
11Getting help from your system.
12Learn all about the file system.
13Manipulating files from the shell.
14Maintain your system with these simple tips.
15Managing users on your system.
16Explore different desktops to GNOME 3.
17Gaming on Linux.
18Protect your privacy with this guide.
19Access the Windows desktop from Linux using a remote desktop client.
20Set up a virtual machine running Ubuntu as the host and openSUSE as the guest.
21Wine lets you run Windows programs on Linux without emulation.
22Extend your GNOME desktop with extensions and themes.
XUseful Linux commands.
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Leden
Leden
3 years ago

Gaming on linux? Are you serious?

Big Col
Big Col
3 years ago
Reply to  Leden

Well I am. Linux is vastly underrated as a gaming platform. Of course many big titles aren’t available but there’s still tons of great games out there.

Andrey
Andrey
2 years ago

A section about gaming distros would be nice. I’m using Drauger.

Nitro
Nitro
2 years ago

All these forks of Ubuntu are just a colossal waste of opportunity.

Winston
Winston
2 years ago
Reply to  Nitro

Are they really? It’s agreed there is often a lot of duplicated work when people fork distros and open source software in general. That also applies to proprietary software. In fact the implications are much worse with proprietary software.

When a proprietary product is abandoned, all the work is effectively lost. This happens so many times when a large multinational acquires a promising product and then just dumps it after 12-18 months.

With an open source project, when the original developer or team stops developing, there’s still a chance that someone else or a group will take the code and carry on with the program’s development. The code is not lost.