Summary
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.
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.
Published in 2022 as a sequel to the originalDying Lightgame,Dying Light 2is partzombie survival, partopen-worldexploration, 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 asDying Light 2does.
Linux users can installDying Light 2through 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.
Elden Ringis an actionroleplaying gamereleased in 2022. Popular fantasy author George R. R. Martin was even brought on board to help out with the world-building.Elden Ringcombines 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.
For Linux users, installingElden Ringis 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.
This third installment of theWitchersaga is a sprawling open world that is incredibly rewarding to explore. However, this can’t be considered a fullsandbox game, as the player is locked into a story arc. The combat inThe Witcher 3: Wild Huntis 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.
Released in 2021,Valheimbecame an overnight success, with overwhelmingly positive reviews. This is a survival and exploration game, with a loose player progression.Base buildingforms a large part ofValheim’sgameplay 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.
Valheimwas 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 ofValheimavailable that runs perfectly.
Few games have had such an impact on gamers asGrand Theft Auto 5since 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 gettingGrand Theft Auto 5running 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.
Released to poor reviews in December 2020,Cyberpunk 2077has 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,Cyberpunkseamlessly integrates player progression into an open world.
GettingCyberpunk 2077running on Linux is a little challenging. The base game can beinstalled using Protonby 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 forCyberpunk 2077do work on Linux, some don’t.
Released back in 2012,War Thundercan be summed up as being abattle 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 Thunderuses the open-source Dagor Engine, which has baked-in cross-platform capability. For Linux gamers, this means that there is a nativeWar Thunderclient that just needs to be installed. The game runs smoothly on Linux with no problems.
The sixth iteration of the popularCivilizationseries of strategy games adds new features, refines others, and updates the graphics to a more modern look and feel.
PreviousCivilizationgames had used the LORE engine. However,Civilization 6was 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 ofCivilization 6available for installation.
