Best Linux Games Available For Free On Steam

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Because Steam now officially supports many games on Linux, and tools like Proton and Lutris help ensure continued support for Linux operating systems, the number of games available on Linux is constantly growing.

Linux gamers can find a lot of great free games on Steam. There’s something for everyone, from fast-paced, competitive shooters to relaxed, easygoing games you can enjoy at your own speed.

Warframe

Free-to-Play Sci-Fi Action

Warframe is a free-to-play action role-playing game known for its stunning visuals, fun gameplay, and a huge amount of content that’s always expanding. Players collect and play as unique characters called Warframes, each with different powers and playstyles that offer a fresh experience.

Warframe requires a lot of repetitive gameplay and resource collection to fully upgrade your Warframes. However, dedicated players who enjoy the core gameplay can achieve their desired setups without spending any money. Although it doesn’t officially support Linux, Warframe runs smoothly using Proton.

Path of Exile

Complex ARPG Build Crafting

If you enjoy action RPGs like *Diablo*, you should definitely check out *Path of Exile*. It’s a free-to-play game that’s known for its depth and careful design, and it’s been popular for years. Plus, it works great on Linux, so you can play it on almost any Linux distribution that supports gaming.

Path of Exile releases a new season every four months, each bringing fresh content and challenges for players. One of the game’s greatest strengths is its incredible variety of character builds. The complex skill tree, diverse classes, and interconnected systems create a gameplay experience that’s easy to get hooked on.

Dota 2

A Deeply Complex MOBA

Since the anti-cheat software for *League of Legends* made the game unplayable on Linux, *Dota 2* is now the most popular MOBA available for Linux users. The game features a massive selection of heroes, each with their own special abilities, starting advantages, item combinations, and a deep level of strategy that increases as players become more skilled.

If you’re searching for a game you can really get lost in for hundreds of hours and still find new things to learn, Dota 2 is a great option. It’s notoriously difficult to pick up at first because it’s so competitive, but it’s definitely worth the effort to learn.

Counter-Strike 2

The Benchmark for Competitive Shooters

Counter-Strike 2 is currently the leading competitive first-person shooter, and it’s officially supported on Linux, allowing users to play directly on their systems. The game features realistic shooting mechanics and quick matches, making it easy to pick up and play.

Besides the competitive ranked mode, players can enjoy more relaxed options like Deathmatch and Arms Race. These are great for anyone who doesn’t want to spend a lot of time in long, competitive matches.

Overwatch 2

Team-Based Hero Shooter Action

Overwatch 2 is a team-based action game where players choose from a variety of heroes. Originally, it cost money to play, but now it’s free! Plus, it’s now available on Steam, which makes it easier for players with Linux computers to enjoy.

Overwatch 2 stands out because its diverse cast of characters means players of all skill levels can easily find someone they enjoy playing – something Counter-Strike 2 doesn’t provide. Beyond standard ranked and quick matches, the game keeps things fresh with new content each season, customizable game types, and a variety of arcade modes. One popular feature, Stadium Mode, lets players level up and customize their heroes in a role-playing game style.

Team Fortress 2

Timeless Class-Based Mayhem

Team Fortress 2, the game that really started the hero shooter craze, is still one of the best free games you can play, and it works great on Linux. Even though it’s been out for a long time, a dedicated community keeps the game thriving, making it a fantastic time to start playing.

In *Team Fortress 2*, players select from nine different classes at the beginning of each game, and each class plays in a unique way. Besides the standard game types like Capture the Flag and King of the Hill, *TF2* also includes many more casual modes to choose from.

Splitgate

Portal Mechanics Meet Arena Shooter

Splitgate is a free-to-play, fast-paced online shooter where players can create portals to quickly move around the map, inspired by the Portal games. The game’s developer, 1047 Games, has now stopped actively supporting Splitgate and shut down its servers, as they focus on creating a sequel.

Even though official servers are down, you can still play *Splitgate* online because the developers included a Peer-to-Peer (P2P) system as a way to keep the game going. Unfortunately, this means the game no longer officially works on Linux, but players can still use Proton to run the Windows version.

Super Auto Pets

Cozy Yet Competitive Auto Battler

Super Auto Pets is a hugely popular game where you create teams of adorable animals, each with special skills, and battle against other players’ teams to see who wins.

Super Auto Pets works perfectly on Linux computers right out of the box through Steam – you don’t need any extra software like Proton or Lutris to get it running. Best of all, it’s free to play, making it a great choice for players who want a relaxing but still engaging experience.

OpenTTD

The Ultimate Transport Tycoon Revival

OpenTTD is a free and open-source game that’s similar to the classic game Transport Tycoon Deluxe, originally released for DOS in 1995. It’s been developed and updated by a passionate community of fans who wanted to bring this beloved game to modern computers, including those running Linux.

OpenTTD is a business simulation game where you run a transportation company and compete against others. You build and expand a transportation network in real-time, unlocking new technologies as you go – it’s a bit like the Civilization series. Your score depends on how much profit you earn throughout the game.

Guild Wars 2

Massive MMORPG With Rich Lore

I’ve been playing Guild Wars 2 for a while now, and it’s a really solid free-to-play MMO. The community is awesome, and there’s *tons* of stuff to do – years and years of content, actually. You can jump in and play the base game for free, which is great, but if you want to experience all the expansions and extra adventures, you’ll need to buy those separately.

The base game offers plenty of content to keep players engaged for a long time, and you can reach the highest level without needing to subscribe or make any additional purchases. Plus, with support for Linux through Proton, those looking for a cooperative multiplayer game will likely enjoy *Guild Wars 2*.

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2025-09-23 15:05