Best Games On Steam You Can Play On Linux and Windows
Last updated December 27, 2019 By Ankush Das 48 Comments
Here’s a curated list of best steam games in various genres. The games listed here are available on both Windows and Linux.
When it comes to Gaming, a system running on a Windows platform is what anyone would recommend. It still is a superior choice for gamers with better graphics driver support and perfect hardware compatibility.
But, what about the thought of gaming on a Linux system? Thanks to Steam for Linux, the gaming scene on Linux has improved a lot. The Steam store now has a lot of great games listed for the Linux platform (including a lot of major titles). So, in this article, we’ll be taking a look at the best games on Steam that are also available for Linux (along with Windows).
But before we do that, let me tell you a money saving trick. If you are an avid gamer who spends plenty of time and money on gaming, you should subscribe to Humble Monthly. This monthly subscription program from Humble Bundle (affiliate link, please read our affiliate policy) gives you $100 in games for just $12 each month.
Not all games might be available on Linux though but it is still a good deal because you get an additional 10% discount on any games or books you buy from Humble Bundle website.
The best thing here is that every purchase you make supports a charity organization. So, you are not just gaming, you are also making a difference to the world.
Best Linux games on Steam
Note: The list of best games on Steam for Linux is in no particular ranking order.
The games listed here might not be free as well. If you don’t want to spend money, please check our list of best free Linux games.
Additional Note: While there’s a lot of games available on Steam for Linux, there are still a lot of problems you would face as a Linux gamer. You can refer to one of our articles to know about the annoying experiences every Linux gamer encounters.
Jump Directly to your preferred genre of Games:
Best Action Games for Linux On Steam
Note: With Steam Play, you can try new games available on Steam originally tailored for Windows. So, if you do not see your favorite game listed here – make sure to check ProtonDB to see if it works on Linux using Steam Play.
1. Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (Multiplayer)
CS GO is definitely one of the best FPS games for Linux on Steam. I don’t think this game needs an introduction but in case you are unaware of it – I must mention that it is one of the most enjoyable FPS multiplayer game you would ever play. You’ll observe CS GO is one of the games contributing a major part to the e-sports scene. To up your rank – you need to play competitive matches. In either case, you can continue playing casual matches.
I could have listed Rainbow Six siege instead of Counter-Strike, but we still don’t have it for Linux/Steam OS.
2. Left 4 Dead 2 (Multiplayer/Singleplayer)
One of the most loved first-person zombie shooter multiplayer game. You may get it for as low as 1.3 USD on a Steam sale. It is an interesting game that gives you the chills and thrills you’d expect from a zombie game. The game features swamps, cities, cemeteries, and a lot more environments to keep things interesting and horrific. The guns aren’t super techy but definitely provides a realistic experience considering it’s an old game.
3. Borderlands 2 (Singleplayer/Co-op)
Borderlands 2 is an interesting take on FPS games for PC. It isn’t anything like you experienced before. The graphics look sketchy and cartoony but that does not let you miss the real action you always look for in a first-person shooter game. You can trust me on that!
If you are looking for one of the best Linux games with tons of DLC – Borderlands 2 will definitely suffice.
4. Insurgency (Multiplayer)
Insurgency is yet another impressive FPS game available on Steam for Linux machines. It takes a different approach by eliminating the HUD or the ammo counter. As most of the reviewers mentioned – pure shooting game focusing on the weapon and the tactics of your team. It may not be the best FPS game – but it surely is one of them if you like – Delta Force kinda shooters along with your squad.
5. Bioshock: Infinite (Singleplayer)
Bioshock Infinite would definitely remain as one of the best singleplayer FPS games ever developed for PC. You get unrealistic powers to kill your enemies. And, so do your enemies have a lot of tricks up in the sleeves. It is a story-rich FPS game that you should not miss playing on your Linux system!
6. HITMAN – Game of the Year Edition (Singleplayer)
The Hitman series is obviously one of the most loved game series for a PC gamer. The recent iteration of HITMAN series saw an episodic release which wasn’t appreciated much but now with Square Enix gone, the GOTY edition announced with a few more additions is back to the spotlight. Make sure to get creative with your assassinations in the game Agent 47!
7. Portal 2
Portal 2 is the perfect blend of action and adventure. It is a puzzle game which lets you join co-op sessions and create interesting puzzles. The co-op mode features a completely different campaign when compared to the single player mode.
8. Deux Ex: Mankind Divided
If you are on the lookout for a shooter game focused on stealth skills – Deux Ex would be the perfect addition to your Steam library. It is indeed a very beautiful game with some state-of-the-art weapons and crazy fighting mechanics.
9. Metro 2033 Redux / Metro Last Light Redux
Both Metro 2033 Redux and the Last Light are the definitive editions of the classic hit Metro 2033 and Last Light. The game has a post-apocalyptic setting. You need to eliminate all the mutants in order to ensure the survival of mankind. You should explore the rest when you get to play it!
10. Tannenberg (Multiplayer)
Tannenberg is a brand new game – announced a month before this article was published. The game is based on the Eastern Front (1914-1918) as a part of World War I. It is a multiplayer-only game. So, if you want to experience WWI gameplay experience, look no further!
Best RPG Games for Linux on Steam
11. Shadow of Mordor
Shadow of Mordor is one of the most exciting open world RPG game you will find listed on Steam for Linux systems. You have to fight as a ranger (Talion) with the bright master (Celebrimbor) to defeat Sauron’s army (and then approach killing him). The fighting mechanics are very impressive. It is a must try game!
12. Divinity: Original Sin – Enhanced Edition
Divinity: Original is a kick-ass Indie-RPG game that’s unique in itself and very much enjoyable. It is probably one of the highest rated RPG games with a mixture of Adventure & Strategy. The enhanced edition includes new game modes and a complete revamp of voice-overs, controller support, co-op sessions, and so much more.
13. Wasteland 2: Director’s Cut
Wasteland 2 is an amazing CRPG game. If Fallout 4 was to be ported down as a CRPG as well – this is what we would have expected it to be. The director’s cut edition includes a complete visual overhaul with hundred new characters.
14. Darkwood
A horror-filled top-down view RPG game. You get to explore the world, scavenging materials, and craft weapons to survive.
Best Racing/Sports/Simulation Games
15. Rocket League
Rocket League is an action-packed soccer game conceptualized by rocket-powered battle cars. Not just driving the car and heading to the goal – you can even make your opponents go – kaboom!
A fantastic sports-action game every gamer must have installed!
16. Road Redemption
Missing Road Rash? Well, Road Redemption will quench your thirst as a spiritual successor to Road Rash. Of course, it is not officially “Road Rash II” – but it is equally enjoyable. If you loved Road Rash, you’ll like it too.
17. Dirt Rally
Dirt Rally is for the gamers who want to experience off-road and on-road racing game. The visuals are breathtaking and the game is enjoyable with near to perfect driving mechanics.
18. F1 2017
F1 2017 is yet another impressive car racing game from the developers of Dirt Rally (Codemasters & Feral Interactive). It features all of the iconic F1 racing cars that you need to experience.
19. GRID Autosport
GRID is one of the most underrated car racing games available out there. GRID Autosport is the sequel to GRID 2. The gameplay seems stunning to me. With even better cars than GRID 2, the GRID Autosport is a recommended racing game for every PC gamer out there. The game also supports a multiplayer mode where you can play with your friends – representing as a team.
Best Adventure Games
20. ARK: Survival Evolved
ARK Survival Evolved is a quite decent survival game with exciting adventures following in the due course. You find yourself in the middle of nowhere (ARK Island) and have got no choice except training the dinosaurs, teaming up with other players, hunt someone to get the required resources, and craft items to maximize your chances to survive and escape the Island.
21. This War of Mine
A unique game where you aren’t a soldier but a civilian facing the hardships of wartime. You’ve to make your way through highly-skilled enemies and help out other survivors as well.
22. Mad Max
Mad Max is all about survival and brutality. It includes powerful cars, an open-world setting, weapons, and hand-to-hand combat. You need to keep exploring the place and also focus on upgrading your vehicle to prepare for the worst. You need to think carefully and have a strategy before you make a decision.
23. Tomb Raider
Want a female protagonist with action and adventure as well? Tomb Raider is the only game I can think of recommending you on Steam for Linux. It is available for dirt cheap price during the Steam sales. If you proceed to purchase it during the sales, I would ask you to get the GOTY edition.
24. Shadow of the Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition
Including the original Tomb Raider and the Rise of the Tomb Raider – you can also consider the latest Shadow of the Tomb Raider (Definitive Edition) which was made possible to run on Linux by Feral Interactive.
Best Indie Games
25. Terraria
It is a 2D game that has received overwhelmingly positive reviews on Steam. Dig, fight, explore, and build to keep your journey going. The environments are automatically generated. So, it isn’t anything static. You might encounter something first and your friend might encounter the same after a while. You’ll also get to experience creative 2D action-packed sequences.
26. Kingdoms and Castles
With Kingdoms and Castles, you get to build your own kingdom. You have to manage your kingdom by collecting tax (as funds necessary) from the people, take care of the forests, handle the city design, and also make sure no one raids your kingdom by implementing proper defenses.
It is a fairly new game but quite trending among the Indie genre of games.
27. Don’t Starve Together
An overwhelming Indie game where you get the ability to co-op as well. It is a good survival game with multiple players connected online. You can choose to trust them or not – that is your decision. But, don’t starve!
28. LIMBO
One of the mind blowing Indie games of the decade – for me. It is a dark representation while a boy tries to find his sister. And, on his way, he encounters dangerous yet beautiful things.
This is not a free game – but you can expect to get it at almost a dollar during the Steam sales. Explore away!
Best Strategy Games on Steam For Linux Machines
29. Sid Meier’s Civilization V
Sid Meier’s Civilization V is one of the best-rated strategy game available for PC. You could opt for Civilization VI – if you want. But, the gamers still root for Sid Meier’s Civilization V because of its originality and creative implementation.
30. Total War: Warhammer
Total War: Warhammer is an incredible turn-based strategy game available for PC. Sadly, the Warhammer II isn’t available for Linux as of yet. But 2016’s Warhammer is still a great choice if you like real-time battles that involve building/destroying empires with flying creatures and magical powers.
31. Bomber Crew
Wanted a strategy simulation game that’s equally fun to play? Bomber Crew is the answer to it. You need to choose the right crew and maintain it in order to win it all.
32. Age of Wonders III
A very popular strategy title with a mixture of empire building, role playing, and warfare. A polished turn-based strategy game you must try!
33. Cities: Skylines
A pretty straightforward strategy game to build a city from scratch and manage everything in it. You’ll experience the thrills and hardships of building and maintaining a city. I wouldn’t expect every gamer to like this game – it has a very specific userbase.
34. XCOM 2
XCOM 2 is one of the best turn-based strategy game available for PC. I wonder how crazy it could have been to have XCOM 2 as a first person shooter game. However, it’s still a masterpiece with an overwhelming response from almost everyone who bought the game. If you have the budget to spend more on this game, do get the – “War of the Chosen” – DLC.
35. Dota 2
Dota 2 is obviously one of the most popular strategy games available on Steam for Linux. If you want a free-to-play MOBA game with a huge player base – this is the one you should go for.
Best Horror Games on Steam
36. Outlast
Outlast is a gem. If you want first person survival horror experience without spending a lot of money – Outlast is your best classic bet. No matter how old the game is – it still beats the competition.
37. Alien Isolation
Alien Isolation is my favorite. Featuring a female protagonist – similar to what we see in the movie. It is a very interesting and challenging game. Of course, the best audio equipment you’ve got, the best experience you will get. The graphics quality is top-notch as well, as opposed to some classic horror games.
38. Dying Light
If you are looking for action and survival horror at the same time – Dying Light to the rescue! Unlike the other games listed above, it is a mixture of RPG, Action, and Survival. Just keep on slaying the zombies till you are safe!
39. DOOM
DOOM is a hardcore action-horror game. The reason I listed it in the “horror” category is because it’s not just a simple action game. It’s an intense game with a lot of scary elements.
Of course, you will have the best weapons to tackle the demon hordes – but it will be intense. I tried this game with the “Hurt Me Plenty” difficulty level and it was impressive!
You can easily play it on Steam using Steam Play.
Wrapping Up
Among all the games available for Linux, we did include most of the major titles and some of the latest games with an overwhelming response from the gamers.
Do you think we missed any of your favorite Linux games available on Steam? Also, what are the games that you would like to see on Steam for Linux platform?
Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
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