Best Linux apps: gaming
Bottles
Runs Windows programs and games on Linux, each in its own tidy sandbox.
Dolphin Emulator
Free GameCube and Wii emulator with an official Linux build and higher resolution than the real consoles.
Heroic Games Launcher
A free launcher for your Epic Games, GOG and Amazon Games libraries on Linux.
Lutris
One launcher for games from Steam, GOG, Epic and old discs, using Wine to run the Windows ones.
MangoHud
On-screen overlay for games. Shows frame rate, frame times, temperatures and how hard the CPU and GPU are working.
Moonlight
Free app that streams games from a gaming PC on your own network to the machine in front of you.
PCSX2
Free PlayStation 2 emulator that officially supports Linux. Needs a BIOS copied from your own console.
ProtonUp-Qt
A small window for installing extra compatibility versions for Steam and Lutris, with no typing required.
RetroArch
Free all-in-one front end for retro game emulation, with one interface covering dozens of old consoles.
Steam
Valve's game store and launcher, with a built-in tool that lets many Windows games run on Linux.
Coming from one of these?
Battle.net
Not directly · Needs a helper toolCheat Engine
Yes · Has a Linux versionCurseForge App
Yes · Has a Linux versionDolphin Emulator
Yes · Has a Linux versionDS4Windows
No · No way to run itEA app
Not directly · Needs a helper toolEpic Games Launcher
Not directly · Needs a helper toolFortnite
No · No way to run itGeForce NOW
Yes · Has a Linux versionGenshin Impact
Partly · Needs a helper toolGOG Galaxy
No · No way to run ititch.io App
Yes · Has a Linux versionLeague of Legends
No · No way to run itMinecraft
Partly · Only some of it worksParsec
Partly · Only some of it worksPCSX2
Yes · Has a Linux versionPlaynite
No · No way to run itRetroArch
Yes · Has a Linux versionRoblox
Partly · Needs a helper toolRockstar Games Launcher
Not directly · Needs a helper toolSteam
Yes · Has a Linux versionSteam Link
Yes · Has a Linux versionUbisoft Connect
Not directly · Needs a helper toolVALORANT
No · No way to run itVortex
No · No way to run itWorld of Warcraft
Not directly · Needs a helper toolXbox app for Windows
Partly · Works in a browserXbox Game Pass
No · No way to run it