If you’re running Linux and want great games without paying or worrying about DRM or servers, open-source and free titles are a fantastic option. Below are 10–12 truly free & open-source (FOSS) or freeware games for Linux that support offline play. We include installation source (official website, package manager, itch.io) and note that no constant internet connection is required.
Key Picks: The Battle for Wesnoth, SuperTuxKart, 0 A.D., OpenTTD.
Platforms: Linux (native builds).
Play Mode: Offline single-player/solo friendly.
Installation Sources: Official website, distro repos, itch.io.
Top Free & Open-Source Offline Linux Games
1. The Battle for Wesnoth
Genre: Turn-based strategy
Offline status: Fully offline single-player campaigns
Installation source: Official site & Linux repos (wesnoth.org) :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
This high-quality open-source strategy game features multiple campaigns and full offline play. Designed from the ground up for Linux and free under GPL.
2. SuperTuxKart
Genre: Arcade kart racing
Offline status: Supports offline single-player races/modes :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
Installation source: Official website or distro package (supertuxkart.net)
You can enjoy single‐player racing against AI opponents fully offline. Completely free and open-source (GPLv3) for Linux.
3. 0 A.D.
Genre: Real-time strategy (historical warfare)
Offline status: Fully offline single-player skirmish/campaign mode
Installation source: Official website (play0ad.com) :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}
A sophisticated open-source RTS game developed by volunteers. Linux native, no micro-transactions or servers required for solo play.
4. OpenTTD
Genre: Transport tycoon simulation
Offline status: Fully offline single-player mode supported
Installation source: Official website and Linux package repos :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}
A free re-implementation of Transport Tycoon Deluxe, OpenTTD lets you build transport networks and play completely offline under Linux.
5. Minetest
Genre: Sandbox / voxel game
Offline status: Fully playable offline in single-player mode
Installation source: Available in Linux repos and official site :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}
This open-source voxel sandbox allows you to build and explore worlds offline, similar to Minecraft but completely free.
6. FreeCiv
Genre: Turn-based strategy (Civilization-style)
Offline status: Full offline single-player mode supported
Installation source: Linux repos and official site :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}
A classic open-source strategy game inspired by Civilization; ideal for long offline sessions.
7. SuperTux
Genre: 2D platformer
Offline status: Fully offline single-player
Installation source: Official website or package manager (supertux.org) :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}
A free Mario-style platforming game starring Tux the penguin, works out of the box on Linux offline.
8. Endless Sky
Genre: 2D space trading/exploration
Offline status: Full offline play possible
Installation source: Linux builds listed on various FOSS game lists :contentReference[oaicite:19]{index=19}
A free open-source space trading game with plenty of depth, playable offline once installed.
9. Veloren
Genre: Voxel action-RPG sandbox
Offline status: Offline single-player mode available in self-hosted dev builds
Installation source: GitHub releases / Linux packages :contentReference[oaicite:21]{index=21}
A rising open-source game with rich voxel world and sandbox RPG features — free and works offline.
10. Pioneer
Genre: Space trading & combat simulator
Offline status: Fully offline single-player
Installation source: Official site (pioneerspacesim.net) :contentReference[oaicite:23]{index=23}
A polished open-source space sim inspired by Elite, playable under Linux without online requirement.
11. Widelands
Genre: Real-time strategy / city-builder
Offline status: Full offline single-player supported
Installation source: Linux repos / project site :contentReference[oaicite:25]{index=25}
An open-source clone of Settlers-type games, free on Linux for offline base-building and resource management.
12. Hedgewars
Genre: Turn-based artillery strategy
Offline status: Full offline single-player or local hot-seat
Installation source: Linux repos / project site :contentReference[oaicite:27]{index=27}
A fun Worms-style open-source game that you can play solo offline or locally with friends on Linux.
Why These Matter
- All are free and open source or fully freeware — no hidden fees or in-game paywalls.
- Each has native Linux builds (or broad Linux support) and works offline or in single-player mode without requiring constant online connection.
- They can be installed via official websites, Linux package managers, or itch.io/lists of open-source games. Guides listing dozens of FOSS games on Linux confirm the availability. :contentReference[oaicite:28]{index=28}
Installation & Offline Play Tips
- Use your Linux distro’s package manager (e.g., apt, dnf, pacman) or download from the project’s official site to install the game.
- Once installed and initial assets are downloaded, set the game to offline mode (if applicable) or simply play without connecting to the internet.
- Save your progress locally and disable any online multiplayer prompt if you only want offline experience.
- Check whether any optional online modules exist and disable them if you want true offline play.
Final Thoughts
If you want to build an offline-friendly Linux gaming library, these free and open-source titles are a great place to start. For more commercial but still offline-compatible Linux games, see our list of Offline Linux Games on Steam (2025 Edition) or explore independent offline options at Offline Linux Indie Games. Happy gaming!
Are these games really free to use?
Yes — the games listed are distributed under open-source licenses (e.g. GPL, CC) or are freeware with full offline play.
Do they run without internet?
Yes — all games here support true offline or single-player modes; no requirement for servers or persistent connection.
Will they work on any Linux distro?
Generally yes — most support Ubuntu, Fedora, Arch, etc via repos or downloadable binaries.
Can I contribute or modify these games?
Absolutely — since many are open-source you can view source code, submit changes or make mods.
Are there more than 12 options?
Yes — you’ll find dozens of FOSS games listed in open-source game directories for Linux. :contentReference[oaicite:29]{index=29}
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