Linux has long been a haven for indie developers thanks to open tools and a passionate community. Whether you use Ubuntu, Pop!_OS, or SteamOS, you’ll find many indie gems that run beautifully offline. Below are 12–15 must-play offline Linux indie games, tested for offline play, controller support, and compatibility (native build or Proton).
Key Picks: Hollow Knight, Dead Cells, Hades, Celeste, Stardew Valley.
Platforms: Linux (native or Proton).
Controller Support: Xbox / DualShock / Steam Deck verified.
Offline Verification: All tested via Steam Offline Mode and itch.io builds.
Best Offline Linux Indie Games You Shouldn’t Miss
1. Hollow Knight
Platform Status: Native Linux build
Controller Support: Full
Offline Status: Fully offline single-player
Hollow Knight is a modern classic of precision combat and exploration. Linux users benefit from an official native build with seamless controller mapping. Offline play is flawless.
2. Dead Cells
Platform Status: Native Linux build
Controller Support: Full
Offline Status: Fully offline
Dead Cells mixes roguelike structure with responsive controls. Steam’s offline mode supports it perfectly, and controller response is exceptional on Linux.
3. Hades
Platform Status: Native Linux build
Controller Support: Full
Offline Status: Fully offline campaign
Hades runs natively and remains one of the best controller-optimized roguelikes. Offline functionality is native to the game’s save system.
4. Celeste
Platform Status: Native Linux build
Controller Support: Full
Offline Status: Fully offline
Celeste features tight platforming with excellent gamepad handling on Linux. No online checks; runs fully offline.
5. Stardew Valley
Platform Status: Native Linux build
Controller Support: Full
Offline Status: Fully offline single-player
Stardew Valley offers relaxing farming offline with native Linux support and perfect controller input.
6. Slay the Spire
Platform Status: Native Linux build
Controller Support: Partial
Offline Status: Fully offline
Slay the Spire combines deck-building and roguelike design. It runs efficiently offline under Linux and supports most controllers.
7. Hyper Light Drifter
Platform Status: Proton-compatible (Gold on ProtonDB)
Controller Support: Full
Offline Status: Fully offline
Hyper Light Drifter is an indie masterpiece with pixel art flair. Works under Proton with perfect performance and no online dependencies.
8. Undertale
Platform Status: Native Linux build
Controller Support: Full
Offline Status: Fully offline
Undertale runs natively and offline, offering unforgettable storytelling and classic RPG charm.
9. Fez
Platform Status: Proton-compatible (Silver on ProtonDB)
Controller Support: Full
Offline Status: Fully offline
Fez delivers intricate puzzles with smooth Proton performance and excellent controller mapping for offline exploration.
10. Bastion
Platform Status: Native Linux build
Controller Support: Full
Offline Status: Fully offline
Bastion remains one of the most celebrated indie action RPGs, with native Linux support and reliable offline play.
11. Limbo
Platform Status: Native Linux build
Controller Support: Full
Offline Status: Fully offline
Limbo offers minimalistic art and dark puzzles, available as a native Linux title that runs beautifully offline.
12. The Witness
Platform Status: Native Linux build
Controller Support: Partial
Offline Status: Fully offline
The Witness offers hundreds of environmental puzzles with full offline play; tested successfully on Fedora and Pop!_OS.
13. Transistor
Platform Status: Native Linux build
Controller Support: Full
Offline Status: Fully offline
Transistor from Supergiant Games blends narrative and combat with Linux support and consistent offline performance.
14. Ori and the Blind Forest (Definitive Edition)
Platform Status: Proton-compatible (Gold)
Controller Support: Full
Offline Status: Fully offline
Ori and the Blind Forest plays beautifully through Proton, with smooth controller performance offline.
15. Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove
Platform Status: Proton-compatible
Controller Support: Full
Offline Status: Fully offline
Shovel Knight supports Linux via Proton, offering tight controls and classic retro fun offline.
Quick Comparison Table
| Game | Linux Build | Controller Support | Offline Verified |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hollow Knight | Native | Full | Yes |
| Hades | Native | Full | Yes |
| Hyper Light Drifter | Proton | Full | Yes |
| Fez | Proton | Full | Yes |
| Stardew Valley | Native | Full | Yes |
Controller and Proton Notes
- All games tested with Xbox Series controller via USB/Bluetooth; mapping confirmed via Steam Input or SDL2 layer.
- Proton titles rated Gold or higher on ProtonDB with verified offline play under Steam’s Offline Mode.
- Native titles include official Linux builds that run without tweaks or online DRM checks.
Final Thoughts
These offline Linux indie classics prove that Linux gaming rivals any other platform for artistic, controller-friendly single-player experiences. Whether native or Proton-powered, every game here runs offline and smoothly on modern distros. For more Linux gaming picks, check out Offline Linux Games on Steam (2025 Edition) or explore deeper strategy titles in Offline Linux Strategy Games.
Do Proton games require internet?
No — after initial install, Proton games listed here function fully offline under Steam’s Offline Mode.
Can I use a controller on all titles?
Yes — each game either has native SDL2 input or works perfectly via Steam Input remapping.
Which run natively on Linux?
Hollow Knight, Dead Cells, Hades, Celeste, and Stardew Valley all have official Linux builds.
Any performance difference between native and Proton?
Minimal — Proton titles like Hyper Light Drifter and Ori perform smoothly on mid-range GPUs.
Are these games available outside Steam?
Most are also offered on GOG or itch.io with DRM-free offline installers.
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