The year is drawing to a close, prompting a look back at the most enjoyed games on Linux. This year, various community contributors, including moderators and article writers, shared their top picks.
Samsai – Deltarune
While not entirely released in 2025, the available chapters of Deltarune offered some of the most enjoyable gaming experiences of the year, and even recent years. The game features witty and humorous writing, excellent music, engaging characters, and an intriguing mystery that players anticipate exploring further in 2026 with new chapters. A playful tip: if lost in the dark, consider eating some moss.
Dpanter – Dying Light: The Beast
Techland released a true sequel to their acclaimed 2015 hit, following less successful attempts with the multiplayer-focused Dying Light: Bad Blood (2018) and the 2022 numerical sequel. The original Dying Light holds a significant place in gaming history. This new installment is seen as a response to over a decade of fan feedback, bringing back beloved elements from the first game while removing many aspects from Dying Light 2. While some influences from its original development as a DL2 DLC remain, along with Techland’s characteristic quirks, the game is considered a testament to the developer’s dedication to its fanbase.
Scaine – Avowed
Skyrim significantly influenced open-world games, setting a high standard in 2011. Avowed, developed by Obsidian Entertainment, is considered a worthy successor, incorporating expected features like extensive character creation, skill trees, and a rich open world. It also introduces engaging party-based combat and a compelling storyline that guides players for at least 40 hours. Combat offers a physical feel, akin to Dark Messiah of Might and Magic or the Dying Light series, with weighty weapon impacts and satisfying elemental magic effects such as blast, freeze, or burn. While not a direct Skyrim sequel, Avowed is recognized as a modern title that aims to surpass its predecessor, earning it a spot as a top game of 2025.
BTRE
Choosing a single favorite game for the year can be challenging, especially when much of the year is spent on a backlog. Typically, few games are purchased on release, often being niche indie titles. However, Civilization VII was a significant exception, accumulating around 580 hours of playtime, making it the most-played game. Despite its flaws and a direction that may not appeal to all players, it offers an interesting and challenging experience, particularly after post-launch quality-of-life updates.
With 2025 being a strong year for indie games, several titles deserve recognition:
- Silksong showcased masterful presentation and responsive controls, providing a rewarding experience.
- Kaizen marked a welcome return of Zach Barth’s puzzle style, offering an enjoyable 80s Japan atmosphere while optimizing solutions.
- The colorful and focused Kulebra is noteworthy.
- The latest Touhou shoot ’em up, Fossilized Wonders, delivered its usual fun and frantic gameplay.
- For strategy and roguelike enthusiasts, The King is Watching is also worth mentioning.
- Monster Prom 4: Monster Con offered irreverence and charm, while Stories from Sol: The Gun-Dog provided an engaging experience with its homage to Japanese ADV games, distinct visuals, and cool setting.
Liam – Dispatch
Few games captivate players to the extent of compelling them to finish quickly, driven by the desire to uncover the ending. Dispatch achieved this distinction. It features an excellent combination of animated scenes, high-quality voice acting, and clever hero management, complemented by witty character interactions. These elements harmonized to create a unique and memorable experience. There is anticipation for more titles of this caliber, with a potential Season 2 of Dispatch adding to the excitement.
