With the amount of games that block Linux platforms including SteamOS and Steam Deck, here's your guide to some great alternatives. Also including games not available on PC to show alternatives.
Sadly, multiple publishers don't currently support Linux platforms with their anti-cheat. It's a growing problem with the likes of Electronic Arts, Activision, Ubisoft, Rockstar and more deciding not to enable their anti-cheat to work on Linux. Plenty actually do though!
These are only suggestions, and some might not fit specifically into the same genre, as often there simply aren't direct replacements but they should hopefully get you going. The point is just to offer some alternatives that might end up fitting hopefully a bit close to what you want. This list also mainly focuses on Steam for the alternatives, since it comes with Proton and makes it simple.
Games | Alternatives |
PvP Shooters like: Battlefield Call of Duty |
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PvP Hero shooters like: VALORANT |
Technically, Counter-Strike 2 fits here too. |
Battle Royale shooters like: Apex Legends Fortnite PUBG |
Farlight 84 |
Extraction action like: Escape from Tarkov |
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Skating games like: skate. |
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Action MMOs like: Destiny 2 |
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PvP survival games like: Rust |
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MOBA games like: League of Legends |
Dota 2 |
Football games like: FIFA / EA Sports FC |
That's the main suggestions for PC games.
For a bonus section, here's some alternatives to popular Nintendo games:
Games | Alternatives |
Platform fighters like: Super Smash Bros. |
|
2D / 3D Platformers like: Mario |
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Kart racing like: Mario Kart |
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Creature collecting like: Pokémon |
For some games that you simply can't be without, you might even find the likes of NVIDIA GeForce NOW to work for you which has official Steam Deck support where you can play many games like Fortnite. GeForce NOW really can be amazing on Steam Deck. Their Desktop Linux support is not great though.
As this is an official GamingOnLinux Guide, check back often for any updates and additions to the list. It will grow and change over time!
Feel free to offer suggestions in the comments and some may get added in.
Under "platform fighters" I'd put Fraymakers [External Link]
And under "Kart racing" I'd put The Karters 2 [External Link]
(I'd also put Crash Team Racing under the unavailable on Linux part of that, as the lack of a PC port of Crash Team Racing: Nitro Fueled is what made me look into similar Kart racing games that I'd be able to play on my Steam Deck and main Linux PC, and how i found out about The Karters 2)
To be fair, both of these recommended titles are still in early access, but they're really good and also both have tons of community support in the form of Steam Workshop mods and other areas, so they're likely gonna be here to stay.
u also have support for mihoyo games wiyh the epic game store
Farlight 84 the battle royal mentioned seems to have updated and is banning Linux clients again.
Fresh install, never tried the game before.
Loaded the game played the tutorial.
Did the simulated bot match.
Banned.
Looking over the community discussion this seems to be a trend with them. Similar to that of Paladins. Paladins seems to be open after a patch then locks out Linux after a week or so of the patch. Left a note on the discussion but some are saying it's all good after the initial 24 hour ban. Either way it's kinda lame.
I'm not running anything crazy either.
OS: PikaOS
Proton Version: GE-Proton-10-15
I may give it another try over the weekend and see if the 24 hour is the last of the hiccups.
Ravenfield (Call of Duty + Battlefield alternative with full bot support and native linux support and proton support for some mods). No real MP mode though
Combat Master (Call of Duty alternative. Full bot support. Free to Play, a bit small on map lineup though there's sometimes temporary unique maps, Native Linux support)
Needs to be noted.
Please note that i have long (at least 2020) since retired from competitive gaming and thus seeks those that have bot support.
Also i notice the lack of CS 1.6 and CS Source, both of which supports custom content.
And out of competitive multiplayers Theotown can be considered for a lightweight city builder game.
Also there is FragPunk [External Link] first person shooter
+1 for FragPunk [External Link]. I only wish it had a larger following, though it obviously gets missed by a lot of players.
Free to play as well.