Arcade Games

This PC and Android game features "roller coasters from hell that we travel at full speed in a barrage of explosions." There are 25 main levels, plus boss fights, and you can earn access to 18 more levels by getting a high score. Operating System: Windows, Linux, Android.

Customize your starship and battle against enemies in this "fast-paced team-based outer-space multi-player arcade game." Several online servers are available. Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X, Android.

An "old school arcade game slung into the 21st century," Armagatron Advanced is a 3D take on the Tron light cycle game from the 80s. Up to sixteen people can play at once, against each other and/or the AI. Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X, Android.

4. BZFlag
Short for "Battle Zone Capture the Flag," BZFlag is a 3D multiplayer online tank game with retro graphics. It gets hundreds of downloads every week, and there's a tremendous amount of help on the website for new players. Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X.

This vertically scrolling shooter game invites you to pilot the cargo spaceship Chromium BSU through a maze of enemy fighters, attempting to destroy them before they destroy you. It's fast-paced and hard enough that most games don't last longer than fifteen minutes. (Note that this game doesn't have anything to do with Google's Chromium project.) Operating System: Windows, Linux.

Gang Garrison 2 is a 2D "demake" of Team Fortress 2. It has received rave reviews and has been downloaded more than 130,000 times. Operating System: Windows.

This old-fashioned platform game follows the adventures of a young knight who sets out to rescue his father, battling monsters, overcoming obstacles and solving puzzles along the way. Play with the keyboard or a joystick. Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X.

8. JVGS
Truly unique, JVGS features a stick-figure poet who travels through a landscape that appears to be drawn by hand in pencil. Eerie music and lines of poetry interspersed throughout the game give it a haunting quality. Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X.

No Gravity takes players to the year 8002, where they must accomplish fifty-five missions in deep space. Note that this link takes you to the original open source version, but there are also paid sequel versions available for PSP, OS X, iOS, Android, Windows and Windows Phone. Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X.

As you might guess from the name, this is an open source version of Sonic the Hedgehog. It features cooperative gameplay where players can control up to three characters at the same time. It also offers a level editor for those who like to create their own modified versions. Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X.

This 2D vertical scrolling space shooter offers more than 41 levels to play. Avoid the meteors while battling more than 60 different kinds of enemy ships. It runs easily on old or low-powered systems as well as newer desktops and laptops. Operating System: Windows, Linux.

If you fondly remember the classic DOS game Scorched Earth or if you just love watching mountains blow up, Schorched3D is for you. Multiple online servers are available, including one just for beginners. Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X.

Inspired by Sonic the Hedgehog and built on the Doom Legacy engine, this 3D game features Sonic, Tails, Knuckles and Dr. Eggman in a new storyline. Both single- and multi-player modes are available. Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X.

14. SuperTux
Reminiscent of the Mario Bros. games, this jump-and-run sidescroller follows Tux the Linux penguin through a variety of landscapes. There's a 12-year-old version that runs on old PCs and a stable beta version with an official updated version due in December. Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X.

Those Funny Funguloids calls itself "a space-flying-mushroom-picking-simulator," and that's a fairly apt description. It's a slow-moving, highly unusual game where you fly through space avoiding meteors and collecting mushrooms. Operating System: Windows, Linux.

16. Teeworlds
This multi-player shooter features retro, cartoonish, 2D graphics and many different game modes. It supports up to 16 different players. Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X.

17. VoltAir
The Fun Propulsion Labs at Google developed this Android app in order to show off the capabilities of their Liquid Fun technology. It's a colorful platform game with modern graphics and very happy music that can be downloaded from Google Play. Operating System: Android.

18. XMoto
Ride your motocross bike through a 2D landscape, collecting strawberries while avoiding the spiky "wreckers." It includes a level editor, and many players have contributed new levels that you can download from the website. Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X.

Designed to showcase the capabilities of the Blender 3D animation suite, this game features graphics that are way above average for an open source game. It's a few years old now, but still well worth checking out. Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X.

Board Games

Domination is a modified version of the board game Risk for PCs and mobile devices. Several different maps are available, and it has a multi-player option. The mobile versions are available through Google Play or the Amazon Appstore. Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X, Android, Blackberry.

Based on a neural network, this backgammon game has an AI that is constantly improving its abilities. It not only allows users to play games, they can also use it to analyze and improve their gameplay. Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X.

Highly customizable, this version of Scrabble lets you use the classic game board, the Superscrabble game board or your own custom board. It even supports 3D play. Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X.

23. PokerTH
The self-proclaimed "No. 1 open source poker app," PokerTH lets you play Texas Hold 'Em alone or against other players online. The online community at Poker-Heroes.com provides access to game servers, rankings and much more. Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X, Android.

24. PySolFC
This huge collection of Solitaire games includes more than 1,000 variations on the classic card game. It includes multiple card decks, multiple background options, hints, statistics, unlimited undo and more. Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X.

Casual and Puzzle Games

25. 2048
This simple puzzle game is surprisingly addictive. Move numbers around the grid until the numbers combine to hit 2048. Run out of moves and your turn is over. Operating System: Online, iOS, Android.

26. Billiards
Designed to help pool players practice when a real table isn't available, Billiards has a very lifelike physics simulator. It includes both pool and billiards tables and can play eightball, nineball and carom. Operating System: Linux.

Build elevated trains on a city grid with this puzzle game. A paid expansion pack ads 11 more levels. Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X.

28. Enigma
The latest version of this classic puzzle game, released last December, adds 51 new levels to the thousands already available. It's extremely popular and highly praised for its addictive gameplay. Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X.

More than a decade old, this puzzle game challenges players to help two fish escape from increasingly difficult levels. It's a remake of an older ALTAR interactive game. Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X.

This classic Linux game has spawned an entire genre of similar games. This version offers more than 100 levels, multiplayer support and a level editor. Operating System: Windows, Linux.

From the makers of Those Funny Funguloids comes this self-described "extreme leisure time activity." The gameplay primarily involves smashing tomatoes. Operating System: Windows, Linux.

32. KDE Games
The KDE desktop for Linux (which can also be downloaded for Windows) includes a wide variety of arcade, board, card, dice, logic and strategy games. The collection includes a sudoku game, a golf game, a Breakout clone, Mahjongg, a version of Reversi, solitaire, a variation of Yahtzee, a minesweeper game, a version of Risk and much more. Operating System: Windows, Linux.

33. Neverball
This mature game requires users to tilt the floor to move a ball through a level. There's also a new demo showing the game running on the Oculus Rift virtual reality platform. Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X.

34. Pingus
If you loved the old game Lemmings, you'll probably love Pingus. It's very similar but features penguins instead of lemmings. It has 77 levels plus a level editor that lets you make your own. Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X.

35. Pushover
A clone of a game originally released in1992, Pushover requires players to move an ant through a level so that it knocks over all of the dominoes on the screen. Be careful—some of the dominoes don't fall the way you might expect. Operating System: Windows.

36. Zaz
Shoot the balls so that three of the same color are together, and then they will disappear. It's an older game but still functional. Operating System: Windows, Linux, Android.

Educational Games

Best for preschoolers and toddlers, ChildsPlay is a set of memory matching, letter recognition and simple math games. It also includes a few less-educational activities like puzzles, pong, pacman and billiards. Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X.

38. GBrainy
For players of all ages, GBrainy offers logic puzzles, mental calculation, memory trainers and verbal analogy games. It's goal is to help users stay sharp mentally. Operating System: Windows, Linux.

39. GCompris
With more than 100 activities, GCompris is huge collection of educational games for children. It can help users learn to read, to tell time, to understand the water cycle, to draw cartoons, to identify different country maps, to play chess and much more. Operating System: Windows, Linux.

40. TuxMath
Quick! Solve the math problems before the comet kills the penguin. The user can select the appropriate difficulty, whether that's adding numbers zero through three or multiplying and dividing negative and positive integers. Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X.

First-Person Shooter Games

According to its website, this sci-fi-based shooter "features immersive arenas, freaky and violent weapons, and a vibrant community." It's tremendously popular with plenty of game servers, fan sites and tournaments available online. Operating System: Linux, Windows, OS X.

AssaultCube offers extremely realistic settings but is lightweight and low latency, making it a good option for players with underpowered systems or poor connection speeds. It includes twelve different multiplayer modes and 26 different maps, plus a map editor so you can create your own. Operating System: Linux, Windows, OS X.

Downloaded millions of times, the classic version of Nexuiz has been beloved by many generations of gamers. Note that this is the older open source version, but there is also a newer paid version. Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X.

This self-described "silly zombie shooter game," features tanks, boats, helicopters, trains and, of course, zombies. You can view the action from the top down, in first-person or in third person, and you can play alone or with friends. Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X, Android.

45. Freedoom
Freedoom is based on the Doom engine, but adds free content. It offers plenty of action, and it is compatible with mods created for the original Doom. Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X, Android.

46. OpenArena
A clone of Quake III Arena, OpenArena is a multiplayer online first person shooter. It supports multiple game types, such as capture the flag, free for all, overload, harvester and others. Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X.

Called "nothing short of stupendous" by reviewers, Red Eclipse is a self-described "casual arena shooter" that is somewhat similar to Unreal Tournament games. It includes features like Parkour, impulse boosts and dashing, and it has a built-in map editor. Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X.

48. Tremulous
Tremulous aims to combine the characteristics of a first-person shooter with the characteristics of a real-time strategy game. You play as either an alien or a human, and you win by eliminating the other team and destroying their ability to respawn. Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X, XBox.

Set in the modern world, TrueCombat calls itself "perhaps the best free tactical-realism shooter. EVER." Gameplay always involves two teams facing off against each other, but there are multiple game types to play. Note that in order to use it, you will also need to download and install Wolfenstein: Enemy Territory. Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X

A Tremulous fork, Unvanquished also blends a first-person shooter with a real-time strategy game. It has a huge team of international developers who publish updates very regularly. Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X.

51. Warsow
More cartoonish than most other first-person shooters, Warsow pits rocketlaucher-wielding pigs against cyberpunks with laser guns. The action is fast paced with minimal gore, making it suitable for a wide range of ages. Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X.

Called the "best multiplayer game ever" by one reviewer, this version of Wolfenstein is a face-off between the Axis and the Allies in World War II. It supports up to 32 players at once in multiplayer mode. Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X

Based on the work of the cartoonist ENTE, Padman is a colorful, award-winning multiplayer game. It offers 23 maps and supports seven different game types. Operating System: Windows, Linux.

54. Xonotic
A fork of classic Nexuiz, Xonotic offers 25 different weapons, 25 official maps (plus many more made by other players), integrated statistics, a heads-up display and more. It's fun, fast-paced and addictive. Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X.

Blending a first-person shooter with a tank game, Zero Ballistics offers unique gameplay set in the alps of Central Europe. It offers three different gameplay modes, six different skill levels and a variety of weapons. Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X.

Music Games

You can think of Frets on Fire as an open source version of Guitar Hero that you can play with a guitar controller or your keyboard. It can play Guitar Hero songs or the many songs created by the community, or you can create your own songs with the built-in editor. Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X.

57. StepMania
Very similar to Dance Dance Revolution, StepMania challenges users to keep the beat of the music on dance pads or the keyboard. The game includes only a few songs, but you can find more in the forums on the website. Operating System: Windows, Linux/Unix, OS X, XBox.

Ultrastar Deluxe is an open source karaoke game similar to SingStar. Up to twelve people can sing along at once. It includes more than 10,000 songs and you can also use it with music you already own or create your own songs. Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X.

Racing Games

This updated version of the classic Linux game Tux Racer features Tux the Linux penguin sliding down a mountain on his belly just like the original. Race your friends to see who can achieve the fastest time. Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X.

Pilot a futuristic vehicle around one of more than 28 different racetracks. Play against up to four other players on the same PC. Operating System: Windows, Linux, Android.

A fork of TORCS (see below), Speed Dreams is a motorsports simulator with excellent graphics. This version uses a slightly different physics engine and has some cars, tracks and minor UI improvements that you won't find in TORCS. Operating System: Windows, Linux.

Downloaded thousands of times per week, SuperTuxKart is a very popular racing game that features Tux the Linux Penguin and his friends racing around a variety of tracks. The graphics and gameplay in the latest version are much improved from earlier editions, as you can see in the YouTube trailer for the game. Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X.

63. TORCS
The Open Racing Care Simulator, a.k.a. TORCS, is one of the more realistic racing simulators available. There are multiple fan sites online, as well as regular tournaments. Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X.

Based on the old DOS game Stunts, Ultimate Stunts is a car racing game that requires players to go through loops and corkscrews, jump over bridges and complete other hair-raising feats. This version also includes a track editor and multiplayer support. Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X.

65. VDrift
This driving game attempts to simulate the physics of drift racing. The tracks and cars are based on ones you can find in the real world. Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X.

Role-Playing and Adventure Games

A rogue-like adventure game, Cataclysm is set in the first days after an apocalypse. Players must find food, shelter, water and defense while battling zombies and other horrors. Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X.

67. Crossfire
This old-school dungeon crawler invites players to explore a fantasy world, battle monsters, master magic and uncover treasure. The graphics are extremely simplistic, but the world is large with 3,000 different maps, 150 monsters, 13 races and 15 different types of characters to play. Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X.

This game describes itself as "A roguelike adventure through dungeons filled with dangerous monsters in a quest to find the mystifyingly fabulous Orb of Zot." You can download the game and play alone or access one of the many online game servers. Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X, Android.

Epic Inventor is a side-scrolling role-playing game with multiple levels. It has been compared to Minecraft, except that the emphasis is on crafting items instead of on building. Operating System: Windows, Linux.

This epic adventure puts you in the shoes of a futuristic space traveler suddenly transported to King Arthur's court in Camelot. It includes 42 solo-play levels and 27 multiplayer levels. Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X.

71. Flare
In this action-adventure game, players must battle against multiple enemies as they make their way through various landscapes. They interact with other players, collect items in the inventory and master various skills. Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X.

Designed for mature audiences only, the tongue-in-cheek Lips of Suna changes dynamically, and it's very customizable. Operating System: Windows, Linux.

Still under development, The Mana World is a 2D Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game (MMORPG). In order to play, you'll need to create an account and download the Manaplus client. It has only a few users however; at the time of writing 21 were online. Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X.

This role-playing game attempts to update rogue-like games for the 21st century. Winner of multiple awards, it invites you to explore the continent of Maj'Eyal while battling against animals, monsters, trolls, giants, demons, zombies, necromancers, dragons and other evil forces. Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X.

75. NetHack
NetHack is a classic dungeon crawler that uses only the most minimalist graphics to represent maps, players, treasures, monsters and objects in the game. The ultimate goal: retrieve the Amulet of Yendor and escape the Mazes of Menace alive. Operating System: Windows, Linux, Classic Mac.

76. OpenClonk
In this 2D game, you control clonks, "small but witty and nimble humanoid beings," as they mine, settle and battle. It is based on the shareware game Clonk. Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X.

Still a work in progress, PlaneShift is another open source MMORPG. It features ten different playable races, unlimited professions, six "ways of magic," hundreds of spells, 3D graphics and much more. Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X.

78. Ryzom
Award-winning Ryzom is a very complete MMORPG with a full backstory, excellent graphics and unique gameplay. Players can choose to develop their skills, customize their characters and interact with the game world as they see fit. Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X.

79. Stendhal
Designed to be friendlier than some other MMORPGs, Stenhal has a "huge and rich world" with 2D graphics and "an old school feel." Explore the wilderness, fight dragons, complete a quest, become a hero. Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X.

Play alone or with up to eight other people in this role-playing game. It offers plenty of battle action against thieves, bandits, necromancers, poachers and other baddies. Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X.

Simulator Games

This top-notch flight simulator is so realistic it can be used to help with pilot training, industrial engineering or research. The basic software is free, but you can purchase additional aircraft and scenery (as well as mugs and T-shirts) from the website. Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X, others.

82. Golems
If you can dream it, you can build it with this physics simulator. Create a robot, spaceship, bulldozer, cannon, mouse trap or whatever else comes to mind. Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X.

Based on the old Maxis SimCity code, Micropolis lets you manage existing cities like San Francisco, Tokyo or Rio de Janeiro or to create your own. It includes eight built-in scenarios for hours of open-ended play. Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X.

84. Minetest
If you've ever played Minecraft, Minetest will feel eerily similar. Explore, dig, build and craft objects in this nearly infinite world. Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X.

85. Pioneer
Travel in time to the end of the 31st century. Pilot your own spacecraft throughout the galaxy, exploring and looking for fame and fortune by whatever means you choose in this open-ended game. Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X.

86. Oolite
Oolite describes itself as "an open-world space opera." Inspired by the classic game Elite, it allows users to create their own story, whether they choose to become traders, pirates, smugglers, miners or space fighters. Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X.

87. OpenTTD
This open source take on Transport Tycoon Deluxe enhances the original with bigger maps, support for up to 255 players, new pathfinding algorithms, the ability to bribe local officials and much more. There's plenty of online help and even a manual to help new players master the game, and it's available in multiple languages. Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X.

While most vehicle simulators treat objects as hard, solid bodies, Rigs of Rods has a unique soft-body physics engine that more accurately simulates real-world behavior. It has a huge and very enthusiastic fan base that is constantly creating new vehicles and terrains for the game. Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X.

89. Simutrans
Build a successful transportation company that carries passengers, goods and mail between various locations. This mature game offers multiple graphics packages to choose from, and you can also choose to connect to an online game to play with people around the world. Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X.

Another 3D space simulator, Vega Strike invites players to trade, explore and fight in outer space. It also serves as the foundation for several related games, including Privateer Gemini Gold, Vega Trek and Pi Armada. Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X.

Strategy Games

91. 0 A.D.
This historical real-time strategy game allows players to lead their own ancient civilization. It's won several awards, boasts realistic historical details and includes a map editor. Operating System: Linux, Windows, OS X.

Built "in the tradition of the Battle Isle series," ASC is a turn-based strategy game with 2D graphics and an overhead view of the action. You can expand the basic game with one (or more) of the many user-created maps available on the website. Operating System: Windows, Linux.

Those who enjoy high fantasy will like this turn-based tactical strategy game that features elves, dwarves, orc, mermen and many other races. Play against up to eight other players in multiplayer mode. Operating System: Linux, Windows, OS X, iOS.

94. BosWars
Many real-time strategy games are set in the past, but Bos Wars is set in the future. Both single- and multi-player games are available. Operating System: Windows, Linux, BSD, OS X.

Forked from Boswars, this real-time strategy game is set in Stalinist Russia. Build up your economy and army quickly so that you're ready for the eventual Nazi attack. Operating System: Windows, Linux.

96. FreeCol
In this turn-based strategy game, play starts in America in 1942, and you win if you eventually declare independence from Britain and survive the Revolution. It's very similar to the games Colonization and Civilization. Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X.

97. FreeCiv
Inspired by the game Civilization, FreeCiv is a turn-based multi-player strategy game where players must guide their tribes from the stone age to the space age. It's a mature game with plenty of online help available for new players. Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X.

98. FreeOrion
Built in "the tradition of the Master of Orion games," FreeOrion is an empire-building strategy game set in the reaches of space. Play against the AI or against other humans in multiplayer mode. Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X.

99. Glest
In this real-time strategy game, the armies of Tech and Magic war against each other. It has won several awards and inspired many other games, including MegaGlest (see below). Operating System: Windows, Linux.

100. Hedgewars
This turn-based strategy game places a heavy emphasis on comedy as it follows "the antics of pink hedgehogs with attitude as they battle from the depths of hell to the depths of space." It supports up to 8 players and includes 31 environments, 48 set image maps, infinite randomly generated maps, 55 weapons, 280 different costumes and much more. Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X, iOS.

In this real-time strategy game, systems, hackers and networks fight against each other in a digital landscape that resembles Tron. Unlike many other real-time strategy games, all resources are free, leaving players free to concentrate on battle. Operating System: Linux, Windows

102. Liquid War
Highly unusual, this game invites players to control an army of liquid which they use to try to consume other players' armies. It has won some awards, but be aware that the graphics are fairly unimpressive. Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X.

103. MegaGlest
Forked from the original Glest, MegaGlest adds Egyptians, Indians, Norsemen, Persians and Romans to the original two Tech and Magic teams. It also offers better network multiplayer capabilities than its predecessor. Operating System: Windows, Linux.

Gameplay is fairly simple on this submarine strategy game. Spawn ships and fight to keep your factory ship alive. Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X.

Set in the year 2084, this strategy game requires players to defend earth from an invading alien army. According to the website, it "combines military realism with hard science-fiction and the weirdness of an alien invasion." Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X.

Rather than focusing on battles, this 2D real-time strategy game focuses on building a solid economy. Players become more powerful by implementing a wise tax strategy and trading with other cities. Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X.

Humankind has been nearly annihilated by nuclear missiles. Can you rebuild the world while keeping your enemies at bay? It includes an extensive technology tree and both single- and multi-player modes. Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X.

108. Widelands
Designed to be similar to Settlers II, Widelands is another civilization-building real-time strategy game. It's different from some similar games because it requires the player to develop a good system of roads and it allows the player to delegate and issue broad commands rather than instructing each citizen in what to do. Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X.

109. Zero-K
"Massive robot armies fight an endless conflict" in this real-time strategy game. It includes more than 100 different kinds of units with realistic physics and a streamlined economic system. Operating System: Windows, Linux.

Fun Non-Games

110. Celestia
Travel virtually to anywhere in the known universe at any time with Celestia. It displays hundreds of thousands of celestial bodies as they would appear in the night skies. Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X.
111. Stellarium
Another option for budding astronomers, this one confines the point of view to planet earth rather than allowing users to zoom throughout the universe, but it is so accurate that it is used by many planetariums. Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X.
112. Tux Paint
An educational option for pre-schoolers, Tux Paint is a simplified drawing program that is extremely easy to use. It includes fun sound effects, a stamping tool, a cartoon mascot and other features designed to appeal to youngters. Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X.

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