More and more people are switching their operating system to Linux. It is stable, secure, free and highly customisable. However, one of the biggest challenges is gaming. Many video games are designed only for Windows and do not run natively on Linux. The good news is that there are solutions. If you are interested in enjoying your games on Linux without giving up your favourite Windows titles, this article is for you.
Below, we explore the best ways to run Windows games and applications on Linux with good results.
Why Do Games on Linux Need Additional Tools?
Although Linux has come a long way, there are still barriers to playing games directly. Video game developers tend to focus on Windows. This limits compatibility with operating systems such as Ubuntu, Fedora or Arch.
In addition, many games on Linux include security layers, DRM, or graphics engines that do not run well outside their native environment. Therefore, if you want to enjoy games on Linux, you need specific tools that act as a bridge between the two systems.
These tools emulate Windows functions or create virtual environments where games can be run. Below, we show you the most popular and effective ones.
Another factor to consider is driver and graphics API support. Although Linux has improved performance with Vulkan or Mesa, there are still titles that depend on DirectX. This is where solutions such as Proton come in, translating DirectX to Vulkan in real time so that games run smoothly.
Wine: The Gateway to Your Games on Linux
Wine is one of the best-known solutions for running programmes and games on Linux. Its name stands for ‘Wine Is Not an Emulator’, as it does not simulate Windows, but rather translates its instructions so that Linux can understand them.
Wine creates a structure similar to that of a typical Windows installation, with its own ‘C drive’ and system files. This allows you to run installers and programmes as if you were on a Windows PC.
One of Wine’s strengths is its rating system. Games are evaluated according to their degree of compatibility:
- Platinum: the game works without any problems.
- Gold: requires adjustments, but works well.
- Silver and Bronze: there are errors or limitations.
How to install Wine on your system
Installing Wine on a Linux distribution does not require advanced knowledge, but it does require you to follow a few steps carefully. This tool acts as a compatibility layer that allows you to run Windows applications and games on Unix-based operating systems.
To get the most out of it, it is important to perform a clean installation. Here’s how to do it, step by step, on most distributions:
- Open the terminal and update the system with: ‘sudo apt-get update’.
- Install Wine with: ‘sudo apt-get install wine’.
- For specific versions, add the official Wine repository.
- Verify the installation with: ‘wine –version’.
- Download your game or .exe program and run it by right-clicking > ‘Open with Wine’.
Wine is not always perfect: some games may have graphics glitches, lack of sound or buffering issues. Even so, its community is active and you will find support in forums and specialised websites.
PlayOnLinux: Customised Environments for each Game
PlayOnLinux is a graphical interface built on Wine. Its aim is to simplify the installation and management of programmes and games on Linux.
The most interesting feature of this tool is that it allows you to create multiple virtual environments. This means that you can install games with different versions of Wine, specific configurations or libraries required for each case. This prevents conflicts between games or with the main system.
PlayOnLinux has a database with preconfigured installers for many titles. Simply search for the name of the game and follow the guided steps.
In addition, it allows you to create custom shortcuts and apply specific patches if a game requires it. This way, you can tailor each installation to its requirements without affecting other titles or compromising system stability.
How to install and use PlayOnLinux
PlayOnLinux is a graphical tool that simplifies the installation and execution of Windows games and programs on Linux using Wine. Its main advantage is that it does not require advanced technical knowledge. It is ideal for users looking for a functional solution without having to deal with complex parameters or manual configurations. Follow these step-by-step instructions to get started:
- Open the terminal and update the system: ‘sudo apt-get update’.
- Install with: ‘sudo apt-get install playonlinux’.
- Run the application.
- Select ‘Install a game or application’.
- Follow the instructions for the selected game.
- Once installed, run it from the PlayOnLinux main menu.
CrossOver: Professional sSupport and a Better Experience
CrossOver is a commercial version of Wine, developed by CodeWeavers. Unlike other free tools, here you pay for technical support and stability.
One of its biggest advantages is that it has an optimised database of compatible programmes and games. This reduces errors and improves graphics performance.
In addition, the CrossOver team is constantly working to resolve issues and improve the user experience. If you have a game that doesn’t work with Wine or PlayOnLinux, try it here.
Another notable advantage is its intuitive and well-designed interface. It allows you to install Windows games and applications with just a few clicks, without any technical complications. It also offers integration with systems such as Steam, making it easy to access popular titles directly from Linux.
Install CrossOver on your Linux computer
CrossOver is a commercial solution based on Wine that allows you to run Windows applications and games on Linux in an optimised way and with professional support. Unlike pure Wine or PlayOnLinux, it offers a more polished experience, improved system integration, and technical support. To install it, follow these steps:
- Download the installer from the official CrossOver website.
- Open the terminal and navigate to the download folder.
- Give the file execution permissions: ‘chmod +x crossover-*.bin’.
- Install with: ‘sudo ./crossover-*.bin’.
- Follow the installation steps.
- Open CrossOver, select the game you want to install, and let the tool do the rest.
Steam and Proton: The Revolution for Gaming on Linux
Since Valve launched Proton, the gaming experience on Linux has improved enormously. It is a compatibility layer based on Wine and other technologies, such as DXVK and VKD3D.
This allows you to run thousands of Windows games directly from Steam on your Linux system. No additional configuration is required.
All you have to do is:
- Install Steam from your software store or terminal.
- Log in and activate Proton from the Steam Play options.
- Install any Windows-compatible game and run it.
Many popular games such as The Witcher 3, GTA V, and Dark Souls III already work perfectly with Proton. Check ProtonDB to verify compatibility.
Steam has been key in getting more developers to think of Linux as a real gaming platform.
What If Nothing Works? Additional Alternatives
Sometimes, neither Wine, Proton, nor CrossOver work. Some older or overly modern games may resist. What to do then?
One option is to use virtual machines such as VirtualBox or KVM. You can install Windows within a window and run your games from there. However, the graphics performance will be lower.
There are also game streaming services such as NVIDIA GeForce Now or Xbox Cloud Gaming. These allow you to play on Linux without installing anything. All you need is a good internet connection.
Another useful alternative is Lutris, an open-source platform that centralises all your game libraries. It allows you to install Windows, Linux, Steam, GOG or emulator games, all in the same environment. It is compatible with Wine and facilitates specific configurations for each game.
Finally, don’t forget that more and more titles are becoming available natively for Linux. Platforms such as GOG or Itch.io offer interesting options outside the Windows ecosystem.
Gaming on Linux Is Now a Reality
Gaming on Linux is no longer a distant dream. Thanks to tools such as Wine, PlayOnLinux, CrossOver, and Proton, you can now play Windows titles with stability and good performance.
While it may require some adjustments or patience, the results are worth it. Linux offers you a freer, safer and more controlled environment. And with these solutions, you don’t have to give up your game library. In addition, more and more developers are releasing their titles natively or facilitating compatibility. The future of gaming on Linux is promising. Are you ready to give it a try?
References:
EaseUS. (2025, 2 April). How to play Windows games on Linux.
Martínez, A. (2025, 30 January). Playing video games with LINUX is possible: we tell you how to do it.
Think Big. (2022). Linux for gamers: 3 ways to run Windows games.
