Linux Gaming Tools
Useful tools for Linux gamers
Free and open-source software for launchers, compatibility, recovery, performance, recording and editing.
You do not need every tool here. Pick the ones that solve a problem in your setup, and use the official project links for current downloads and documentation.
Games and compatibility
Wine manager
Bottles
Creates separate Wine environments for Windows apps and games, making different runners and settings easier to manage.
Game launcher
Heroic Games Launcher
Accesses Epic, GOG and Amazon libraries and can manage Wine or Proton-based compatibility options on Linux.
Game library
Lutris
Organizes games from different stores, emulators and compatibility layers in one place.
Proton manager
ProtonUp-Qt
Installs and manages compatibility tools such as GE-Proton for supported launchers.
Performance and system tools
Performance overlay
MangoHud
Shows FPS, frame times, temperatures, utilization and other performance data while a game runs.
Game performance
GameMode
Lets games request temporary system-performance adjustments. Results vary by system and workload.
System recovery
Timeshift
Creates system snapshots that can help recover from a bad update or configuration change.
Not a replacement for personal-file backups.
Flatpak permissions
Flatseal
Provides a graphical way to review and change permissions for Flatpak applications.
Hardware control
CoreCtrl
Provides monitoring and profile controls for supported hardware. Power and clock settings should be changed carefully.
System monitor
Mission Center
Shows CPU, memory, storage, network and GPU activity in a clean graphical interface.
Recording and video
Recording and streaming
OBS Studio
Records gameplay, captures the desktop and handles live streaming. Useful for tutorials, clips and broadcasts.
Video editing
Kdenlive
Edits gameplay clips, tutorials and longer videos with multi-track editing, effects, titles and subtitles.
Before installing: projects, licenses and supported features can change. Check the official project page and your Linux distribution’s documentation before changing system settings.