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Hardware, storefront and ecosystem news for Linux.
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Chaos Cubed announced as another big update for Minecraft with a unique new mob
Mojang announced the upcoming Minecraft update, Chaos Cubed, during Minecraft Live. This update will introduce new sulfur caves, cinnabar and sulfur blocks, and a unique 'sulfur cube' mob that changes its behavior based on consumed blocks. Chaos Cubed is slated for release in 2026, with Minecraft Dungeons II also revealed.
Thief-like open source game project The Dark Mod 2.14 released
The free and open source stealth game project The Dark Mod has released version 2.14, focusing on bug fixes and performance improvements since the 2.13 release. This update enhances AI visibility, resolves long-standing bugs related to saving and crashes, and improves graphical features like tone-mapping and projected decals. The game engine continues to be supported by a community building maps and campaigns for a modern Thief-like experience on Linux and Windows.
D7VK version 1.6 gets improved vertex processing and VSync handling
Version 1.6 of D7VK, a Direct3D to Vulkan translation layer, has been released with significant improvements for Linux users. This update overhauls vertex processing and VSync handling, enhancing compatibility and performance for older Windows games. Several titles, including Praetorians, DethKarz, and Total Annihilation: Kingdoms, see performance boosts or bug fixes, with more games now able to run on Linux.
GE-Proton 10-34 brings fixes for God of War Ragnarök, Assassin's Creed, Final Fantasy XIV
GE-Proton 10-34 has been released, introducing fixes for several games including God of War Ragnarök, Assassin's Creed 1, and Final Fantasy XIV on Linux and SteamOS. This community-run compatibility layer update also includes new features for Wayland monitor detection and general Wine improvements.
Wine 11.5 released with support for Syscall User Dispatch on Linux
Wine 11.5 has been released, bringing bug fixes and new features for running Windows applications on Linux. Key updates include C++ support in the build system, bundled ICU libraries, and importantly, support for Syscall User Dispatch on Linux, which aims to improve performance and accuracy for certain Windows titles. This release also addresses VBScript compatibility and includes fixes for several games and applications.
RTS fans absolutely need to check out D.O.R.F. Real-Time Strategic Conflict
D.O.R.F. Real-Time Strategic Conflict is an upcoming retro-inspired real-time strategy and base-building game set in a post-apocalyptic future. It aims to expand on classic 90s RTS mechanics with features like resource logistics and destructible terrain. The game will feature three unique factions, native Linux support, and will be released on GOG and Steam, with a successful Kickstarter campaign already underway.
The Darkside Detective: Backside of the Moon gets a first demo
Spooky Doorway has released a demo for The Darkside Detective: Backside of the Moon, featuring Linux support. The demo includes the first half of the initial case, "Honey, I Shrunk the Detectives," where players control Detective McQueen and Officer Dooley. Narrative Lead Dave McCabe expressed excitement for players to try the new cases.
MicroProse reinventing all its old games – now Gunship Origins is coming in hot
MicroProse is releasing Gunship Origins, a new combat helicopter game developed by Jammin’ Games. The title features iconic military rotorcraft, dynamic missions, and cooperative multiplayer for up to 8 players. It aims to be accessible for newcomers while offering depth for experienced players, with support for various control setups and cross-platform play on Windows, macOS, Linux, and Steam Deck.
New Steam Beta can run the Linux client inside a container with 64bit
Valve has released a new Steam Client Beta for Linux that allows the client to run inside a Steam Runtime container, providing a more consistent experience across distributions. This update also introduces 64-bit support for the Linux client, a long-requested feature. Additional changes include improvements to Big Picture Mode and Remote Play functionality.
MicroProse to Publish Gunship: Origins, a New Combat Helicopter Experience
MicroProse will publish Gunship: Origins, a new combat helicopter game featuring iconic military rotorcraft like the AH-64 Apache and UH-60 Blackhawk. The game combines dynamic missions, cooperative multiplayer for up to eight players, and accessible flight mechanics. It will be available on Windows, macOS, Linux, and Steam Deck.
Opera GX is now available for Linux
The gaming-focused web browser Opera GX has officially launched for Linux, fulfilling numerous user requests. This release brings features like performance limiters (GX Control), integrated Twitch and Discord access, customization options, ad blockers, and a built-in VPN to Linux users, aligning with the platform's emphasis on control and customization.
Linux finally gets the Opera GX Gaming Browser – Windows slowly losing its grip on gaming
Opera GX, a gaming-focused browser, has officially launched for Linux, ending Windows' long-standing dominance in the PC gaming browser space. The Linux version emphasizes privacy, offering features like built-in ad and tracker blocking, and a zero-log VPN, aligning with Linux's privacy-first ethos. This move allows Linux users to customize their browsing experience and manage system resources more effectively for gaming.
The nostalgic helicopter shooter Cleared Hot gets Linux support with a performance update
The helicopter shooter Cleared Hot has received a new update that brings native Linux support, significantly improving performance, especially on the Steam Deck where it can now reach 90FPS. The update also introduces a new Arcade Mode with various replayable challenges like Survival Mode and Skeet Shooting.
Counter-Strike 2 gets a major update with reload changes, custom game modes
Valve has released a significant update for Counter-Strike 2, introducing controversial changes to the weapon reloading mechanic where players now discard their entire magazine and its remaining ammo. The update also adds Map Guides for competitive matches and expands custom game mode capabilities, allowing players to join friends in locally hosted or server-based games.
GE-Proton 10-33 brings fixes for VR outside of Steam, FSR upgrades and more
GE-Proton 10-33 has been released, introducing fixes for Windows games on Linux and SteamOS, including improved VR support outside of Steam and updates to AMD's FidelityFX Super Resolution. This version adds patches for non-Steam VR games on platforms like Meta Quest 3 and includes various other system and game-specific improvements.
Opera GX Gaming Browser Lands on Linux After Community Demand
Opera GX, a gaming-focused web browser, has officially launched on Linux following significant community demand. The browser offers performance optimization tools, gaming integrations, and customization options, aligning with Linux's emphasis on user control and privacy. It supports various Linux distributions and will evolve based on community feedback.
Chill out with the new “Sludgineers” demo - available now on Steam.
Snickerdoodle Games and Funk Games have released a public demo for their upcoming incremental game, Sludgineers, on Steam. The demo is available now for PC, macOS, and Linux, allowing players to clean, mine, and refine pollution. The game features upgrades, quests, and localization into 14 languages.
Combine spells to solve puzzles in the wonderful Rhell: Warped Worlds & Troubled Times - out now
Rhell: Warped Worlds & Troubled Times, a puzzle-adventure game developed by Alice Jarratt of SlugGlove, is now available. The game features a unique spell-combining system with over 102 million possible combinations, encouraging experimental puzzle-solving. Yogscast Games is publishing the title, which was developed over three years by Jarratt.
Base-building tower defense game Vectorio gets a massive upgrade a year in the making
The base-building tower defense game Vectorio has received a major 0.3 update from developer BN Games, marking a year of significant overhauls. This update introduces infinite worlds, a new rendering system for substantial performance gains, an engineering system for building modification, quests for storytelling, and enhanced multiplayer. It also features revamped enemy, drone, and turret AI systems, a new power mechanic, and an improved research system with alternate recipes.
If you miss GPU-Z on Linux check out the new GPU-T
A new Linux application called GPU-T has been developed as an alternative to the popular Windows utility GPU-Z, offering detailed graphics card information. Currently supporting AMD GPUs, the developer plans to add NVIDIA and Intel support in the future. GPU-T provides real-time sensor monitoring, hardware reconnaissance, and advanced capability checks.
