The 10 Best Open Source Video Games in 2022.
Open source software is usually associated with “boring” things like Linux or free office suites. However, there is a thriving open source video game developer community that fills a niche that neither indie games nor those of major studios can fill. While open source games tend to have modest production value, they are often limitless in scope. If you are a true video game enthusiast, you should take a look at these games.
1. The Battle for Wesnoth
This fantasy turn-based strategy game will take you to the world of Wesnoth. The game looks as flawless as anything you can get from a traditional publisher in this genre, and the amount of content is mind-boggling. There are 17 official single-player campaigns to go through, and that’s before you get to custom content.
Table of Contents
In terms of gameplay itself, Wesnoth has over 200 unit types spread across seven factions. So, whether you want to play alone or engage in massive multiplayer battles, Battle for Wesnoth has what you need.
2. 0 A.D.
If you’re into games like Age of Empires, then get ready to be amazed by AD 0. This great real-time strategy game is all about ancient wars. The game is (at the time of writing) in its 25th alpha, but don’t let that scare you off. He is already in a playful form. It’s hard to imagine a global volunteer development team putting together such a cohesive game.
The game features exquisite details and unique looks for each culture and faction. It has interesting mechanics, such as getting combat bonuses if you are using real historical battle formations. Maps are based on actual geography, historical details are included for accuracy, and there are big plans for naval warfare for the future as well!
3. CUBE 2: Sauerbraten
Sauerbraten is a Quake-like shooter that you can play alone or against other players. It’s not the prettiest game, but there is a good reason for it. The philosophy of the game is that the level editor can work in real time. Therefore, the in-game graphics are always simple enough to allow this ability to change the look of the game.
By allowing the community to create levels with ease, Sauerbraten becomes unique and you will find real gems in the range. The map editor is actually in the game itself, so you have no reason not to try your hand at creating the next hit card for the game.
4. Red Eclipse
Red Eclipse is a fork of Sauerbraten that reimagines the gameplay of the original and includes parkour mechanics. You still have an in-game level editor, but Red Eclipse offers improved visuals and is closer to Quake III Arena. The developers specifically describe it as a “Parkour Arena Shooter.” So if you find this appealing, try Red Eclipse.
5. SuperTuxCart
Who doesn’t love Mario Kart? It has spawned many copycats on other platforms, but most people don’t know there is a brilliant open source kart formula out there.
“Tuxedo” refers to the Linux penguin mascot, which takes its place among other mascots in the Mascot Kingdom gaming setting. This is a whole story about a villain named Nolok and many different characters, each of which is the mascot of an open source project.
SuperTuxKart is not a clone of Mario Kart, as the developers immediately point out, so it’s worth playing as veterans of Mario Kart looking for something special.
6. Cataclysm: Dark Days Ahead
Cataclysm is an old-school roguelike game in which you find yourself in the post-apocalypse with only one shirt on your back. Your goal is to survive as long as possible.
Everything seems to be working against your attempt to survive, but with luck and ingenuity, you could just breathe another move. Despite the simple graphics, the depth of the plot pales even in the most budgetary games.
7. FreeOrion
Master of Orion and its sequel is one of the best and most important 4X strategy games ever made. To this day, they remain great games to play and you can still buy them on GoG.com!
FreeOrion is not a remake or clone of these games, but it is based on the same design and premise. You are the leader of an alien race (which may turn out to be human). You need to expand your empire by exploring the galaxy, improving your economy and technology, as well as conquering planets and other races.
At the time of this writing, FreeOrion‘s diplomacy capabilities are still basic, but over time they may be on par with other 4X games. However, you should have no hesitation in downloading this epic space title if you don’t want to be a complete pacifist.
8. FlightGear
Microsoft’s Flight Simulator can be cheap thanks to Game Pass, but there are many more reasons to try FlightGear. The community is constantly working to improve the simulator model and add more planes and other content. Yes, technically clean flight simulators are not games, but we thought it would be a shame to let FlightGear fly past the radars in this article. Poon completely on purpose.
There isn’t much to say here as this is a flight simulator, but if you’re a sim fanatic it should be in your collection.
9. Pioneer
Who can forget the miracle of downloading the original Elite by David Braben? While this wireframe graphic may look silly today, it was amazing at the time that you could fly in space, explore planets, trade and fight in your ship.
Today, Braben’s latest game, Elite Dangerous, is still a popular VR game. However, Frontier: Elite II is still considered by many to be the pinnacle of the series.
Pioneer is inspired by this game and aims to use the same lightning bolt again in a free and open source form.
Pioneer doesn’t have a goal; you can do whatever you want, make money by trading, piracy, or mercenary. It uses accurate space flight physics, at least when it comes to conventional space travel. It even uses basic atmospheric drag physics when you land on the planet. While the Pioneer is not nearly as handsome as the Elite Dangerous, it is pleasing to the eye in and of itself.
10. FreeCiv
The Civilization turn-based strategy game series is alive and well, but people think that modern games have strayed too far from what made the original games so compelling. We love the latest Civ games, but FreeCiv really brings back some of that old-school charm for another turn. Okay, maybe one more.
Are there any open source video games you’re looking forward to that we haven’t mentioned here? Feel free to let us know in the comments!
The 10 Best Open Source Video Games in 2022
The 10 Best Open Source Video Games in 2022