Best Ambient Linux Games on Steam

Steam currently has 186 Ambient games, but not all of them are able to be played on Linux builds. Explore our list of the best picks ranked by Player Score. Our Player Score rankings are calculated directly from reviews left on the Steam store and will be updated in real-time as more players leave their feedback. Ambient game rankings were last updated on 11/16/2024.

Looking for more? Explore other lists such as:

1. Mountain

Existential Nature Simulation

Mountain banner

Mountain holds the #1 spot for "best Linux Ambient game on Steam" with a Player Score of 86. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 16,233 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 14,328 positive reviews and 1,905 negative reviews — making it "Very Positive" on Steam.

It is priced at $0.99 to play and can be played and ran on Windows, Mac, and Linux systems. At the moment, it is possible to play Mountain on the Steam Deck (though some functionality may be limited).

Steam Price $0.99
Release Date 8/18/2014
Developer David OReilly
Publisher David OReilly
Steam App Id 313340

2. Seedlings

An atmospheric 2D puzzle platformer made using real photos and videos from New Zealand's native forest. Become a seed that can possess different plant creatures with unique abilities. Solve the obstacles in your way to discover the secrets of the Seedlings.

Seedlings banner

Seedlings has achieved a Player Score of 85, placing it in the #2 spot for the best Linux Ambient games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 55 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 55 positive reviews and 0 negative reviews — making it "Very Positive" on Steam.

It is priced at $9.99 to play and can be played and ran on Windows, Mac, and Linux systems. Valve has also verified it as playable on the Steam Deck and will run well.

Steam Price $9.99
Release Date 9/22/2023
Developer Bardsley Creative
Publisher Bardsley Creative
Steam App Id 1575510

3. OVIVO

OVIVO is a minimalistic platformer with unusual mechanics where everything is as simple as black and white. The journey in this metaphoric world is filled with illusions and hidden messages.

OVIVO banner

OVIVO has achieved a Player Score of 84, placing it in the #3 spot for the best Linux Ambient games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 455 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 410 positive reviews and 45 negative reviews — making it "Very Positive" on Steam.

It is priced at $9.99 to play and can be played and ran on Windows, Mac, and Linux systems. At the moment, there is no confirmed information regarding Steam Deck support for this game.

Steam Price $9.99
Release Date 5/12/2017
Developer IzHard
Publisher IzHard
Steam App Id 597700

4. Osmos

Enter the ambient world of Osmos: elegant, physics-based gameplay, dreamlike visuals, and a minimalist, electronic soundtrack. Your objective is to grow by absorbing other motes. Propel yourself by ejecting matter behind you. But be wise: ejecting matter also shrinks you. Relax - good things come to those who wait.

Osmos banner

Osmos has achieved a Player Score of 82, placing it in the #4 spot for the best Linux Ambient games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 1,351 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 1,167 positive reviews and 184 negative reviews — making it "Very Positive" on Steam.

It is priced at $9.99 to play and can be played and ran on Windows, Mac, and Linux systems. At the moment, it is possible to play Osmos on the Steam Deck (though some functionality may be limited).

Steam Price $9.99
Release Date 8/18/2009
Developer Hemisphere Games
Publisher Hemisphere Games
Steam App Id 29180

5. Tiny Bubbles

Play with squishy clusters of soap bubbles in this mesmerizing physics puzzle game. Winner of over a dozen indie gaming awards!

Tiny Bubbles banner

Tiny Bubbles has achieved a Player Score of 81, placing it in the #5 spot for the best Linux Ambient games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 52 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 49 positive reviews and 3 negative reviews — making it "Very Positive" on Steam.

It is priced at $9.99 to play and can be played and ran on Windows, Mac, and Linux systems. At the moment, there is no confirmed information regarding Steam Deck support for this game.

Steam Price $9.99
Release Date 5/8/2018
Developer Pine Street Codeworks LLC
Publisher Pine Street Codeworks LLC
Steam App Id 705500

6. Sokobond Express

Sokobond Express is a beautifully minimalist puzzle game that combines chemical bonds and puzzling pathfinding in novel ways.

Sokobond Express banner

Sokobond Express has achieved a Player Score of 80, placing it in the #6 spot for the best Linux Ambient games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 67 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 61 positive reviews and 6 negative reviews — making it "Very Positive" on Steam.

It is priced at $10.49 to play and can be played and ran on Windows, Mac, and Linux systems. Valve has also verified it as playable on the Steam Deck and will run well.

Steam Price $10.49
Release Date 2/22/2024
Franchise Draknek & Friends
Developers
Publishers
Steam App Id 1701330

7. Patterna

Patterna is a logic puzzle game for people who think that HexCells is far too easy. It features a highly customizable random level generator, a level editor, more than 70 levels, and an enchanting minimalist soundtrack by Alex Cottrell.

Patterna banner

Patterna has achieved a Player Score of 78, placing it in the #7 spot for the best Linux Ambient games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 44 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 40 positive reviews and 4 negative reviews — making it "Positive" on Steam.

It is priced at $6.99 to play and can be played and ran on Windows, Mac, and Linux systems. At the moment, there is no confirmed information regarding Steam Deck support for this game.

Steam Price $6.99
Release Date 10/3/2016
Developer Sebastian Schöner
Publisher Sebastian Schöner
Steam App Id 503860

8. ROTA

In ROTA gravity bends beneath your feet! Move blocks and twist gravity to solve puzzles. Collect all 50 gems and explore 8 vibrant worlds!

ROTA banner

ROTA has achieved a Player Score of 75, placing it in the #8 spot for the best Linux Ambient games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 22 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 20 positive reviews and 2 negative reviews — making it "Positive" on Steam.

It is completely free to play and can be played and ran on Windows, Mac, and Linux systems. At the moment, there is no confirmed information regarding Steam Deck support for this game.

Release Date 5/26/2022
Developer Harmony Honey
Publisher Harmony Honey
Steam App Id 1993830

9. Relaxicon

Relaxicon is a game that helps you learn English and improve your vocabulary. Combine letters into words to get their definitions, score points, unlock over 70 types of challenges and enjoy original atmospheric background music and in-tune sound effects for a relaxing meditation.

Relaxicon banner

Relaxicon has achieved a Player Score of 75, placing it in the #9 spot for the best Linux Ambient games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 21 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 19 positive reviews and 2 negative reviews — making it "Positive" on Steam.

It is priced at $1.99 to play and can be played and ran on Windows, Mac, and Linux systems. At the moment, there is no confirmed information regarding Steam Deck support for this game.

Steam Price $1.99
Release Date 3/20/2018
Franchise Kodo Linija
Developer Kodo Linija
Steam App Id 815010

10. Containment

Containment is a turn-based, minimalist strategy game about managing the growth of bacteria. Use antibiotics to keep their power under control as you work towards containment.

Containment banner

Containment has achieved a Player Score of 74, placing it in the #10 spot for the best Linux Ambient games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 50 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 42 positive reviews and 8 negative reviews — making it "Very Positive" on Steam.

It is priced at $1.99 to play and can be played and ran on Windows, Mac, and Linux systems. At the moment, there is no confirmed information regarding Steam Deck support for this game.

Steam Price $1.99
Release Date 2/9/2018
Franchise Finite Reflection
Developer Finite Reflection Studios
Publisher Finite Reflection Studios
Steam App Id 771010

More Ambient Linux Games on Steam

Explore even more rankings for the 10 best Ambient games available on Steam.

ImageName
Actions
Mountain steam charts
60
8/18/2014
86
$0.99
Steam Charts
Seedlings steam charts
1
9/22/2023
85
$9.99
Steam Charts
OVIVO steam charts
1
5/12/2017
84
$9.99
Steam Charts
Osmos steam charts
1
8/18/2009
82
$9.99
Steam Charts
Tiny Bubbles steam charts
1
5/8/2018
81
$9.99
Steam Charts
Sokobond Express steam charts
1
2/22/2024
80
$10.49
Steam Charts
Patterna steam charts
1
10/3/2016
78
$6.99
Steam Charts
ROTA steam charts
1
5/26/2022
75
Free
Steam Charts
Relaxicon steam charts
1
3/20/2018
75
$1.99
Steam Charts
Containment steam charts
1
2/9/2018
74
$1.99
Steam Charts

Soures & References

Steambase has best-in-class data powered directly by Steam, our data partners, and in-house experts. Reviews and rankings are enriched, analyzed, and updated in real-time to ensure we surface the most up-to-date insights. Learn more about the Steambase approach to data collection and our review methodology.

  • Valve Corporation. (2024, November 16). Steam Store. Steam Store.
  • Valve Corporation. (2024, November 16). Mountain on Steam. Steam Store.
  • Valve Corporation. (2024, October 25). Seedlings on Steam. Steam Store.
  • Valve Corporation. (2024, December 4). OVIVO on Steam. Steam Store.
  • Valve Corporation. (2024, October 24). Osmos on Steam. Steam Store.
  • Valve Corporation. (2024, December 5). Tiny Bubbles on Steam. Steam Store.
  • Valve Corporation. (2024, December 11). Sokobond Express on Steam. Steam Store.
  • Valve Corporation. (2024, November 17). Patterna on Steam. Steam Store.
  • Valve Corporation. (2024, November 19). ROTA on Steam. Steam Store.
  • Valve Corporation. (2024, October 11). Relaxicon on Steam. Steam Store.
  • Valve Corporation. (2024, November 1). Containment on Steam. Steam Store.

Explore

Discover the best of Steam. Find your next game, free weekend, or even track the next Steam Sale all in one spot.