Best Intentionally Awkward Controls Linux Games on Steam

Steam currently has 79 Intentionally Awkward Controls 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. Intentionally Awkward Controls game rankings were last updated on 3/27/2024.

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1. Octodad: Dadliest Catch

Octodad: Dadliest Catch is a game about destruction, deception, and fatherhood. The player controls Octodad, a dapper octopus masquerading as a human, as he goes about his life. Octodad's existence is a constant struggle, as he must master mundane tasks with his unwieldy boneless tentacles while simultaneously keeping his cephalopodan...

Octodad: Dadliest Catch banner

Octodad: Dadliest Catch holds the #1 spot for "best Linux Intentionally Awkward Controls game on Steam" with a Player Score of 91. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 9,559 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 8,958 positive reviews and 601 negative reviews — making it "Very Positive" on Steam.

It is priced at $14.99 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 $14.99
Release Date 1/30/2014
Developer Young Horses
Publisher Young Horses
Steam App Id 224480

2. while True: learn()

You’re a machine learning specialist who makes neural networks but your cat seems to be better at it. Now you must solve puzzles to build a cat-to-human translation system (who knows what else this cat is capable of!). Earn a fortune, buy kickass cat outfits, learn how machine learning really works!

while True: learn() banner

while True: learn() has achieved a Player Score of 89, placing it in the #2 spot for the best Linux Intentionally Awkward Controls games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 6,723 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 6,156 positive reviews and 567 negative reviews — making it "Very Positive" on Steam.

It is priced at $12.99 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 $12.99
Release Date 1/17/2019
Franchise luden.io
Developers
Publishers
Steam App Id 619150

3. The Greatest Penguin Heist of All Time

The Greatest Penguin Heist of All Time is a sandboxy physics game for 1-8 players, with everything from sneaky heists to hilarous stupidity to baking pizzas. With continuous updates, plenty of maps, and hundreds of items, clothes and quests, it has something for everyone.

The Greatest Penguin Heist of All Time banner

The Greatest Penguin Heist of All Time has achieved a Player Score of 86, placing it in the #3 spot for the best Linux Intentionally Awkward Controls games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 2,306 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 2,065 positive reviews and 241 negative reviews — making it "Very Positive" on Steam.

It is priced at $14.99 to play and can be played and ran on Windows, Mac, and Linux systems. At the moment, it is not possible to play or run The Greatest Penguin Heist of All Time on the Steam Deck.

Steam Price $14.99
Release Date 7/2/2021
Developers
Publisher That Fish, That Other Fish
Steam App Id 1451480

4. Goop Loop

A physics-based platformer with unique controls and a pun-laden narrator. Jump, stick, and attempt to roll a loop over obstacles. Perhaps this game will teach you patience. Stick with it! I'll be right there with you. In your earhole. *Plorp*

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Goop Loop has achieved a Player Score of 82, placing it in the #4 spot for the best Linux Intentionally Awkward Controls games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 58 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 55 positive reviews and 3 negative reviews — making it "Very Positive" on Steam.

It is priced at $3.99 to play and can be played and ran on both Windows and Linux systems. At the moment, there is no confirmed information regarding Steam Deck support for this game.

Steam Price $3.99
Release Date 7/20/2021
Developer Lone Wulf Studio LLC
Publisher Lone Wulf Studio LLC
Steam App Id 1454550

5. Surgeon Simulator

Surgeon Simulator is an over-the-top operation sim, stitching together pitch-black humour with life-saving surgery. Become Dr. Burke, a would-be surgeon with a less than conventional toolkit, as he performs procedures on patients including the Heavy from TF2! ...is that a hammer?

Surgeon Simulator banner

Surgeon Simulator has achieved a Player Score of 81, placing it in the #5 spot for the best Linux Intentionally Awkward Controls games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 16,245 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 13,378 positive reviews and 2,867 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 Surgeon Simulator on the Steam Deck (though some functionality may be limited).

Steam Price $9.99
Release Date 4/19/2013
Developer Bossa Studios
Publisher tinyBuild
Steam App Id 233720

6. Manual Samuel - Anniversary Edition

Meet Samuel, he’s handsome, wealthy and most importantly – dead. A deal with Death gives Samuel one last chance to live again if he can survive a whole day doing everything manually.

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Manual Samuel - Anniversary Edition has achieved a Player Score of 80, placing it in the #6 spot for the best Linux Intentionally Awkward Controls games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 3,079 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 2,556 positive reviews and 523 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 10/14/2016
Franchise Perfectly Paranormal
Developer Perfectly Paranormal
Publisher Curve Games
Steam App Id 504130

7. DRAWER

An arcade racing game with indirect controls. Take on the role rally car co-pilot, when the pilot himself isn’t there O_O Develop your spatial thinking and fine motor skills, beat other players’ records and, most importantly, have fun!

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DRAWER has achieved a Player Score of 79, placing it in the #7 spot for the best Linux Intentionally Awkward Controls games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 27 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 26 positive reviews and 1 negative reviews — making it "Positive" on Steam.

It is priced at $3.99 to play and can be played and ran on both Windows and Linux systems. At the moment, there is no confirmed information regarding Steam Deck support for this game.

Steam Price $3.99
Release Date 1/27/2022
Developers
Publisher npuKoJI team
Steam App Id 1858620

8. Neon Ships: The Type'em Up Shooter

Shoot enemies while typing pop culture phrases to destroy enemies with your special laser attack! This is a classic Shoot'em up game with a typing twist! We challenge you to dodge all the shots and destroy all the enemies!

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Neon Ships: The Type'em Up Shooter has achieved a Player Score of 79, placing it in the #8 spot for the best Linux Intentionally Awkward Controls games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 48 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 44 positive reviews and 4 negative reviews — making it "Positive" on Steam.

It is priced at $3.99 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 $3.99
Release Date 2/11/2021
Developer Sensen Games
Publisher Sensen Games
Steam App Id 1528580

9. SPINGUN

SPINGUN is a "manic two-button arcade shooter". Two buttons. One spaceship. Zero chance to survive.

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SPINGUN has achieved a Player Score of 74, placing it in the #9 spot for the best Linux Intentionally Awkward Controls games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 85 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 70 positive reviews and 15 negative reviews — making it "Very Positive" on Steam.

It is priced at $0.59 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 $0.59
Release Date 11/11/2016
Developer Fermenter Games
Publisher Fermenter Games
Steam App Id 548230

10. On Key Up: A Game for Keyboards

Get to know your keyboard with this unique, physics-based puzzle game! Bounce, roll, paint, and even break objects with each press of a key.

On Key Up: A Game for Keyboards banner

On Key Up: A Game for Keyboards has achieved a Player Score of 73, placing it in the #10 spot for the best Linux Intentionally Awkward Controls games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 7 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 7 positive reviews and 0 negative reviews — making it "7 user reviews" 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 3/8/2022
Franchise Roppy Chop Studios
Developer Roppy Chop Studios
Publisher Roppy Chop Studios
Steam App Id 1460480

More Intentionally Awkward Controls Linux Games on Steam

Explore even more rankings for the 10 best Intentionally Awkward Controls games available on Steam.

ImageName
Actions
Octodad: Dadliest Catch steam charts
17
1/30/2014
91
$14.99
Steam Charts
while True: learn() steam charts
7
1/17/2019
89
$12.99
Steam Charts
The Greatest Penguin Heist of All Time steam charts
25
7/2/2021
86
$14.99
Steam Charts
Goop Loop steam charts
1
7/20/2021
82
$3.99
Steam Charts
Surgeon Simulator steam charts
24
4/19/2013
81
$9.99
Steam Charts
Manual Samuel - Anniversary Edition steam charts
2
10/14/2016
80
$9.99
Steam Charts
DRAWER steam charts
1
1/27/2022
79
$3.99
Steam Charts
Neon Ships: The Type'em Up Shooter steam charts
1
2/11/2021
79
$3.99
Steam Charts
SPINGUN steam charts
1
11/11/2016
74
$0.59
Steam Charts
On Key Up: A Game for Keyboards steam charts
1
3/8/2022
73
$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, March 27). Steam Store. Steam Store.
  • Valve Corporation. (2024, March 27). Octodad: Dadliest Catch on Steam. Steam Store.
  • Valve Corporation. (2024, May 18). while True: learn() on Steam. Steam Store.
  • Valve Corporation. (2024, March 2). The Greatest Penguin Heist of All Time on Steam. Steam Store.
  • Valve Corporation. (2024, March 21). Goop Loop on Steam. Steam Store.
  • Valve Corporation. (2024, May 18). Surgeon Simulator on Steam. Steam Store.
  • Valve Corporation. (2024, May 18). Manual Samuel - Anniversary Edition on Steam. Steam Store.
  • Valve Corporation. (2024, March 24). DRAWER on Steam. Steam Store.
  • Valve Corporation. (2024, May 19). Neon Ships: The Type'em Up Shooter on Steam. Steam Store.
  • Valve Corporation. (2024, May 18). SPINGUN on Steam. Steam Store.
  • Valve Corporation. (2024, May 19). On Key Up: A Game for Keyboards on Steam. Steam Store.

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