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Best Simulation Games for Ubuntu: Compatibility and How to Choose

A reliable Ubuntu game list depends on current, title-specific compatibility evidence. Learn how to check Steam and ProtonDB, plus the listed Ubuntu requirements for Oxygen Not Included.
Length3 min Posted Quest giverVGSources Team
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There is no well-supported, verifiable top ten of Ubuntu simulation games for 2025 in the available evidence. Rather than label unverified titles as recommendations, this guide shows how to choose a simulation game for Ubuntu and gives one confirmed example: Oxygen Not Included, whose Steam listing specifies Linux support and Ubuntu requirements. Check each game’s current store listing before buying; Windows-only games may work through Proton, but that is not guaranteed.

How to choose a simulation game for Ubuntu

Start with the kind of simulation you want—such as driving, city management, farming, factory building, colony management or survival—then check the game’s Linux support and hardware requirements. A game’s genre does not tell you whether it runs on Ubuntu, and compatibility alone does not establish whether it is a good fit.

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  1. Check the Steam Store page. Steam Support says each game’s supported operating systems and system requirements appear in the Store page’s “System Requirements” section. Compare those requirements with your computer before buying: Steam Support: Game is not available on your current platform.
  2. Identify the Linux route. If the listing includes SteamOS + Linux, the game has a Linux build listed. If it lists Windows only, it may be possible to run it with Steam Play and Proton, but support is not assured for every title. Steam’s Linux page explains this distinction and points to its Linux game category: Steam for Linux.
  3. For a Windows-only game, check Proton reports. ProtonDB collects user reports and compatibility ratings from Linux and Steam Deck players. Those reports are community experience, not a publisher guarantee: ProtonDB.
  4. Recheck close to purchase. Operating-system support, requirements, Proton behavior and drivers can change. Use the current listing and recent compatibility reports rather than relying on an old list or a broad claim that a game “works on Linux.”

Confirmed example: Oxygen Not Included

Klei’s Steam listing describes Oxygen Not Included as a “space-colony simulation game,” lists SteamOS + Linux support, and states Ubuntu versions in its requirements. The specifications below are from that listing and should be checked again before purchase: Oxygen Not Included on Steam.

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Requirement Minimum Recommended
Ubuntu Ubuntu 22.04 or later Ubuntu 24.04 or later
Processor Dual-core 2 GHz Core i7-8700K or equivalent
Memory 8 GB RAM 16 GB RAM
Graphics Intel HD 4600 or equivalent Dedicated graphics card with 2 GB VRAM
Storage 3 GB 3 GB

The listing establishes a Linux version and gives Ubuntu requirements; it does not establish performance on a particular computer. Compare your system with the requirements and consult current player reports if you need more evidence about a specific setup.

#1 Best Overall

How to enable Steam Play for Proton games

Ubuntu’s Steam guidance explains that Steam Play downloads Proton compatibility libraries for non-native games. Steam distinguishes enabling it for Valve-supported titles from enabling it for all titles; the broader setting can expose more Windows games to Proton, but does not ensure they will run correctly. See Ubuntu Community Help: Steam.

  1. Open Steam and go to Steam > Settings > Compatibility.
  2. Enable Steam Play for supported titles for titles Valve supports.
  3. If you want to try Windows-only titles that are not in that group, enable Steam Play for all other titles. Restart Steam if prompted.
  4. Install the game and check its current ProtonDB reports for issues relevant to your hardware and use case.

Steam Play is a compatibility option, not a guarantee. If a game will not launch or behaves poorly, check recent reports and the game’s current Steam listing before changing other system settings.

Rank #2
Snowrunner Windows PC
  • Face extreme environments in a highly advanced physics engine
  • 40 unique vehicles to unlock, upgrade, and customize
  • Complete dozens of challenging missions across an inter-connected world
  • Go solo or play with other players in 4-player co-op
  • Disc not included; code for digital download is in the box
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

Ubuntu and Steam prerequisites

Valve’s Steam for Linux client repository specifies 64-bit Ubuntu and current 64-bit and 32-bit graphics drivers, and warns that older Ubuntu LTS releases may stop working in a future Steam release. Check the repository’s current requirements before installing or troubleshooting: ValveSoftware/steam-for-linux.

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Quick Recap

Bestseller No. 1
9 Games in One Simulation Game Pack
9 Games in One Simulation Game Pack
9 games on 1 CD
$13.99
Bestseller No. 2
Snowrunner Windows PC
Snowrunner Windows PC
Face extreme environments in a highly advanced physics engine; 40 unique vehicles to unlock, upgrade, and customize
$17.99
SaleBestseller No. 3
SaleBestseller No. 4
Nanny Mania - PC
Nanny Mania - PC
Juggling the challenges of your everyday virtual life can be fun; Raise your children from infants to grads ¿ from changing diapers to first dates
$4.95
Best Value
FlightGear Flight Simulator 2026 X on USB | Flight Sim Plane & Helicopter Professional Simulator Including 600 Aircraft, 20,000 Real World Airports Compatible with Microsoft Windows 11 10 PC & Mac
  • FlightGear Flight Simulator is a highly sophisticated, detailed and ultra-realistic flight simulation which includes 20,000 real airports worldwide! You have the freedom to fly anywhere, anytime, night or day, and experience the ultimate flight simulation! You will receive the USB (not a disc) exactly as pictured. Our slimline USB is 100% compatible with ALL standard size USB ports. IMPORTANT - THIS IS A PROFESSIONAL SIMULATOR, NOT AN ARCADE GAME. Multilingual - English, Spanish (Español) and more languages supported.
  • With over 600 aircraft included, this flight simulator gives you more aircraft than you could possibly learn to fly in a lifetime! Fly from lightweight aircraft to huge commercial jumbo jets, military planes, helicopters and even airships! Hundreds of aircraft are included with new aircraft added regularly which you can download for free! 1000+ aircraft liveries are also available as free downloads along with all future updates of the simulator!
  • Compatible with Microsoft Windows 11, 10 and macOS 11 to latest. Recommended system specs - CPU: Quad-core / RAM: 6GB / GPU: 2048MB VRAM / HDD: 5GB minimum / Internet required. Regardless of operating system compatibility, if the rest of your computer does not meet the required spec, then it may not be compatible; please check your computer specs before purchase. This will fit all standard/classic USB ports, but please insert the correct way up as indicated in the instructions.
  • PixelClassics exclusive extras include bonus aircraft, easy-to-use PixelClassics installation menu, installation guide, first flight guide, 200+ page user manual, email support and more! To ensure you receive exactly as advertised including all our exclusive extras, please choose PixelClassics. All our USBs are checked and scanned 100% virus-free, and backed up by our friendly dedicated email support.
  • PLEASE NOTE: This is NOT ‘MS’ flight simulator, this is FLIGHTGEAR flight simulator and this USB is compatible with Windows PC only. You will receive USB (not a disc) exactly as advertised and described. It includes all the excellent features as listed, including 600 aircraft which is at least 570 more than you get with any other flight simulator by default! This is a professional simulator and will require reading of the manual included on USB to learn how to fly.
Rank #4
Sale
Nanny Mania - PC
  • Juggling the challenges of your everyday virtual life can be fun
  • Raise your children from infants to grads ¿ from changing diapers to first dates
  • Use your keen multitasking skills to keep the laundry and house in tip top shape, look after the children, and have supper on the table
  • Earn dozens of upgrades for your house to help you handle your hectic day-to-day schedule
  • Your family will grow to appreciate all you do as a real life Super Mom!
Rank #3
Sale
Jane's Advance Strike Fighters - PC
  • Azbaristan, a country about to explode - J.A.S.F. thrusts you into the pilot's seat as an American squadron leader caught in the middle of a long overdue war to reunify the once proud country of Azbaristan. Take part in the Azbarian civil war across 16 thrilling missions
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