Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO) is one of the most popular first-person shooter games in the world, and many gamers are curious if it can be played on Linux. With the rise of Linux as a viable gaming platform, especially with Valve’s efforts in promoting Linux gaming through Steam, more players are exploring this option. In this article, we’ll discuss whether CS:GO works on Linux, how to play it on this operating system, whether it runs better on Linux, and the role of Steam in supporting Linux gaming.
Does CS:GO Work on Linux?
Yes, CS:GO works on Linux. Valve, the developer of CS:GO , has made significant strides in ensuring that their games are compatible with Linux. The game was officially released for Linux in September 2014, and since then, it has been supported on this platform. Players can enjoy the full CS:GO experience, including competitive matches, casual games, and custom servers, all on Linux.
How to Play CS:GO on Linux
Playing CS:GO on Linux is straightforward, thanks to Steam’s support for the platform. Here’s a step-by-step guide to getting started:
- Install Steam on Linux:
- First, you need to install Steam on your Linux distribution. Steam is available in the software repositories of most major Linux distributions, including Ubuntu, Fedora, and Arch Linux.
For Ubuntu, you can install Steam by running the following command in the terminal:
sudo apt update
sudo apt install steam
- For other distributions, you may need to follow specific installation instructions or use Flatpak.
- Log in to Your Steam Account:
-
- Once Steam is installed, open it and log in to your existing Steam account or create a new one.
- Install CS:GO:
- In the Steam client, search for CS:GO in the Store and click “Install” on the game’s page. Steam will download and install the game on your Linux system.
- Launch CS:GO:
- After installation, you can launch CS:GO directly from your Steam Library. The game should run smoothly, just like on Windows.
Can You Buy and Sell Skins on Linux?
Absolutely. Players on Linux can buy and sell CS:GO skins just like players on other platforms. Steam’s marketplace is fully functional on Linux, allowing users to trade, purchase, and sell csgo skins with ease. In addition to Steam, third-party websites like Skin.Land also offer a platform where Linux users can engage in the skins market, often providing better prices and more payment options than Steam.
Does CS:GO Run Better on Linux?
The performance of CS:GO on Linux can vary depending on your hardware and the specific Linux distribution you are using. However, in many cases, CS:GO runs just as well on Linux as it does on Windows. Some users even report better performance due to the more efficient handling of resources by the Linux kernel.
The performance comparison between Linux and Windows for CS:GO largely depends on your graphics drivers. Proprietary drivers from NVIDIA or AMD generally provide better performance than open-source drivers. It’s important to ensure that your graphics drivers are up to date to achieve the best possible performance.
Does Linux Support Steam?
Yes, Linux fully supports Steam. In fact, Valve has been a strong advocate for Linux gaming. Steam has a native client for Linux, and a large portion of the Steam library is now compatible with Linux thanks to Proton, a compatibility layer that allows Windows games to run on Linux. This support makes Linux a viable gaming platform, and it continues to grow in popularity among gamers.
Conclusion
CS:GO is fully playable on Linux, thanks to Valve’s ongoing support for the platform. With Steam available on Linux, installing and running CS:GO is a simple process. While performance can vary depending on your hardware and drivers, many players find that CS:GO runs just as well, if not better, on Linux compared to Windows.
Linux’s support for Steam and the growing library of compatible games make it an increasingly attractive option for gamers who prefer open-source software. If you’re a Linux user or considering switching to Linux, you can enjoy CS:GO without any major issues, and you can also participate in the vibrant CS:GO skins market, buying and selling skins as you would on any other platform.
