8 Best Command Line Games for Linux

Command Line Games for Linux are an exciting and fun way to enjoy gaming on the Linux operating system. These games are created with the purpose of providing users with a unique and enjoyable experience that can be enjoyed without the need for a graphical user interface.

They can be used to create simple yet engaging games, or more complex titles that require more in-depth knowledge of command line tools and scripting languages. With Command Line Games for Linux, users have access to a variety of titles that offer both entertainment and challenge, allowing them to hone their skills while having fun at the same time.

1. Nudoku

Nudoku is a Linux terminal-based sodoku game. Noduku requires a player to use logic to fill a 9-by-9 grid with numbers from 1 to 9. Like any other game, there are several levels of difficulty, from beginner to advanced.

To install Nudoku on Linux, run:

# yum install nudoku      [On RedHat based systemes]
# dnf install nudoku      [On Fedora 23+ versions]
$ sudo apt-get install nudoku  [On Debian based systems]

2. Moon Buggy

Moon Buggy is a game where you drive a vehicle on the moon and avoid obstacles. The game is very simple, with the goal being to drive as far as possible without crashing. You can control the vehicle using the up and down arrow keys on your keyboard. The game is text-based and can be played on Linux or other operating systems. It’s a fun and challenging game that can be a great way to pass the time.

Install the game using the command below:

sudo apt install moon-buggy

Use the below command to start the game:

moon-buggy

3. 2048-cli

The 2048-cli game is a compelling terminal-based application that offers an enjoyable gaming experience. It is an adaptation of the widely popular GUI-based 2048 game, which is derived from 1024 and theoretically incorporates features of Threes. This game is cross-platform and available on iOS, Android, and Windows phone devices.

Install the game using the command below:

$ sudo apt-get install libncurses5-dev
$ sudo apt-get install libsdl2-dev libsdl2-ttf-dev
$ sudo apt-get install 2048-cli

4. Bastet

In the straightforward Linux Tetris clone known as Bastet (short for Bastard Tetris), you mix random blocks that the computer delivers you. What makes Bastet special? Every time, the computer sends you the worst brick imaginable. Find out how long you can keep up by playing the game.

Install the game using the command below:

$ sudo apt install bastet

Run the game:

$ bastet

5. Pacman4Console

There’s no need to introduce Pac-Man. The classic game transformed the gaming market and is still enjoyed by millions worldwide . The goal of the game is to guide Pac-man’s avatar through a maze and consume every white circle without being eaten by the Ghosts. The same game, Pacman4Console, has been adapted for the Linux terminal.

sudo apt install pacman4console
pacman4console

6. MyMan

Another simple text-based game on your Linux terminal is MyMan. The well-known Pac-Man game from the Japanese game developer Namco had a significant impact on its development. Other Unix-like operating systems that it can operate on include FreeBSD, OpenBSD, Solaris, and many more.

Download MyMan Terminal Game

7. Air Traffic Controller

In your terminal, you can simulate a whole air traffic control system. To be quite honest, controlling air traffic from a terminal kind of sounds and feels genuine craftsmanship. What do you think?

One of the games provided in the BSD Games package is this one. You can also look into the various open-source and free games that are offered with it.

$ sudo apt-get install bsdgames
$ atc

8. Backgammon

Backgammon is a two-player board game that has been played for thousands of years. It is one of the oldest known board games and is still popular today. The game is played on a board with 24 triangular spaces called points. The points are divided into four quadrants, with six points in each quadrant.

Whether you’ve played Backgammon before or not, you should have a look at this. When you launch the game, you will be requested to follow the instructions. Play it against the computer or a friend, whichever you like.

$ sudo apt-get install bsdgames

$ backgammon