Linux · Games
0 A.D.
Free, open‑source RTS set in ancient history, playable on Linux and other platforms.
- License
- GPL-2.0+ and CC-BY-SA
- Latest version
- 0.28.0 (February 16, 2026)
- Developer
- Wildfire Games
- Installs
- 4,343 (Flathub, 30 days)
What is 0 A.D.?
0 A.D. is a real‑time strategy game that lets you command one of fifteen ancient civilizations from 500 BC to 1 BC. Developed by Wildfire Games, it has been in active development for over a decade and is now at version 0.28.0. The game focuses on realistic warfare and economy, with each faction offering distinct artwork and tech trees.
The target audience is players who enjoy historically grounded RTS titles like Age of Empires but prefer a free, open‑source solution. It runs natively on Linux, avoiding the need for emulation or compatibility layers.
Compared with commercial Windows titles, 0 A.D. feels more experimental; the UI is functional but not polished, and the learning curve is steeper. However, the depth of historical detail and the ability to mod the game can outweigh these drawbacks for dedicated RTS fans.
Best for: Players who want a free, historically detailed RTS and are comfortable with a less polished interface.
Key features of 0 A.D.
- Cross‑platform (Linux, Windows, macOS, BSD)
- 15 distinct civilizations with unique tech trees
- Historically accurate units and buildings
- Mod support via XML and Lua
- Free and open‑source code and assets
- Multiplayer over LAN or internet
- Regular community patches
- Active community forums and Discord
Pros
- Free and open source
- Historical depth and variety
- Modding flexibility
- Cross‑platform support
- Active development
Cons
- UI feels dated
- Performance can lag on older hardware
- Learning curve is steep
- Community support less organized than commercial titles
Windows programs 0 A.D. replaces
Age of EmpiresHow to install 0 A.D. on Linux
flatpak install flathub com.play0ad.zeroadTips for Windows users
When moving from Age of Empires, expect different hotkeys and a more manual resource management system. Save files are in plain XML; you can import custom maps from the community. The UI uses mouse‑only navigation, so familiarize yourself with the in‑game menu system. There are no direct file format conversions, so you’ll need to start a new campaign or load community maps.
Recent releases
- 0.28.0 —
Wildfire Games proudly announces the release of 0 A.D. 0.28.0: "Boiorix". - A new faction: the German tribes. - Gendered Civilians replace Female Citizens. - In some places JavaScript-Modules can be used to write mods. - Font Rendering: CJK languages are…
- 0.27.1 —
Wildfire Games proudly announces the first "patch release" of 0 A.D., 0.27.1 for Alpha 27: "Agni". - Critical performance fixes. - Graphics fixes for GPU Skinning and Vulkan Renderer. - Fix changing perspective in replays. - Port Forwarding and Multiplayer…
- 0.27.0 —
Wildfire Games proudly announces the release of 0 A.D. Alpha 27: "Agni", the last alpha version of the free, open-source real-time strategy game of ancient warfare. - Vulkan Renderer for improved performance. - Multiplayer Savegames support. - New Tips &…
0 A.D.: frequently asked questions
Is 0 A.D. playable on my Linux distro?
Yes, it is available in most major distributions’ repositories and on Flathub. You can install it via your package manager or as a flatpak.
Can I play multiplayer with Windows users?
Yes, the game uses a standard TCP/IP protocol for multiplayer, so players on Windows, macOS, or Linux can join the same session.
How do I install mods?
Mods are distributed as ZIP or TAR archives. Extract them into the ~/.config/0ad/mods/ directory and enable them in the game’s mod menu.
What are the system requirements?
Minimum: 1 GHz CPU, 512 MB RAM, DirectX 9 compatible GPU. Recommended: 2 GHz CPU, 1 GB RAM, modern GPU. Performance scales with the number of units on screen.
Updated