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Linux · Graphics

ScummVM

ScummVM runs classic point‑and‑click adventure and RPG titles on modern Linux systems by replacing the original game executables.

Open sourceFreeFlatpak
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License
GPL-3.0-or-later
Latest version
2026.4.0 (October 11, 2026)
Developer
The ScummVM Team
Installs
31,737 (Flathub, 30 days)
Install Website ↗
ScummVM Launcher
ScummVM Launcher
ScummVM running 'Flight of the Amazon Queen'
ScummVM running 'Flight of the Amazon Queen'
ScummVM running 'Beneath a Steel Sky'
ScummVM running 'Beneath a Steel Sky'
ScummVM running 'The Curse of Monkey Island'
ScummVM running 'The Curse of Monkey Island'

What is ScummVM?

ScummVM started in 2001 as a hobby project to preserve classic adventure games. Over the years it grew into a mature, community‑driven engine that now supports more than 250 titles from studios like LucasArts, Sierra, and Revolution. It is aimed at gamers who own the original game data files but want to play them on Linux, macOS, or other non‑Windows platforms. Compared to Windows Flash or other legacy tools, ScummVM feels like a lightweight, dedicated emulator: no browser, no plugin, just a clean launcher that runs the game natively with modern graphics and sound support.

Best for: Gamers who own classic adventure or RPG titles and want to play them on Linux without a Windows environment.

Key features of ScummVM

  • Runs 250+ classic adventure and RPG games
  • Supports Windows, Mac, Linux, and mobile platforms
  • Uses original game data files, no emulation required
  • Customizable graphics and audio settings
  • Keyboard, mouse, and gamepad support
  • Integrated language packs
  • Regular updates via package managers
  • Open‑source code base

Pros

  • Free and open source
  • Wide game library
  • Regular updates
  • Cross‑platform compatibility
  • No need for legacy Windows installations

Cons

  • Requires owning original game data
  • Some games need manual configuration
  • Limited support for newer titles
  • No built‑in DRM removal

How to install ScummVM on Linux

Flatpak (Flathub)flatpak install flathub org.scummvm.ScummVM
Ubuntu / Mintsudo apt install scummvm
Debiansudo apt install scummvm
Fedorasudo dnf install scummvm
Arch / Manjarosudo pacman -S scummvm
openSUSEsudo zypper install scummvm

Tips for Windows users

If you’re used to Windows Flash, remember that ScummVM does not run Flash content directly; it runs the game’s executable. Keep your original game files in a folder, then point ScummVM to that folder. Use the built‑in keyboard shortcuts (e.g., F1 for help, F5 to pause) and the configuration file for custom controls. The workflow is similar to launching a native Linux game, but you must manage the data files separately.

Recent releases

  • 2026.4.0 —
  • 2026.3.0 —
  • 2026.2.0 —
  • 2026.1.0 —

ScummVM: frequently asked questions

Do I need to buy ScummVM?

No, ScummVM is free and open source. You only need the original game data files, which you must own legally.

Can I play games that are not listed in the ScummVM database?

ScummVM supports any game that uses the SCUMM engine or compatible engines. If a game isn’t listed, you can try adding it manually, but success varies.

How do I install ScummVM on Ubuntu?

Use the official package: sudo apt install scummvm. Alternatively, install via Snap or Flatpak from Flathub.

Does ScummVM support modern graphics resolutions?

Yes, you can set custom resolution and scaling in the graphics settings, and it supports high DPI displays.

Updated