The 75 "Funnest" Open Source Downloads

In honor of the season of laziness, we've put together a list of some of the most fun open source downloads you can find. No, none of those office productivity tools here – just lots of games, hobbyists’ tools and other time wasters. Is it quitting time yet?

In case you're feeling too lazy to read all the way through the article, the very "funnest" apps – the games – are at the beginning. The rest are categorized and in alphabetical order.

I should probably write some more about the list here, but – you know – it's summer.

Games

If you like games like Unreal Tournament and Quake III, this first-person shooter is for you. It's a self-described "frag fest" with tons of weapons and really great graphics. Operating System: Linux, Windows, OS X.

2. AssaultCube

Based on Cube, AssaultCube offers single- or multiplayer first-person action, with reasonably good graphics. It's lightweight and low-latency, so you can play it on old or underpowered systems. Operating System: Linux, Windows, OS X.

3. Battle for Wesnoth

If you like games with elves and necromancers, check out Battle of Wesnoth. This turn-based strategy game lets you play out multiple scenarios using your choice of more than 200 unit types belonging to16 different races. Operating System: Linux, Windows, OS X, iOS.

4. BosWars

This real-time strategy game requires you to balance the need to grow your economy with your need to defend yourself against live or computer-based opponents. It's set in a futuristic world with nice visuals. Operating System: Windows, Linux, BSD, OS X.

5. CommanderStalin

Based on BosWars, Commander Stalin puts you in charge of the Soviet Union, where you must build your economy and defend against enemies. No matter how well you do, you will be attacked by the Nazis, so your army better be ready. Operating System: Windows, Linux.

6. Crossfire

Crossfire is a multi-player medieval fantasy and role playing game. The graphics are decidedly old school, but the game does have more than 3000 maps and 150 monsters to keep you playing for a long, long time. Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X.

7. Enigma

If you prefer your gaming to be non-violent, take a look at Enigma. In this addictive puzzle game, you work to solve more than 1,000 puzzle levels to uncover the pairs of matching Oxyd stones. Operating System: Windows, Linux, Unix, OS X.

8.FlightGear

This flight simulator offers an outstanding user experience that rivals commercial software, including Microsoft Flight Simulator. With it, you can virtually fly to 20,000 real world airports over realistic terrain in one of several aircraft. Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X, others.

9. FreeCol

Based on the older game Colonization and similar to Civilization, FreeCol is a turn-based strategy game where you work to establish a colony in the New World. Along the way, you trade with Europe, decide how to treat the natives and build your economic and military might. Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X.

10. FreeCiv

Also for Civilization lovers, this app mimics its namesake fairly directly. It supports up to 30 players, and includes more than 50 kinds of units for more than 100 nations. Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X.

11. FreeOrion

In this turn-based strategy game, you set out to build a space empire and conquer the galaxy. It's similar to the Master of Orion games. Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X.

1 Frets on Fire

Simply put, Frets on Fire is an open-source version of Guitar Hero. The site offers links that explain how to add themes and songs to the basic app, and you'll also find lots of forums and fan sites. Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X.

12. Frozen Bubble

Frozen Bubble may be “the most addictive game ever created." You can play in one- or two-player mode, connect with a multi-player game on the Internet, or even create your own levels. Operating System: Windows, Linux.

13. Glest

Magic battles Tech in this 3D real-time strategy game. In addition to the single player mode, you can also play online against real opponents. Operating System: Windows, Linux.

14. Nexuiz

This popular first-person shooter has been downloaded more than 1.5 million times. Check out the video on the home pages for a sample of the action. Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X.

15. OpenArena

As you might expect, OpenArena is an open-source version of Quake III Arena for single or multiple players. Note that this first-person shooter is for mature audiences only. Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X.

16. PokerTH

Play Texas Hold 'Em against up to 10 live or computer generated players. PokerTH has been downloaded more than 1 million times, so you should be able to find plenty of potential opponents. Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X.

17. Rigs of Rods

This simulator lets you maneuver your truck, car, airplane or boat around a 3D environment. Although the graphics aren't exactly eye-popping, the movement is very realistic thanks to a unique soft-body physics engine. Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X.

18. Secret Maryo Chronicles

This 2D jump and run game closely resembles the older Mario Bros. games you may have grown up with. You advance from one stage to the next by gathering mushrooms, fireplants and stars, but beware the poison mushroom! Operating System: Linux, OS X.

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