The number of games running on Linux continues to rise daily — with everything from indie titles to all-out AAA titles finding that gamers on this side of the fence are just as willing to pony up some cash as their walled-garden counterparts.

And the good news is that the rate of support shows no sign of slowing down yet. In fact, as the release of Valve’s Linux-powered Steam Machines edge closer to retail the big draw titles are lining up in advance.

But what titles in particular have been making the news over the last couple of weeks? Let’s take a quick recap.

Nuclear Dawn

Nuclear Down, a post-apocalyptic RTS title built upon Valve’s Source Engine has officially launched on Linux — more than two years after it debuted on Windows and Mac OS X. The update, which went live over the Easter weekend, does more than just drag Linux users out of beta: it now lets them to play against those on Mac and Windows.

Sold through Steam, Nuclear Dawn is currently available for 75% off, selling at a not-too-shabby $9.99 (US) or £6.99.

Buy Nuclear Dawn on Steam

Wasteland 2

Got some spare Easter cash weighing down your pockets? An early access release of ‘Wasteland 2’ supporting Linux is now available over on Steam.

The game is a direct sequel to hit 1988 game Wasteland and, like so many efforts of late, was only possible thanks to a canny Kickstarter campaign that raised more than $3,000,000 on a $900,000 goal. Originally only targeting Windows and Mac, Wasteland 2’s developers announced plans for a Linux port following demand from backers.

That port is in progress. As an early access release — read: beta — the game isn’t a polished final product. But, if you’re willing to battle bugs as well as morally grey survivors, you will find most of the core game mechanics present and working.

With an entry fee of $60 the game isn’t an idle purchase. But this price does come with some extras to sweeten the deal, including a free copy of the original game, eBook novellas set amid the in-game universe, a soundtrack, and a raft of concept art.

Wasteland 2 requires a dual-core 2.4GHz CPU or better; 4GB of RAM and a graphics card equal to or better than a Nvidia 260GTS or Radeon HD 4850.

See the Kickstarter page for more information.

Star Citizen

Another crowdfunding success story recently confirmed to have coordinates set for Linux is space combat simulator and trading game Star Citizen. One of the most successful crowdfunders of all time, having amassed an awe-inspiring $42 million through donations and pledges, Star Citizen has a tentative release date of 2015.

For more information see the official website.

Borderlands 2

The President of Gearbox Software, the makers of many popular top-tier titles on consoles and PC, has signalled interest in bringing Borderlands 2 to Linux.

I stress that, thus far, it’s only interest and not — oi, pay attention — repeat, not a firm commitment. But since the game is built on Unreal Engine 3, which supports Linux, the likelihood of a port isn’t detached from reality.

Tweeting at the tail end of last week, Randy Pitchford, the aforementioned president of Gearbox Software, said:

It seems reddit wants a Linux port of Borderlands 2. I'll probably chat with some folks on twitter about that this weekend. — Randy Pitchford (@DuvalMagic) April 19, 2014

Tux fans quickly went into meltdown on Twitter with many excitedly announcing that a port had been confirmed. Nipping it in the bud, Pitchford quickly followed up his tweet with further clarification:

@RoadRunnerdn who said there will be a Linux port – I just want to learn more about customer interests there. — Randy Pitchford (@DuvalMagic) April 19, 2014

WATCH_DOGS

Ubisoft’s highly anticipated action adventure epic Watch Dogs is set to hit Windows, PS3/4 and Xbox 360/One late next month, followed by a delayed launch on Nintendo’s maligned Wii U console.

But could Linux also be in the offing? Some eagle-eyed gamers over on Reddit think they’ve found evidence pointing in the direction of a Linux port. Specifically, a Steam Database Entry for the game with a ‘tux’ logo assigned to a value.

Hardly conclusive proof, granted. Since Ubisoft has, to date, not perused Linux, and mistakes in Steam database data are common, this could be a case of barking up the wrong tree.

Still, finger crossed.