Open-source gaming on Linux has grown significantly over the years. Alongside racing titles such as Speed Dreams, TORCS, SuperTuxKart, and Stunt Rally, there are also excellent platformers that demonstrate how far community-driven development can go. One of the most beloved examples is SuperTux, a free and open-source 2D platformer inspired by classic console games.
After years of steady improvements, the project has now reached an important milestone with the release of SuperTux 0.7.0, bringing a large number of gameplay improvements, redesigned worlds, and technical upgrades.
In this article, we take a closer look at what SuperTux is, what makes version 0.7.0 such an important release, and how you can install it on Linux.
What Is SuperTux?
SuperTux is a free and open-source 2D platform game where the main character, Tux — the Linux penguin — must rescue Penny from the villain Nolok. The gameplay is heavily inspired by classic side-scrolling platformers from the 1990s.
The game includes:
- Traditional side-scrolling platform gameplay
- Multiple worlds with unique environments
- Dozens of handcrafted levels
- Power-ups and enemies
- A built-in level editor
- Support for community-created levels
Since the project is open source, the game has evolved over many years thanks to contributions from developers, artists, and players around the world.
SuperTux is available on Linux, Windows, macOS, and several package platforms such as Flatpak and Snap.
SuperTux 0.7.0: A Major New Release
Version 0.7.0 represents one of the largest updates the project has seen in years. The developers have focused on improving level design, modernizing graphics, and polishing the overall gameplay experience.
The release follows multiple beta versions and extensive community testing.
Some highlights of the release include:
- Large world and level redesign
- Updated graphics and visual polish
- Improvements to the level editor
- Numerous gameplay refinements
- Bug fixes and performance improvements
For long-time players, the update makes the campaign feel much more polished and cohesive.
Completely Redesigned Worlds
One of the biggest changes in SuperTux 0.7.0 is the complete overhaul of many campaign worlds.
Developers revisited older levels and redesigned them to improve:
- Level pacing
- Enemy placement
- Platform challenges
- Visual consistency
The goal was to make the experience feel more balanced and modern while still preserving the classic gameplay style that made the game popular.
Many levels now feature improved layouts, smoother progression, and better visual storytelling.
Improved Graphics and Visual Effects
SuperTux 0.7.0 also includes visual improvements across many parts of the game.
Players will notice:
- Updated tilesets and textures
- Better lighting and atmosphere
- Improved animations
- More polished environments
These changes help modernize the game while maintaining its recognizable cartoon style.
The result is a platformer that still feels retro, but visually much more refined than earlier releases.
Level Editor Enhancements
SuperTux has long included a built-in level editor, allowing players to create their own worlds.
In version 0.7.0, the editor has received several improvements:
- More stable editing tools
- Better usability
- Additional objects and level elements
- Improved workflow for creators
For players interested in designing custom content, this makes it significantly easier to build new levels and share them with the community.
Gameplay Improvements
Beyond visuals and level redesigns, the developers also focused on gameplay quality.
The update includes various refinements such as:
- Better physics behavior
- Improved enemy interactions
- Tweaks to player movement
- Bug fixes affecting level progression
These changes might seem small individually, but together they make the game feel smoother and more responsive.
Community Reaction
The release has generated a lot of discussion across open-source communities.
Many players praised:
- The redesigned campaign worlds
- Visual upgrades
- The continued development of a long-running open-source project
For a game that started many years ago as a community project, the fact that it continues to evolve is impressive.
SuperTux remains one of the best examples of open-source gaming done right.
Installing SuperTux on Linux
SuperTux can be installed on Linux in several ways. The easiest options are Flatpak and Snap, which work on most modern distributions.
Install via Flatpak
If you have Flatpak enabled on your system:
flatpak install flathub org.supertuxproject.SuperTuxTo run the game:
flatpak run org.supertuxproject.SuperTuxFlatpak packages run in a sandboxed environment, which helps isolate the application from the rest of the system.
Install via Snap
Another option is the Snap package:
sudo snap install supertuxTo launch the game:
supertuxSnap packages also run in a confined environment using security mechanisms such as AppArmor, which helps improve system security.
Download from the Official Website
You can also download binaries or source code from the official SuperTux download page.
Some Linux distributions include the game directly in their repositories, so you may also be able to install it using your package manager.
Final Thoughts
SuperTux 0.7.0 is a major step forward for one of the most iconic open-source platformers. With redesigned levels, improved visuals, and a more polished gameplay experience, the update breathes new life into a project that has been evolving for many years.
For Linux users looking for a fun, lightweight game — or simply curious about open-source gaming — SuperTux remains an excellent choice.
And with continued community development, it’s very likely that we’ll see even more improvements in future releases.
