Opera GX now available on Linux “after community demand” with built-in ad blocker and VPN
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Opera has announced that its GX browser, which is “built specifically for gamers,” is now available on Linux, as of March 19. This year really seems to be shaping up to be the year of Linux gaming (for real this time), and support for Opera GX on Linux is another facet of that, albeit not as big as something like GOG’s upcoming native Linux build or Valve’s Steam Machine.
For Linux users, Firefox remains a popular choice. Mozilla even recommended you switch to Linux recently when it dropped support for Windows 7, 8, and 8.1. Firefox is open-source and even comes pre-installed on many popular Linux distros. However, the introduction of Opera GX may be a tempting option for those seeking more gaming-friendly features.
- Opera tells us that “Linux users have been asking [about GX support] across subreddits, Discord channels and Opera chat forums for years”. The company first announced it was working on a Linux version a couple of months ago, via X.
- GX Control gives users performance limited to control CPU, RAM, and network usage on Opera GX – ideal for optimizing game performance while you have the browser open.
- Opera GX has sidebar integration for built-in Twitch and Discord access, allowing users to watch streams and chat in channels all at once.
- Ad and Tracker Blockers are available by default (no plug-in/extensions required). Additionally, Opera GX offers its users improved privacy with an optional built-in VPN.
- Opera says its GX browser is used by 30M gamers worldwide and was chosen as the Preferred Browser Partner by League of Legends eSports Global Events. And no, you can’t play League on Linux, due to its Vanguard anti-cheat.
Press release in full
OSLO, Norway – March 19 – Opera GX is now on Linux. The gaming browser from Norwegian company Opera [NASDAQ: OPRA] now brings its signature performance controls, gaming integrations, and unparalleled options for customization to the platform.
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Demand for a Linux version of Opera GX has hit a breaking point across gaming subreddits, Discord and Linux forums, with gamers and developers consistently asking for the browser to support the platform in public communities and other forums. With this release, Opera GX delivers what many in the community have been waiting for: a gaming browser that aligns with Linux’s privacy-first mindset while still meeting the high-performance expectations of modern gamers.
“PC gaming has long been associated with a single dominant platform, but that’s changing. Bringing GX to Linux users –who are renowned for the control they like to exert over their tools – means gamers and developers can manage browser resources, customize their setup, and keep their system performing exactly the way they want.”
Maciej Kocemba, Product Director, Opera GX
Opera GX Boosts Performance and Unlocks Next-Level Customization for Linux Users
Linux users are known for pushing their systems further, customizing their tools, and demanding control over how software behaves. These values align closely with the philosophy behind Opera GX. With this release, Linux gamers, developers and power users can run Opera GX with the same core capabilities already available to Windows and macOS users. Linux users can now use Opera GX to:
- Keep games running smoothly. GX Control introduces performance limiters that let users control how much CPU, RAM, and network resources the browser can use.
- Watch streams and chat without switching tabs. Opera GX’s sidebar integrations have built-in Twitch and Discord access, making it easy to watch and chat all at once.
- Personalize their browsers to match their setups. GX Mods & Customization let users deck out their browsers with themes, sounds, shaders, and visual effects.
- Reduce distractions and unwanted tracking while browsing. Opera GX’s Ad and Tracker Blockers gives users control over the ads and pops up they see – or don’t – during use.
- Add an extra layer of privacy. Opera GX gives users even more privacy through an optional built-in VPN that operates under a zero-log policy, independently audited by Deloitte.
European Privacy Standards Built Into Opera GX
Opera’s focus on user control also extends to privacy, something many Linux users value, as transparency and data control are often part of what makes the platform their preferred choice. Opera GX on Linux does not collect location data, browsing history, page content, search queries or information typed into forms and follows the same privacy model used across Opera browsers.
Ad, tracker and cryptojacking protections are built in, alongside an optional VPN operating under a zero-log policy that has been independently audited. Opera GX is developed in Europe with teams in Norway and Poland, and follows European privacy regulations (GDPR). Infrastructure is hosted in data centers located in Europe, including facilities in Iceland.
Opera GX Supports Various Linux Distros, Will Evolve With Its Community
- Opera GX on Linux supports Debian, Ubuntu, Fedora and OpenSUSE-based distributions.
- Opera GX on Linux supports Debian, Ubuntu, Fedora, and OpenSUSE-based distributions. The browser can be installed using .deb and .rpm packages, with Flatpak support currently in development.
- GX on Linux will receive weekly updates with feedback shared through Discord, forums, and the bug reporting system as the browser continues to evolve with its community.
- Opera introduced Opera GX in 2019 as a browser designed specifically for gamers. Since launch, GX has grown from zero users to more than 34 million worldwide, becoming one of Opera’s fastest-growing browsers.
Linux users have been asking, and now it’s here: https://www.opera.com/gx
About Opera GX
Opera GX is the browser of choice for millions of gamers seeking a more personalized internet experience. The first browser to allow users to fully customize its appearance, color themes, sounds effects and audio effects, Opera GX additionally optimizes the computer’s resources for gaming through CPU, RAM and Network Bandwidth limiters that make the browser less resource-hungry. Users can simply download one of over 10,000 mods to start enjoying a new look that suits their preferences. Opera GX was born in Oslo, Norway in 2019.
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