FOSSPicks
FOSSPicks

Nate explores the top FOSS including the ultra-secure LibreWolf browser, new calibre features, an elegant GnuPG front end, and the graphically flawless evolution sim Thrive.
Evolution sim
Thrive
Linux games are sometimes criticized for having limited graphics support relative to Windows titles. Not so for this evolution sim, which is built using the Godot engine. The game is available to purchase on Steam for a small fee. However, it remains open source. The code can be compiled from GitHub, though the developers recommend that Linux users download the Thrive Launcher (available on Flathub) to install the game and necessary dependencies.
The game's basic premise reminds me of Spore's early stages (2008) in that the player controls a single-celled organism. Unlike Spore, you're given the choice of starting in a warm pond or hydrothermal vent. By default, the game also has the cell behave in a "real world" fashion so man-eating microbes or exotic food sources are out of the question.
The latest release (0.7.1) has introduced photosynthetic life forms. In other words, your organism now starts in a world without oxygen, so it must evolve its metabolism as the gas is introduced into the atmosphere. At regular stages, you can choose new patches for your organism, such as flagella for movement or the ability to metabolize more sources such as iron into ATP for energy.
[...]
Buy this article as PDF
(incl. VAT)
Buy Linux Magazine
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.

News
-
OpenMandriva Lx 6.0 Available for Installation
The latest release of OpenMandriva has arrived with a new kernel, an updated Plasma desktop, and a server edition.
-
TrueNAS 25.04 Arrives with Thousands of Changes
One of the most popular Linux-based NAS solutions has rolled out the latest edition, based on Ubuntu 25.04.
-
Fedora 42 Available with Two New Spins
The latest release from the Fedora Project includes the usual updates, a new kernel, an official KDE Plasma spin, and a new System76 spin.
-
So Long, ArcoLinux
The ArcoLinux distribution is the latest Linux distribution to shut down.
-
What Open Source Pros Look for in a Job Role
Learn what professionals in technical and non-technical roles say is most important when seeking a new position.
-
Asahi Linux Runs into Issues with M4 Support
Due to Apple Silicon changes, the Asahi Linux project is at odds with adding support for the M4 chips.
-
Plasma 6.3.4 Now Available
Although not a major release, Plasma 6.3.4 does fix some bugs and offer a subtle change for the Plasma sidebar.
-
Linux Kernel 6.15 First Release Candidate Now Available
Linux Torvalds has announced that the release candidate for the final release of the Linux 6.15 series is now available.
-
Akamai Will Host kernel.org
The organization dedicated to cloud-based solutions has agreed to host kernel.org to deliver long-term stability for the development team.
-
Linux Kernel 6.14 Released
The latest Linux kernel has arrived with extra Rust support and more.