File Information
| Name | Xonotic – Free & Open Source Arena Shooter |
|---|---|
| Version | v0.8.6 (latest major release) |
| File Size | ~1 GB (Portable zip file contains binaries for Windows, Linux & macOS) |
| Platforms | Windows 7+ (x86/x64) • Linux (x86-64) • macOS (x86-64) |
| License | Open Source (GPL v3) |
| Official Repository | GitHub – xonotic/xonotic |
| Official Site | xonotic |
Table of contents
Description
Xonotic is a high-octane, arena-style first-person shooter (FPS) that is completely free and open-source. Originally derived from the classic Nexuiz project, Xonotic runs on all major platforms like Windows, macOS, and Linux without needing a traditional installation. Just download the zip file, unzip it, and you’re ready to dive into fast-paced multiplayer combat.
With crisp movement mechanics, an extensive weapons arsenal, multiple game modes, and both casual and competitive gameplay options, Xonotic delivers an experience designed by a community of developers and gamers. It’s ideal for players seeking an arena-shooter that emphasizes speed, skill, and freedom minus the cost or platform restrictions of many commercial titles.
Screenshots


Gameplay Features of Xonotic
| Feature Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Arena-Style Movement | Fast movement, bunny-hopping, rocket-jumping, strafe-jumping mechanics. |
| Vast Weapon Arsenal | Nine core weapons plus sixteen full weapons, each with primary + secondary fire modes. |
| Multiple Game Modes | Includes Free-for-All (FFA), Team Deathmatch, Capture the Flag, Clan Arena, NexBall, Freeze Tag, and more. |
| No Installation Needed | Platform binaries included in the zip; just extract and run. |
| Cross-Platform & Portable | Run on Windows, macOS, Linux—all from one archive. |
| Community Content | 25 official maps, numerous community maps, and full map-editor support. |
| Competitive & Casual | Suitable for casual players and eSports style tournaments alike. |
| Open Source & Community | Developed by the community under GPL v3+, with public repo and active contributions. |
System Requirements
| Platform | Minimum Requirements |
|---|---|
| Windows | Windows 7 or newer (x86/x64), OpenGL 2.1 support, at least 4 GB RAM |
| Linux | x86-64 architecture, glibc/libc6 2.29+, libSDL2, libvorbisfile, libcurl, libpng |
| macOS | x86-64 (Intel) system, OpenGL 2.1 compatible |
Note: Although playable on older hardware with tweaks, for best experience use a reasonably modern GPU and sufficient memory.
How to Install Xonotic Game??
- Download the portable zip build from the official site or GitHub releases page.
- Unzip the archive to your preferred folder—no installer required.
- Launch the appropriate executable for your OS:
- On Windows/macOS: double-click the Xonotic icon.
- On Linux: run
xonotic-linux-glx.shorxonotic-linux-sdl.sh.
- Update: To upgrade from an older version, use the
misc/tools/rsync-updater/update-to-releasescript in the game folder. - Play! Choose your mode, join a server, or play bots, no login or account needed.
Xonotic: The Free & Open-Source Arena-Style FPS for Windows, macOS & Linux
Conclusion
Xonotic stands as a landmark in open-source gaming, a fully featured, high-speed arena shooter that runs across major platforms with zero installation required. Whether you’re diving into frantic multiplayer matches or customizing your own maps and mods, Xonotic delivers depth, performance, and freedom for gamers who value open systems. Download the portable zip, launch the game, and rediscover the thrill of arena-based FPS action, free, open-source, and fully in your control.

