TDF
TDF: A free, portable Linux compatibility layer for advanced users who value isolation. Ranked #8 of 27 in Game Compatibility Layers by our editors (6.6/10); pricing: Free plan; best for linux gamers prioritizing sandboxing and portability.
At a glance
- Editor score6.6 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forLinux gamers prioritizing sandboxing and portability
- Free planYes
- Paid fromNone
- Runtime modelTranslation + runtime
- Founded2021
- Facts checked20 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Bundles Wine, DXVK, and VKD3D-Proton for DirectX game support
- Blocks filesystem and network access by default with bubblewrap sandboxing
- Portable game instances can be transferred and run without Steam
Where it doesn't
- Linux-only, with Vulkan 1.3 or newer and an x86_64 CPU required
- Online games requiring anti-cheat software will usually not work
- Designed for advanced users rather than a simplified setup experience
Our verdict on TDF
TDF is an open-source compatibility layer for installing, packaging, and running Windows games on GNU/Linux without requiring Steam. It is aimed at advanced Linux users who want portable game environments, configurable Wine and graphics settings, and support for manually installed software such as GOG installers, ISOs, and repacks. The published model is free and open source, with Linux as its host platform.
Its strongest distinction is the combination of portability and isolation. TDF bundles Wine, DXVK, and VKD3D-Proton, covering DirectX 8, 9, 10, and 11 through DXVK and DirectX 12 through VKD3D-Proton. Linux namespaces through bubblewrap provide sandboxing, while filesystem and network access are blocked by default. Users can configure Wine, graphics, audio, CPU, and game settings, and apply game-specific fixes with Steam App IDs without requiring Steam. These features make TDF suitable for keeping complete game environments transferable between systems.
TDF is a focused choice rather than a universal solution for Windows gaming on Linux. It requires Vulkan 1.3 or newer and an x86_64 CPU, and its Steam integration status is false. The documentation also states that online games requiring anti-cheat software will usually not work, which limits its fit for multiplayer libraries that depend on those systems. Choose TDF when sandboxing, portability, manual game installation, and detailed configuration matter most. Choose an alternative when Steam integration, broad anti-cheat compatibility, or a simpler experience is the priority.
TDF pricing
TDF fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | None |
| Host platforms | Linux |
| Runtime model | Translation + runtime |
| DirectX support | Directx 9/10/11 + 12 |
| Vulkan support | Yes |
| Steam integration | No |
| Anti-cheat status | Partial |
| Deployment | Self-hosted |
| Platforms | Linux |
| Support | Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business (editorial estimate) |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | github.com |
| Facts checked | 20 Sep 2026 |
Alternatives to TDF
- CrossOverA mature paid compatibility layer with broad Windows app support for Mac and Linux.9.2
- WineA mature, free compatibility layer for running many Windows apps across Linux and macOS.8.2
- OpenNativeA flexible Android game container with broad runtime controls and unsupported anti-cheat.7.7
TDF vs the competition
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Sep 2026
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