TDF
github.com
What it is
TDF is a free GNU/Linux tool for installing, packaging, and running Windows games from outside Steam, including GOG installers, ISOs, and repacks. It is portable and requires no installation. Games run in isolation through bubblewrap and Linux namespaces, with file and network access blocked by default. TDF includes game-optimized and regular Wine builds, and can use system or custom Wine versions. Its graphics components cover several DirectX generations: D7VK handles DirectX 3–7, DXVK handles DirectX 8–11, and VKD3D-Proton handles DirectX 12. The manual says about 90% of games work without changes, though some need configuration. TDF requires an x86_64 CPU and a GPU with Vulkan 1.3 or newer; Linux kernel 6.14 or newer and an SSD are recommended. Instances can be archived for transfer or redistribution. The project cautions that sandboxing does not prevent every possible kernel, driver, or bubblewrap exploit, and recommends a hardened virtual machine for malware testing. The code is GNU GPL v3, though built versions may include components under other licenses.
Spec sheet
- Purpose
- TDF helps users install, package, and safely run Windows games on GNU/Linux.Read 5 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Intended users
- TDF is aimed at advanced users who want more sandboxing than Lutris or Bottles.Read 5 Oct 2026 · github.com
- License
- TDF code is distributed under GNU GPL v3, while a built version may contain components under multiple licenses, including proprietary ones.Read 5 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Founded
- 2021Read 28 Sep 2026 · github.com
- Compatibility
- The manual says about 90% of games work out of the box, while some require configuration changes.Read 5 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Compatibility limit
- The manual says online games that require anti-cheat software will usually not work.Read 5 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Game sources
- TDF is intended for games outside Steam, including GOG installers, ISOs, and repacks.Read 5 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Graphics support
- TDF includes Wine builds, DXVK, VKD3D-Proton, and D7VK for Windows game compatibility across DirectX versions.Read 5 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Graphics translation
- TDF includes DXVK for DirectX 8–11, VKD3D-Proton for DirectX 12, and D7VK for DirectX 3–7.Read 5 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Online game limit
- Online games requiring anti-cheat software usually will not work.Read 5 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Packaging
- Users can archive a TDF instance for transfer or redistribution using the run.sh archive command.Read 5 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Portable
- The project describes TDF as a portable version of Proton that requires no installation.Read 5 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Requirements
- TDF requires an x86_64 CPU and a GPU supporting Vulkan 1.3 or newer; the project recommends a recent Linux kernel and an SSD.Read 5 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Sandbox
- TDF uses bubblewrap and Linux namespaces to isolate games, with file and network access blocked by default.Read 5 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Security caveat
- The project warns that sandboxed games may still exploit the kernel, drivers, or bubblewrap, and recommends a hardened virtual machine for malware testing.Read 5 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Steam alternatives
- It supports installing games outside Steam, including GOG installers, ISOs, and repacks.Read 5 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Storage requirement
- The manual recommends an SSD and warns against NTFS, FAT, or exFAT for TDF instances.Read 5 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Support and maintenance
- The maker's GitHub profile says the developer is working full time and that projects are pretty much on hold.Read 5 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Support status
- The maker's GitHub profile says he is working full time and that his projects are mostly on hold.Read 5 Oct 2026 · github.com
- System requirements
- TDF requires an x86_64 CPU and a GPU supporting Vulkan 1.3 or newer; it recommends Linux kernel 6.14 or newer.Read 5 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Wine versions
- It includes a game-optimized Wine build and a more regular Wine build, and can use system or custom Wine versions.Read 5 Oct 2026 · github.com
Plans and prices
TDF Free GNU/Linux only · x86_64 CPU · GPU with Vulkan 1.3 or newer Read 5 Oct 2026 · github.com
Strong points and limits
Strong points
- Portable; no installation required
- Blocks file and network access by default
- Supports GOG installers, ISOs, and repacks
- Instances can be archived for redistribution
Limits
- Requires x86_64 and Vulkan 1.3 or newer
- Anti-cheat games usually will not work
- Sandboxing may not stop kernel or driver exploits
- Developer says projects are mostly on hold
Who it suits
TDF suits advanced GNU/Linux users who want to install and isolate Windows games from sources outside Steam. It is not a fit for online games that require anti-cheat software, which usually will not work.
Verdict
TDF combines broad DirectX translation support with isolation controls for Windows games on GNU/Linux. Check the hardware requirements and anti-cheat limitation first, and use a hardened virtual machine for malware testing.
Where Specifiction places it
- Game Compatibility Layers#8 of 277.9
Alternatives to TDFAll alternatives →
CrossOver From $6.17/mo · Free plan 9.0 Visit