Feral GameMode

C tier on Game Graphics Optimization SoftwareScore 6.7 · #16 of 35

Android app: Not listed
Free plan: Yes
Runs on: Linux, self-hosted

github.com

Summary

Feral GameMode is a free Linux daemon and library that lets games request temporary changes to the host operating system or game process. Supported adjustments include CPU governor, I/O priority, process niceness, scheduler policy, screensaver inhibition, GPU performance mode, CPU core pinning or parking, and custom scripts. Games and launchers with GameMode support can activate it automatically; other games can be started with the `gamemoderun` command or a Steam launch option. GPU performance mode is supported for NVIDIA and AMD, while GPU overclocking is listed for NVIDIA. The project lists packages for Ubuntu, Debian, Solus, Arch, Gentoo, Fedora, OpenSUSE, and Mageia, with possible availability elsewhere. Configuration uses a `gamemode.ini` file with documented options for GPU, CPU, filters, supervisor access, and scripts. GameMode is maintained by Feral Interactive and uses the BSD 3-Clause License (Revised). Its build depends on Meson and systemd, and development also requires a C environment.

Who it is for

GameMode suits Linux gamers whose games or launchers support it, and users willing to start other games with its command or a Steam launch option. It may also fit people who want to configure supported system and process optimisations.

What is good

Free plan with BSD 3-Clause License.
Automatic activation for supported games and launchers.
GPU performance mode supports NVIDIA and AMD.
Configuration includes CPU, GPU, and custom scripts.

What to know first

Linux platform only.
Hybrid GPU commands cannot be integrated automatically after launch.
GPU optimisations such as overclocking are used at the user's risk.

Verdict

GameMode provides configurable, temporary system and process optimisations for supported Linux games. Check your distribution and game launch method, and take care with GPU settings, which the example configuration places at the user's risk.

Feral GameMode plans and pricing

All plans

GameMode Free Linux daemon and library · BSD 3-Clause License github.com · 4 Oct 2026

Compared on game graphics optimization software

Free plan: Yesgithub.com
Supported platforms: Linuxgithub.com
Boost control: automaticgithub.com
Process management: Yesgithub.com

Facts

What it does: GameMode is a daemon and library that lets games request temporary optimisations to the Linux host operating system or game process.github.com · 4 Oct 2026
Optimisations: Supported optimisations include CPU governor, I/O priority, process niceness, scheduler policy, screensaver inhibition, GPU performance mode, CPU core pinning or parking, and custom scripts.github.com · 4 Oct 2026
GPU support: GPU performance mode is supported for NVIDIA and AMD, and GPU overclocking is listed for NVIDIA.github.com · 4 Oct 2026
Game integration: Games and launchers with GameMode support activate it automatically; other games can be started with the gamemoderun command or Steam launch option.github.com · 4 Oct 2026
Linux distributions: The project lists packages for Ubuntu, Debian, Solus, Arch, Gentoo, Fedora, OpenSUSE, and Mageia, with possible availability elsewhere.github.com · 4 Oct 2026
Configuration: GameMode uses a gamemode.ini file, and its example configuration documents options including GPU, CPU, filters, supervisor access, and custom scripts.github.com · 4 Oct 2026
GPU settings caution: The example configuration warns that GPU optimisations such as overclocks are used at the user's own risk and that resulting hardware damage is the user's responsibility.github.com · 4 Oct 2026
System requirements: The project says its build depends on Meson and its internal communication uses systemd; development also requires a C development environment.github.com · 4 Oct 2026
Limit: hybrid graphics: The README says GameMode cannot automatically integrate hybrid GPU commands such as optirun after the game has started, but describes using a wrapper with gamemoderun.github.com · 4 Oct 2026
Support route: The README asks users to report GameMode issues in the repository's GitHub Issues section rather than directly to Feral.github.com · 4 Oct 2026
License: GameMode is available under the BSD 3-Clause License (Revised).github.com · 4 Oct 2026
Maintainer: The repository identifies Feral Interactive as the maintainer of GameMode.github.com · 4 Oct 2026
Maker history: Feral Interactive says it began in 1996 with a mission to bring games to Mac.feralinteractive.com · 4 Oct 2026