Feral GameMode
Feral GameMode is a free Linux daemon and library that lets games request temporary changes to the host operating system or game process.
What Feral GameMode is
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.
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.
Watch out
- Linux platform only.
- Hybrid GPU commands cannot be integrated automatically after launch.
- GPU optimisations such as overclocking are used at the user's risk.
Who it suits
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.
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.
Plans and prices
From Feral GameMode's own pricing page, checked 4 Oct 2026.
| Plan | Price | What it gives you |
|---|---|---|
| GameMode | Free | Linux daemon and library · BSD 3-Clause License |
The facts
Each one read from Feral GameMode's own pages, with the date it was checked.
What it does
- Configuration
- GameMode uses a gamemode.ini file, and its example configuration documents options including GPU, CPU, filters, supervisor access, and custom scripts.checked 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.checked 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.checked 4 Oct 2026
- GPU support
- GPU performance mode is supported for NVIDIA and AMD, and GPU overclocking is listed for NVIDIA.checked 4 Oct 2026
- License
- GameMode is available under the BSD 3-Clause License (Revised).checked 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.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Maintainer
- The repository identifies Feral Interactive as the maintainer of GameMode.checked 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.checked 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.checked 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.checked 4 Oct 2026
- What it does
- GameMode is a daemon and library that lets games request temporary optimisations to the Linux host operating system or game process.checked 4 Oct 2026
The company
- Founded
- 1996checked 28 Sep 2026
- Headquarters
- London, Englandchecked 28 Sep 2026
- Maker history
- Feral Interactive says it began in 1996 with a mission to bring games to Mac.checked 4 Oct 2026
Where it runs
- Linux distributions
- The project lists packages for Ubuntu, Debian, Solus, Arch, Gentoo, Fedora, OpenSUSE, and Mageia, with possible availability elsewhere.checked 4 Oct 2026
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