
The Linux release expands the game’s audience on a growing desktop gaming market, while the new difficulty options improve accessibility and retention for casual players.
Indie developers have increasingly turned to Linux as a viable launch platform, recognizing the steady rise of SteamOS users and the broader open‑source gaming community. Log Riders’ addition of native Linux support, alongside macOS, signals a strategic move to capture this niche yet expanding segment. By delivering a fully optimized build rather than relying on compatibility layers, the developers ensure stable performance and lower entry barriers for Linux gamers. This approach not only broadens the title’s potential sales base but also reinforces the perception that high‑quality co‑op experiences can thrive beyond Windows.
At its core, Log Riders blends ragdoll physics with simple two‑player controls, creating a chaotic yet rewarding balance challenge. Players must coordinate movements to keep the log upright while navigating terrain that reacts realistically to momentum and collisions. The recent patch introduces an “Easy” mode, adding more frequent checkpoints that reduce frustration for newcomers without diluting the core skill‑based gameplay. Community‑driven difficulty adjustments also fine‑tuned obstacle density, demonstrating the developers’ responsiveness to player feedback. This iterative design philosophy helps maintain engagement and encourages repeat sessions, essential for a title that thrives on cooperative fun.
Beyond the core mechanics, Log Riders leverages Steam’s ecosystem to deepen player investment. Upcoming trading cards, background art, and cosmetic items such as handlebar‑mustache accessories provide additional revenue streams and community collectibles. The integrated leaderboard fuels competitive replay, while local and online co‑op modes cater to both couch‑co‑op enthusiasts and remote friends. By continuously expanding content and supporting multiple operating systems, the developers position Log Riders for sustained visibility in a crowded indie market. This holistic strategy—combining platform accessibility, post‑launch support, and social features—illustrates how small studios can achieve long‑term relevance.
By Liam Dawe · 16 Feb 2026 at 1:51 pm UTC
Log Riders is a co‑op platformer around running on top of wooden logs, it looks hilarious and now there's full native Linux support too. It released originally on February 12th, with the latest update adding both Linux and macOS support.
Based on feedback they've also tweaked the difficulty, along with adding a new “Easy” difficulty mode choice that has more checkpoints. Steam Community items like trading cards, backgrounds and more are also on the way for it.
A game that's all about working together, to keep your balance as you roll over all sorts of different terrain and overcome various different types of obstacles. Communication will be key in this one, and no doubt plenty of laughs as you repeatedly fall off.
Check out the launch trailer below:
YouTube video – “Log Riders – Launch Trailer”
From the Steam page:
EVERYTHING IS ABOUT BALANCE
All these two lumberjacks need to do is stay balanced on the log they keep rolling forward. Oh, and one more thing… They also have to overcome the obstacles ahead of them.
TWO STEPS FORWARD, ONE STEP BACK
Players can move the lumberjacks forward and backward, allowing them to maneuver the log. Be careful though, rolling the log in the same direction can turn it into something as fast as a race car, and that speed can easily throw off your balance…
A PHYSICS‑DRIVEN WORLD
The balance of the log you roll is simulated by a physics system that closely resembles real life, making the experience much more challenging. Characters react realistically to collisions, falls and other physical interactions thanks to ragdoll physics.
I LOVE HANDLEBAR MUSTACHES
Throughout this adventure, you can collect coins from chests and use them to customize your character. Lumberjacks, for example, really like handlebar mustaches. What do you like?
LOCAL MULTIPLAYER AND CO‑OP
This is a two‑player adventure. You can play solo or together on the same device using different sides of the keyboard or connect to a game hosted on another device and play cooperatively.
DIFFICULTY LEVELS AND CHECKPOINTS
The difficulty levels affect how often checkpoints appear. As you pass checkpoint flags on the map, the game is saved automatically, allowing you to continue from where you left off whenever you want. No need to make things too hard, right?
LEADERBOARD
Players can compete via the global leaderboard and see who completes the game in the shortest time.
Could be a good one for your next game night with a friend or partner!
Log Riders
Release Date: 12 February 2026
Platform: 🐧 Native Linux
Official link: Steam
Article taken from GamingOnLinux.com.
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