Linux for gaming?
Linux for gaming?
I was thinking about whether there are well-built Linux distributions that excel at gaming. Windows often has too many unnecessary features, and if someone ever created a Windows Gaming Edition, it would be ideal. Right now, though, I’m curious about other solid Linux options that might perform better. My experience tells me Android runs on Linux kernels, but the main question is: if there are good Linux distros out there, how compatible would they be? My system specs are a Ryzen 9 5900X with 32GB RAM, 3600cl16 graphics, an ASUS F-Gaming 1TB M.2 Seasonic PX750 motherboard, and a NZXT H9 case. Would those components work together? As far as I’ve noticed, the GPU drivers for Ubuntu are quite outdated and offer limited support for newer titles. Any advice?
I've been using Linux for a long time and still think gaming isn't the best fit. Everything else works better there. My hardware performs well, and I even have a new HP printer that only runs in Linux. While some games will work fine, others require extra effort to run. You'll find a few that just don't function properly. If you need Linux for other purposes, dual booting is fine. But if gaming is your goal, using Windows alongside Linux is the smarter approach.
I enjoy Linux, but gaming isn't always the best fit since some titles don't run well. With Proton, most Steam games work on Linux, so it's okay if you play occasionally. If you decide to install, choose a rolling release like Arch Linux for improved compatibility.
I promise to get this running on Windows in ten minutes, but honestly it’s just because I’ve been doing this for years. HP printers are really problematic. The only chance they work on Linux is probably because they didn’t update their drivers beyond the default one that supports about 90% of their models. Or maybe some folks just prefer things to stay stable. On a different note, if gaming is your main focus, Linux desktop isn’t the right path right now. Focus instead on optimizing Windows 10/11 for your needs.
Watch the Linux challenge presented by Linus and Luke. It will demonstrate what to anticipate. (If you prefer, Linux isn't ideal for gaming.)
Linux gaming resources include ChimeraOS, PCLinuxOS, Gentoo, OpenMandriva, Clear Linux, EndeavourOS, ALT Linux, Regular openSUSE, Void Linux, Artix Linux. Additional options are EndevourOS and OpenSUSE.
Gaming takes priority then. Skip the rest and continue using Windows. Many games don’t work on it, and DRM plus anti-cheat tools complicate things. Steamos/Proton has made great improvements for Linux gaming, but there are still too many problems to confirm Linux is fully prepared for gaming.
Many single-player titles perform well on Linux, while multiplayer experiences often face issues due to anti-cheat systems. If you prefer solo play and are prepared to work around certain limitations, trying Linux can be worthwhile—some games actually run better there, though the experience differs each time. For multiplayer, Linux isn't generally a solid choice unless you're certain the specific games support it. You can consult resources like protondb.com for compatibility info. Keep in mind that recent updates, such as those from League of Legends using Vanguard anti-cheat, can break game functionality even if they previously worked smoothly. The most stable options tend to be rolling releases, though they may lack long-term reliability. Arch or Fedora are often recommended for gaming, but I wouldn't suggest Arch for beginners.
I use nobara os, it comes with Steam and library tools for gaming. I've been playing games on it for four years. Now I've upgraded and built arch along with related games. Currently, I play on arch, but only if you're comfortable with its setup. Some titles with anti-cheat features can run on Linux, like Battlebit and DayZ, which now support Linux thanks to Proton integration. (You'll need to install Proton Battle Eye via Steam for that.)