Switching to a Linux environment
Switching to a Linux environment
Hey everyone, I'm ready to fully switch to Linux now. I've chosen either Ubuntu 18.04 or Elementary OS 5.1. My goal is to store all my important files, documents, music, photos, and game files on an external SSD, keeping only the OS and programs on the boot drive. This way, if I don't like it after six months, I won't have to move everything or re-download anything. My main questions are two: First, if my SSD is formatted with NTFS, will that affect gameplay and general access from the boot drive? Second, can I run Windows games directly from the external SSD? I usually play Mechwarrior Online (Steam), Apex Legends (Origin), and World of Warcraft (Blizzard). I've searched online but found mixed advice. My plan is to use Steam (Proton) and Lutris. Let me know your thoughts!
Linux fully supports NTFS and has done so for many years, making it easy to use. While native file systems are better, keeping it this way helps if you ever want to switch back to Windows. Running games from the drive should work perfectly once set up correctly—just plug it in. Note that you’ll probably need to install the game through the current system, whether native Linux or Windows via Proton. Attempting to run files directly from another installation usually won’t work, though results may vary by title.
If your storage is sufficient, dual-booting can be simpler. I retain Windows for gaming while using Linux for the rest, including games that function well on Linux. Current Linux versions support reading and writing NTFS, though I'm not entirely certain about lingering compatibility problems—so far I haven't faced any, except occasionally copying files to the Windows partition. Playing games from an external drive often yields inconsistent results, as some titles might need registry entries that aren't present if installed but only copied. You can enjoy Steam/Proton and/or Wine, though not every game is compatible. For example, some titles work perfectly in Wine but not in Proton. There are also reports of players being banned from online games for using Linux, possibly due to incorrect cheating detection, but I'm not sure how trustworthy those claims are.
The only advice I can give is to choose Ubuntu over EOS. EOS blocks PPA by default, snap support isn’t included by default, and the Ubuntu app store offers a better experience. For beginners who prefer not to manage the CLI, Ubuntu LTS is a solid option.
You aim to install games on the boot disk while retaining as much of each game as possible on the USB3-connected external drive. For games needing presence on the boot disk, you’ll transfer them there. The external drive will remain your primary storage for Steam apps. You plan to avoid dual booting and prefer a clean separation from Windows. Your current setup uses a 120GB Corsair SSD and a 480GB Kingston SSD, with the latter as your Windows boot drive. You’re considering wiping all Windows files on the external drive and keeping only the games and personal data intact.
Keep in mind that these games were built for Windows. Linux doesn't support them directly. You'll need to install the Linux versions or use tools like WINE to run the software.
I believe you can tell Lutris to set up Windows games on an external drive. Usually I use Play on Linux for installations, but it doesn’t offer that feature, so I had to create a symbolic link. With Steam and Steam Proton it’s similar—just pick the drive you want to use.
Ubuntu offers a clean base or customizable options, similar to bare Linux or flavored distros like Mint or Pop. Combining NTFS with Linux works well, and using an additional drive is perfectly acceptable. Configuring Lutris to launch games from the second drive is feasible and straightforward, with many titles supporting a proper setup including required DLLs. For Steam, it's recommended to install games separately on your Linux drive, whether native or Proton versions.
Likely Linux isn't the best fit since it doesn't fully support Windows games. While Steam Play is an option, the overall experience won't be smooth. Check r/Linux_Gaming and similar communities for troubleshooting tips. Most users face issues, and few have clear solutions. In my view, Linux gaming tends to be clunky, unstable, and quite slow. This is especially true if you move to a system like the 'North Pole'—no MSI Afterburner, which is essential for many gamers. If you're used to Linux's technical side and enjoy customizing your setup, it might suit you. But if you're not comfortable with that, it could be a hassle. I personally tried Ubuntu and had to uninstall it within 24 hours. My GPU didn't even recognize me, and the BIOS didn't detect my hardware properly. I've been using Windows since version 3.1, so this isn't surprising. If you're looking to challenge tech companies, go for it—but be prepared!
The flip side of your experience is that I rarely needed terminal commands, and everything on my hardware set up was perfect without adjustments. Steamplay has always run smoothly, and I currently own around 500 Steam games. The Witcher series, Skyrim, Fallout, Shadow of the Tomb Raider, and the Dark Souls series all function well on triple-A settings. Additionally, a tech-focused subreddit’s activity level doesn’t accurately reflect the actual number of issues people face. If you’re not experiencing problems, there’s little reason to share. *Shrugs* Sorry to hear you had a rough time with Linux.