Linux has become a popular operating system for gaming, offering users a wide range of options to choose from. Depending on your gaming needs and preferences, some Linux distros may be better suited for your specific gaming needs than others. In this article, we will discuss the best Linux distro for gaming and the advantages it offers over other operating systems. We will also look at some of the use cases of these linux distro and what makes them stand out from the rest.
6 Best Linux Distro for Gaming
1. Ubuntu
Ubuntu is a popular Linux Distro that is widely used for gaming. It is known for its user-friendly interface and excellent hardware support. Ubuntu has a large community of developers and users who create and maintain a variety of software packages and tools for gaming.
Ubuntu comes with pre-installed software such as the Steam client. Which makes it easy to install and play a wide range of games on your Linux system. It also supports several gaming-related packages such as wine. Which allows you to run Windows games on Ubuntu.
Additionally, Ubuntu has great support for graphics drivers. Which is important for gaming. It has a dedicated tool called “Additional Drivers”. That makes it easy to install and update graphics drivers for your system.
Download: Ubuntu
2. Pop!_OS
Pop!_OS is a Linux Distro based on Ubuntu that is designed for developers and gamers. It is known for its user-friendly interface, excellent hardware support, and gaming-related features.
Pop!_OS comes with pre-installed graphics drivers. Which is important for gaming. It also has a dedicated feature called “Auto-Tiling”. That allows you to automatically arrange windows on your desktop. Which can be helpful when playing games in windowed mode.
One of the unique features of Pop!_OS is its “Pop!_Shop” software store. Which makes it easy to find and install a variety of software packages, including many gaming-related packages. It also supports Flatpak, which is a package manager that allows you to install software in a sandboxed environment, which can help to prevent conflicts between different software packages.
Pop!_OS also has excellent support for Nvidia graphics cards, which is important for gamers who want to use a dedicated GPU for their gaming needs. It has a dedicated Nvidia ISO that includes the Nvidia graphics driver out-of-the-box.
Download: Pop!_OS
3. Manjaro Linux
If you want the most recent driver support as well as a kernel upgrade, a rolling release distribution like Manjaro Linux is an excellent choice.
I wouldn’t recommend it for inexperienced Linux users, but if you think you can debug your system if something goes wrong, you can give it a shot.
I understand that a rolling release distribution is not ideal for “reliable” Linux players. However, if you have an AMD graphics card and want the most recent Mesa graphics driver (for example, to play Cyberpunk on Linux), Manjaro may be a possibility.
Download: Manjaro Linux
4 . Fedora
Fedora is one of the sleekest Linux Distro available. Like Ubuntu, it is based on GNOME 3 Shell and features smooth animations and easy-to-use repositories. This makes it excellent for gaming as it is detachable.
The beauty of Fedora Linux Distro is that its entire operating system is based on simple repository access. You’ll have to look for a suitable repository (Fedora has several). But you’ll find what you need. For example, Steam is in the RPM Fusion community repository.
This one is a little more difficult to use than Ubuntu because you have to do a little more searching to find the correct places to download your games. But the concept is the same. Furthermore, there is an extensive community to assist you in times of need.
Download: Fedora
5. Ubuntu Game Pack
Ubuntu Game Pack is not an official distribution of Ubuntu. Instead, it is an unofficial project that aims to create a version of Ubuntu that is optimized for gaming.
The Ubuntu Game Pack comes pre-installed with a number of popular games. As well as drivers and other software that are designed to improve the gaming experience on Ubuntu. The developers of the Ubuntu Game Pack claim that their distribution is faster and more stable than other gaming-focused distributions. And that it provides a more complete and user-friendly experience.
It is worth noting, however, that some users may prefer to install individual games and gaming-related software. On a standard Ubuntu installation rather than using a specialized distribution like the Ubuntu Game Pack. Ultimately, the choice between using a specialized gaming distribution and installing software manually will depend on the user’s needs and preferences.
Downlaod: Ubuntu Game Pack
6. Linux Mint
If you dislike your Ubuntu experience, you can try Linux Mint. Technically, it outperforms Ubuntu in a few aspects.
Linux Mint, like Ubuntu, provides LTS releases. Unlike other Ubuntu flavours (such as Kubuntu and Lubuntu), which provide three years of system updates. Linux Mint provides five years of updates regardless of desktop environment. You can select an Xfce, MATE, or Cinnamon edition.
Overall, Linux Mint is simple to use, works with a wide range of hardware, and allows you to install/remove software with ease using its software management interface.
Download: Linux Mint
FAQ
Q: What is a Linux distribution?
A Linux distribution (often called a distro) is a collection of software built on top of the Linux kernel. Which is the core component of the operating system. Different distributions are designed for different purposes, such as server use, desktop use, or specialized applications.
Q: Can I play games on Linux?
Yes, you can play games on Linux. Many popular games are now available for Linux. And there are also a variety of open source games available as well.
Q: What is the best Linux distro for gaming?
There are several Linux distributions that are particularly well-suited for gaming, including:
- Ubuntu GamePack
- SteamOS
- Pop!_OS
- Manjaro Gaming Edition
- Fedora Games Spin
Q: Can I run Windows games on Linux?
Some Windows games can be run on Linux using compatibility layers. Such as Wine, Proton, or PlayOnLinux. However, not all Windows games are compatible, and performance may vary.
Q: Can I use a game controller on Linux?
Yes, most game controllers can be used on Linux. Many Linux distributions come with built-in support for popular controllers such as Xbox and PlayStation controllers.
Q: Do I need to install additional software to play games on Linux?
Yes, you will typically need to install additional software such as Steam or Lutris to play games on Linux. These software packages provide access to a large library of games and help to manage dependencies and compatibility.
Q: Is Linux better than Windows for gaming?
Linux has made significant strides in recent years in terms of gaming support. But it still lags behind Windows in terms of game availability and performance. However, Linux is generally considered to be more stable and secure than Windows. Which may make it a better choice for some users.
Also Read:
The Best Linux Distro for Hacking & Penetration Testing
The 9 Best Free and Open Source OSINT Tools
The 5 Best Linux RDP Clients for Remote Access
