The Best Linux Distros for Gaming
There are now many great Linux distributions available for gaming, making it easier than ever to create PC games. Some of the most popular options include Ubuntu, Fedora, and openSUSE. Each has its own strengths and weaknesses, so it’s important to choose the right one for your needs. ..
Linux gaming is on the rise, thanks to initiatives like Proton and the penguin compatibility of popular Windows titles. Even before Valve became active, Linux gaming platforms like Lutris relied on their strong community to run hundreds of game titles. Drivers from vendors like AMD are essential for a great Linux gaming experience. ..
One option is to use the GNU/Linux distribution, which is a popular choice for gaming. Another option is to use the Ubuntu operating system, which is known for its high-quality security and performance. Finally, you can also use the Debian GNU/Linux distribution, which is a more lightweight alternative that can be used for gaming as well.
Here is the list of the best Linux distributions for gaming
Pop!_OS
Pop! _OS is a Linux distribution that is designed specifically for laptops and desktops. It has the added benefit of being supported by a for-profit company that can invest resources in Pop! _OS to do it the best way possible. And it shows. Pop! _OS is one of the best distributions for laptops, especially those with hybrid graphics configurations like older Nvidia Optimus computers.
Pop!_OS is a great way to get into Linux gaming. There are two separate ISOs, one for Nvidia graphics cards and one for AMD graphics cards. You can choose which one is right for you and you’re good to go in drivers. There’s also Pop!_Shop, an app store with many basic apps – including Steam and Lutris, two key elements for gaming on Linux. In addition to its weird naming scheme, Pop!_OS is a solid way to get into Linux games. It works well in laptops and desktops, which is why it’s our choice for the best game distribution. ..
Ubuntu game pack
Ubuntu Gamepack OS is the best Linux distribution for gaming. It is based on Ubuntu Pack 20.04, with many of the features users expect from an Ubuntu distribution. Furthermore, Ubuntu Gamepack is easy to install and easy to use, making it a solid choice for inexperienced Linux users. ..
Ubuntu Gamepack is a complete operating system compatible with many essential applications such as Microsoft Office. It has a user interface that is similar to Windows 10 thanks to its simplicity and distinctive visuals.
Drauger OS
Drauger OS is a Linux distribution that is based on Ubuntu LTS versions. The developers built the kernel with low latency enabled and also changed the scheduling frequency from 250 Hz to 1000 Hz. With these changes, players should experience higher framerates, less tearing and generally better gameplay.
The distribution installs the Steam client directly when the live environment starts. The distribution uses a custom Xfce desktop environment and new users will appreciate the tutorial in the welcome app that takes them on a whistle-free tour of the new environment. Drauger claims to support most Xbox and Xbox360 controllers, as well as some PlayStation controllers. The distribution also installed several apps and tools to enhance the gaming experience, including PlayOnLinux, WINE, Lutris, Steam, and DXVK. ..
Ubuntu GamePack
Ubuntu GamePack is a Linux distribution that doesn’t have pre-installed games like Steam OS. It’s based on Ubuntu, and it comes with the Steam client, Wine, PlayOnLinux and Lutris. It’s like a crossroads where games on Linux, Windows, Console and Steam can be played.
Ubuntu is a hybrid operating system that supports Oracle Java and Adobe Flash. This means that gamers can enjoy their favorite games online. There are over 6,000 Linux and Windows games available on the Ubuntu GamePack. If you’re comfortable with Ubuntu, go with this distribution. ..
manjaro
Manjaro is a great distro that combines the continuous release nature of Arch with increased stability and core strength. This is a great distro for people looking for a little more of their life on Linux. As things are about to be updated in Manjaro, things move much faster than Ubuntu-based distributions. ..
The new mainline kernels are generally easier to use, and Manjaro’s hardware discovery tool (mhwd) is great for managing drivers. Nvidia systems are notoriously difficult to work with on Linux at times, but Manjaro does a great job of mitigating this. New drivers are entering the pipeline very quickly. Manjaro has had some stability issues in the past, but that has disappeared in recent years. Things can still go wrong, however, make sure you keep backups in case something breaks you or an update. ..
garuda
Garuda Linux is a new distro that is based on Arch. Some might consider it a competition to Manjaro, and I think it’s on its way to achieving that goal. It’s a powerful distro with tons of customizations, DE options, and lots of goodies. It’s also quite beginner-friendly and has the power of Arch without the greatest amount of fuss.
For gamers, Garuda offers a GUI with various packages such as Steam, WINE, Winetricks, PlayOnLinux, Gamehub (the Linux alternative to GOG Galaxy 2.0), Lutris, DXVK and Proton. It’s a one stop shop to install everything you need to start playing games. It’s also a great distro that can be used alone for other PC tasks. The aesthetic Garuda uses is basically retrowave/cyberpunk and I’m all for it. KDE is the main desktop environment and has more customization options. Garuda is a gorgeous and spectacular distro for Manjaro to keep an eye on. ..
Fedora games rotate
Fedora Games is a distribution that showcases the best open source games available in Fedora. It is sold as a 4.1GB image and is packed with all sorts of games from strategy games to first-person shooters and everything in between. The best part is that you can enjoy every game in the live environment. Fedora Games uses the Xfce desktop environment and developers release a new version every time Fedora has a major release. This makes it easy to keep up with the latest changes and developments in the gaming world.
Fedora Games Spin is a capable game distribution, but it lacks the dexterity of some of the other game distributions that have featured here. For starters, it doesn’t include any other platform like Steam or utilities like PlayonLinux or WINE, which can all be installed manually. ..
lakka
Lakka is a lightweight Linux distribution that can turn your computer into a retro game console. It builds on Libretro’s core and uses RetroArch as its front-end. Lakka is available as a bootable USB image for PCs, and there are also versions for ARM-based machines such as the Raspberry Pi. This distro supports most keyboards as well as PS3 and PS4 wireless controllers, along with Xbox 360 controllers if you have the proprietary dongle. RetroArch has a very useful auto-configuration feature this should mean most controllers are ready to use without you having to manually map buttons. ..
The Lakka documentation also has excellent guidance for more unusual configurations. For copyright reasons, the operating system comes without pre-installed games. You will need legal copies of ISO images of game CDs you own or pre-compiled ROM files of arcade games. Check the internet archive which has some public domain ROMs. ..
Final note
Best Linux Distros for Gaming
- Ubuntu 16.04 LTS
- Fedora 24
- Debian 8
- CentOS 7
- MacOS Sierra
