I'm currently using Bazzite (which is Fedora-based) for gaming, but I feel like I'm not getting the full Linux experience since I can't really explore or fix things. I've also tried Mint, but I found it too simplified for my taste. I've been considering switching to Debian, but I'm looking for community recommendations. My goals are to play video games, do everyday tasks like browsing and video recording for YouTube and Twitch, and have room for experimentation with the command line and coding projects. What's out there that balances these needs?
5 Answers
You could always test out several options by creating a Ventoy drive. This way, you can easily try out multiple ISOs without the hassle of installing each one on your main system. It's a great way to find what fits your needs best.
For a hands-on experience, plain Debian is a solid choice since you can select exactly what to install. It’s straightforward, and if you run into issues, there’s plenty of documentation available. Alternatively, Void Linux is another option that offers a robust community and can teach you a lot during setup.
If you're deeply into gaming, I've had a good experience with Pop!_OS. It works great with gaming setups and has a nice interface. I've played a lot on it with minimal issues, plus it handles graphics drivers well! If you're used to Mint's Cinnamon, you might enjoy the Cosmic desktop style.
Since you mentioned you don’t like the limitations of Bazzite, you might enjoy Fedora or Nobara, as they provide some flexibility while still being user-friendly. If you're open to Debian/Ubuntu-based distros, Zorin or Pop!_OS could work well too. Remember, you can customize most distros by installing your preferred desktop environment, so don't let the default setup hold you back!
Given your dual needs for stability when gaming and flexibility for experimentation, you might want to consider using two different setups. One suggestion is to have a dedicated production machine for gaming and a separate one for learning and experimenting. If that's not feasible, trying out Arch or an Arch derivative like CachyOS could be a good way to learn while you mess around.
That's a smart idea! I was also thinking of dual-booting—using Bazzite for gaming and maybe Arch for my coding projects when I get an extra drive.