Hey everyone! I've been enjoying dual booting Linux Mint with Windows 10 for a while now, but I've run into some issues gaming on Mint. I heard some people mention that Mint might have outdated drivers and libraries compared to Arch-based distributions, and that it could be better for gaming. I do know SteamOS is based on Arch, which makes me wonder if those advancements ever reach Debian-based distros like Mint.
The trouble is, I'm not super tech-savvy and I don't want to spend a ton of time messing with my OS, just the usual adjustments needed for games. Mint's been working well for me, and aside from my RDR2 problem, I don't really have a strong reason to switch. I've also heard that Arch can be pretty complicated, with a lot of maintenance required. Are there other Debian-based beginner distros that are better updated than Mint? I also know about some alternatives like Pop! OS and Ubuntu. Any tips on improving my gaming experience on Mint or perhaps suggestions for other distros?
4 Answers
It's true that Mint is a bit behind since it's stable, but if you enjoyed it, that says a lot! To boost your gaming performance, you can install tools like gamescope, which might solve the stuttering issue. And while newer distros like Draguer or Nobara are great, I'd recommend staying with what works for you unless you're ready to really dive into the switch. Just keep in mind that changing distros can require some adjustment!
You definitely can boost Mint for gaming, but expect some limitations compared to more gaming-oriented distros like CachyOS or Pop! OS. If you're ever curious to try something else, test them out on a USB drive! No need for full installs until you find one that works for you. Good luck!
You know, Arch isn't as chaotic as people say! Most of the time, issues arise from user error, not the OS itself. If you want the latest drivers without constant hassle, you might want to explore Arch derivatives like Garuda or EndeavourOS. They're easier to use but still offer the benefits of more current packages. Just keep an eye on updates and read up on the news—it really helps!
I appreciate the input! I was worried about the maintenance part. I'll consider Garuda then!
Honestly, a lot of Linux gaming issues stem from using an Nvidia GPU, so switching to AMD might help you out. But about Mint—it's a solid choice, especially if you don’t want to dive into the nitty-gritty of system management. Sure, Mint can be behind on updates compared to Arch or its derivatives, but many find it totally fine for gaming. If you're looking for newer hardware support, you might want to consider switching to something like Bazzite or Pika OS, which focus on gaming.
Thanks! I’m definitely considering trying those options out.