Hey everyone! I'm trying to move away from Windows since I mainly play games like Counter-Strike 2 and indie titles. I've heard good things about Linux Mint and Ubuntu, but I want a smooth experience without all the AI features. Is it feasible to boot Linux from an external drive to avoid the hassle of a full install? Any thoughts or suggestions?
6 Answers
Choosing a Linux distro is a bit like picking a pizza. Windows is like Pizza Hut—works fine but maybe there's something better. Ubuntu is your local pizzeria—trusty and comforting. Mint is basically Ubuntu with a twist, so you really can't go wrong with either. If you're a complete newbie, stick with Ubuntu for a year or two before branching out.
For gamers, a rolling Arch-based distro might be the best choice. CachyOS is a top pick, but there are several other solid options. Just remember, Arch requires regular updates, which might not be ideal for everyone!
Yeah, not everyone can keep up with weekly updates. It could get tricky for an average user!
I went with Bazzite, and honestly, the installation was super straightforward—on par with Windows installs. It’s specifically designed for gaming and has great driver support. Plus, it comes with an installer that sets up everything you need, including emulation and Steam (Proton makes a lot of PC games work on Linux). Totally worth checking out!
I don't know if "on par with Windows installs" is a compliment; I think it’s even better!
I don’t game much myself, but I set my friend up with Pop!_OS and he loves it, especially with the right Nvidia drivers. It’s really not as hard as it sounds. Just create a bootable USB, tweak your BIOS settings, and you're good to go. If everything goes well, it should only take about 15 minutes!
If you're just starting out, I'd recommend Linux Mint for a hassle-free experience. It’s a solid choice for newbies or anyone looking for something user-friendly. Ubuntu is another great option if you want to try something different.
If you’re specifically gaming on Counter-Strike 2, I’d suggest using a distro with Wayland support right out of the box, like Ubuntu or Fedora. Also, install gamemode and tweak the launch options for CS2. It’s a bit of a pain, but worth it! Just a heads up, Linux Mint isn't the best for this since it has poor Wayland support.
Agreed! Keep in mind though, that some games like Counter-Strike 2 have anti-cheat issues on Linux.