Hey everyone! I'm contemplating the switch from Windows 11 to Linux and I have a few questions. Firstly, I'm really concerned about gaming—what games can I play on Linux? Will new releases like Resident Evil 9 and Death Stranding 2 be compatible? How does online gaming fare in this environment?
Additionally, is it possible to dual boot Linux with Windows by using a USB drive or creating a partition on my HDD? If I go the partition route, will Linux perform well? Lastly, I love customization and have considered Arch, but is that a good choice for a beginner who primarily wants to game?
I'm sorry if these questions seem basic, any advice would be super appreciated. Thanks!
5 Answers
For gaming on Steam, definitely check out ProtonDB—it’ll show you compatibility for various titles. As for online gaming, it can be hit or miss due to anti-cheat systems that might block Linux. For example, Fortnite, Valorant, and GTA V Online don’t work on Linux as of now.
ProtonDB is your best friend for game compatibility. As for dual-booting, it’s pretty straightforward if you have a UEFI installation. Just free up some space on your HDD and install Linux on that. Most installation tools handle bootloaders well, so you'll be fine. Arch can be tricky for newbies, but Cachy OS is nice and user-friendly.
I've been gaming on Linux for over a year. Single-player games usually work great without any issues, like the first Death Stranding, so I believe the second will too. Most multiplayer titles I’ve played, like Rocket League and CS2, run smoothly if you select Proton for compatibility in Steam, as native versions often have problems. Just steer clear of Arch for your first distro; Mint or Bazzite are much more user-friendly!
Consider dual-booting from separate drives instead of partitioning a single one—it’s generally cleaner. I use Mint myself, but I’ve also had good experiences with Nobara. Ubuntu and Fedora are solid beginner options too; definitely avoid Arch until you're more familiar with Linux!
To get a feel for different distros, check out DistroSea; it'll let you explore various options without installing them right away. It's a handy way to see what suits you best!
Thanks for the tips!