I'm considering leaving Windows 11 because I'm concerned about bloat, resource usage, data collection, and some recent update problems. I mainly browse the web, watch videos, and play games, so I'm looking for the simplest reliable option.
My main multiplayer games include Battlefield 1 and 4, The Finals, ARC Raiders, Fortnite, Wobbly Life, Fall Guys, Marvel Rivals, and Titanfall 2. I know Linux can run many games through Steam and Proton, but some titles may not work because of anti-cheat restrictions. Would switching to Linux be worth giving up games such as Fortnite, Battlefield, Titanfall 2, Fall Guys, or future multiplayer games? Should I use Linux, downgrade to Windows 10, or keep Windows 11 and dual-boot?
4 Answers
I wouldn’t recommend downgrading to Windows 10 as a long-term solution because it no longer receives regular security support. If you want to avoid Windows 11, Linux is the safer direction, but you may need to accept that some multiplayer games—and possibly future releases—will remain Windows-only.
Check each game individually with ProtonDB and current anti-cheat compatibility lists. A lot of Steam games work well on Linux, but multiplayer support is unpredictable. Games using unsupported anti-cheat systems may refuse to launch, so your decision should mostly depend on which titles you consider essential.
The least risky approach is dual-booting. Install Linux on a separate drive or partition, use it for browsing, media, and compatible games, and keep Windows available for games that require it. You can also boot a Linux live USB first to check whether your hardware works before installing anything. That lets you test Linux without committing immediately.
For a beginner-friendly gaming setup, consider something like Linux Mint, Bazzite, Fedora KDE, or another well-supported desktop distribution. Mint is easy to learn and stable, while gaming-focused options may provide newer drivers and a more console-like experience. Steam and Proton handle many games, but non-Steam titles can require extra setup, and anti-cheat—not general performance—is usually the main obstacle.
After doing more research and hearing everyone’s advice, I’m going to try Linux through dual-booting first. If it works well for my games and everyday use, I’ll consider switching fully.
That’s what I’m worried about. The games I’d miss most are Battlefield, Fortnite, Titanfall 2, and Fall Guys, but if Fortnite is the only permanent loss, Linux may still be worth trying.