How difficult is gaming on Linux compared with Windows?

Torrents work normally on Linux; you just install a torrent client and use it like you would on Windows. Running Windows games is the more complicated part. Steam with Proton, Wine, Bottles, Lutris, or Heroic can handle many games, but compatibility varies and some titles need extra setup. Be careful with unofficial downloads, since they can contain malware and may not work reliably.

Mint is usually the more familiar choice for someone moving from Windows, while Ubuntu has a larger ecosystem and extensive documentation. Kubuntu is another option if you want Ubuntu with a more traditional Windows-like desktop. For a gaming-focused setup, distributions such as Bazzite may also be worth considering, though they have a different workflow from standard Ubuntu or Mint.

For many games, the general process is similar: install the files, then launch the Windows executable through Wine or Proton. Some heavily compressed installers can fail under Linux, so extracting them on Windows and copying the finished game over may be more reliable. Even then, individual games can require troubleshooting.

Linux gaming has become much easier, but it is not completely plug-and-play. Steam games are often the smoothest because Proton is integrated into Steam. Games outside Steam may need Lutris, Bottles, or Heroic, and you may have to select a suitable Proton or Wine version. Checking compatibility for each game before switching is a good idea.