What Should I Know Before Switching to Linux for Gaming?

Linux Mint with the Cinnamon desktop is a comfortable starting point for someone coming from Windows. Zorin OS, Bazzite, and Nobara are also beginner-friendly options, with some gaming tools already configured. A 144 Hz monitor is not unusually high, but refresh-rate support can still depend on your GPU, connection type, desktop environment, and drivers, so test it in a live session if possible.

The biggest factors are your GPU and the games you play. AMD graphics cards generally have straightforward support, while NVIDIA can require more attention to driver versions. Steam works well on Linux, and Valve’s Proton layer lets many Windows games run with little setup. Other launchers may need compatibility tools such as Bottles, Lutris, or similar programs. The main exception is multiplayer games that require unsupported kernel-level anti-cheat; those may not work regardless of your distribution.

Linux gaming support is much better than it used to be. A large number of Steam games run through Proton, but you should check the specific games you care about before switching. Competitive online games are the biggest risk, especially those using strict anti-cheat systems. Single-player games, indie games, and many popular multiplayer titles tend to be easier.

Dual-booting is a practical way to try Linux without giving up Windows. Keeping each operating system on a separate drive usually makes setup and troubleshooting simpler. You can use Linux for games that run well there and boot into Windows for titles that depend on unsupported anti-cheat. Before installing, back up important files and check compatibility for your particular GPU and game library.