Which Linux distribution is best for a beginner who wants productivity and some gaming?

I would avoid Arch or other highly hands-on distributions for your first attempt. They can be excellent once you understand Linux, but Mint or Ubuntu will let you learn gradually without turning basic setup into a troubleshooting project.

Try a few distributions in a virtual machine or through a browser-based demo before installing. Pay attention to the desktop environment you like, since that affects the overall feel more than most beginners expect. Make a backup first, create a bootable installer, and make sure your important hardware—especially Wi-Fi and graphics—works before committing to the installation.

Ubuntu is another solid choice, mainly because it has a huge amount of documentation and community support. Mint, Ubuntu, Zorin, and similar distributions will all handle normal productivity work, so the desktop experience and software preferences may matter more than the name of the distribution.

If gaming is a major priority, Bazzite is worth considering. It is designed around a streamlined, console-like experience and works well with Steam and gaming hardware while still being usable for everyday tasks. For a first Linux installation, though, Mint may be simpler and more flexible.

Linux Mint is probably the safest starting point. Its desktop feels familiar, it is stable, beginner-friendly, and has plenty of guides available. You can use Google Workspace in a browser and install LibreOffice or OnlyOffice for local documents. It also supports gaming, though you may need Steam Proton or extra setup for some titles.