I currently use Linux Mint because it is easy to configure and works well for browsing, watching videos, and writing. However, I have trouble running some games that are not native to Linux, and I would like a smoother setup for Steam, Proton, and possibly Wine.
I am beginning a master's research project involving incremental games, so I do not need a high-performance gaming setup. My main priorities are reliable everyday desktop use and straightforward compatibility with various lightweight games. I have considered Arch because it seems popular for gaming, but I do not have much experience with system administration and would prefer something beginner-friendly.
My laptop is a Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 with an 11th-generation Intel Core i5-11300H, Intel Iris Xe graphics, and an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 Mobile/Max-Q. Would changing distributions help, or should I focus on updating drivers, the kernel, and my Steam/Proton configuration within Mint?
4 Answers
Before changing distributions, it would help to identify the specific problems and games involved. For ordinary Steam games, the distribution usually matters much less than the graphics drivers and Proton version. Try Proton Experimental or a current Proton-GE build, and make sure the NVIDIA driver is installed and selected correctly. Games with kernel-level anti-cheat are a separate limitation and may not work reliably on Linux at all.
You can probably keep Mint and improve the setup rather than reinstalling. Update the kernel and graphics libraries carefully, create a Timeshift snapshot first, and then test newer drivers or Proton versions. A different desktop distribution will not automatically fix a game that needs a particular driver or has poor Wine support.
If you want something designed around gaming with minimal setup, Bazzite is worth considering. It includes gaming-focused defaults and makes Steam setup fairly straightforward, while still supporting normal browsing and office work. It is a bigger change in workflow than Mint, though, so testing it from a live USB first would be sensible.
CachyOS is another option if you want an Arch-based system with more of the gaming configuration prepared for you. Its tools can help install NVIDIA drivers, Steam, and related software, so it is less hands-on than a completely manual Arch installation. Still, Mint with properly configured drivers may be the simpler and more stable choice for your needs.
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