Best Linux Distro for Gaming, Modding, and Graphic Design?
Asked by
CuriousCat88
Hey everyone! I've been using Windows forever and even dabbled with Mac on an old laptop. Recently, I started testing out Linux Mint in a dual-boot setup, but I'm not so sure it's the right fit for me anymore. I'm looking to fully switch over to Linux and need a bit of guidance on the best distro for my needs.
I play games almost daily, especially Football Manager and sometimes single-player games like Mafia and GTA. I also enjoy modding games when necessary, and I occasionally stream content online as well. Photoshop has been my go-to, but I'm open to switching over to GIMP or Photopea since I know Adobe products aren't typically supported on Linux.
I've heard great things about Pop!_OS for gaming. What makes it stand out compared to Mint with Cinnamon? Also, I've been considering Ubuntu because I think it looks cleaner than Mint. Would I miss out on anything by choosing Ubuntu over Mint?
Answers
If you're uncertain between the two, you might want to check out this distro selection page I found. Experimenting with both Mint and Ubuntu in a virtual machine can help you get a feel for which one suits your style better. Just a heads-up: backup your data regularly and be cautious about commands before you hit Enter!
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I've found that checking Proton DB is super helpful for seeing how well Steam games will work on Linux. Plus, while gaming on Linux has improved, it can still be a bit hit-or-miss sometimes—especially for certain mods since they may not be supported due to file system changes. As for graphic design, GIMP is a solid alternative worth trying; it’s not identical to Photoshop, but you might find it meets your needs just fine.
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PixelArtist42: Good tip on Proton DB! I'm a bit worried about modding, though. Since some older games need mods to even run, I'd love to know if anyone has experience with that on Linux! Guess I’ll figure that out when I get there, haha.
TechieTom: Totally agree on checking out compatibility—it can save a lot of headaches! For what it’s worth, Mint is based on Ubuntu, so you should be able to do almost anything on either distro.