I'm looking for a Linux distribution with gaming optimizations and a SteamOS-style gaming mode, similar to Bazzite, but I want it to boot to the normal login screen by default. That way, I can keep my KDE desktop protected with a password instead of automatically entering a gaming session. Is there a distro that supports this setup, or can it be configured manually?
2 Answers
CachyOS could be a good fit. It uses KDE by default, is tuned for performance, and supports gaming-focused features while still behaving like a regular desktop installation. You should be able to configure the display manager to show the login screen rather than automatically starting a gaming session.
My CachyOS install had an issue where it only detected one CPU core. Debian worked immediately for me, so hardware compatibility is worth testing before committing.
PikaOS is another gaming-oriented distribution worth checking out. It focuses on gaming-related setup while still providing a conventional desktop, so it may be possible to configure it to start at a password-protected KDE login screen.
It also has a mode geared toward handheld or touch-friendly use, so there are options if you want something closer to a console interface later.