I'm fed up with my current operating system after experiencing performance issues with upgrades, especially when playing games. I've been considering switching to Linux but I'm not sure where to start. I know Linux is an umbrella term for various open-source operating systems, with options like Mint and Proton, but I'm unsure which to choose for gaming.
As a gamer, I primarily use Steam and some emulators, and I'd like an OS that supports the Nexon launcher, Unity hub, DuckStation, and PS2X. I also prefer something that mimics the Windows layout since I've been using Windows since XP. My gaming setup includes an AMD Ryzen 5 7600 3D processor, 32 GB of RAM, and an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060.
Additionally, I have some other questions:
- Do I need a VPN or antivirus with Linux?
- Should I keep Windows 11, or is dual-booting a good option? If I opt to remove Windows completely, how can I do it thoroughly?
1 Answer
It really depends on the games you play. Some Nexon games can be tricky on Linux. You definitely need a VPN, and while you technically don’t need an antivirus, it might be good to have one like ClamAV. If you have Windows-only software, you might need to keep Windows. Otherwise, you could go fully Linux.

I mostly play Mabinogi through the Nexon launcher, and I've heard some folks manage that on Ubuntu with Lutris. However, I'm worried about compatibility with games like GTA V and VRChat due to anti-cheat issues.