I'm thinking of setting up my brother with Linux Mint for gaming, but I'm not sure how well it actually performs, especially since he mainly has basic computer skills. I started with Arch myself, so I don't have a beginner's perspective on this. I did try Ubuntu 24.04 for game development, but it didn't go well for gaming. Mint is a popular choice for new users, and I'm curious about its performance and compatibility with games like Diablo, World of Warcraft, and older RPGs. He's likely not looking for high-end specs, maybe something that's around 2010 in processing power, but I could upgrade him to a better laptop if needed. Knowing that he enjoyed tinkering with Windows in our childhood, I wonder if Linux will satisfy that aspect for him. Oh, and the hardware is a 7th Gen i7 with a GTX 1060. What do you all think?
4 Answers
Linux Mint is generally a solid option for gaming, but be aware that graphics card compatibility can be a bit tricky, especially with NVIDIA cards. While Mint does support them, some users experience issues. I hear that AMD cards tend to be more trouble-free on Linux. Just a heads up, anti-cheat programs can also be problematic for online gaming on Linux.
Surprisingly, Mint has been the only distro where my NVIDIA card worked smoothly!
It sounds like Mint could work well for your brother, especially since he's into older games that tend to work better on Linux. Just keep in mind that it might take a bit of troubleshooting for some games, especially those not on Steam. Setting up Wine and Proton can help with older titles like WoW and Diablo.
Yes! Older games usually have better support on Linux now, so you should be fine.
Just be prepared to guide him through some installations, especially if it's his first experience with Linux.
Honestly, I'm not sure if I'd recommend Linux for gaming unless he really wants to try it out. Windows generally offers a smoother experience for gaming. Mint might work for some games, but it could be frustrating for others, especially those requiring a lot of tweaks. I'd personally stick with Windows if gaming is the priority.
The choice is his, but I think Linux is a valid gaming option, especially for less intensive games.
Every choice has its trade-offs, so it depends on what he values more in the long run!
Mint does the job, but if gaming is the main focus, consider alternatives like Bazzite or Nobara, which are tailored for gaming. They require some tweaks, but there are lots of guides to help you out. Also, remember to look up what games he wants to play and check their compatibility with Linux before diving in.
Good point! Mint updates can be a bit slow, so for newer hardware, Bazzite or something like that might be better.
Make sure to check ProtonDB—it's a lifesaver for figuring out how to get games running!
I've had great success with my NVIDIA card on Mint, just for the record!