Should I switch to Linux as a 3D artist and gamer?

For your current software stack, Windows is the safer choice. Blender and DaVinci Resolve have Linux support, but ZBrush, Photoshop, Substance Painter, and Marvelous Designer can involve compatibility layers, special versions, missing features, or considerable troubleshooting. If these tools are important for paid work, reliability matters more than experimenting with a new operating system.

A good long-term plan is to learn Linux-compatible alternatives before switching: tools such as Krita, GIMP, and other open-source options may cover parts of the workflow, but replacing specialized software takes time. You can also boot a Linux USB session to test basic hardware support, though that won’t fully verify professional applications. Based on your current needs, keep Windows as the primary system and experiment with Linux alongside it.

Gaming is often fine, especially for single-player games through Proton, but it depends heavily on the individual title. Check ProtonDB for game compatibility and AreWeAntiCheatYet for multiplayer anti-cheat support. Some games work nearly perfectly, while others may not launch at all.

Some of the applications can run through Wine or other compatibility tools, but that doesn’t necessarily make them suitable for production. Photoshop and ZBrush may work with configuration, while Resolve can have codec and installation complications. The free version of Resolve also has limitations with certain formats, so test your complete workflow rather than just launching the program.

I wouldn’t make a full switch immediately. Set up a dual-boot system, ideally with Linux on a separate SSD, and gradually test your actual projects and hardware. That lets you learn Linux and use it for games or compatible tools while keeping Windows available whenever a professional application does not work properly.