I'm looking to get into gaming on Linux and need some advice on distributions. I recently received an old PC from my brother that I plan to upgrade. It needs a new storage drive, RAM, a graphics card, and of course, an operating system. I'm not interested in using Windows for various reasons but want something that will provide me good compatibility with games—specifically titles like Kerbal Space Program, Minecraft, War Thunder, and some simulators—while also being easy to install and user-friendly. I mostly plan to play offline but would like to interact with friends and play some modded games as well. What are some good Linux distros I should consider for a smooth gaming experience?
2 Answers
Most mainstream distributions are capable enough for gaming. If you want to replicate a Steam Deck experience, you might want to check out Bazzite—it’s designed to be very user-friendly and runs well for gaming. Plus, it has an app store for easy software access!
ProtonDB is a great resource for checking which games work on Linux. It provides compatibility ratings and user reports, so you can get a solid idea of what to expect!
I ran Bazzite on my device too, and I found it super easy to use! If you're looking for functionality outside gaming, I think it's also good for basic media tasks.