What Linux Distro Should I Use for Gaming?
Asked by
ChillDude99
I've been a Windows user since the early 90s, but I'm finally ready to switch to Linux! My PC is mainly for gaming now that I've transitioned all my work to a MacBook Pro. I've tried a few Linux distros like Fedora and Bazzite, but I can't seem to get one specific game to work properly—Call of Duty: Black Ops (the original). I need to be able to play it online since I'm an admin in a gaming clan. Any recommendations on which Linux distro to use, or tips on how to fix the game on Bazzite?
Answers
Honestly, choosing a Linux distro for gaming isn't a huge deal. The biggest differences are their user interfaces and how the package managers operate. As for Steam, it generally runs well on all distros, so you can focus on finding what feels right for you!
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I checked out CoD Black Ops on ProtonDB, and it's rated as silver for compatibility, which means it can run but might have some issues. Networking isn't mentioned as a problem, so it could be a different issue on your end. I recommend digging through that link for tips that might help improve your gameplay experience.
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Just a heads up—some games, especially those with kernel-level anti-cheat, really only work on Windows. If you really want to keep playing CoD, you might have to dual boot. Otherwise, there's not too much difference in gaming on Debian-based vs. Arch-based distros.
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I'm curious why you're switching to Linux for gaming if you're encountering so many problems. If you're facing issues with various distros, it may be more efficient to stick with Windows for gaming for now. Just some thoughts—figuring out CoD:BO could lead you to more headaches with other games that require anti-cheat measures later.
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Switching distros might not fix game-specific issues, especially with Proton. I'd stick with Bazzite since there's no indication on ProtonDB that it won't work. What exactly are you experiencing with the internet connection when you try to play CoD?
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Most distros should work fine, but specific hardware can cause issues. You mentioned networking works everywhere else—this could be an anomaly with the game itself.
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What's your hardware setup? Knowing your specs could help in diagnosing the issue. Also, how did you install the game? Details can make a difference.
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TechSavvy88: You might need to open certain ports in your firewall to allow game traffic, just a thought!