I'm trying to figure out which Linux distribution is the best for gaming, especially when using Steam. I've heard mixed reviews; some people seem to have no issues with distributions like Mint, while others have reported problems. Any recommendations or insights based on your experiences?
6 Answers
CachyOS has been my top pick for a solid out-of-the-box gaming experience, but Bazzite is also pretty awesome! Each has its perks. Just depends on what you're looking for.
If you're interested in a KDE experience, CachyOS is fantastic. I've found it quite good for gaming!
I play all my games, including AAA titles, on Kubuntu 25.04. Each distro has its own strengths and weaknesses, but generally speaking, the so-called gaming distros don't offer too much beyond easier access to codecs and apps. Linux Mint is perfectly capable for gaming too!
Totally agree! As long as it can support Nvidia out of the box, I'm happy.
Honestly, there's no single "best gaming distro". Just pick one that you like! I'm currently on Void Linux and have tried a bunch—Debian, Arch, OpenSUSE, and more. They all work pretty similarly for gaming.
I stick with Fedora for all my gaming needs, and it works fine for me. I mostly play games like ETS2 and older Call of Duty titles. Not too hardcore, so it suits me well!
I'd personally recommend going with Kubuntu 25.04. Just do a minimal install and download the .deb files for Steam and Heroic directly from their official websites. It's been great for my setup!
Yeah, some just make it easier to get set up, though they're all quite capable.